Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-47
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Any person committing an offense against any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000 or by a term of imprisonment not in excess of three months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The continuation of an offense against the provisions of this chapter shall constitute, for each day the offense is continued, a separate and distinct offense hereunder. B. Any provision contained in the Town Code to the contrary notwithstanding, the Town Attorney, or his/her designee, in consultation with the Town Board, in addition to or in lieu of seeking criminal penalties or seeking to restrain or enjoin activity in violation of this chapter, may enter into a civil compromise whereby the person or entity who or which committed such violation agrees to pay to the Town a civil penalty in an agreed amount. The payment of a civil penalty must be made in conjunction with an agreement on consent whereby the violator agrees to take steps to comply with the procedures set forth in the Town Code. A violation of this chapter includes, but is not limited to, the construction, alteration, repair or conversion of any building or structure or the use of any building, structure or premises in violation of this chapter or any covenant or condition imposed by the Town Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Board in connection with the approval of any petition or application submitted to such Board.
Section 157-47 of Clarkstown's Code of Ordinances establishes penalties for violations of Chapter 157, which covers local land use and building regulations. A violation is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $2,000, up to three months of imprisonment, or both. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Separately, the Town Attorney may negotiate a civil compromise with a violator, allowing them to pay an agreed civil penalty and commit to corrective steps instead of, or alongside, criminal prosecution.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Clarkstown should be aware that under § 157-47, any unauthorized construction, alteration, repair, conversion, or non-compliant use of a building or premises can trigger daily misdemeanor charges, with each day of non-compliance treated as a distinct offense. Operators who discover a potential violation generally act promptly to bring the property into compliance with Chapter 157 and any conditions imposed by the Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Planning Board. The Town Attorney has authority to negotiate a civil compromise, which may involve an agreed monetary penalty and a written compliance plan, as an alternative or supplement to criminal proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Clarkstown properties should know that § 157-47 gives the town meaningful enforcement tools against landlords who violate Chapter 157, including building, zoning, and use regulations. If a tenant believes a landlord is operating a building in violation of this chapter—such as through unpermitted alterations or non-compliant use of a structure—they may report concerns to the Town of Clarkstown's code enforcement office, which can trigger investigation and potential penalties. Tenants can also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a landlord's violation of Chapter 157 might be relevant to their housing situation.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation