Union, NY Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Chapter 141, the Property and Building Nuisance Reform Law, turns repeated code violations at one address into a public nuisance. The definition of public nuisance in § 141-3 says a nuisance exists when the building, property or place in issue, or immediately adjacent to it, accumulates 12 or more points within a period of six months or 18 or more points within a period of 12 months. Where more than one violation occurs in a single incident, the total for the incident is the highest single point value, not the sum.

The point list in § 141-3C ranks violations. Two points: three or more noise violations under Article 50 of Chapter 300 within a two-week period, three or more Chapter 130 garbage and recyclables violations within a two-week period, violations of the dog regulations, and a dangerous dog determination where no human was attacked or injured. Four points: three or more disorderly conduct or disturbance violations within two weeks, three or more Chapter 155 property maintenance violations within a two-month period (each repeat adds four more points), Penal Law Article 225 gambling offenses, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, a dangerous dog that attacked or injured a human, and all Chapter 300 zoning violations except those listed at two points. Six points cover Article 220 controlled substances, Article 221 marijuana offenses and occupancy-limit violations. Ten points cover Article 230 prostitution and Article 265 weapons offenses. Twelve points apply to the most serious Penal Law felonies.

No conviction is required. The Town's burden of proof is a preponderance of the evidence, though a conviction or guilty plea is conclusive proof. Points do not accumulate when violations are found while responding to a request for assistance from an owner or tenant, or in connection with a domestic violence report made by the victim, unless the owner, manager or tenant participates in or persistently condones the nuisance.

Once a nuisance exists, Article II lets the Town Attorney sue in Broome County Supreme Court for an injunction, a temporary closing order, a temporary restraining order or civil penalties. Before filing, the Town Attorney gives the owner written notice and 10 business days to meet and present a written plan to abate the nuisance within 30 days.