How Islip Handles Property Maintenance: A Practical Guide

Islip maintains 126 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Islip falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Town Code § 47A-17 requires every Islip property owner or occupant to keep the sidewalk in front of the lot free of snow, ice and icy conditions throughout the winter season, and to keep it in good, clean repair year-round. Chapter violations carry fines up to $250 under § 47A-40.

Key details: Duty period: Winter season, while snow is on ground. Who must clear: Owner or occupant fronting the sidewalk. Year-round duty: Keep sidewalk clean, in good repair. Fine range: $20 to $250 per offense. Governing section: Code of the Town of Islip § 47A-17.

A violation of Chapter 47A, including the § 47A-17 snow and ice clearing duty, is punishable under § 47A-40 by a fine of not less than $20 and not more than $250, or imprisonment up to 15 days, or both. Each day the sidewalk remains obstructed or unrepaired is a separate, additional offense under that section.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Any mortgagee holding a defaulted mortgage on Islip real estate must register the property with the Town within 10 days of filing a notice of pendency, pay a $75 annual fee, and if the property is vacant, name a local property manager to inspect, secure and maintain it under Town Code § 6A-13.

Key details: Registration deadline: 10 days after notice of pendency filed (§ 6A-13B). Annual fee: $75 nonrefundable per property (§ 6A-13E). Vacant property duty: Weekly inspection, secure & post signage (§ 6A-15). Uncured default: Monthly mortgagee inspections if occupied (§ 6A-13C). Town remedy: Town abates and liens property after 10 days (§ 6A-18).

Failing to register a defaulted property, maintain it, or secure and post it as required is a Chapter 6A violation enforced under § 6A-21: a first offense draws a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to five days in jail; a second conviction within five years brings $1,000 to $2,000 or up to 15 days; a third or later offense is prosecuted as an unclassified misdemeanor with a $2,000 to $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail. The Town may also abate an uncorrected violation itself and lien the property for the cost under § 6A-18.

This is one of the stricter rules in Islip's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Property Blight

When a residential structure in Islip is deemed unsafe under the New York State Property Maintenance and Fire Codes, a certified code enforcement official placards it, and no one may occupy or enter the building except a technician making authorized repairs. Occupying a placarded structure is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by $500 to $10,000 or up to a year in jail.

Key details: Governing article: Town Code Ch. 6A, Art. II (Placarding). Who placards: Certified NYS Code Enforcement Official (§ 6A-2A). Inspection frequency: Biweekly while placarded (§ 6A-4). Occupancy ban: No entry except authorized repair techs (§ 6A-5). Penalty range: $500-$10,000 fine, up to 1 year jail (§ 6A-6).

Occupying, entering or operating equipment inside a placarded structure, other than a qualified technician making authorized repairs, violates § 6A-5 and is charged as an unclassified misdemeanor under § 6A-6. Penalties run from a $500 minimum fine up to $10,000, plus up to one year in jail, a term of probation, or any combination the court permits.

This is one of the stricter rules in Islip's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Islip is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Islip, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Islip can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.