NYC aggressively enforces property maintenance through the Housing Maintenance Code (Admin Code Title 27, Subchapter 2), Building Code, and Health Code. HPD issues violations for deteriorated conditions. DOB enforces structural safety. Neglected properties can trigger liens, emergency repairs, and receivership proceedings.
NYC combats property blight through overlapping enforcement by multiple agencies. The Housing Maintenance Code (HMC, Admin Code Title 27, Subchapter 2) requires property owners to maintain buildings in good repair and habitable condition. HPD conducts inspections in response to 311 complaints and issues violations classified as A (non-hazardous), B (hazardous), or C (immediately hazardous). DOB enforces structural integrity under the Building Code and can issue Unsafe Building violations requiring immediate action. The DOHMH addresses health hazards including pest infestations and mold. For severely blighted properties, NYC can pursue Emergency Repair Program (ERP) work — performing repairs and billing the owner through property tax liens (Admin Code §27-2125). The city can also pursue Article 7A receivership, where a court-appointed administrator takes over management of severely neglected residential buildings. The NYC Department of Finance can initiate tax lien sales for properties with outstanding violations and unpaid charges. Community boards and Council members also flag blighted properties for enforcement.
HMC violations: A ($50–$250/month if unresolved), B ($50–$1,000), C ($250–$1,000 per day after repair deadline). DOB unsafe building: fines of $2,500–$25,000. ERP costs become tax liens. Chronic blight can trigger receivership or demolition orders.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code §19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution §23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
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