Property Blight: New Rochelle vs White Plains
How do property blight rules compare between New Rochelle, NY and White Plains, NY?
New Rochelle and White Plains have similar restriction levels.
New Rochelle, NY
Westchester County
Chapter 194 (Property Maintenance) adopts the NYS Property Maintenance Code. Blighted, vacant, or derelict properties can be placed on the city's vacant-property registry with escalating fees.
View full New Rochelle rules →White Plains, NY
Westchester County
Chapter 5-7 Property Maintenance Code requires exteriors free of peeling paint, broken windows, graffiti, and debris. Downtown has heightened standards near commercial corridors.
View full White Plains rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Rochelle | White Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Chapter 194 | Ch. 5-7 + NYS PMC |
| Vacant Registry | Within 30 days | - |
| Annual Fee | $250–$2,500+ | - |
| Graffiti | 15 days to remove | - |
| Graffiti Cure | - | 15 days |
| Cure Period | - | 30 days typical |
| Lien | - | City remediation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Rochelle FAQ
What happens if I inherit a vacant house in New Rochelle?
You must register it on the vacant-property registry within 30 days and pay annual fees, or face fines and possible city-ordered securing.
How much does the New Rochelle vacant property registry cost?
Fees escalate from $250 in year one to $2,500+ by year five under Chapter 194.
How long do I have to remove graffiti in New Rochelle?
15 days after receiving a code-enforcement notice, after which the city can abate and lien the cost.
White Plains FAQ
Can the City paint my house and bill me?
For unabated violations, the City can contract abatement (graffiti, debris, tall grass) and place a lien for the cost plus administrative fees.
How fast must I remove graffiti in White Plains?
Within 15 days of notice. White Plains Ch. 5-7 and the NYS Property Maintenance Code require owners to remove graffiti, with active downtown enforcement near commercial corridors.
What is the White Plains vacant building registry?
Vacant or blighted buildings may be placed on a registry with higher fees to fund enforcement. This complements the Ch. 5-7 requirements for maintained facades, window glazing, gutters, steps, and yards.
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