Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Local Law #1 draft-1aMODEL LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM NOTE 1: This model local law is intended to be used only as a guide. Each local government should work with its attorney in preparation of a local law that satisfies the minimum standards. NOTE 2: Under no circumstances should this model local law be adopted “as is.” At a minimum,provisionsinbolditalicsneedtobefilledinwiththeappropriateinformation (or, in some cases, deleted). Inaddition:Section 4 (“Building Permits”) imposes the requirement that a building permit be obtained before any work is performed. If a local government wishes to exempt certain categories of work from the building permit requirement, the local government should use the Alternative 1 versions of subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 4, and should include in subdivision (b) only those categories of work thatthelocalgovernmentwishestoexemptfromthebuildingpermitrequirement. (Note that the Alternative 1 version of Section 4, subdivision (b), lists all of the categoriesofworkthatalocalgovernmentisallowedtoexemptfromthebuilding permitrequirement–thelocalgovernmentmaynotexemptanycategoryofwork not listed there.) If a local government does not wish to exempt any category of work from the building permit requirement, the local government should use the Alternative 2 versions of subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section4.Section 9 (“Unsafe Buildings, Structures, and Equipment and Conditions of Imminent Danger”) requires the local government to make reference to another local law that establishes the local government’s procedures for identifying and addressing unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminentdanger(Alternative1)ortodraftandinsertsuchprovisionsinSection9 (Alternative2).Section 10 (“Operating Permits”) imposes the requirement that an operating permit be obtained for operating certain buildings and/or conducting certain activities. If a local government wishes to allow exemptions from the operating permit requirement, the local government should use the Alternative 1 version of subdivision (c) of Section 10. If a local government does not wish to allow exemptions from the operating permit requirement, the local government should use the Alternative 2 version of subdivision (c) of Section10. NOTE 3: The local government’s provisions for identifying and addressing unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminent danger, whether in another local law (Section 9, Alternative 1) or in this local law (Section 9, Alternative 2), mustrecognizeandprotecttherightofallpersonsandentitiestodueprocessoflaw.In particular, but not by way of limitation, provisions authorizing the local government to post, placard, or condemn any building or structure and/or to remove any owner or occupant or cause any owner or occupant to be removed from any building or structure should (1) require the local government to first give such notice and opportunity to be heard (and, if applicable, right to appeal) as may be required under the applicable circumstancesbyapplicableFederaland/orNewYorkStateConstitutionalProvisions;(2) providethatincasesofimminentdanger,posting,placarding,andcondemningabuilding orstructureand/orremovingownersandoccupantsorcausingownersandoccupantsto beremovedwithoutfirstprovidinganopportunitytobeheardshallbepermittedbutonly to the extent consistent with applicable Federal and New York State Constitutional provisions; and (3) provide that in any case of imminent danger where posting, placarding, and condemning a building or structure and/or removing owners and occupants or causing owners and occupants to be removed does occur without first providing an opportunity to be heard, the local government shall afford the affected persons and entities the opportunity for a post-action hearing to the extent required by applicableFederaland/orNewYorkStateConstitutionalprovisions.Thelocalgovernment shouldconsultwithitsownattorneyforfurtherinformationandforlegaladviceregarding the applicable Federal and New York State Constitutional provisions and the drafting of provisions that recognize and protect due processrights. NOTE 4: With respect to inspections referred to in this model local law, the local government should bear in mind that in most cases, in the absence of consent from the building owner or other authorized person, the local government must obtain a warrant or court order before performing the inspection. The local government should consult with its own attorney for further information and for legal advice regarding the need for a warrant or court order in any given situation. NOTE 5: Section 14 (“Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria”) requires the code enforcementofficialtodeterminetheclimaticandgeographicdesigncriteriaforbuildings andstructuresconstructedwithinthejurisdictionasrequiredbytheUniformCode.Please see Technical Bulletin TB-1009-RCNYS entitled “Requirements for Completing Table R301.2(1) in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State” and note that some values could be a range depending upon the boundaries of thejurisdiction.Draft – A Proposed Local Law # 1 of 2026 of the Town of Groton Be it enacted by the Town of Groton, in theCountyof Tompkins NY, asfollows: SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT This local law provides for the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in the Town of Groton. This local law is adopted pursuant to section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, the Energy Code other state law, or other section of this local law, all buildings, structures, and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions this local law. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS In this local law, the following terms shall have the meanings shown in this section: “Assembly Area” shall mean an area in any building, or in any portion of a building, that is primarily used or intended to be used for gathering fifty or more persons for uses including, but not limited to, amusement, athletic, entertainment, social, or other recreational functions; patriotic, political, civic, educational, or religious functions; food or drink consumption; awaiting transportation; or similar purposes. “Building Permit” shall mean a building permit, construction permit, demolition permit, or other permit that authorizes the performance of work. The term “Building Permit” shall also include a Building Permit which is renewed, amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law. “Certificate of Compliance” shall mean a document issued by the Town of Grotonstating that work was done in compliance with approved construction documents and the Codes. “Certificate of Occupancy” shall mean a document issued by the Town of Grotoncertifying that the building or structure, or portion thereof, complies with the approved construction documents that have been submitted to, and approved by theTown of Grotonandindicatingthatthebuildingorstructure,orportion thereof, is in a condition suitable foroccupancy. “Code Enforcement Officer” shall mean the Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 3 of this local law. “Code Enforcement Personnel” shall include the Code Enforcement Officer and all Inspectors. “Codes” shall mean the Uniform Code and Energy Code. “Energy Code” shall mean the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code adopted pursuant to Article 11 of the Energy Law. “FCNYS” shall mean the 2020 Fire Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1225. “Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspection” shall mean an inspection performed to determine compliance with the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and the publications incorporated therein by reference and the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and the publications incorporated therein by reference. “Hazardous Production Materials” shall mean a solid, liquid, or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability, or instability of Class 3 or 4, as ranked by NFPA 704 (Standard Systems for Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response), and which is used directly in research, laboratory, or production processes which have, as their end product, materials that are not hazardous. “Inspector” shall mean an inspector appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 3 of this local law. “Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles” shall mean vehicles that contain cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease-laden vapors for the purpose of preparing and serving food to the public. Vehicles intended for private recreation shall not be considered mobile food preparation vehicles. “Operating Permit” shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 10 of this local law. The term “Operating Permit” shall also include an Operating Permit which is renewed, amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law. “Order to Remedy” shall mean an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 17 of this local law. “Permit Holder” shall mean the Person to whom a Building Permit has been issued. “Person” shall include an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association, or any other legal or commercial entity of any kind or description. “PMCNYS” shall mean the 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1226. “RCNYS” shall mean the 2020 Residential Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1220. “Repair” shall mean the reconstruction, replacement, or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage. “Stop Work Order” shall mean an order issued pursuant to section 6 of this local law. “Sugarhouse” shall mean a building used, in whole or in part, for the collection, storage, or processing of maple sap into maple syrup and/or maple sugar. “Temporary Certificate of Occupancy” shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 7 of this local law.“Town”shallmeantheTownofGroton. “Uniform Code” shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Subchapter A of Chapter XXXIII of Title 19 of the NYCRR, adopted pursuant to Article 18 of the Executive Law. SECTION 3. REPEALER Local Law number 1 of 2007 is hereby repealed and Local Law number 1 of 2026 is enacted in its place. Any reference to Local Law number 1 of 2007 in the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code shall, instead, be a reference to local law #1 of 2026.SECTION 4. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ANDINSPECTORSThe Office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby created. The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and this local law. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the followingpowers andduties:to receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for Building Permits,Demolition Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits, and the plans, specifications, and construction documents submitted with suchapplication.upon approval of such applications, to issue Building Permits, Demolition Permits,Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits, and to include in terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits;to conduct construction inspections; inspections to be made prior to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits; fire safety and property maintenance inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints; and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this locallaw;to issue Stop WorkOrders;to review and investigate complaints;to issue orders pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 17 (Violations) of this local law;to maintainrecordsduring the review and construction period and will then transfer records to the Town Clerk for retention;tocollectfeesassetbytheTownof Grotonto pursue administrative enforcement actions andproceedings;inconsultationwiththe attorney for the Town of Groton,topursuesuch legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code,the Energy Code, and this local law, or to abate or correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this local law; andto exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this locallaw.The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Groton Town Board. The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience related to building construction or fire prevention and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training, and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgatedthereunder.In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason,anotherindividualshallbeappointedbythe Groton Town Boardto serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of their appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this locallaw.OneormoreInspectorsmaybeappointedby the Groton Town Board,to act under the supervision and direction of the Code Enforcement Officer and to assist the Code Enforcement Officer in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law. Each Inspector shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training, and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and each Inspector shall obtain certification from the Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and Inspectors shall be fixed fromtimetotimebytheTown Boardofthe Town of Groton. SECTION 5. BUILDING PERMIT & APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY AND COMPLETIONBuilding Permits Required. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of this section, a Building Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney, or flue in any dwelling unit. No Person shall commenceany work for which a Building Permit is required without first having submitted a completeapplication as outlined in this section and upon approval, obtained a Permit from the Town of Groton Code Official or acting Code Official.Exemptions. No Building Permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:constructionorinstallationofone-storydetachedstructuresassociated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similaruses,providedthegrossfloorareadoesnotexceed144squarefeet;constructionoftemporarysetsandsceneryassociatedwithmotion picture, television, and theateruses;installationofwindowawningssupportedbyanexteriorwallofaone-or two-familydwellingormultiplesingle-familydwellings(townhouses);installationofpartitionsormovablecaseslessthan5'-9"inheight;painting,wallpapering,tiling,carpeting,orothersimilarfinishwork;installationoflistedportableelectrical,plumbing,heating,ventilationor cooling equipment orappliances;replacementofanyequipmentprovidedthereplacementdoesnotalter theequipment’slistingorrenderitinconsistentwiththeequipment’soriginal specifications;orrepairs,providedthattheworkdoesnothaveanimpactonfireandlife safety,suchas(i)anypartofthestructuralsystem;(ii)therequiredmeans ofegress;or(iii)thefireprotectionsystemortheremovalfromserviceof anypartofthefireprotectionsystemforanyperiodoftime.Exemption not deemed authorization to perform non-compliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in subdivision (b) of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code or the EnergyCode.Applications for Building Permits. Applications for a Building Permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an authorized agent of the ownerwhomust supply a letter with the owner’s original signature giving permission to apply. The application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The application shall be submitted as one complete packet of the following information anddocumentation:a description of the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposedwork;the tax map number and the street address of any affected building orstructure;the occupancy classification of any affected building orstructure;where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code;andat least 2 sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications) which (i) describe the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed work; (ii) show that the proposed work will conform to the applicable provisions of the Codes; (iii) show the location, construction, size, and character of all portions of the means of egress; (iv) show a representation of the building thermal envelope; (v) show structural information including but not limited to braced wall designs, the size, section, and relative locations of structural members, design loads, and other pertinent structural information; (vi) show the proposed structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and other service systems of the building; (vii) include a written statement indicating compliance with the Energy Code; (viii) include a site plan, drawn to scale and drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary survey, showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures and appurtenances on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and (ix) evidence that the documents were prepared by a licensed and registered architect in accordance with existing structures and appurtenances on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and (ix) evidence that the documents were prepared by a licensed and registered architect in accordance with Article 147 of the New York State Education Law or a licensed and registered professional engineer in accordance with Article 145 of the New York State Education Law and practice guidelines, including but not limited to the design professional’s seal which clearly and legibly shows both the design professional’s name and license number and is signed by the design professional whose name appears on the seal in such a manner that neither the name nor the number is obscured in any way, the design professional’s registration expiration date, the design professional’sfirm name (if not a sole practitioner), and, if the documents are submitted by a professional engineering firm and not a sole practitioner professional engineer, the firm’s Certificate of Authorizationnumber.Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part of an application for a Building Permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (5) of subdivision (d) of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a Building Permit shall be marked as accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp, or in the case of electronic media, an electronic marking. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the Code Enforcement Personnel. However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a Building Permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a Building Permit isissued.Workmen’s Compensation. Documentation providing for General Municipal Law 125, proof of workmen’s compensation or authorized exemption issued by NY State. Inspection sheet. A list of anticipated inspections determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and signed by the owner.Issuance of Building Permits. An application for a Building Permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, Energy Codeand local zoning. The Code Enforcement Officer is allowed at least 10 days to review the documents submitted shall issue a Building Permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, EnergyCode, local zoning and by NY General Municipal Law 125 providing for proof of workmen’s compensation.Building Permits to be displayed. Building permits shall be visibly displayed at the work site and shall remain visible until the authorized work has beencompleted.Work to be in accordance with construction documents. All work shall be performed in accordance with the construction documents which were submitted with and accepted as part of the application for the Building Permit. The Building Permit shall contain such a directive. The Permit Holder shall immediately notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any change occurring during the course of the work. The Building Permit shall contain such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that such change warrants a new or amended Building Permit, such change shall not be made until and unless a new or amended Building Permit reflecting such change isissued.Time limits. Building Permits shall become invalid unless the authorized work is commenced within 6 monthsfollowingthedateofissuance.BuildingPermitsshallexpire12months after the date of issuance. A Building Permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subdivision, may be renewed upon application by the Permit Holder, payment of the applicable fee, verification of current workmen’s compensation or State allowed exemption , inspection(s) of any progress to the projectand approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer. Permit renewals shall be limited to 3 years upon which, a new completed application for the project will be required. Revocation or suspension of Building Permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a Building Permit was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete information, or that the work for which a Building Permit was issued violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Codeor local zoning, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the Building Permit or suspend the Building Permit until such time as the Permit Holder demonstrates that (1) all work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and local zoning(2) all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the EnergyCode and local zoning.Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions setforth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a Building Permit, for an amended Building Permit, or for renewal of a BuildingPermit. SECTION 6. CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS.Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible andexposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Permit Holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in subdivision (b) of this section is ready forinspection.Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of theconstruction process shall be inspected whereapplicable:work site prior to the issuance of a BuildingPermit;footing andfoundation;preparation for concreteslab;framing;structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and other similarservice systems of thebuilding;fire resistantconstruction;fire resistantpenetrations;solid fuel burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues, or gasvents;inspections required to demonstrate Energy Code compliance, including but not limited to insulation, fenestration, air leakage, system controls, mechanical equipment size, and, where required, minimum fan efficiencies, programmable thermostats,energy recovery, whole-house ventilation, plumbing heat traps, and high-performance lighting andcontrols;installation, connection, and assembly of factor manufactured buildings and manufactured homes;anda final inspection after all work authorized by the Building Permit has been completed.Remote inspections. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized to perform construction inspections, a remote inspection may be performed in lieu of an in-person inspection when, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or by such authorized Inspector that the elements of the construction process conform with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. Should a remote inspection not afford the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall beperformed.Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the Permit Holder shall be notified as to the manner in which the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including a citation to the specific code provision or provisions that have not been met. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code shall remain exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code, reinspected, and found satisfactory ascompleted.Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions setforth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to thissection. SECTION 7. STOP WORK ORDERS.Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue Stop Work Orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Stop Work Order tohalt:any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code, without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a Building Permit is required, and without regard to whether a Building Permit has or has not been issued for such work,orany work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner in the opinionof the Code Enforcement Officer, without regard to whether such work is or is notwork for which a Building Permit is required, and without regard to whether a Building Permit has or has not been issued for such work, orany work for which a Building Permit is required which is being performed without the required Building Permit, or under a Building Permit that has become invalid, has expired, or has been suspended orrevoked.Content of Stop Work Orders. Stop Work Orders shall (1) be in writing, (2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, (3) state the reason or reasons for issuance, and (4) if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted toresume.Service of Stop Work Orders. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property (and, if the owner is not the Permit Holder, on the Permit Holder) personally or by [registeredmail/certifiedmail].TheCodeEnforcementOfficershallbepermitted, but not required, to cause the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in work affected by the Stop WorkOrder,personallyorby[registeredmail/certifiedmail];provided,however, that failure to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Stop WorkOrder.Effect of Stop Work Order. Upon the issuance of a Stop Work Order, the owner of the affected property, the Permit Holder, and any other Person performing, taking part in, or assisting in the work shall immediately cease all work which is the subject of the Stop Work Order, other than work expressly authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer to correct the reason for issuing the Stop WorkOrder.Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a Stop Work Order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in subdivision (a) of this section, and the authority to issue a Stop Work Order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the right and authority to pursue any other remedy or impose any other penalty under section 17 (Violations) of this local law or under any other applicable local law or State law. Any such other remedy or penalty may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, at the time of, or after the issuance of a Stop WorkOrder. SECTION 8. CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY AND CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCECertificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Compliance required. A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance shall be required for any work which is the subject of a Building Permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another. Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a Building Permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate ofCompliance.Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Compliance. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance if the work which was the subject of the Building Permit was completed in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and local Land Use and Development Code, if applicable, that the structure, building or portion thereof that was converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. The Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the building, structure, or work prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance. In addition, where applicable, the following documents, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant for the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate ofCompliance:a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections,flood hazardcertifications,a written statement of the results of tests performed to show compliance withthe Energy Code,andwhere applicable, the affixation of the appropriate seals, insignias, and manufacturer’s data plates as required for factory manufactured buildings and/or manufacturedhomes.Contents of Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Compliance. A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance shall contain the followinginformation:the Building Permit number, ifany;the date of issuance of the Building Permit, ifany;the name (if any), address and tax map number of theproperty;if the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the Certificateof Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance isissued;the use and occupancy classification of thestructure;the type of construction of thestructure;the occupant load of the assembly areas in the structure, ifany;any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of theBuilding Permit;andthe signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance and the date ofissuance.Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy allowing the temporary occupancy of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, prior to completion of the work which is the subject of a Building Permit. However, in no event shall the Code Enforcement Officer issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines (1) that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, may be occupied safely, (2) that any required fire and life safety components, such as fire protection equipment and fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat detectors and alarms are installed and operational, and (3) that all required means of egress from the structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure the health and safety of the persons occupying and using the building or structure and/or performing further construction work in the building or structure. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy shall be effective for a period of time, not to exceed 3months,whichshall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. During the specified period of effectiveness of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, the Permit Holder shall undertake to bring the buildingor structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a Certificate of Occupancy, Certification of Compliance, or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information, and if the relevant deficiencies are not corrected to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer within such period of time as shall be specified by the Code Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke or suspend suchcertificate.Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forthin section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, or for Temporary Certificate ofOccupancy. SECTION 9. NOTIFICATION REGARDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION. The chief of any fire department providing firefighting services for a property within this TownshallpromptlynotifytheCodeEnforcementOfficerofanyfire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel burning appliance, chimney, or gas vent. SECTION 10. UNSAFE BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, AND EQUIPMENT AND CONDITIONS OF IMMINENT DANGERUnsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminentdangerinthisTownshallbeidentifiedandaddressedin accordance with the procedures established by Local LawNumber1 of 2011as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time totime. SECTION 11. OPERATING PERMITS.Operation Permits required. Operating Permits shall be required for conductingany process or activity or for operating any type of building, structure, or facility listed below:manufacturing, storing, or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in the applicable Maximum Allowable Quantity tables found in Chapter 50 of theFCNYS;buildings, structures, facilities, processes, and/or activities that are within the scope and/or permit requirements of the chapter or section title of the FCNYS asfollows:Chapter 22, “Combustible Dust-Producing Operations.” Facilities where the operation produces combustibledust;Chapter 24, “Flammable Finishes.” Operations utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24 of the FCNYS;Chapter 25, “Fruit and Crop Ripening.” Operating a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conducting a fruit-ripening process using ethylenegas;Chapter 26, “Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging.” Conducting fumigation or insecticidal fogging operations in buildings, structures, and spaces, except for fumigation or insecticidal fogging performed by the occupant of a detached one-family dwelling;Chapter 31, “Tents, Temporary Special Event Structures, and Other Membrane Structures.” Operating an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure, or a tent where approval is required pursuant to Chapter 31 of theFCNYS;Chapter 32, “High-Piled Combustible Storage.” High-piled combustible storage facilities with more than 500 square feet (including aisles) of high-piledstorage;Chapter 34, “Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage.” Operating a facility that stores in excess of 2,500 cubic feet of scrap tires or tire byproducts or operating a tirerebuilding plant;Chapter 35, “Welding and Other Hot Work.” Performing public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted, use of hot work, welding, or cutting equipment, inside or on a structure, except an operating permit is not required where work is conducted under the authorization of a building permit or where performed by the occupant of a detached one- or two-familydwelling;Chapter 40, “Sugarhouse Alternative Activity Provisions.” Conducting an alternative activity at asugarhouse;Chapter 56, “Explosives and Fireworks.” Possessing, manufacturing, storing, handling, selling, or using, explosives, fireworks, or other pyrotechnic special effects materials except the outdoor use of sparkling devices as defined by Penal Law section 270;Section 307, “Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces.” Conducting open burning, not including recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces;Section 308, “Open Flames.” Removing paint with a torch, or using openflames, fire, and burning in connection with assembly areas or educational occupancies;andSection 319, “Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles.” Operating a mobile food preparation vehicle in accordance with the permitting requirements established byLocal LawNumber[of], as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.energy storage systems, where the system exceeds the values shown in Table 1206.1 of the FCNYS or exceeds the permitted aggregate ratings in section R327.5 of theRCNYS.buildings containing one or more assemblyareas;outdoor events where the planned attendance exceeds 1,000persons;facilities that store, handle or use hazardous productionmaterials;parking garages as defined in subdivision (a) of section 13 of this locallaw;buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantialpotential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Town BoardofthisTownandother processes or activities or for operating any type of building, structure, or facilityasdeterminedbyresolutionadoptedbytheTown Boardofthe Town of Groton. The town board could adopt a resolution to require an operating permit for a Town Board Issued Site Plan for Small Scale Energy Production Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building listed in this subdivision (a) shall be required to obtain an Operating Permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.Applications for Operating Permits. An application for an Operating Permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of theapplicant. [Alternative1:usethefollowingversionofsubdivision(c)iftheLocal GovernmentwishestoallowexemptionsfromtheOperationPermit requirements]Exemptions. Operating permits shall not be required for processes or activities, or the buildings, structures, or facilities listed in paragraphs (1) through (7) ofsubdivision (a) of this section, provided that the use is expressly authorized by a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, fire safety and property maintenance inspections are performed in accordance with section 11 (Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspections) of this local law, and condition assessments are performed in compliance with section 13 (Condition Assessments of Parking Garages) of this local law, as applicable.] [Alternative 2: use the following version of subdivision (c) if the Local GovernmentdoesnotwishtoallowexemptionsfromtheOperationPermit requirements]This subdivision is intentionallyomitted.Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises prior to the issuance of an Operating Permit. Such inspections shall be performed either in-person or remotely. Remote inspections in lieu of in-person inspections may be performed when, at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer, the remote inspection can be performed to the same leveland quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer that the premises conform with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the code enforcement program. Should a remote inspection not afford the Townsufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall be performed. After inspection, the premises shall be noted as satisfactory and the operating permit shall be issued, or the operating permit holder shall be notified as to the manner in which the premises fail to comply with either or both of the Uniform Code and the code enforcement program, including a citation to the specific provision or provisions that have not beenmet.Multiple Activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in subdivision (a) of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code Enforcement Officer may require a separate Operating Permit for each such activity, or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in their discretion, issue a single Operating Permit to apply to all suchactivities.Duration of Operating Permits. Operating permits shall be issued for a specified period of time consistent with local conditions, but in no event to exceed asfollows:[specifyintervalnottoexceed180days]daysfortents,specialevent structures, and other membranestructures;[specifyintervalnottoexceed60days]daysforalternativeactivitiesata sugarhouse;[specifyintervalnottoexceedthree(3)years]yearsfortheactivities, structures, and operations determined per paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) of this section,and[specifyintervalnottoexceedone(1)year]yearforallotheractivities, structures, and operations identified in subdivision (a) of thissection. The effective period of each Operating Permit shall be specified in the Operating Permit. An Operating Permit may be reissued or renewed upon application to the Code Enforcement Officer, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of such application by the Code Enforcement Officer.Revocation or suspension of Operating Permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that any activity or building for which an Operating Permit was issueddoes not comply with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, such Operating Permit shall be revoked or suspended.Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time submission of an application for an Operating Permit, for an amended Operating Permit, or for reissue or renewal of an OperatingPermit. SECTION 12. FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONSInspections required. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings and structures shall be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at the followingintervals:atleastonceeverytwelve(12)months for buildings which contain an assembly area;atleastonceeverytwelve(12)months for public, private schools or colleges, including any buildings of such schools or colleges containing classrooms,dormitories, fraternities, sororities, laboratories, physical education, dining, or recreational facilities;andatleastonceeverythirty-six(36)months for multiple dwellings and all non-residential occupancies.Remote inspections. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections, a remote inspection may be performed in lieu of in-person inspections when, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector that the premises conform with the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and the publications incorporated therein by reference and the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and the publications incorporated therein by reference. Should a remote inspection not afford the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall beperformed.Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by subdivision (a) of this section, a fire safety and property maintenance inspection of anybuilding, structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections at any time upon:the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of suchowner;receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist;orreceipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of any other information, reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement Officer to be reliable, giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Codeexist;provided, however, that nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as permitting an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court order or warrant shall have been obtained.OFPC Inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other provision of this local law shall supersede, limit, or impair the powers, duties and responsibilities of the NewYork State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (“OFPC”) and the New York State Fire Administrator or other authorized entity under Executive Law section 156-e and EducationLawsection807-b.[INCLUDETHEFOLLOWINGPROVISIONSIFTHE TOWN WISHES TO RELY ON THE INSPECTIONS PERFORMED BY OFPC OR OTHER AUTHORIZED ENTITY, AND DOES NOT WISH TO HAVE THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER INSPECT BUILDINGS THATAREINSPECTEDBYOFPCOROTHERAUTHORIZEDENTITY: Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthissectiontothecontrary,theCode EnforcementOfficermayacceptaninspectionperformedbytheOfficeofFire PreventionandControlorotherauthorizedentitypursuanttosections807-a and807-boftheEducationLawand/orsection156-eoftheExecutiveLaw, inlieuofafiresafetyandpropertymaintenanceinspectionperformedbythe CodeEnforcementOfficerorbyanInspector,providedthat:theCodeEnforcementOfficerissatisfiedthattheindividualperforming suchinspectionsatisfiestherequirementssetforthin19NYCRRsection 1203.2(e);theCodeEnforcementOfficerissatisfiedthatsuchinspectioncoversall elementsrequiredtobecoveredbyafiresafetyandpropertymaintenance inspection;suchinspectionsareperformednolessfrequentlythanonceayear;atrueandcompletecopyofthereportofeachsuchinspectionis provided to the Code Enforcement Officer;anduponreceiptofeachsuchreport,theCodeEnforcementOfficertakesthe appropriateactionprescribedbysection17(Violations)ofthislocallaw.]Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or at the time each inspection performed pursuant to this section. This subdivision shall not apply to inspections performed byOFPC. SECTION 12. COMPLAINTS The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate writtencomplaints which allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this local law, or any other local law , ordinanceor regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code. The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of suchinspection;if a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property and any other Person who may be responsible for the violation with notice of the violation and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding in the manner described in section 17 (Violations) of this locallaw;if appropriate, issuing a Stop WorkOrder;if a violation which was found to exist is abated or corrected, performing an inspection to ensure that the violation has been abated or corrected, preparing a final written report reflecting such abatement or correction, and filing such report with the complaint. SECTION 13. CONDITION ASSESSMENTS OF PARKING GARAGES.Definitions. For the purposes of thissection:the term “condition assessment” means an on-site inspection and evaluation of a parking garage for evidence of deterioration of any structural element or building component of such parking garage, evidence of the existence of any unsafe condition in such parking garage, and evidence indicating that such parking garage is an unsafe structure;the term “deterioration” means the weakening, disintegration, corrosion, rust,or decay of any structural element or building component, or any other loss of effectiveness of a structural element or buildingcomponent;the term “parking garage” means any building or structure, or part thereof, in which all or any part of any structural level or levels is used for parking or storage of motor vehicles,excluding:buildings in which the only level used for parking or storage of motor vehicles is ongrade;an attached or accessory structure providing parking exclusively for a detached one- or two-family dwelling;anda townhouse unit with attached parking exclusively for suchunit;the term “professional engineer” means an individual who is licensed or otherwise authorized under Article 145 of the Education Law to practice the profession of engineering in the State of New York and who has at least three years of experience performing structuralevaluations;the term “responsible professional engineer” means the professional engineer who performs a condition assessment, or under whose supervision a condition assessment is performed, and who seals and signs the condition assessment report. The use of the term “responsible professional engineer” shall not be construed as limiting the professional responsibility or liability of any professional engineer, or of any other licensed professional, who participates in the preparation of a condition assessment without being the responsible professional engineer for such conditionassessment.the term “unsafe condition” includes the conditions identified as “unsafe” insection 304.1.1, section 305.1.1, and section 306.1.1 of the PMCNYS;andthe term “unsafe structure” means a structure that is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, or structurally unsafe, or is of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse ispossible.Condition Assessments – general requirements. The owner operator of each parking garage shall cause such parking garage to undergo an initial condition assessment as described in subdivision (c) of this section, periodic condition assessments as described in subdivision (d) of this section, and such additional condition assessments as may be required under subdivision (e) of this section. Each condition assessment shall be conducted by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer. A written report of each condition assessment shall be prepared, and provided to the [City / Town / Village], in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (f) of this section. Before performing a condition assessment (other than the initial condition assessment) of a parking garage, the responsible professional engineer for such condition assessment shall review all available previous condition assessment reports for such parkinggarage.Initial Condition Assessment. Each parking garage shall undergo an initial condition assessment as follows:Parking garages constructed on or after August 29, 2018, shall undergo an initial condition assessment following construction and prior to a certificate of occupancyor certificate of compliance being issued for thestructure.Parking garages constructed prior to August 29, 2018, shall undergo an initial condition assessment asfollows:if originally constructed prior to January 1, 1984, then prior to October 1, 2019;if originally constructed between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 2002, then prior to October 1, 2020;andif originally constructed between January 1, 2003 and August 28, 2018, then prior to October 1,2021.Any parking garage constructed prior to the effective date of the local law enacting this provision that has not undergone an initial condition assessment prior tothat effective date shall undergo an initial condition assessment prior to [specify date not more than six (6) months after the effective date of this local law].Periodic Condition Assessments. Following the initial condition assessment of a parking garage, such parking garage shall undergo periodic condition assessments at intervalsnottoexceed[specifyintervalnottoexceedthree(3)years].Additional Condition Assessments.If the latest condition assessment report for a parking garage includes a recommendation by the responsible professional engineer that an additional condition assessment of such parking garage, or any portion of such parking garage, be performed before the date by which the next periodic condition assessment would be required under subdivision (c) of this section, the owner or operator of such parking garage shall cause such parking garage (or, if applicable, the portion of such parking garage identified by the responsible professional engineer) to undergo an additional condition assessment no later than the date recommended in such condition assessmentreport.If the [City / Town / Village] becomes aware of any new or increased deteriorationwhich,inthejudgmentofthe[City/Town/Village],indicatesthatan additional condition assessment of the entire parking garage, or of the portion of the parking garage affected by such new or increased deterioration, should be performed before the date by which the next periodic condition assessment would be required under subdivision (c) of this section, the owner or operator of such parking garage shall cause such parking garage (or, if applicable, the portion of the parking garage affected by such new or increased deterioration) to undergo an additional condition assessment nolaterthanthedatedeterminedbythe[City/Town/Village]tobeappropriate.Condition Assessment Reports. The responsible professional engineer shall prepare, or directly supervise the preparation of, a written report of each condition assessment, and shall submit such condition assessment report to the [City / Town / Village] within [specify time as fixed by the City / Town / Village]. Such condition assessment report shall be sealed and signed by the responsible professionalengineer, and shallinclude:an evaluation and description of the extent of deterioration and conditionsthat cause deterioration that could result in an unsafe condition or unsafestructure;an evaluation and description of the extent of deterioration and conditions that cause deterioration that, in the opinion of the responsible professional engineer, should be remedied immediately to prevent an unsafe condition or unsafestructure;an evaluation and description of the unsafeconditions;an evaluation and description of the problems associated with the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafeconditions;an evaluation and description of the corrective options available, including the recommended timeframe for remedying the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafeconditions;an evaluation and description of the risks associated with not addressingthe deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafeconditions;the responsible professional engineer’s recommendation regarding preventative maintenance;except in the case of the report of the initial condition assessment, theresponsible professional engineer’s attestation that he or she reviewed all previously prepared condition assessment reports available for such parking garage, and considered the information in the previously prepared reports while performing the current condition assessment and while preparing the current report;andthe responsible professional engineer’s recommendation regarding the time within which the next condition assessment of the parking garage or portion thereof should be performed. In making the recommendation regarding the time within which the next condition assessment of the parking garage or portion thereof should be performed, the responsible professional engineer shall consider the parking garage’s age, maintenance history, structural condition, construction materials, frequency and intensity of use, location, exposure to the elements, and any other factors deemed relevant by the responsible professional engineer in their professionaljudgment.Review Condition Assessment Reports. The [City / Town / Village] shall take such enforcement action or actions in response to the information in such condition assessment report as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the public from the hazards that may result from the conditions described in such report. In particular, but notbywayoflimitation,the[City/Town/Village] shall,byOrdertoRemedyor such other means of enforcement as the [City / Town / Village] may deem appropriate, require the owner or operator of the parking garage to repair or otherwise remedy all deterioration, all conditions that cause deterioration, and all unsafe conditions identified in such condition assessment report pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (f). All repairs and remedies shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Code. This section shall not limit or impair the right of the [City / Town / Village] to take any other enforcement action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of a parking garage’s operating permit, as may be necessary or appropriate in response to the information in a condition assessment report.The [City / Town / Village] shall retain all condition assessment reports for the life of the parking garage. Upon request by a professional engineer who has been engaged to perform a condition assessment of a parking garage, and who provides the [City / Town / Village] with a written statement attesting to the fact that he or she hasbeensoengaged,the[City/Town/Village]shallmakethepreviouslyprepared condition assessment reports for such parking garage (or copies of such reports) available to such professional engineer. The [City / Town / Village] shall be permitted to require the owner or operator of the subject parking garage to pay all costs and expenses associated with making such previously prepared condition assessment reports (or copies thereof) available to the professionalengineer.Thissectionshallnotlimitorimpairtherightortheobligationofthe[City/Town / Village]:to perform such construction inspections as are required by section 5 (Construction Inspections) of this locallaw;to perform such periodic fire safety and property maintenance inspections as are required by section 11 (Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspections) of this local law;and/orto take such enforcement action or actions as may be necessary or appropriate to respondtoanyconditionthatcomestotheattentionofthe[City/Town/Village] by means of its own inspections or observations, by means of a complaint, or by any other means other than a condition assessment or a report of a conditionassessment. SECTION 13. CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA.The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine the climatic and geographic design criteriaforbuildingsandstructuresconstructedwithinthe Town of Groton as required by the Uniform Code. Such determinations shall be made in the manner specified in the Uniform Code using, where applicable, the maps, charts, and other information provided in the Uniform Code. The criteria to be so determined shall include but shall not necessarily be limited to, thefollowing:design criteria to include ground snow load; wind design loads; seismiccategory; potential damage from weathering, frost, and termite; winter design temperature; whether ice barrier underlayment is required; the air freezing index; and the mean annual temperature;heating and cooling equipment design criteria for structures within the scope of the RCNYS. The design criteria shall include the data identified in the Design Criteria Table found in Chapter 3 of the RCNYS;andflood hazard areas, flood hazard maps, and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, special flood hazard areas as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Flood Insurance Study for the community, as amended or revisedwith:the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM);Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM);andrelated supporting data along with any revisionsthereto.The Code Enforcement Officer shall prepare a written record of the climatic and geographic design criteria determined pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section, shall maintain such record within the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, and shall make such record readily available to thepublic. SECTION 14. RECORD KEEPING.The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement Personnel, including recordsof:(a) All records created for building, zoning and property regulations shall be maintained by the Town of Groton records management officer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have access to records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement Personnel, including the records of: all applications received, reviewed and approved ordenied;all plans, specifications and construction documentsapproved;all Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates, Stop Work Orders, and Operating Permitsissued;all inspections and testsperformed;all statements and reportsissued;all complaintsreceived;all investigationsconducted;all condition assessment reportsreceived;all fees charged and collected;andall other features and activities specified in or contemplated by sections 4through 14, inclusive, of this locallaw.All such records shall be public records open for public inspection during normal business hours. All plans and records pertaining to buildings or structures, or appurtenances thereto, shall be retained for at least the minimum time period so required by State law andregulation.are subject to the Town of Groton FOIL Policy and will be retained as provided by the Retention and Disposition Schedule of NY Local Government Records which may be updated from time to time. SECTION 15. PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORTINGTheCodeEnforcementOfficershallannuallysubmitto the Town Board of the Town of Groton,a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Inspectors, including a report and summary of all transactions and activities described in section 14 (Record Keeping) of this local law and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of State, on behalfofthe TownonaformprescribedbytheSecretaryofState, areportoftheactivitiesoftheTownrelatedtoadministrationand enforcement of the UniformCode.The Code Enforcement Officer and the Town of Groton shall, upon request of the New York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of State, trueandcomplete copies of the records and related materials that the Town of Grotonis required to maintain; true and complete copies of such portion of such records and related materials as may be requested by the Department of State; and/or such excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics, and other information and accounts of its activities in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and/or Energy Code as may be requested by the Department of State. SECTION 16: VIOLATIONSOrders to Remedy. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to order in writing the remedying of any condition or activity found to exist in, on or about any building, structure, or premises in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code or this local law. An Order to Remedy shall be in writing; shall be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer; shall specify the condition or activitycondition, activity, provision or provisions that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, The Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code amended from time to time, or this local law; shall specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this local lawwhich is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; and shall include a statement substantially similar to thefollowing:“The person or entity served with this Order to Remedy must completely remedy each violation described in this Order toRemedy by[specifydate],whichis_______ days after the date of this Order toRemedy.” The Order to Remedy may include provisions ordering the person or entity served with such Order to Remedy (1) to begin to remedy the violations described in the Order to Remedy immediately, or within some other specified period of time which may be less than thirty (30) days; to continue diligently to remedy such violations until each such violation is fully remedied; and, in any event, to complete the remedying of all such violations within thirty (30) days of the date of such Order to Remedy; and/or (2) to take such other protective actions (such as vacating the building or barricading the area where the violations exist) which are authorized by this local law or by any other applicable statute, regulation, rule, local law or ordinance, and which the Code Enforcement Officer may deem appropriate, during the period while such violations are being remedied. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the Order to Remedy, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail or certified mail within five (5) days after the date of the Order to Remedy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the Order to Remedy, or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in work being performed at the affected property personally or by registered mail or certified mail within five (5) days after the date of the Order to Remedy; provided, however, that failure to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Compliance Order.Appearance Tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each Inspectorare authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the UniformCode and the Town of GrotonLand Use and Development code as may be amended from time to time.Penalties. In addition to such other penalties as may be prescribed by Statelaw,any Person who violates any provision of this local law or any term, condition, or provision of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than[ specify amount] per day of violation, or imprisonment not exceeding [specify time period], or both;and(this is what our law reads within the Land Use Code- if we change this we have to update the code too)by a fine not exceeding $350.00 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $350.00 nor more than $700.00 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and, upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700.00 or more than $1000.00 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this Code shall be deemed misdemeanors and for such purposes only all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply. Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation. any Person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code amended from time to time, or this local law, or any term or condition of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law, shall be liable to pay a civil penalty of not more than [specify amount] for each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties provided by this paragraph shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the Town of Groton.Injunctive Relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of the Town of Groton in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code as amended from time to time and this local law, or any term or condition of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit, Order to Remedy, or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, where the construction or use of a building or structure is in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code as amended from time to time, this local law, or any Stop Work Order, Order to Remedy or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, The Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code or this local law, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of the Town of Groton, in the Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction, to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions. No actionorproceeding described in this subdivision shall be commenced without the appropriate authorizationfromtheTown Boardofthe Town of Groton.Remedies Not Exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this section, in section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of this local law, in any other section of this local law, or in any other applicable law. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in this section, in section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of this local law, in any other section of this local law, or in any other applicable law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in subdivision (2) of section 382 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in subdivision (2) of section 382 of the ExecutiveLaw. SECTION 17: FEES A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town of Groton. Such fee schedule may thereafter be amended from time to time by like resolution. The fees set forth in, or determined in accordance with, such fee schedule or amended fee schedule shall be charged and collected for the submission of applications, the issuance of Building Permits, amended BuildingPermits, renewed Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates, Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this local law. SECTION 18. INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENTS The Town Boardof the Town of Grotonmay, by resolution,authorize the [Code Officialof the[Village of Groton ]designate a temporary code official for times when the appointed official is not available or may enter into an agreement, in the name of theTown of Groton to carry out the terms of this local law, provided that such agreement does not violate anyprovision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law. SECTION 19. PARTIAL INVALIDITY If any section of this local law shall be held unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective, in whole or in part, such determination shall not be deemed to affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this local law. SECTION 20. EFFECTIVE DATE This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. REVISIONS TO MODEL LOCAL LAW: January 18, 2022: The foregoing Model Local Law contains numerous revisions to the priorversionofthemodellocallaw.Therevisionsareintendedtoreflectthenewversion of19NYCRRPart1203,whichwasadoptedonDecember14,2021andwhichwillbecome effective on December 30, 2022. The Department of State recommends that each local government responsible for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and/or Energy Code review the local law(s) or ordinance(s) that establish its existing code enforcement program and make such changes to such local law(s) or ordinance(s) as may be required to bring its code enforcement program into compliance with the new versionofPart1203.Onewaytodosowouldbetorepealthelocallaw(s)orordinance(s) that establish the local government’s existing code enforcement program and to adopt a new local law based on foregoing Model LocalLaw. Any local government that adopted the prior version of the model local law, or a modified version of the prior model local law, and that wishes to keep such local law in effect through December 30, 2022, should be aware of the following revisions that were made to the prior model local law: August 15, 2018: Revised subdivision (a) of Section 10, added a new Section 13 entitled Condition Assessments of Parking Garages, renumbered Sections 13 through19 accordingly, and revised new Section 14, to reflect the provisions of amended 19 NYCRR section 1203.3, relating to Condition Assessments of Parking Garages. Revised any references to the previously numbered Sections 13 through 19 to reflectthe appropriate new renumbered Section. Revised subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 3 by changing the phrase “State Fire Administrator” to “Department of State.” December 28, 2015: Revised subdivision (a) of Section 15 to reflect the provisions of new 19 NYCRR section 1203.5, relating to Orders to Remedy. April 22, 2011: Revised first sentence in subdivision (c) of Section 15 by changing the word “proscribed” to “prescribed.” February 23, 2006: Revised two references in the last sentence in Section 15(e) from subdivision (2) of section 381 of the Executive Law to subdivision (2) of section 382 of the Executive Law. February 23, 2006: Revised definition of "inspector" (Section 2) from pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 4 of this local law to pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 3 of this local law.