Cheektowaga, NY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Town Code Ch. 75, Buildings, Unsafe
- Adopted
- December 4, 2006, L.L. No. 4-2006
- Vacancy trigger
- Unsecured and vacant 1+ year = unsafe
- Notice deadlines
- Start work in 30 days, finish in 60
- Hearing
- Town Board hearing, 5+ business days notice
- Cost recovery
- Demolition cost becomes a lien on taxes
Summary
Cheektowaga's Unsafe Buildings Law lets the Town order the repair or demolition of any building that's structurally unsafe, fire-damaged, unfit for habitation, or left vacant and unsecured for a year or more. The Town Board holds a hearing, orders action within set deadlines, and can demolish the structure itself and bill the cost against the property's taxes if the owner doesn't comply.
Unsafe buildings pose a threat to life and property in the Town of Cheektowaga. Buildings and structures may become unsafe by reason of damage by fire, the elements, age or general deterioration. Vacant buildings not properly secured at doorways and windows also serve as an attractive nuisance for young children who may be injured therein, as well as a point of congregation by vagrants and transients. A dilapidated building may also serve as a place of rodent infestation, thereby creating a health menace to the community. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the safety, health, protection and general welfare of persons and property in the Town of Cheektowaga by requiring that such unsafe buildings be repaired or demolished and removed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4996449; v35 updated 2026-05-26; through 05-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Adopted December 4, 2006 by Local Law No. 4-2006, Chapter 75 opens with the Town Board's finding that unsafe buildings 'pose a threat to life and property,' noting that vacant, unsecured buildings attract minors, vagrants and transients, and that 'a dilapidated building may also serve as a place of rodent infestation, thereby creating a health menace to the community' (§ 75-1). ' When the Code Enforcement Officer reports such a building, § 75-5 lets the Town Board determine by resolution that it is unsafe and order repair or demolition; § 75-6 requires the notice served on the owner to set a hearing at least five business days out and to state that removal work must start within 30 days of service and finish within 60 days after that.
If the owner refuses or neglects to comply after the hearing, § 75-9 authorizes the Town to demolish the building itself, by employees or contract (competitive bidding required over $5,000), and § 75-10 assesses every dollar of that cost against the land as a special levy collected with property taxes.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance with a § 75-6 notice lets the Town Board proceed straight to demolition or repair under § 75-9, either with Town crews or a competitive-bid contractor. Every dollar spent, including legal expenses, becomes a lien on the property and is collected on the tax roll under § 75-10, and in a genuine emergency § 75-11 allows the Code Enforcement Officer to act immediately without waiting for the full notice period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building 'unsafe' under Cheektowaga's law?
Can the Town just tear down a blighted building?
Who pays for a Town-ordered demolition?
Can the Town act faster in an emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cheektowaga
New York rules heatmap·Compare Cheektowaga to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Erie County handle property blight.