Greece, NY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ch. 75, Unsafe Buildings, adopted 4-21-1981
- Minimum notice to comply
- 15 days (5-day emergency extension possible)
- Hearing notice
- At least 5 business days before hearing
- Competitive bid threshold
- Demolition contracts over $7,000
- Cost recovery
- Assessed as a lien on the land
- Criminal penalty
- Fine up to $250 or 15 days jail, or both
Summary
Greece's Unsafe Buildings and Collapsed Structures Law (Ch. 75) lets the Town Board order a dangerous or dilapidated building repaired or demolished after the Building Inspector reports it, and lets the Town do the work itself and bill the property owner if the deadline passes.
The Town Board shall thereafter consider such report and, by resolution, determine, if in its opinion the report so warrants, that such building is unsafe and dangerous, and order its repair or removal; and further order that a notice be served in the manner as hereinafter provided; and further order the time within which the person served with such notice may commence the securing or removal of such building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4702072; v22 updated 2025-08-21; through 08-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under § 75-4, the Building Inspector must inspect and report to the Town Board any building in a business, industrial or residential district that is or becomes dangerous to the public, recommending repair or removal. Section 75-5 then lets the Town Board, by resolution, find the building unsafe and dangerous and order it repaired or removed, with a written notice served on the owner. That notice must give at least 15 days to comply (five days if the Building Inspector grants an emergency extension) and set a Town Board hearing at least five business days out, per § 75-6.
The notice is filed with the County Clerk and acts like a notice of pendency for one year (§ 75-8). If the owner refuses or neglects to comply after the hearing, the Town Board can demolish and remove the building itself, by Town crews or contract, and any demolition contract over $7,000 must go through competitive bidding (§ 75-9). All costs, including demolition and legal expenses, become a lien assessed against the land and collected the same way as a special ad valorem levy under Town Law Article 15 (§ 75-10).
In a genuine emergency posing clear and imminent danger, § 75-11 lets the Town Board skip the notice process and authorize the Building Inspector to act immediately, still charging the cost to the land.
Violations & Fines
Offenses against Chapter 75 are punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 or imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both, under § 75-12. Separately, and regardless of any criminal penalty, unpaid demolition and repair costs the Town incurs become a lien on the property, collected like a special ad valorem tax levy under § 75-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides a building in Greece is unsafe?
How long do I have to fix or tear down an unsafe building in Greece?
What happens if I ignore the Town's demolition order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greece
New York rules heatmap·Compare Greece to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Monroe County handle property blight.