Source: https://www.ecode360.com/12021281
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 19:56:34+00:00

Document:
§ 82-4 Identifying emblem required.
§ 82-7 Penalties for offenses.
§ 82-8 Correction of violation by town.
§ 82-10 Building Inspectors, Code Enforcement Officers and Assistant Inspectors.
§ 82-14 Certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance.
§ 82-15 Notification regarding fire or explosion.
§ 82-16 Unsafe buildings and structures.
§ 82-18 Firesafety and property maintenance inspections.
§ 82-20 Program review and reporting.
§ 82-21 Enforcement; penalties for offenses.
The purpose of this article is to identify buildings with truss and other lightweight construction by requiring the owner and occupant to affix an identifying emblem on such buildings in order to assist emergency personnel in the event of fire or other hazardous condition.
Detached one-family and two-family residential buildings with truss or lightweight construction.
Any building used in whole or in part for nonresidential purposes shall not be exempt from the requirements of this article.
The Building Inspector shall determine whether any particular building is exempt from the requirement to affix the identifying emblem to the building pursuant to Subsection A(1) or (2)above.
A structure wholly or partially enclosed within exterior walls or within exterior and party walls, and a roof, affording shelter to persons, animals or property.
The duly appointed Building Inspector of the Town of Highlands, his deputy or designee, or other enforcement officer appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Any natural person or individual, or any firm, partnership, association, limited partnership, sole proprietorship, corporation, or any other business entity or any government agency or entity.
An assembly of materials, forming a construction made of component structural parts for occupancy or use, including buildings.
Structural components assembled from wood members, metal connector plates or other metal fasteners; wooden I-beams; or any single-plane framework of individual structural members, made of wood or steel, connected at their ends to form a series of triangles to span a distance greater than would be possible with any of the individual members on its own.
Unless exempted by this article, the owner and occupant of a building of truss or lightweight construction is required to permanently affix an identifying emblem, in a design prescribed by the town, to the front of the building. The emblem shall be permanently affixed to the left of the main entrance door at a height between four and six feet above the ground and shall be affixed and maintained by the owner and/of occupant of the building. The identifying emblem will be supplied by the Town at no charge to the owner or occupant.
The Building Inspector is authorized to inspect and identify any building to determine whether the building contains truss or lightweight construction and to require the owner and occupant of such building to permanently affix the identifying emblem to the front of the building. The Building Inspector shall provide written notice of said requirement to the owner and/or occupant. The owner and/or occupant shall be required to properly affix the identifying emblem within 15 days after the mailing date of such written notice.
If the identifying emblem is damaged, defaced or removed for any reason, then the owner or occupant shall promptly obtain a replacement emblem from the Town and shall affix said replacement emblem in the manner prescribed herein. In addition, the owner and/or occupant is required to properly affix the replacement emblem within 10 days after receipt of written notice from the Building Inspector. The owner or occupant shall pay to the Town the cost of said replacement emblem. The cost of a replacement identifying emblem, if unpaid, shall be a lien on the real property and shall be assessed against such property, together with nine-percent interest per annum, and shall be levied and collected in the same manner as a real property tax. The Town Board may waive the charge for a replacement emblem for buildings owned and used by not-for-profit corporations or other charitable organizations.
"F/R" to signify both a floor and roof with truss or lightweight construction.
The provisions of this section may be amended from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
This article shall be enforced by the Building Inspector and any other officer authorized by resolution of the town. All enforcement officers are authorized to issue violation notices and appearance tickets.
Any person convicted of a violation of any provisions of this article, for the first conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 plus an additional $25 for each day the violation continues.
Compliance with this article is required in the interest of the public safety, health and welfare. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if a property owner fails to correct a violation after written notice, the Town and its agents shall have the right to enter upon the property and perform the work necessary to correct the violation. The property owner shall be responsible and liable for all costs incurred by the Town in connection therewith. The Town shall bill the property owner for said costs by mailing the bill to the owner's last known address as shown on the real property tax records of the Town. If the property owner does not pay said costs within 30 days after the mailing date of the bill, then the amount of said costs shall be a lien on the owner's real property and shall be assessed against such property, together with 9% per annum, and shall be levied and collected in the same manner as a real property tax.
The provisions of Subsection A above may be applied in addition to the penalty provisions herein.
The duly appointed Building Inspector(s) of the Town of Highlands.
A permit issued pursuant to § 82-11 of this article. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this article.
A certificate issued Subsection B of § 82-14 of this article.
Shall include the Building Inspector(s), all Code Enforcement Officers and all Assistant Inspectors.
An order issued by a Building Inspector(s), Code Enforcement Officer or Assistant Inspector pursuant to Subsection A of § 82-21 of this article.
An Assistant Building Inspector appointed pursuant to Subsection E of § 82-10 of this article.
A permit issued pursuant to § 82-17 of this article. The term "operating permit" shall also include an operating permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this article.
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.
An order issued pursuant to § 82-13 of this article.
A certificate issued pursuant to Subsection D of § 82-14 of this article.
To perform such other duties as are prescribed pursuant to applicable New York State and Orange County laws, rules and regulations.
The Building Inspector(s) shall be appointed by the Town Board. The Building Inspector(s) 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 as shall be required for the job title under the rules promulgated pursuant to the New York Civil Service Law, and the Building Inspector(s) shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
In the event that all Building Inspectors of this Town are unable to serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Town Board to serve as Acting Building Inspector. The Acting Building Inspector shall, during the term of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Building Inspector by this article.
One or more Code Enforcement Officers may be appointed by the Town Board to act under the supervision and direction of the Building Inspector(s) and to assist the Building Inspector(s) in the investigation of code violations, the issuance of stop-work orders, violations and summons and the prosecution of violations. Each Code Enforcement Officer 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 for the job title under the rules promulgated pursuant to the New York Civil Service Law.
One or more Assistant Building Inspectors may be appointed by the Town Board to act under the supervision and direction of the Building Inspector(s) and to assist the Building Inspector(s) in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred upon the Building Inspector(s) by this article. 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 for the job title under the rules promulgated pursuant to the New York Civil Service Law, and each inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
A Code Compliance Supervisor may be appointed by the Town Board to direct and implement code compliance activities of this Town. The Code Compliance Supervisor 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 and meet such other requirements as may be required for the job title under the rules promulgated pursuant to the New York Civil Service Law. In the event a Code Compliance Supervisor is appointed by the Town Board, the term "Building Inspector" as used in this article shall be deemed to include the Code Compliance Supervisor.
The compensation for the Building Inspector(s) and such Code Enforcement Officers, Code Compliance Supervisor and inspectors as the Town Board may appoint shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board of this Town.
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Building Inspector(s).
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 Subsection D(5) of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a building permit shall be marked as accepted by a Building Inspector in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Building Inspector, 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.
Issuance of building permits. An application for a building permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The Building Inspector(s) shall issue a building permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
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 Building Inspector(s) of any change occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain such a directive. If the Building Inspector(s) 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 commenced within six months following the date of issuance. Building permits shall expire 18 months after the date of issuance. A building permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subsection may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Building Inspector(s).
Revocation or suspension of building permits. If the Building Inspector(s) 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 Building Inspector(s) shall revoke the building permit or suspend the building permit until such time as the permit holder demonstrates that all work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code and all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 82-22, Fees, of this article 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.
Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Building Inspector(s) or by an inspector authorized by the Building Inspector(s). The permit holder shall notify the Building Inspector(s) when any element of work described in subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
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 the Energy Code. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or the 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.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 82-22, Fees, of this article must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.
Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall be in writing, be dated and signed by a Building Inspector, state the reason or reasons for issuance, and, if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.
Service of stop-work orders. The issuing Building Inspector 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 certified mail. The issuing Building Inspector 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.
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 § 82-21, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this article or under any other applicable chapter 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.
Certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance required. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, as the case may be, shall be required for any work which is the subject of a building permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another. Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a building permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance.
Temporary certificate. The Building Inspector(s) 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 a Building Inspector issue a temporary certificate unless the Building Inspector determines that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate, may be occupied safely, that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire-protection equipment which has been installed is operational, and that all required means of egress from the building or structure have been provided. The Building Inspector(s) may include in a temporary certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety 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 months, which shall be determined by the Building Inspector(s) 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.
Revocation or suspension of certificates. If a Building Inspector determines that a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance 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 Building Inspector within such period of time as shall be specified by the Building Inspector, the Building Inspector shall revoke or suspend such certificate.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 82-22, Fees, of this article must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance or for a temporary certificate.
The chief of any fire department providing fire-fighting services for a property within this Town shall promptly notify the Building Inspector(s) of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel-burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 88 of this Code, as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.
Applications for operating permits. An application for an operating permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Building Inspector(s). Such application shall include such information as the Building Inspector(s) deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Building Inspector(s) that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If the Building Inspector(s) 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 Building Inspector(s), at the expense of the applicant.
Inspections. The Building Inspector(s) or an inspector authorized by the Building Inspector(s) shall inspect the subject premises prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
Multiple activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection A of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Building Inspector(s) may require a separate operating permit for each such activity, or the Building Inspector(s) may, in his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall be issued for such period of time, not to exceed one year, as shall be determined by the Building Inspector(s) 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 Building Inspector(s), payment of the applicable fee, and approval of such application by the Building Inspector(s).
Revocation or suspension of operating permits. If the Building Inspector(s) 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.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 82-22, Fees, of this article must be paid at the time of submission of an application for an operating permit, for an amended operating permit, or for reissue or renewal of an operating permit.
Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a firesafety and property maintenance inspection of any building, structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Building Inspector(s) or an inspector designated by the Building Inspector(s) at any time upon the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such owner; receipt by the Building Inspector(s) of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or the Energy Code exist; or receipt by the Building Inspector(s) of any other information, reasonably believed by the Building Inspector(s) to be reliable, giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or the Energy Code exist; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court order or warrant shall have been obtained.
OFPC inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other provision of this article 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 § 807-b.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 82-22, Fees, of this article must be paid prior to or at the time each inspection is performed pursuant to this section. This subsection shall not apply to inspections performed by OFPC.
The Building Inspector(s) shall annually submit to the Town Board of this Town a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Building Inspector(s) and the inspectors, including a report and summary of all transactions and activities described in § 82-19, Recordkeeping, of this article and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
The Building Inspector(s) 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.
The Building Inspector(s) 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 accounts of the activities of this Town in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
Compliance orders. The Building Inspector(s) 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 article. Upon finding that any such condition or activity exists, the Building Inspector(s) shall issue a compliance order. The compliance order shall be in writing; be dated and signed by a Building Inspector; specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this article; specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this article which is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; specify the period of time which the Building Inspector deems to be reasonably necessary for achieving compliance; direct that compliance be achieved within the specified period of time; and state that an action or proceeding to compel compliance may be instituted if compliance is not achieved within the specified period of time. The issuing Building Inspector shall cause the compliance order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by certified mail. The issuing Building Inspector 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 certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the compliance order.
Appearance tickets. Each Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer and inspector are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this article.
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 article, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit or other notice or order issued by the Building Inspector(s) pursuant to any provision of this article, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $250 for each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties provided by this subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of this Town.
Injunctive relief. Upon authorization by the Town Board, 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 article, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit, compliance order, or other notice or order issued by the Building Inspector(s) pursuant to any provision of this article. 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 article, or any stop-work order, compliance order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this article, 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 subsection shall be commenced without the appropriate authorization from the Town Board of this Town.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or penalty 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 § 82-13, Stop-work orders, of this article, in any other section of this article, or in any other applicable law. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in this section, in § 82-13, Stop-work orders, of this article, in any other section of this article, 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 § 382 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in Subdivision (2) of § 382 of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of this Town for the items set forth in this article. Such fee schedule may thereafter be amended from time to time by like resolution. The fees set forth in, or determined in accordance with, such fee schedule or amended fee schedule shall be charged and collected for the submission of applications, the issuance of building permits, amended building permits, renewed building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Building Inspector(s) described in or contemplated by this article.
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 article, 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.

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