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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLL 15 of 2006 Conform to NYS Bldg Code.doc TOWN OF ITHACA LOCAL LAW NO. 15 OF THE YEAR 2006 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 125 OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE, TITLED “BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION,” TO CONFORM CHAPTER 125 WITH NEW YORK STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF NEW YORK STATE FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. The text of Chapter 125 of the Town of Ithaca Code, titled “Building Construction and Fire Prevention,” is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following text: Chapter 125 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION § 125-1. Scope. § 125-2. Administration. § 125-3. Rules and regulations. § 125-4. Building permits. § 125-5. Construction inspections. § 125-6. Stop work orders. § 125-7. Certificates of occupancy. § 125-8. Operating permits. § 125-9. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections. § 125-10. Notification regarding fire or explosion. § 125-11. Complaints. § 125-12. Violations. § 125.13. Penalties for offenses. December 6, 2006 1 § 125-14. Records. § 125-15. Removal of dangerous buildings or structures. § 125-16. Variance and review. § 125-1. Scope. This chapter shall provide the basic method for administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (hereinafter referred to as the "Uniform Code") in the Town of Ithaca, and shall establish powers, duties, and responsibilities in connection therewith. § 125-2. Administration. The Code Enforcement Officers are hereby designated to administer and enforce the Uniform Code within the Town of Ithaca. The Town Board may also designate by resolution other individuals or entities to administer and enforce the Uniform Code, provided that such individuals and entities shall not have the power to issue building permits, certificates, orders and appearance tickets unless they are public officers. Any individuals or entities designated by the Town Board to administer and enforce the Uniform Code shall have qualifications comparable to those of an individual who has met the requirements of 19 NYCRR Part 434 (Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel in the State of New York), as amended, or any successor regulation. § 125-3. Rules and regulations. A. The Town Board may adopt rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code. Such rules and regulations shall not conflict with the Uniform Code, this chapter, or any other provision of law. B. The Town Board shall publish all rules and regulations at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town of Ithaca. § 125-4. Building permits. A. No person, firm, corporation, association or other organization shall commence the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, repair, removal, or demolition of any building or structure (including signs, except as specified in Chapter 221, Signs, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca), nor install heating equipment, nor undertake any December 6, 2006 2 other work which must conform to the Uniform Code, without having applied for and obtained a building permit from a Code Enforcement Officer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no building permit shall be required for: (1) Construction or installation of a one-story accessory building in an agricultural or residential district associated with one- or two- family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provided that such building: (a) Is used for a tool or storage shed, playhouse or other similar use; (b) Costs less than $3,000; (c) Is less than 12 feet in height and has a gross floor area that does not exceed 144 square feet; (d) Does not involve the installation or extension of electrical, plumbing, or heating systems; and (e) Does not include the installation of solid fuel burning heating appliances and associated chimneys and flues. (2) Construction of parking spaces for one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses); (3) Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses); (4) Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two- family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground; (5) Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool and which are not over six feet high above the natural grade; (6) Construction of retaining walls, unless such walls support a surcharge, impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids as defined in the Uniform Code, or are over six feet high above the natural grade; (7) Construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery; December 6, 2006 3 (8) Installation of window awnings that do not extend further than four feet beyond the exterior face of the exterior wall, measured horizontally, and that are supported by an exterior wall of a one-or two- family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses); (9) Installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5'-9" in height; (10) Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work; (11) Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances; (12) Replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not alter the equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment's original specifications; and (13) Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve: (a) The removal or cutting away of a loadbearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load bearing component; (b) The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress; (c) The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; (d) The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection or fire detection system for any period of time; and (e) In the case of buildings that are subject to site plan approval procedures, do not materially alter the exterior appearance of the building. B. An exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code and shall in no case relieve the property owner from compliance with other provisions of this chapter or of the Uniform Code, or any successor laws, ordinances, statutes or regulations. December 6, 2006 4 C. Applications for building permits may be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer. (1) An application for a building permit 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 the requirements of the Uniform Code, this chapter, Chapter 270, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, and other applicable state and local laws, ordinances and regulation. All applications shall include the following information and documentation: (a) A description of the proposed work; (b) The tax map number and the street address; (c) The occupancy classification, as defined by the Uniform Code, of any affected building or structure; (d) Where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; (e) At least two sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications) that define the scope of the proposed work; (f) The full name and address of the owner and applicant and, if either be a corporation, the names and addresses of responsible officers; (g) The estimated cost of the proposed work with appropriate substantiation as may be required by the Code Enforcement Officer; (h) The signature of the applicant or authorized agent; (i) The building permit fee as specified in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. (j) A statement that the work shall be performed in compliance with Chapter 270, Zoning, the Uniform Code, and other applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations; and December 6, 2006 5 (k) Such other materials, information, or items as may be reasonably required by the Code Enforcement Officer in order to determine whether the proposed work will be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including Chapter 270, Zoning, the Uniform Code, and this chapter. (2) Construction documents shall not be accepted as part of an application for a building permit unless such documents: (a) Are prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required by the Education Law; (b) Indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the work proposed; (c) Substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform Code and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code; and (d) Where applicable, include a site plan that shows any existing and proposed structures on the site, the location of any existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended work, the distances between the structures and the lot lines, and any other information required by Article XXIII of Chapter 270, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. (3) Applications for a building permit or for an amendment thereto shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed construction is in substantial conformance with the requirements of the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, and any other applicable laws, rules or regulations. Provisions shall be made for construction documents accepted as part of a permit application to be so marked in writing or by stamp. One set of accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Town. One set shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the Code Enforcement Officer. D. A permit will be issued when the Code Enforcement Officer determines the application is complete and the proposed work will conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, and any other applicable laws, rules or regulations. The authority conferred by such permit may be limited by conditions, if any, contained therein. The permit shall require the applicant to notify the Code Enforcement Officer December 6, 2006 6 immediately of any changes in the information contained in the application during the period for which the permit is in effect, or of any changes occurring during construction. E. All work performed pursuant to such permit shall be in accordance with the information and representations made in the application for a permit, and with the accepted construction documents, and there shall be no deviations therefrom without the prior approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. Such approval may be withheld until sufficient information is provided to the Code Enforcement Officer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Code Enforcement Officer to demonstrate that the proposed deviation is in compliance with the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, this chapter, and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations. F. Building permits shall be required to be visibly displayed at the work site and to remain visible until the project has been completed. G. A building permit, once issued, may be suspended or revoked if the Code Enforcement Officer or other appropriate officer determines that the work to which it pertains is not proceeding in conformance with the application, with the Uniform Code, with Chapter 270, Zoning, with any other law, rule, regulation or ordinance, with any condition attached to such permit, or if information submitted in connection with the application for the permit was incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete. Such suspension or revocation shall be in effect until such time as (1) the permit holder demonstrates to the Code Enforcement Officer’s satisfaction that all work completed and all work proposed shall be in compliance with these items and requirements, and (2) in the case of a revoked permit, the holder of the revoked building permit applies for and receives a new building permit. H. A building permit shall expire one year from the date of issuance or upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy (other than a temporary certificate of occupancy), whichever occurs first. The permit may, upon written request, be renewed for successive one-year periods provided that 1) the permit has not been revoked or suspended at the time the application for renewal is made; 2) the relevant information in the application is up-to-date; and 3) a renewal fee is paid as specified in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. At the option of the Code Enforcement Officer, where the work disclosed by the application may reasonably be expected to take longer than one year, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue an initial building permit for a term of greater than one year, but in no event greater than three years, the term to be the length of time it would be reasonably anticipated to complete the work set forth in the application. December 6, 2006 7 I. Permits to construct a foundation, only in circumstances where it is contemplated that a building will be constructed on the foundation, may be issued in the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer under the following circumstances and subject to the following limitations: (1) The circumstances under which foundation permits may be issued are as follows: (a) There has been supplied to the Code Enforcement Officer plans which, in the Code Enforcement Officer’s judgment, are adequate for him to evaluate and review the proposed construction of the foundation. (b) The applicant provides information satisfactory to the Code Enforcement Officer, such as an engineer's or architect's certification, that the foundation will be adequate to carry the load of the proposed permanent structure. (c) The need for the foundation permit is established to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer (e.g., onset of adverse weather conditions, immediate availability of masons, proposed construction to be on a fast-track basis, or other reasonable basis for early issuance of a permit for only part of the building). (2) Issuance of a foundation permit is wholly discretionary with the Code Enforcement Officer and the applicant shall have no right to the issuance of same. (3) In addition to the conditions on such permits imposed by this chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer may impose such conditions on the issuance of such permits as the Code Enforcement Officer may reasonably require to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, including the persons that may be in or around the proposed foundation. Such conditions may also include the requirement that the applicant post security in the form of a bond, cash, or letter of credit with the Town, with the designation of form of security left to the Town’s discretion, to assure that the foundation will be removed if a building permit for the entire building is not issued within a stated period of time, such security to be available to the Town to enable the Town to restore the premises to their condition prior to the construction of the foundation for which the permit was issued. (4) The issuance of any foundation permit by the Code Enforcement Officer may be revoked by the Town Board if, in its discretion, the December 6, 2006 8 Town Board determines the issuance of the foundation permit was inappropriate. (5) Issuance of a foundation permit does not relieve the applicant from fulfilling any and all requirements for the issuance of a full building permit for the proposed construction. (6) Issuance of a foundation permit shall not be construed to be a determination that a building permit will be automatically issued for the balance of the structure. (7) Foundation permits may be revoked at any time by the Code Enforcement Officer if the Code Enforcement Officer in his discretion: (a) Determines that the foundation will not be adequate to support the balance of the structure; (b) Determines the applicant is not taking proper precautions to prevent endangering life, health, property, or the public welfare in the course of constructing the foundation; (c) Determines, in his judgment, that the applicant is not proceeding diligently and properly to provide complete and adequate plans for the issuance of a full building permit. (d) Becomes aware of information not previously submitted or available that makes issuance of a foundation permit inappropriate or inadvisable. (e) Determines the existence of any other circumstance which reasonably requires the revocation of the permit. (8) If a building permit for the remainder of the building has not been issued within six months of the date of the foundation permit, the foundation permit automatically expires. However, the Code Enforcement Officer may renew the permit for one or more successive periods of not more than six months per application upon payment of a fee calculated as if each application were an application for the original issuance of such a permit. (9) Upon the revocation or the expiration of a foundation permit without a renewed foundation permit or a building permit for the balance of the building having been issued, the foundation constructed pursuant to the foundation permit must be removed and the ground restored by the owner to substantially the condition December 6, 2006 9 it was prior to the commencement of any excavation and construction. (10) The fee for the issuance of a foundation permit shall be as specified in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. § 125-5. Construction inspections. A. Permitted work shall be required to remain accessible and exposed until inspected by the Town or its designee and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer. Permit holders shall be required to notify the Code Enforcement Officer when construction work is ready for inspection. B. Provisions shall be made for inspection of the following elements of the construction process, where applicable: (1) Work site prior to the issuance of a permit; (2) Footing and foundation; (3) Preparation for concrete slab; (4) Framing; (5) Building systems, including underground and rough-in; (6) Fire resistant construction; (7) Fire resistant penetrations; (8) Solid fuel burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents; (9) Energy code compliance; and (10) A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed. C. After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the permit holder shall be notified as to where the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code. Construction work not in compliance with Uniform Code provisions shall be required to remain exposed until it has been brought into compliance with the Uniform Code, been reinspected, and been found satisfactory as completed. December 6, 2006 10 D. To facilitate such inspection and to insure compliance with appropriate Zoning and Uniform Code requirements, the Code Enforcement Officer may require submission at the appropriate stage of documentation to substantiate such compliance including, without limitation, the following items: (1) As-built survey maps by a licensed surveyor showing the location of the foundation relative to property boundary lines and dimensions of the structure; (2) Appropriate certifications from an engineer relative to water, sewage, structural integrity, and such other items as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem reasonably appropriate certifying that the stated items are in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations; (3) Certificates from appropriate electrical inspection agencies such as New York Board of Fire Underwriters certifying that the electrical work is in compliance with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations. E. The Code Enforcement Officer or other person designated by the Town Board pursuant to § 125-2 shall have the power to order, in writing, the remedying of any condition found to exist in, on, or about any building, structure or premises in violation of the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation, and shall have the authority to state the time period within which such condition must be remedied. Such orders may be served upon the owner or his authorized agent personally or by registered or certified mail sent to the address set forth in the application for any permit submitted to the Town of Ithaca or to the owner's or agent's last known address. If such condition is not remedied within the time set forth, among any other remedies that may be available to the Town of Ithaca, the Code Enforcement Officer or other person lawfully designated by the Town Board may revoke the building permit for such construction and no further construction shall occur until a new permit has been issued as specified in § 125-4(G). F. The Code Enforcement Officer or other person lawfully designated by the Town Board shall have the right of entry, at all reasonable hours, to any building, structure, or site where work or activity is contemplated or being done under the provisions of this chapter, or to any building or site alleged to be unsafe to life or health, upon the exhibition of proper evidence of their position at or authorization from the Town. Interference with such authorized entry in an official capacity shall be punishable as a violation of this chapter. December 6, 2006 11 § 125-6. Stop work orders. A. 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 to halt: (1) Any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or State Energy Conservation Construction 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, or (2) Any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, 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, or (3) Any 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 or revoked. B. 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 to resume. C. 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 building permit holder, on the building permit holder) personally or by certified mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, 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 Work Order, personally or by certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Stop Work Order. D. Effect of Stop Work Order. Upon the issuance of a Stop Work Order, the owner of the affected property, the building 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. December 6, 2006 12 E. Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a Stop Work Order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in Subsection 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 § 125-13 or other sections of this chapter 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 Work Order. § 125-7. Certificates of occupancy. A. A certificate of occupancy shall be required for all work for which a building permit is required to be issued under this chapter, any other Code provision, local law, ordinance, rule or regulation of the Town of Ithaca, or the Uniform Code or any successor statute or regulation. Further, a certificate of occupancy shall be required for all buildings, structures, or portions thereof, which are converted from one general use or occupancy classification or subclassification, as defined by the Uniform Code, to another. The following requirements shall also apply: (1) Except as set forth below in Subsection B, a building or structure for which a building permit is required to be issued shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part until the certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or such other person lawfully designated by the Town of Ithaca. The Code Enforcement Officer or designee shall inspect the building, structure or work prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. In addition, where applicable, a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections, and flood hazard certifications, prepared at the expense of the applicant in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code by such person or persons as may be designated by or are otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, must be received by the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the certificate. Such certificate of occupancy shall be issued when, after final inspection, it is determined that the construction and other work has been completed in compliance with the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. (2) A certificate of occupancy shall contain the following information: (a) The building permit number, if any; December 6, 2006 13 (b) The date of issuance of the permit, if any; (c) The name, address and tax map number of the property; (d) If the certificate is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued; (e) The use and occupancy classification of the structure; (f) The type of construction of the structure; (g) The assembly occupant load of the structure, if any; (h) If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether the sprinkler system is required; (i) Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the building permit; and (j) The signature of the official issuing the certificate and the date of issuance. (3) The fees for certificates of occupancy are set forth in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. The applicable fee shall be paid before a certificate of occupancy is issued. B. Upon request, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a building or structure, or part thereof, pending completion of the work and before the entire work covered by a building permit has been completed, only if the structure or portions thereof may be occupied safely, any installed fire- and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment is operational, all required means of egress from the structure have been provided, and the conditions set forth below are met. (1) Before issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy the Code Enforcement Officer must find: (a) The portion or portions of the work for which the certificate is sought may be used or occupied temporarily without endangering life, property or the public welfare; and (b) Practical difficulties exist in completing the building, structure or site improvements to the point where the December 6, 2006 14 building, structure or site improvements would qualify for a permanent certificate of occupancy because of: \[1\] Construction delays resulting from: \[a\] Unfavorable and unusually difficult weather conditions; or \[b\] Inability to timely obtain materials; or \[c\] Other conditions found by the Code Enforcement Officer to warrant early occupancy; or \[2\] The need to occupy the premises before a building qualifies for a permanent certificate of occupancy is related to the normal seasonal occupancy dates (e.g., late August when the community has the normal influx of University-related residents); or \[3\] Any other reason found by the Code Enforcement Officer to be appropriate for the issuance of such temporary certificate. (2) The granting of a temporary certificate of occupancy is solely within the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer and no applicant shall have a right to same. (3) In addition to the conditions on such certificates imposed by this chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer may impose such conditions on the issuance of such certificates as the Code Enforcement Officer may reasonably require to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, including the persons that may be in or around the building or structure being partially occupied. Such conditions may also include the requirement that the applicant post security in the form of a bond, cash, or letter of credit with the Town, with the designation of form of security left to the Town’s discretion, to assure that the building or structure for which a temporary certificate of occupancy is sought will be fully completed and qualify for a permanent certificate of occupancy for the entire building within a stated period of time, or will be vacated if no such certificate is obtained within such period of time, such security to be available to the Town to enable the Town to bring an action to enjoin continued occupancy in the absence of a permanent certificate and to take such other steps as may be December 6, 2006 15 reasonably necessary or appropriate to protect the public health and welfare. (4) If the Town Board, in its discretion, deems the granting of the temporary certificate of occupancy inappropriate, the Town Board may overrule the Code Enforcement Officer, in which event the temporary certificate shall terminate 30 days after its issuance or 15 days after the decision overruling the Code Enforcement Officer, whichever is later. (5) The issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy does not relieve the applicant from fulfilling any and all requirements not yet completed at the date of the issuance of the temporary certificate of occupancy. (6) Issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy is not to be construed as a determination that a final certificate of occupancy will be automatically issued. (7) In addition to the Town Board's privilege of revoking the temporary certificate of occupancy, it may also be revoked by the Code Enforcement Officer at any time under one or more of the following circumstances: (a) The Code Enforcement Officer becomes aware of a condition which presently endangers, or in the future may endanger, life, health, property, or the public welfare, including the health or welfare of any persons in or around the premises subject to the temporary certificate. (b) The Code Enforcement Officer determines in his judgment that the applicant is not proceeding diligently and properly to complete whatever work remains in order to obtain a permanent certificate of occupancy. (c) The Code Enforcement Officer becomes aware of information not previously submitted or available that makes issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy reasonably inappropriate or inadvisable. (d) The Code Enforcement Officer determines the existence of any other circumstance which reasonably requires the revocation of the certificate. (8) The temporary certificate of occupancy shall be issued for such period as the Code Enforcement Officer may elect, but not in any December 6, 2006 16 event to exceed six months, except as provided below. However, the Code Enforcement Officer may renew the certificate for one or more successive periods of not more than six months per application upon payment of a fee calculated as if each application were an application for the original issuance of such a temporary certificate. (9) Discretionary actions. (a) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Subsection B(8) above, however, the Town Board may, after public hearing on at least five days' notice upon the application of the property owner, authorize the Code Enforcement Officer: \[1\] To issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a period greater than six months if the Board finds: \[a\] It is likely the conditions which require the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy will extend for a period in excess of six months; and \[b\] Denial of an extended period for the certificate would create a significant hardship to the applicant; and \[c\] It is reasonably anticipated that the applicant can complete the project and obtain a permanent certificate no later than the expiration date of the extended period; and \[d\] The life of the temporary certificate, including any extended period, is not greater than three years; and \[e\] All other conditions for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy set forth in this § 125-7, Subsection B, have been met. \[2\] To reduce or waive the fee charged for a temporary certificate of occupancy if the Board finds: \[a\] The fee for the original building permit was sufficiently large to cover the costs to the December 6, 2006 17 Town, including Code Enforcement Officer inspection time and review time, of processing, reviewing and overseeing the issuance and implementation of the original building permit, the final certificate of occupancy, and any temporary occupancy certificates including the one for which a reduction in fee is requested; and \[b\] The payment of the fee as normally determined hereunder would be a significant financial hardship to the applicant; and \[c\] The need for the temporary certificate of occupancy was not created by the lack of diligence of the applicant in prosecuting the work of the project to completion; and \[d\] The reduction in fee is the minimum necessary to alleviate the hardship to the applicant and still cover the costs to the Town referred to above; and \[e\] All other conditions for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy set forth in this § 125-7, Subsection B, have been met. (b) The Town Board, in granting an application for a longer temporary certificate of occupancy or a reduction in fee may impose such reasonable conditions as it deems appropriate under the circumstances pertaining. (10) A temporary certificate of occupancy can also be granted by the Code Enforcement Officer in those circumstances not involving new construction where a violation of Chapter 270, Zoning, or other rule or regulation becomes apparent to the Code Enforcement Officer, the owner or other person in possession is taking action (either by construction or by application for an appropriate variance) to correct the violation, and the issuance of the temporary certificate of occupancy will not endanger life, health, property, or the public welfare. The issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy under these circumstances and the right to revoke same are governed by the same provisions relating to the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy based upon construction pursuant to a building permit. December 6, 2006 18 (11) The fee for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be as specified in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. C. A certificate of occupancy may be issued for any building or individual dwelling unit at any other time after inspection thereof by request, determination of compliance and payment of the fees set forth in Chapter 153, Fees, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. D. Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete 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 such certificate. § 125-8. Operating permits. A. No person, firm, corporation, association, or other organization or entity shall conduct the activities or use or occupy any of the facilities listed below unless the owner or authorized agent of the owner has applied for and has, after inspection as set forth in Subsection C of this section and § 125-9 below, obtained an operating permit: (1) Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3) or 2703.1.1(4), of the Fire Code of New York State (see 10 NYCRR Part 1225). (2) Hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to, commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a byproduct, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling. (3) Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies. (4) Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more. (5) Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer. (6) Multiple residences involving buildings containing three or more dwelling units. December 6, 2006 19 (7) Health care facilities where more than 10 people normally sleep nightly, including hospitals, nursing homes, infirmaries, and sanitariums. (8) Child and adult day-care centers and facilities as defined in Chapter 270, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. (9) Dormitories providing accommodations for sleeping for hire for more than four people. (10) Motels or hotels providing sleeping accommodations for hire for more than four people. B. Any individual or entity who proposes to undertake the types of activities or operate the types of facilities listed in Subsection A of this section shall be required to obtain an operating permit from the Town prior to commencing such operation. An application for an operating permit shall be on a Town-provided form and shall contain sufficient information to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. Tests or reports that the Code Enforcement Officer determines are necessary to verify conformance shall be required at the expense of the applicant and shall be conducted by such persons as may be designated by or are otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. C. The Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises prior to the issuance of an operating permit. D. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection 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 his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities. E. An operating permit shall be valid for a period of three years from its date of issuance, unless earlier revoked or suspended. F. The operating permit shall be displayed on the property or premises covered by the operating permit. G. Revocation of operating permits. Operating permits may be suspended or revoked when it is determined that there is a violation of a condition under which the permit was issued, if information submitted in connection with the permit application or with a condition of the permit was incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete, where activities do not comply with applicable December 6, 2006 20 provisions of the Uniform Code, or where there is a violation of applicable law under which the operating permit was issued which would have precluded issuance of the permit had such violation been in existence at the date of issuance of the permit. § 125-9. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections. A. The Code Enforcement Officer shall conduct fire safety and property maintenance inspections of areas of public assembly, as defined in the Uniform Code, at least once per year. Such inspections may be made at any reasonable time. B. The Code Enforcement Officer shall conduct fire safety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings and all nonresidential occupancies at least once every three years, except inspections shall occur at least once every year for all health care facilities where more than 10 people normally sleep nightly (including hospitals, nursing homes, infirmaries, and sanitariums), all child and adult day-care centers and facilities, as defined in Chapter 270, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, and all dormitory buildings, regardless of the number sleeping accommodations. Such inspections may be made at any reasonable time. Upon completion of the inspection if the Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that the buildings so inspected are in compliance with the Uniform Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, and other laws of the Town of Ithaca relating to the safety of buildings, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue an operating permit, where one is required by § 125-8, upon payment of the applicable fees for the inspection and the permit. C. An inspection of a building or dwelling unit may be performed at any other time upon a) a request of the owner or authorized agent; or b) receipt of reasonable and reliable information that a violation of the Uniform Code, this chapter, Chapter 270, Zoning, or other law, rule or regulation exists. D. If entrance to make an inspection is refused or cannot be obtained, the Code Enforcement Officer or his designee may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a warrant to make an inspection and upon receipt of same shall have the right to make such inspections as are set forth above in this chapter. E. Nothing in this section or in any other provision of this chapter shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties and responsibilities of any federal, state or local agency. No inspection by any federal, state or local agency shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Town. December 6, 2006 21 § 125-10. Notification regarding fire or explosion. The chief of any fire department providing fire fighting services for a property within the Town shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer by the next business day of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel burning appliance, chimney or gas vent. § 125-11. Complaints. A. The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints which allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail to comply with this chapter, Chapter 270, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, the Uniform Code, the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code, or any other local law, ordinance or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code or the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code. B. The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate: (1) Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection. (2) If a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property and any other person or entity who may be responsible for the violation with notice of the violation and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding as described in § 125-12 (Violations) and § 125-13 (Penalties for offenses) of this chapter. (3) If appropriate, issuing a Stop Work Order. (4) 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. § 125-12. Violations. A. A person owning, operating, occupying or maintaining property or premises within the scope of the Uniform Code or this chapter shall comply with all provisions of the Uniform Code, this chapter, and all orders, notices, rules, regulations or determinations issued in connection therewith. December 6, 2006 22 B. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer finds that there has been a violation of the Uniform Code, this chapter, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, a violation order may be issued to the person or persons responsible. C. Violation orders shall be in writing, shall identify the property or premises, shall specify the violation and remedial action to be taken, shall provide a reasonable time limit for compliance, and shall state the time within which an appeal may be taken. D. Violation orders may be served by personal service, by mailing by registered or certified mail sent to the address set forth in the application for any permit submitted to the Town or to the property address, or by posting a copy thereof on the premises that are the subject of the notice of violation and mailing a copy on the same day as posted, enclosed in a prepaid wrapper, addressed to the last known address of the owner as set forth in the Town of Ithaca records, or if none, in the most recent tax roll available to the Town of Ithaca. E. In case the owner, lessor, occupant or the agent of any of them shall fail, neglect or refuse to remove, eliminate or abate the violation within the time specified in the violation order, a request to take appropriate legal action shall be made to the Attorney for the Town of Ithaca. § 125-13. Penalties for offenses. A. Failure to comply with any provision of the Uniform Code, this chapter, rules or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a violation order shall be deemed a violation and the violator shall be liable for a fine of not less than $100, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, and each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to issue an appearance ticket for any violation of this chapter pursuant to Chapter 9, Appearance Tickets, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. B. An action or proceeding in the name of the Town of Ithaca may be commenced in any court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or restrain by injunction the violation of any provision of the Uniform Code, this chapter, rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a violation order, or to vacate the occupancy or building in the case of imminent danger to life or property. Such remedy shall be in addition to penalties otherwise prescribed by law. December 6, 2006 23 § 125-14. Records. The Town Building and Zoning Department and Town Clerk shall keep official records of all permits, inspection reports, recommendations, complaints, violation orders and fees charged and collected pursuant to this chapter, in compliance with the applicable record retention requirements of the New York State Archives and Records Administration. § 125-15. Removal of dangerous buildings or structures. A. A building or structure, or part thereof, which is an imminent danger to life and safety of the public as a result of a fire or explosion or unsafe equipment is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. B. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer finds a building or structure, or part thereof, to be an imminent danger to life and safety of the public as a result of a fire or explosion or unsafe equipment, the Code Enforcement Officer may cause it to be demolished and removed or may cause work to be done in and about the building, structure or equipment as may be necessary to remove the danger. C. The Code Enforcement Officer may require the occupants of any such building or structure, or part thereof, to vacate the premises forthwith. No person shall use or occupy such building or structure, or part thereof, until it is made safe. D. Except for the owner, no person shall enter premises which have been ordered vacated unless authorized to perform inspections, repairs, or to demolish and remove such building, structure or equipment, or part thereof. E. All costs and expenses incurred by the Town of Ithaca in connection with any work done to remove the danger, or in connection with the demolition and removal of any such building, structure or equipment, shall be assessed against the land on which such building or structure is located, and a bill for such costs and expenses shall be presented to the owner of the property, or if the owner cannot be ascertained, then such bill shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. If the owner shall fail to pay for such costs and expenses within 10 days after the bill is presented or posted, then such unpaid costs, expenses and interest accruing at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of the Town’s work shall constitute a lien upon such land. A legal action or proceeding may be brought to collect such costs, expenses, interest and recoverable attorney’s fees, or to foreclose such lien. As an alternative to the maintenance of any such action, the Code Enforcement Officer may file a certificate of the actual costs and expenses incurred and interest accruing as aforesaid, together December 6, 2006 24 with a statement identifying the property in connection with which the expenses were incurred, and the owner thereof with the Tompkins County Department of Assessment, who shall in the preparation of the next assessment roll assess such amount upon such property. Such amount shall be included as a special ad valorem levy (administered as a move tax) against such property, shall constitute a lien and shall be collected and enforced in the same manner, by the same proceedings, at the same time, and under the same penalties as are provided by law for collection and enforcement of real property taxes in the Town of Ithaca. The assessment of such costs, expenses and interest shall be effective even if the property would otherwise be exempt from real estate taxation. § 125-16. Variance and review. A. A request for a variance from the requirements of Chapter 270, Zoning, shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 270, Zoning. B. A request for a variance from the provisions of the Uniform Code and an appeal to review determination of or failure to render a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer based upon the Uniform Code shall be processed with the appropriate Board of Review as provided in Title 19 of the New York Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part 1205, or any successor rules, regulations or statutes. Where proposed construction, alteration, use or other work related to a building, structure or equipment would be in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code or any successor statute, no building permit shall be issued except pursuant to written order of the appropriate Board of Review. Section 2. This local law shall apply to all violations committed on or after the effective date of this law, and to all violations that began before the effective date of this law and continue after the effective date of this law. Violations committed before the effective date of this law that do not continue after the effective date of this law shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 125 that were in effect immediately prior to the effective date. Section 3. In the event that any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such declaration of invalidity. Section 4. This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the New York Secretary of State. December 6, 2006 25