Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-15
General requirements
Operative Text
A. Buildings and parts thereof shall be maintained so as to be capable of sustaining safely their own weight and the loads to which they may be subject. B. Buildings shall be maintained so that loads are transmitted to the soil without undue differential settlement, unsafe deformation or movement of the building or of any structural part. C. Buildings shall be maintained so that protection is provided for all structural members which may become structurally unsound due to deterioration caused by action of freezing and thawing, dampness, corrosion, wetting and drying, termites and other destructive insects and other causes. D. Buildings built in soil which is water-bearing at any season of the year shall be maintained so that ground- and surface water will not penetrate into habitable spaces and that water penetrating basements and cellars shall be controlled with appropriate mechanical or other means provided to remove such water promptly.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-15 establishes baseline structural and moisture-control standards for all buildings. Every building must be structurally sound enough to bear its own weight and any imposed loads, and must transfer those loads to the ground without unsafe settling or movement. Structural members must be shielded from deterioration caused by freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, corrosion, insects, and similar threats. Where groundwater is present at any time of year, buildings must prevent water from reaching habitable spaces and must have adequate means to remove any water that does enter basements or cellars.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 210 § 210-15 generally conduct regular inspections of foundations, load-bearing elements, and drainage systems to confirm structural integrity and moisture control. Compliant operators address signs of settling, corrosion, pest activity, or water intrusion promptly, before conditions worsen or become unsafe. Maintaining records of inspections, repairs, and pest-control treatments can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the structural and waterproofing requirements set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under ch. 210 § 210-15, tenants have a right to occupy a building that is structurally sound and protected against water intrusion into habitable areas. If a tenant observes signs of structural failure, significant settling, pest damage, or persistent water penetration into living spaces or basements, those conditions may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants can report suspected violations to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office, and may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available to them.
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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