Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-49
Open areas
Operative Text
A. Stormwater shall be properly drained to prevent recurrent entrance of water into any basement or cellar. B. Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant ponds. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers, approved combined storm and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be utilized where deemed necessary. C. Fences, retaining walls and other minor structures shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair and with appropriate protective coating for wood surfaces. D. Steps, sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. E. Yards, courts and vacant lots shall be kept clean and free from physical hazards, accumulations of loose, illegally stored or illegally containerized trash and debris, garbage, and other material which would constitute a fire hazard or act as a breeding place for vermin or insects. They shall be maintained in a manner that will prevent dust or other materials from being blown about the neighborhood. The use of household appliances, bathroom fixtures including but not limited to sinks, toilets and bathtubs as well as tires shall be prohibited to be stored in the open regardless of use. F. All premises and exterior property, including the public right-of-way, shall be maintained free from weeds or grasses in excess of eight inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. G. Heavy undergrowth and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated. H. Exterior property areas shall be free from conditions which might create a health, accident or fire hazard. I. Exterior property areas shall be reasonably free from holes and excavations, sharp protrusions and other objects or conditions which might cause personal injury. Walks, steps and driveways that contain holes or tripping hazards shall be filled, repaired or replaced as the need indicates. Open wells, cesspools or cisterns shall be securely closed. Trees and limbs of trees that constitute a hazard shall be removed. J. Sewage must be discharged into a public sewer system, except as specially permitted by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with the New York State Public Health Law and Sanitary Code. Discharge of inadequately treated sewage shall not be permitted upon the surface of the ground or into natural or artificial surface drain ways. K. All drainage from roof surfaces shall be properly drained so that such drainage is not discharged on sidewalks, stairs or neighboring property. L. For protection of the general public, all permanently installed outdoor swimming pools shall be effectively fenced by an artificial enclosure not less than four feet in height. Gates provided in the enclosure shall be self-closing and self-latching with the latch handle located within the enclosure and at least 40 inches above grade. (1) A wall of a structure is permitted to serve as part of the enclosure under the following conditions: (a) Windows in the wall shall have a latching device at least 40 inches above the floor. (b) A swinging door in the wall shall be self-closing and self-latching. (c) A sliding door in the wall shall have a self-latching device. (2) Aboveground pools, which are self-enclosed by the exterior projection thereof, shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this provision, provided: (a) Said enclosure is not less than four feet in height above the average adjoining grade of the ground within four feet of the enclosure. (b) Any openings in the enclosure affording access to the pool shall be provided with a gate containing a self-latching device affixed in such a manner as to exclude small children. M. Vacant lots shall be properly graded/seeded to prevent erosion. N. Abandoned/junk vehicle(s), equipment or material(s) shall not be stored in open area(s) on the premises. O. No front yard shall be used for the open storage of boats, vehicles, travel trailers or any other equipment except for registered vehicular parking on driveways. P. Use of campers, recreational vehicles and/or tents for living quarters shall be limited to no more than 13 days per calendar year. The property owner shall file with the Bureau an application for the use of any camper, recreational vehicle and/or tent for temporary living quarters.
Section 475-49 of Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 475 establishes a broad set of standards for how open areas, yards, and exterior property must be maintained. The provision covers drainage of stormwater and surface water, upkeep of fences, sidewalks, driveways, and steps, cleanliness of yards and vacant lots, weed and vegetation control, swimming pool fencing requirements, and restrictions on storing junk vehicles, boats, and household appliances outdoors. It also limits the use of campers, recreational vehicles, and tents as living quarters to no more than 13 days per calendar year, with a required application filed with the Bureau.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under § 475-49 of Fulton's Code of Ordinances generally ensure that all drainage systems are functional and prevent water from entering basements or creating stagnant ponds, that fences, retaining walls, sidewalks, and driveways are kept structurally sound and safe, and that yards are free of debris, noxious weeds over eight inches, and improperly stored items such as household appliances, tires, and junk vehicles. Compliant operators also ensure that any permanently installed outdoor swimming pool is enclosed by a fence of at least four feet with self-closing, self-latching gates. When campers, recreational vehicles, or tents are used for temporary living quarters on the property, operators file the required application with the Bureau and observe the 13-day-per-calendar-year limit established by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 475-49 of Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 475, tenants have an interest in exterior property areas being maintained free from physical hazards, drainage problems, overgrown vegetation, and unsafe walkways, as these conditions can affect health and safety. If conditions on the premises appear to violate this section—such as unrepaired tripping hazards, accumulations of debris, or an improperly fenced pool—tenants may consider documenting the conditions and reporting them to the local code enforcement or housing authority in Fulton. Tenant-rights organizations can provide general information about how to raise such conditions as a concern or, where applicable, as a defense in a housing proceeding.
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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