Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-92
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Subject to the provisions of Subsection B hereof, exterior surfaces of buildings and structures not inherently resistant to deterioration by the natural elements shall be periodically treated by appropriate means and materials suitable for preservation of said exterior. Accessory structures shall be maintained so as to be free of conditions detrimental to safety and health. B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A , the brick or stone exterior of any building or structure shall not be treated or cleaned by sandblasting, wire brushing by machine or any other procedure or process whereby sand, grit or other abrasive is used or applied by pressure alone or with other ingredients or solution to effect the removal of dirt, soot, paint or other matter or substance therefrom; except that paint or other matter deleterious to the structural and/or aesthetic integrity of the exterior of any building may, upon permission of the Commissioner of Buildings, be removed by such abrasive or pressure methods. In granting such permission, the Commissioner shall determine and consider the machinery, equipment, materials, supplies, manner and method of cleaning proposed, the age, structural composition and general condition of the building involved, the nature of the material sought to be removed and the practical necessity thereof, together with any other factors and/or circumstances that may, on a case-by-case basis, be deemed relevant. The above exception shall not apply to those buildings: (1) Under the jurisdiction of the Historic Resources Commission. (2) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (3) Otherwise specifically designated historically or architecturally significant.
Albany Code § 231-92 establishes maintenance and treatment standards for the exterior surfaces of buildings and structures. Surfaces that are not naturally resistant to weathering must be periodically protected using appropriate materials and methods, and accessory structures must be kept free of safety and health hazards. The provision also restricts the use of sandblasting, machine wire brushing, and other abrasive or pressure-based cleaning methods on brick or stone exteriors, with a narrow exception allowing such methods only when the Commissioner of Buildings grants explicit permission—and that exception is entirely unavailable for buildings under the jurisdiction of the Historic Resources Commission, those listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or those otherwise designated as historically or architecturally significant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code § 231-92, property owners and managers are generally expected to maintain a routine schedule of exterior surface treatments—such as painting, sealing, or other weatherproofing—for any surfaces that are not inherently weather-resistant, and to keep accessory structures in a condition that does not pose safety or health risks. Before undertaking any brick or stone cleaning project that involves abrasive or pressure-based methods, a compliant operator typically confirms whether the building falls under historic protections, and if not, seeks advance written permission from the Commissioner of Buildings. When applying for that permission, operators are generally prepared to detail the equipment, materials, cleaning methods, the building's age and structural condition, and the specific substance to be removed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code § 231-92 establishes that building exteriors must be properly maintained and that certain aggressive cleaning methods on brick or stone surfaces are restricted or prohibited, which can affect the condition and integrity of the building where tenants live. If a tenant observes that exterior surfaces are deteriorating in ways that may affect safety or habitability, or suspects that prohibited abrasive cleaning methods are being used on the building, they may consider documenting the conditions and raising the issue with Albany's code enforcement or building inspection authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can help residents understand how exterior maintenance failures under § 231-92 may relate to broader habitability rights or other local code protections.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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