Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-2
Findings; purpose
Operative Text
A. This chapter is enacted in recognition of the fact that there exist in the Town of Evans structures rented or leased for human habitation and necessary use which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance; and, further, that such conditions, together with inadequate provision for light and air, insufficient protection against fire hazards, lack of proper heating, unsanitary conditions and overcrowding, constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of its citizens; and that unoccupied structures tend to become substandard and a public nuisance; and, further, that the existence of such conditions, factors or characteristics will, if not remedied, create slum and blighted areas requiring large-scale clearance; and, in the absence of corrective measures, that such areas will be affected by a curtailment of investment and tax revenue and an impairment of economic values; and that the establishment and maintenance of standards is essential to the prevention of blight and decay and the safeguarding of public health, safety, morals and welfare. B. The purpose of this chapter is to provide basic and uniform standards, in terms of performance objectives implemented by specific requirements, governing the condition, occupancy and maintenance of rental premises and unoccupied premises and establishing reasonable safeguards for the safety, health and welfare of the occupants and users of rental premises, the community and the general public.
Section 158-2 of Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 158 establishes the legislative rationale behind the town's rental housing standards. It recognizes that substandard housing conditions—such as poor maintenance, fire hazards, inadequate heating, and overcrowding—pose risks to public health, safety, and welfare. The provision also acknowledges that unaddressed deterioration can lead to blight, reduced property values, and loss of tax revenue. To counter these effects, the chapter sets uniform performance-based standards for the condition, occupancy, and maintenance of rental and unoccupied properties in Evans.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chapter 158, Section 158-2 signals that the Town of Evans has a clear policy interest in preventing rental properties from falling into disrepair. Operators who maintain properties in compliance with the chapter's standards—addressing structural integrity, heating, sanitation, fire safety, and occupancy levels—are acting in alignment with the purposes the town has articulated. Keeping unoccupied structures well-maintained is also explicitly contemplated by this provision, as vacant properties are identified as a source of potential blight.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 158-2 of Evans Code Chapter 158 reflects the town's recognition that substandard rental conditions—including inadequate heat, unsanitary conditions, and fire hazards—are a matter of public concern, not merely a private dispute between landlord and tenant. Tenants who believe their rental unit falls short of the standards this chapter was designed to uphold may wish to document conditions and explore complaint processes available through local code enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Evans or Erie County housing codes can help identify which specific requirements under Chapter 158 may apply to a given 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.
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