Vacant lots and vacant structures in Schenectady County must be maintained to prevent nuisances, fire hazards, and pest harborage. The City of Schenectady operates a vacant property registry under Chapter 172 requiring registration and annual fees.
City of Schenectady Code Chapter 172 (Vacant Buildings) requires owners of vacant structures to register with the Code Enforcement Bureau within 30 days of vacancy and pay an annual registration fee (currently $250 first year, escalating with each renewal year). Registered owners must maintain the property, secure all openings, cut grass and weeds, and remove debris. Vacant lots are subject to Chapter 243 (Nuisances) requiring grass/weeds under 10 inches and removal of trash. Town of Rotterdam, Town of Glenville, and Town of Niskayuna enforce similar standards through their property maintenance chapters. The NYS Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1226) sets statewide minimums. Unregistered vacant buildings can be declared public nuisances, allowing the City to board up, clean, and lien the property.
City of Schenectady: $250-$1,000 per day for failure to register; additional fines for maintenance violations. Town violations typically $50-$500 per offense. Unpaid abatement costs become tax liens.
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See how Schenectady's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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