Canton Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 248 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 248-17
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. A violation of any of the provisions of this article shall constitute disorderly conduct and shall be punishable by imprisonment in the St. Lawrence County Jail for a term not exceeding six months or by a fine not exceeding $50, or both; each and every day that the violation shall exist shall be deemed to constitute a separate and distinct violation. B. In addition, or as an alternative to the penalty provided by Subsection A hereinabove, the Village of Canton may, at its own discretion, institute and maintain any action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin, bar, prohibit or abate an accessory apartment created or maintained in violation of this article.
Canton Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 248 § 248-17 establishes that any violation of the accessory apartment article constitutes disorderly conduct, carrying potential jail time of up to six months, a fine of up to $50, or both. Critically, each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, meaning penalties can accumulate over time. Beyond criminal penalties, the Village of Canton also holds the authority to seek a court order to stop or remove an unlawfully created or maintained accessory apartment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Canton Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 248 § 248-17, operators of accessory apartments are expected to ensure full compliance with the accessory apartment article at all times, since each day of non-compliance can be charged as a distinct violation. A compliant property owner generally keeps documentation showing that any accessory apartment was created and is maintained in accordance with all applicable provisions of the article. Because the Village retains the option to pursue injunctive relief in court—potentially requiring removal or closure of a non-conforming unit—operators typically address any identified deficiencies promptly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Canton Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 248 § 248-17 is primarily directed at those who create or maintain accessory apartments in violation of local rules, but tenants living in such units should be aware that the Village may seek court action to enjoin or abate a non-compliant unit, which could affect their housing. If a tenant believes their unit may be subject to enforcement action under this provision, consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid service can help clarify available options. Understanding the status of an accessory apartment before or during tenancy can be an important step in assessing housing stability.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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