Source: https://www.ecode360.com/33867546
Timestamp: 2020-02-19 05:17:06
Document Index: 670170220

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 195', '§ 195', '§ 195', '§ 195', '§ 195', '§ 195', '§ 195']

Village of LeRoy, NY Vacant Building Registry
Village of LeRoy, NY
Ch 4 Assessments
Ch 12 Drug-Free Workplace
Ch 14 Emergency Management Plan
Ch 24 Officers and Employees
Ch 41 Adult Uses
Ch 45 Affordable Housing
Ch 49 Alarms
Ch 52 Alcoholic Beverages
Ch 56 Amusement Devices
Ch 64 Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates and In-Line Skates
Ch 68 Bingo
Ch 71 Boating
Ch 78 Buildings, Unsafe
Ch 82 Cemeteries, Damage to
Ch 95 Environmental Quality Review
Ch 98 Excavations
Ch 102 Festivals
Ch 106 Fire Prevention
Ch 109 Fireworks
Ch 115 Furnaces, Outdoor
Ch 117 Games of Chance
Ch 120 Grass and Weeds
Ch 124 Historic Preservation
Ch 136 Littering
Ch 146 Obscene Materials
Ch 149 (Reserved)
Ch 154 Peddling and Soliciting
Ch 161 Refrigerators, Abandoned
Ch 168 Sewers
Ch 176 Streets and Sidewalks
Ch 180 Subdivision of Land
Ch 192 Trees and Shrubs
Ch 195 Vacant Building Registry
§ 195-1 Legislative findings and purpose.
§ 195-2 Definitions.
§ 195-3 Vacant building registration.
§ 195-4 Maintenance.
§ 195-5 Exemptions.
§ 195-6 Inspections.
§ 195-7 Assessment of fees.
Ch 197 Vehicles, Abandoned or Junked
Ch 205 Village-Owned Property
Ch 210 Water
Village of LeRoy, NY / Part II: General Legislation
Chapter 195 Vacant Building Registry
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of LeRoy 2-5-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018. Amendments noted where applicable.]
It is the finding of the Board of Trustees of the Village of LeRoy that vacant buildings are unsightly, unsafe, and have a negative effect on the community. Unfortunately, many buildings, once vacant, remain that way for years. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a program for identifying and registering vacant buildings, to set forth the responsibilities of owners of vacant buildings, and to speed the rehabilitation of vacant buildings.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms will, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings indicated in this section:
Where the condition of a building, structure, or any part thereof is an imminent, immediate, and substantial danger to the health or safety of occupants, emergency responders, and/or the general public, Such conditions include, but are not limited to, fire-hazards, falling or dilapidated buildings, structures, or any part, thereof, loss of significant water, heat, ventilation, or a lack of sanitary conditions.
The duly authorized Code Enforcement Officer, or designated persons from that office.
The person, persons, or entity shown to be the owner or owners on the records of the LeRoy Assessor's office, those identified as the owner or owners on a vacant building registration form, a mortgagee in possession, a mortgagor in possession, or an assignee of rents, receiver, executor, administrator, trustee, lessee, other person, firm or corporation in control of the premises. Any such person will have joint and several obligations for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
SECURED BY OTHER THAN NORMAL MEANS
A building secured by means other than those used in the design and approved plans for the building.
A building or portion thereof which lacks the habitual presence of human beings who have a legal right to be on the premises, including buildings ordered vacated by a Code Enforcement Officer. In determining whether a building is unoccupied, the Code Enforcement Officer may consider these factors, among others:
Whether lawful residential or business activity has ceased;
The building is substantially devoid of contents or the minimal value of fixtures or personal property in the building;
The building lacks utility services;
The building is subject to a foreclosure action;
Duration of vacancy; and/or
The presence or reoccurrence of code violations.
Nothing in this vacant building registry is intended to require registration for an unoccupied property which meets codes and which is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be temporarily or seasonally vacant.
A property may be considered unoccupied and therefore required to register as such by the Code Enforcement Officer, even if the property is for sale, if the unoccupied property contributes to a negative effect on the community as referred to in the purpose statement above.
A building or portion of a building which is open to entry by unauthorized persons without the use of tools or ladders.
A building, a portion of a building, or a structure which is any one or more of the below (first floor must be occupied, if so, upper floors may be unoccupied):
Unoccupied and unsecured;
Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means;
Unoccupied and unsafe building as determined by Code Enforcement Officer;
Unoccupied and a Code Enforcement Officer has issued an order to correct code violations;
Illegally occupied;
Unoccupied for a period of over 30 days.
Nothing in this vacant building registry is intended to require registration for an unoccupied residence which meets codes and which is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be temporarily or seasonally vacant.
A property may be considered vacant and therefore required to register as such by the Code Enforcement Officer, even if the property is for sale, if the unoccupied property contributes to a negative effect on the community as referred to in the purpose statement above.
The owner of a vacant building shall register with the Code Enforcement Officer no later than 30 days after any building becomes a vacant building, as defined above, or not later than 30 days after being notified by a Code Enforcement Officer of the requirement to register, whichever is sooner. A Code Enforcement Officer may identify vacant buildings through his/her routine inspection process, as well as through notification by residents, neighborhood associations, and other community groups that a building may be eligible for inclusion on the registry. Notice shall be served upon, or sent by certified mail to, the owner and any registered property manager, and to the property address. Notice shall be deemed received by the owner, property manager, or an occupant, upon personal delivery or three days in Genesee County or five days for other locations after service by certified mail. The Village may also post notices on the Village or Town website to provide additional notice to the public. However the Village's failure to post such violations on their website shall not constitute a defense to any enforcement proceeding or collection of fees.
The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Code Enforcement Officer or designated persons from that office, and shall include the following information:
A description of the premises, i.e., square footage, number of stories, age of the building, and most recent use of the building;
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner or owners; if the owner is a corporation, limited-liability company, or partnership, the address for each director, manager, or partner, as the case may be. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable;
If the owner does not reside in Genesee County or any adjoining New York County, the name and address of a responsible party who does not reside in Genesee County or any adjoining county. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable;
The names and addresses of all known lienholders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the building. Each address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable. A name, address, and telephone number of a responsible natural person (not a corporation, partnership, or firm or limited-liability company) who can be reached at all times during business and nonbusiness hours. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable;
A vacant building plan as described in Subsection C below.
The owner shall submit a vacant building plan which must meet the approval of the Code Enforcement Officer, or designated person. The plan, at a minimum, must contain information and appropriate permits from one of the following three proposals for the property:
If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition;
If the building is to remain vacant, a plan for the securing of the building in accordance with standards provided below, along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, and a statement of the reason(s) why the building will be left vacant; or
If the building is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, rehabilitation plans for the building must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer. The rehabilitation plans shall not exceed 365 days from the date of submission and shall include progress benchmarks at least every four months, unless the Code Enforcement Officer grants an extension for good cause shown, upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable zoning, housing, historic preservation or building codes. The building must be secured in accordance with this chapter.
The owner shall comply with all applicable laws and codes. The owner shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any changes in information supplied as part of the vacant building registration within 30 days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revisions must be in writing and must meet the approval of the Code Enforcement Officer.
The owner and any subsequent owner shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained as provided in the New York State Property Maintenance Code and this chapter.
Failure of the owner or any subsequent owner to maintain the building and premises as required herein shall be grounds for the Village:
To remediate the building and bill the costs of same to the owner;
To revoke the rehabilitation plans; and
The owner shall be subject to fees and penalties as provided herein.
The owner shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any transfer of ownership within 15 days of transfer. The new owner shall comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted and approved by the Code Enforcement Officer or designated person.
Vacant building registration fees.
The owner of a vacant building shall pay a registration fee as determined by the fee schedule adopted by the Village. The registration fee is due and payable upon registration; to wit; no later than 30 days after any building becomes a "vacant building," as defined above, or no later than 30 days after being notified by a Code Enforcement Officer of the requirement to register.
If the building is to remain vacant, then the owner shall also pay an annual vacant building fee. The amount of said fee shall be determined pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the Village Board. Said fee schedule shall provide for differing amounts dependent upon the number of years that the building is vacant.
If the building is to be returned to a permitted use, the rehabilitation plan shall not exceed 365 days from date of issue and shall include progress benchmarks at least every four months, unless the Code Enforcement Officer grants an extension for good cause shown upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension. If the rehabilitation has not been completed or extended, then the owner shall pay an annual vacant building fee, as determined by the Village Board under the vacant building registry fee schedule, until the building is properly demolished or rehabilitated.
If the owner of a vacant building fails to register and pay the fees within 30 days, then the owner shall be subject to the penalty set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the Village Board.
All delinquent fees shall be paid by the owner prior to any transfer of an ownership interest in any vacant building. The owner shall give a purchaser written notice that the building in question is a vacant building under this section.
The vacant building registration fees and annual vacant building fees as set forth in the fee schedule or by separate resolution are to be delivered, by mail or in person, to the Village Clerk's office.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall include in the file any property-specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties or citizens regarding the history, problems, status or blighting influence of a vacant building.
The owner of a vacant building shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required of him or her from time to time to ensure that the building and its grounds remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to any adjoining property or the public. Owners shall be responsible for maintaining their buildings and structures so that they do not become an unoccupied hazard. In any building or floor area that is vacant or about to become vacant, there shall be at least one access which meets the approval of the Code Enforcement Officer.
The owner shall protect and maintain the exterior of the building according to New York State building codes and including (but not limited to) the following:
Exterior walls, including foundations, shall be maintained so that water does not penetrate into basements, cellars, or other interior areas other than that which is adequately discharged by a sump pump (crock) or other suitable evacuation method. All exterior walls and foundations must be free of holes and crevices.
Exterior doors, windows, skylights and similar openings shall be maintained weathertight.
Exterior porches, entrance platforms, fire escapes and the railings thereon shall be maintained in good repair and a safe and sound condition.
Roofs shall be maintained in a weathertight condition.
Exterior surfaces shall be maintained in good condition. Surfaces not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative.
The coverings for windows and doors with glass may not consist of any substance sprayed onto the glass doors or windows. All enclosures shall be properly fitted and be of such material and surface that they are neither unsightly nor will materially detract from the general appearance of the building or the neighborhood and, when possible, secured by normal means.
The covering for broken doors and cracked or broken windows may consist of replacement glass, Plexiglas, boards, plywood or similar materials finished and maintained in a manner violation of Subsection B above, the Village may enter onto the building and the property and take steps and perform acts to render the building and its adjoining yards safe, secure and free from hazards to adjoining property and the public. These acts shall include, but not be limited to, removal of dangerous conditions, properly replacing or boarding up windows and doors, shutting off utilities, capping plumbing to prevent leakage of water or sewer gas, or removing flammable or otherwise hazardous material and debris. A bill for the expenses incurred above shall be presented to the owners of the building. If said bill for expenses remains unpaid for more than 60 days, the Village Clerk shall include those unpaid expenses on the next town/county tax bill to be levied.
Nonresidential buildings located within an historic district shall be exempt from this code.
A building which has suffered fire damage or damage caused by extreme weather conditions shall be exempt from the registration requirement for a period of 60 days after the date of the fire or extreme weather event. If the property owner submits a request for exemption in writing to the Code Enforcement Officer, this request shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
A description of the premises.
The reason for an exemption.
The names and addresses of the owner or owners. A post office box is not acceptable.
A statement of intent to repair and reoccupy the building in an expedient manner or the intent to demolish the building.
By registering a vacant building, an owner consents to a Code Enforcement Officer inspecting the premises for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Upon the request of the Code Enforcement Officer, an owner shall provide access to all interior portions of a vacant building in order to permit a complete inspection. Nothing contained herein, however, will diminish the owner's right to insist upon the procurement of a search warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction by the Code Enforcement Officer, or his or her designee, in order to enable such inspection, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall be required to obtain a search warrant whenever an owner refuses to permit a warrantless inspection of the premises after having been advised of his or her constitutional right to refuse entry without same. In the case of an emergency, this section shall not apply.
Attached below shall be a "Vacant Building Registry — Fee Schedule," with rates adopted by the Village Board. Owners of vacant buildings, as defined by this Code and identified by the Code Enforcement Officer, shall be subject to said fees.
The Code Enforcement Officer, shall notify an affected owner of a fee assessment and a sixty-day period to remit such payment to the Village Clerk. If said required payment is not received within that sixty-day time period, the Village Board authorizes the Clerk to levy such fees on the owner's next town/county tax bill.
Vacant Building Registry - Fee Schedule, Village of LeRoy
Initial registration fee: $50
Annual vacant building fee:[1]
Each Subsequent Year
Demolition plan or rehabilitation plan submitted
If no extension is granted, then the maximum fee for the relevant property type will be charged for each subsequent year.
1-3 unit residential
4-6 unit residential
7+ unit residential
$1,000 or
$250/unit
$0.05/sq. ft.
$500/unit
$2,000 or
$0.10/sq. ft.
$750/unit
$1,000/unit
Commercial (whichever is greater)
$3,000 or $0.15/sq. ft.
$4,000 or $0.20/sq. ft*
* = Gross square footage
Late fee, initial registration and/or annual vacant building fee: $50 plus 2% per month or part thereof assessed on any invoice which is unpaid after 30 days from the date of the demand for payment.
Returned check processing fee: $50.
Fee for unpaid charges added to the tax bill: $250.
Editor's Note: Said annual vacant building fee is set by resolution of the Village Board.