HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 #1 Admin & Enforcement of the Uniform Fire Protection CodeLocal Law Filing
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
41 STATE STREET
ALBANY, NY 12231
(Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)
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❑ County MAY 142007,
❑ Cityof Groton
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Local Law No. 1 of the year 20 07
A local law providing for the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire
(Insert Title)
Prevention and Building Code
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the
(Name of Legislative Body)
❑ County
❑ City of Groton as follows:
41 Town
❑ Village
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 this 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, 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 of this local law.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
In this local law:
"Building Permit" shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 4 of this local law. 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 Occupancy/Certificate of Completion" shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to
subdivision (b) of section 7 of this local law.
"Code Enforcement Officer" shall mean the Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to
subdivision (b) of section 3 of this local law.
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"Code Enforcement Personnel" shall include the Code Enforcement Officer and all Inspectors.
"Compliance Order" shall mean an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to
subdivision (a) of section 15 of this local law.
"Energy Code" shall mean the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently in effect
and as hereafter amended from time to time.
"Inspector" shall mean an inspector appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 4 of this local
law.
"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.
"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.
"Stop Work Order" shall mean an order issued pursuant to section 6 of this local law.
"Temporary Certificate" shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 7 of this
local law.
"Town" shall mean Town of Groton.
"Uniform Code" shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as
currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
SECTION 3. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
A. The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code as currently in effect and as hereafter amended
from time to time (hereinafter "Uniform Code"), the State Energy Conservation Construction Code as
currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time (hereinafter "Energy Code"), and any
and all applicable local laws of the Town of Groton as currently in effect and as hereinafter amended
or enacted from time to time (hereinafter "Local Laws"). The Code Enforcement Officer shall have
the following powers and duties:
1. to receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for Building Permits,
Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and
Operating Permits, and the plans, specifications and construction documents
submitted with such applications,
2. upon approval of such applications, to issue Building Permits, Certificates of
Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits,
and to include in Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of
Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits such terms and conditions
as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate,
3. to conduct construction inspections, inspections to be made prior to the issuance of
Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and
Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, inspections
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incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all other inspections required or
permitted under any provision of this local law,
4. to issue Stop Work Orders,
5. to review and investigate complaints,
6. to issue orders pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 15 (Violations) of this local law,
7. to maintain records,
8. to pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings,
9. in consultation with this Town's attorney, to pursue such 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; and
10. to exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code
Enforcement Officer by this local law.
B. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the 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 State
Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
C. In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any
reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Town Board to serve as Acting Code Enforcement
Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of his or her appointment,
exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local
law.
D. Services of an individual, partnership, business corporation or other similar firm may
be contracted for or one or more Inspectors may be appointed by the 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. Said individual or firm and 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 State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law
and the regulations promulgated thereunder. When the services of such an individual, partnership,
business corporation or other similar firm are contracted for, there may be an additional fee for final
inspection which shall be payable directly to the provider of said services.
E. The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and for any services provided in
assistance thereof shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board.
SECTION 4: BUILDING PERMITS.
A. Buildinq 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
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the installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit or an
outside wood burning furnace. No Person shall commence any work for which a Building Permit is
required without first having obtained a Building Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
B. Exemptions. No Building Permit shall be required for work in any of the following
categories:
1. construction or installation of one story detached structures associated with one- or
two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used
for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area
does not exceed 144 square feet (13.88 square meters),
2. installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- one- or
two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
3. installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple
single -funnily dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth
of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;
4. installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool,
5. construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound
Class 1, 11 or I I IA liquids,
6. construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and
scenery;
7. installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two- family
dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
8. installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5-9". in height,
9. painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work,
10. installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling
equipment or appliances,
11. replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not alter the
equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment's original specifications,
or
12. repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve (i) the removal or cutting away of a
load bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load bearing
component; (ii) the removal or change of any required means of egress, or the
rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress; (iii) the
enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or (iv) the
removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time.
C. 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 Energy Code.
D. Applications for Buildinq 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
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application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an
authorized agent of the owner. 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 include or be accompanied by the following information and
documentation:
a description of the proposed work,
2. the tax map number and the street address of the premises where the work is to be
performed,
3. the occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;
4. where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the
provisions of the Uniform Code; and
5. at least 2 sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications) which (i)
define the scope of the proposed work; (ii) are prepared by a New York State
registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required by the
Education Law; (iii) indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the
work proposed; (iv) substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform
Code and the Energy Code, and (v) where applicable, include a site plan that shows
any existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site, the location of any
existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended work, and the
distances between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.
E. 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. 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 is issued.
F. Issuance of Buildinq 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 and Energy Code. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Building Permit if the proposed
work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
G. Buildinq Permits to be displayed. Building permits shall be visibly displayed at the work
site and shall remain visible until the authorized work has been completed.
H. 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 is issued.
Time limits. Building Permits shall become invalid unless the authorized work is
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commenced within twelve (12) months following the date of issuance. Building Permits shall expire
twelve (12) months after the date of issuance. A Building Permit which has become invalid or which
has expired pursuant to this subdivision may be renewed once upon application by the Permit Holder,
payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
J. Revocation or suspension of Buildinq 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 or the
Energy Code, 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 and the Energy Code and (2) all work
then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform
Code and the Energy Code.
K. Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in
section 16 (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 Building Permit.
SECTION 5. CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS.
A. Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed
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 for inspection.
B. Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction process
shall be inspected made, where applicable:
work site prior to the issuance of a Building 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. 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 where the work fails to comply
with the Uniform Code or Energy Code. 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 as completed.
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SECTION 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:
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, 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 Permit Holder, on the Permit Holder) personally or by registered 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 registered 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 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.
E. Remedv 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 15 (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 Work
Order.
SECTION 7. CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY/CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
A. Certificates of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion required. A Certificate of
Occupancy/Certificate of Completion 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.
B. Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion. The Code
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Enforcement Officer shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion if the work which
was the subject of the Building Permit was completed in accordance with all applicable provisions of
the Uniform Code and Energy Code and, 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/Certificate of Completion. 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/Certificate of
Completion, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the Certificate
of Occupancy /Certificate of Completion:
a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special
inspections, and
2. flood hazard certifications.
B. Contents of Certificates of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of
Occupancy/Certificate of Completion shall contain the following information:
the Building Permit number, if any;
2. the date of issuance of the Building Permit, if any;
3. the name, address and tax map number of the property,
4. if the Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion is not applicable to an entire
structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the Certificate of
Occupancy/Certificate of Completion is Issued,
5. the use and occupancy classification of the structure,
6. the type of construction of the structure;
7. the assembly occupant load of the structure, if any,
8. if an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether the sprinkler
system is required,
9. any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the
Building Permit; and
10. the signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the Certificate of
Occupancy/Certificate of Completion and the date of issuance.
D. Temporary Certificate. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a
Temporary Certificate 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 unless the Code Enforcement
Officer determines (1) that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the Temporary
Certificate, may be occupied safely, (2) that any fire- and smoke -detecting or fire protection
equipment which has been installed is operational, and (3) that all required means of egress from the
building or structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a Temporary
Certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety
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or to further the purposes and intent of the Uniform Code. A Temporary Certificate shall be effective
for a period of time, not to exceed six (6) months, which shall be determined by the Code
Enforcement Officer and specified in the Temporary Certificate. During the specified period of
effectiveness of the Temporary Certificate, the Permit Holder shall undertake to bring the building or
structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
E. Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines
that a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion or a Temporary Certificate 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.
SECTION 8. NOTIFICATION REGARDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
The chief of any fire department providing fire fighting services for a property within this Town
shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural
damage, fuel burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
SECTION 9. UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified and addressed in
accordance with local laws as now in effect or as hereinafter amended or enacted from time to time
by the Town.
SECTION 10. OPERATING PERMITS.
A. Operation Permits required. Operating Permits shall be required for conducting the
activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:
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) in the publication
entitled "Fire Code of New York State"' and incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR
section 1225.1;
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; and
5. buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard
to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Town Board of this Town.
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.
B. Applications for Operatinq 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
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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 the applicant.
C. 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.
D. Multiple Activities. In any circumstance in which more the 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
his or her discretion, issue a single Operating Permit to apply to all such activities.
E. Duration of Operatinq Permits. Operating Permits shall be issued for such period of time,
not to exceed one (1) year in the case of any Operating Permit issued for an area of public assembly
and not to exceed three (3) years in any other case, as shall be determined by the Code Enforcement
Officer to be consistent with local conditions. 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.
F. Revocation or suspension of Operatinq Permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer
determines that any activity or building for which an Operating Permit was issued does not comply
with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, such Operating Permit shall be revoked or
suspended.
G. Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in
section 16 (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 Operating
Permit.
SECTION 11. FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
A. Inspections 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 following intervals:
Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures which
contain an area of public assembly shall be performed at least once every twelve (12)
months.
2. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures being
occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once every twelve (12) months.
3. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings not included
in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subdivision, and all non-residential buildings, structures,
uses and occupancies not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subdivision, shall be
performed at least once every twenty-four (24) months.
B. Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by subdivision (a) of this
section, a fire safety and property maintenance inspection of any building, structure, use, or
occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an
Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at any time upon:
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the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such
owner,
2. 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; or
3. receipt 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
Code exist,
4. 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.
C. 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 New York State Office of Fire
Prevention and Control ("OFPC") and the New York State Fire Administrator under Executive Law
section 156-e and Education Law section 807-b.
the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and property maintenance
inspections of a building or structure which contains an area of public assembly if
OFPC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections of such building or
structure at least once every twelve (12) months;
2. the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and property maintenance
inspections of a building or structure occupied as a dormitory if OFPC performs fire
safety and property maintenance inspections of such building or structure at least once
every twelve (12) months,
3. the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and property maintenance
inspections of a multiple dwelling not included in paragraphs 1 or 2 of subdivision A of
this section if OFPC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections of such
multiple dwelling, structure, use or occupancy at intervals not exceeding the interval
specified in paragraph 3 of subdivision A of this section; and
4. the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and property maintenance
inspections of a non-residential building, structure, use or occupancy not included in
paragraphs 1 or 2 of subdivision A of this section if OFPC performs fire safety and
property maintenance inspections of such non-residential building, structure, use or
occupancy at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in paragraph 3 of
subdivision A of this section.
SECTION 12. COMPLAINTS
The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints 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 or 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:
A. performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and
documenting the results of such inspection,
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B. 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 15
(Violations) of this local law,
C. if appropriate, issuing a Stop Work Order,
D. 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. RECORD KEEPING.
A. The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions
and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement Personnel, including records of:
1. all applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;
2. all plans, specifications and construction documents approved;
3. all Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion, Temporary
Certificates, Stop Work Orders, and Operating Permits issued,
4. all inspections and tests performed,
5. all statements and reports issued,
6. all complaints received;
7. all investigations conducted;
8. all other features and activities specified in or contemplated by sections 4 through 12,
inclusive, of this local law, including; and
9. all fees charged and collected.
B. 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 minimal time period so required by State law and regulation.
SECTION 14. PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORTING
A. The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Town Board of this Town 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 13
(Record Keeping) of this local law and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or
concluded.
B. The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of State, on behalf of
this Town, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of this Town
relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
C. The Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the New York State Department of
State, provide to the New York State Department of State, from the records and related materials this
Town is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics and other information and
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accounts of the activities of this Town in connection with administration and enforcement of the
Uniform Code.
SECTION 15: VIOLATIONS
A. Compliance Orders. 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, or this local law. Upon finding that any
such condition or activity exists, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Compliance Order. The
Compliance Order shall (1) be in writing; (2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer,
(3) specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this local law,
(4) specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this local law which
is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; (5) specify the period of time which the Code
Enforcement Officer deems to be reasonably necessary for achieving compliance; (6) direct that
compliance be achieved within the specified period of time; and (7) state that an action or proceeding
to compel compliance maybe instituted if compliance is not achieved within the specified period of
time. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the Compliance Order, or a copy thereof to be
served on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the Compliance 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 being performed at the affected
property personally or by registered mail; provided however, that failure to serve any Person
mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Compliance Order.
B. Appearance Tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each Inspector are authorized to
issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform Code.
C. Civil Penalties. In addition to those penalties proscribed by State law, any Person who
violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this local law or any term or condition
of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, 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 a civil penalty of not more than $200 for each day or part thereof
during which such violation continues. The civil penalties provided by this subdivision shall be
recoverable in an action instituted in the name of this Town.
D. Iniunctive Relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of this Town, 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, this local law, or any term or condition
of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating
Permit, Compliance Order, 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,
this local law, or any Stop Work Order, Compliance Order or other order obtained under the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code or this local law, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of
this Town, 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 action or proceeding described in this subdivision shall be commenced without
the appropriate authorization from the Supervisor of this Town.
E. 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
Page 13 of 16
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 381 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 381 of the Executive Law.
F. Certificate of Compliance. Upon achievement of compliance with the Compliance
Order referenced in section 15(A), the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Certificate of
Compliance containing the following information:
1. the Certificate of Compliance number, if any,
2. the date of issuance of the Certificate of Compliance, if any;
3. the name, address and tax map number of the property;
4. any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the Certificate of
Compliance; and
5. the signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the Certificate of Compliance and
the date of issuance.
SECTION 16: FEES
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of this Town. 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 for the issuance of Building Permits, amended Building Permits,
renewed Building Permits, Operating Permits and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer
described in or contemplated by this local law. All fees shall be made payable to the Groton Town
Clerk and collected by the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk.
SECTION 17. INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENTS
The Town Board of this Town may, by resolution, authorize the Supervisor of this Town to enter into
an agreement, in the name of this Town, with other governments to carry out the terms of this local
law, provided that such agreement does not violate any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy
Code, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law.
SECTION 18. 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 19. REPEALER
This local law shall supersede sections two (2) through eleven (11) of local law number one
(1) of 1986.
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.
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(Complete the certification in the paragraph that applies to the filing of this local law and
strike out that which is not applicable.)
1. (Final adoption by local legislative body only.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 07 of
the (Gmm"Eq q)(Town)(Vi Uqa) of Groton was duly passed by the
_Town Board _ --- on May 8, _ 20 07 , in accordance with the applicable
(Name of Legislative Body)
provisions of law.
2. (Passage by local legislative body with approval, no disapproval or repassage after disapproval by the Elective
Chief Executive Officer*.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20 , and was (approved)(not approved)
(Name of Legislative Body)
(repassed after disapproval) by the and was deemed duly adopted
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
on 20 , in accordance w ith the applicable provisions of law.
3. (Final adoption by referendum.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20 , and was (approved)(not approved)
(Name of Legislative Body)
(repassed after disapproval) by the on 20
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
Such local law was submitted to the people by reason of a (mandatory)(permissive) referendum, and received the affirmative
vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon at the (general) (special)(annual) election held on
20 , in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
4. (Subject to permissive referendum and final adoption because no valid petition was filed requesting referendum.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
(Name of Legislative Body) on 20 ,and was (approved)(not approved)
(repassed after disapproval) by the on 20 Such local
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
law was subject to permissive referendum and no valid petition requesting such referendum was filed as of
20 , in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
* Elective Chief Fxecutive Officer means or includes the chief executive officer ofa county elected on a c0Lu1ty-wide bads or, If' tlic t -c he none.
the chairperson of the count IcuisIativ e bodN, the ma%or of a cite or %illage, or the super<isor of a tovv11 titi here such officer is jested %vith the
po%ver to Approve or veto local laws or ordinances.
DOS -239 (Rev. 05105)
Page 15 of 16
5. (City local law concerning Charter revision proposed by petition.)
hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the City of having been submitted to referendum pursuant to the provisions of section (36)(37) of
the Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of such city voting
thereon at the (special)(general) election held on 20 , became operative.
6. (County local law concerning adoption of Charter.)
hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the County of State of New York, having been submitted to the electors at the General Election of
November 20 , pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 7 of section 33 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, and having
received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the cities of said county as a unit and a majority of the
qualified electors of the towns of said county considered as a unit voting at said general election, became operative.
(If any other authorized form of final adoption has been followed, please provide an appropriate certification.)
further certify that I have compared the preceding local law with the original on file in this office and that the same is a
correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of such original local law, and was finally adopted in the manner indicated in
paragraph , above.
Clerk of thecounty legislative body, City, Town or Village Clerk or
officer designated by local legislative body
(Seal)
Date-. mo a � ° 7
(Certification to be executed by County Attorney, Corporation Counsel, Town Attorney, Village Attorney or other
authorized attorney of locality.)
STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing local law contains the co ct text and that 1.1 rop- r roceedings have been
had or taken for the enactment of the local law annexed hereto. _
Sig ure
Attorney for the Town
Title
DOS -239 (Rev. 05/05)
x2axRy
Qtyof
Town
xWbage
Date
Page 16 of 16
Groton