Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5
Adoption of rules and regulations; applicability
Operative Text
A. The Director of Code Enforcement of the City of Binghamton shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter during normal working hours and at such time as may be necessary in an emergency. B. Within the City of Binghamton, this chapter shall apply to: (1) Lots, plots or parcels of land which are vacant or upon which buildings are located and used for dwellings, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial or storage uses, or whether occupied or vacant. (2) Residential buildings, including private and multiple dwellings unless specifically excluded. (3) Buildings of mixed occupancy, occupied in whole or in part. (4) Commercial, industrial and storage buildings. (5) Vacant residential, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings. (6) Residential, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings which are under construction or demolition. Included here are buildings not completed but to the extent that a nuisance or practice exists or is occurring which is a disturbance to the health, safety or welfare of the general public. (7) Accessory structures, accessories to dwellings, commercial, industrial or vacant buildings. (8) Telephone, telegraph or electric poles in the City, fences, sidewalks and public highways. C. The provisions of the Plumbing Code (Chapter 310 , Article II ), the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 235 ), the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Binghamton (Chapter 410 ), the Multiple Residence Law of the State of New York, where applicable, the Electrical Code of the City of Binghamton (Chapter 225 ), along with the National Electrical Code, Chapter 163 of the Code of the City of Binghamton, and any other New York State or local law, ordinance or regulation issued by the proper authorities thereof shall be applicable to all installations, alterations and repairs to buildings, and materials, assemblies and equipment utilized in connection therewith, and shall be enforced through and by the procedures provided herein. All repair and construction work shall be done in a manner acceptable to the Code Enforcement Bureau. D. Upon motion of Corporation Counsel, and upon a finding by the Court that justice so requires, the Court may assess an appropriate fine in an amount less than $1,000 and/or may sentence a defendant to an appropriate conditional discharge in lieu of jail.
Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5 establishes the broad reach of the city's code enforcement framework by authorizing the Director of Code Enforcement to create rules needed to carry out the chapter and by defining which properties fall under its scope. The chapter applies to a wide range of properties—from vacant lots and residential buildings to commercial, industrial, and mixed-use structures, as well as accessory structures, fences, sidewalks, and utility poles. Multiple other city and state codes, including the Plumbing, Fire Prevention, Electrical, and Zoning codes, are incorporated and enforced through this same framework. Courts may impose a fine of less than $1,000 and/or a conditional discharge in lieu of jail when the interests of justice support it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 265-5, property owners and managers in Binghamton should be aware that virtually every type of property they operate—residential, commercial, mixed-use, vacant, or under construction—falls within the scope of this chapter. Compliant operators generally ensure that all repair, construction, and installation work meets the standards of the Code Enforcement Bureau and aligns with the incorporated codes, including the Plumbing, Fire Prevention, Electrical, and Zoning ordinances. Because the Director of Code Enforcement has authority to adopt additional rules as needed, operators typically stay current with any regulatory updates issued under ch. 265 § 265-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 265-5 of Binghamton's Code of Ordinances means that residential buildings—including private and multiple dwellings—are squarely covered by the city's code enforcement authority, giving tenants a basis to raise habitability and safety concerns under this framework. Tenants who believe a property condition violates applicable codes may consider contacting the City of Binghamton's Code Enforcement Bureau, which is empowered to investigate and act on complaints. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local Binghamton ordinances can help residents understand how § 265-5 and the incorporated codes—such as the Plumbing and Fire Prevention codes—may apply to conditions in their homes.
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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