Albany, NY Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Every vacant lot citywide
- Ground cover
- Required to prevent erosion
- Vegetation
- Noxious undergrowth must be removed
- First-offense fine
- $100, rising to $1,000
- Enacted
- 1994 (Ord. No. 41.72.94)
Summary
Albany requires every vacant lot in the city to stay clean and free of litter, debris and hazards, with ground cover maintained and heavy undergrowth eliminated under City Code § 313-47.
All vacant lots within the City of Albany shall be kept clean and free of litter, debris and hazards. Ground cover shall be properly established and maintained to prevent undue soil erosion. Heavy undergrowth and/or accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare shall be eliminated.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 313's Article V, adopted in 1994, requires every vacant lot in the City of Albany to be kept clean and free of litter, debris and hazards; owners must establish ground cover to stop soil erosion and eliminate heavy undergrowth or noxious plant growth. The Commissioner of General Services investigates complaints, including through the City's See Click Fix system, and can order compliance within five days. Vacant lots in commercial zoning districts carry additional duties under § 151-20, including grading for drainage, sidewalk snow clearance, and screening with an approved fence, wall or hedge.
Violations & Fines
A first offense draws a $100 fine under § 313-49; each repeat adds $250, capped at $1,000. The City can also clear the lot itself and lien the cost to the property under § 313-51.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Albany require for vacant lots?
What's the penalty for an unmaintained vacant lot in Albany?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle vacant lot maintenance.