Fort Edward, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 71 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 71-10
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
Building Inspector action and penalties are as follows: A. In addition to other remedies, the Building Inspector may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful erection, placement, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, or to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to prevent the occupancy of said structure or land and to prevent any illegal act, conduct or business use in or about any noncompliant premises. B. Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this chapter, any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for conviction of a first offense. Conviction of an offense under this chapter committed within a period of five years after a first or prior conviction shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. Conviction of an offense under this chapter with two prior convictions within the previous five years shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. Any or all of the foregoing penalties may be modified or supplemented by such other penalties as the Town Board may prescribe in any schedule of penalties it may adopt. C. In addition to the payment of any fine and/or imprisonment for any period which may be imposed as punishment for a violation, a violator shall be obligated to correct all violative conditions on his or her property. D. For purposes of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this section shall be deemed misdemeanors, and for such purpose only all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to violations hereunder unless otherwise specified. When a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is continuous, each week or portion thereof shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
Fort Edward, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 71 § 71-10 establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations of the town's building and land-use chapter. A first offense may result in a fine of up to $350, up to six months of imprisonment, or both; repeat offenses within five-year windows carry progressively higher fines ranging from $350–$700 and then $700–$1,000, again with possible imprisonment. When a violation is ongoing, each week (or partial week) counts as a separate, distinct offense. Beyond any fines or jail time, violators are also required to correct the underlying conditions on their property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Fort Edward should be aware that § 71-10 gives the Building Inspector broad authority to initiate legal proceedings to halt unlawful construction, use, or occupancy of noncompliant premises. Compliant operators generally address any cited deficiencies promptly, since the provision treats each continuing week of a violation as an independent offense—meaning fines can accumulate quickly. Keeping records of corrective actions taken in response to any Building Inspector notice is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating good-faith compliance under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Fort Edward, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 71 § 71-10, tenants who believe a landlord is maintaining a property in violation of the town's building chapter may note that the Building Inspector has authority to act against unlawful conditions and can seek to prevent illegal occupancy or use of noncompliant premises. Tenants can report suspected violations directly to the Fort Edward Building Inspector's office, which has the power to initiate corrective proceedings. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help tenants understand how this provision may relate to their specific 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.
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