Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-16
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Foundation walls shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and to prevent entrance of moisture, termites and vermin. Such protection shall consist of shoring, where necessary, subsoil drains at footings, grouting of masonry cracks, waterproofing of walls and joists and other suitable means. B. Exterior walls and wall components shall be maintained so as to prevent deterioration to an extent which is hazardous to occupants or neighboring properties due to the elements and destructive insects. Such maintenance shall consist of painting, installation or repair of walls, copings and flashings, waterproofing of joints, waterproof coatings, installation or repair of termite shields, poison treatment of soil or other suitable means. C. Roofing shall be maintained in watertight condition so as to prevent leakage into the building. Such maintenance shall consist of repairs of roofing, flashings, waterproof coatings or other suitable means.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-16 establishes minimum standards for the exterior structural integrity of buildings, covering foundation walls, exterior walls, and roofing. Foundation walls must be kept sound and sealed against moisture, termites, and vermin; exterior walls must be maintained to prevent deterioration that could endanger occupants or neighboring properties; and roofs must remain watertight to prevent interior leakage. The provision lists acceptable maintenance methods for each element but allows for other suitable means as well.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-16, compliant property operators in Ithaca generally keep foundation walls shored and sealed, address masonry cracks and moisture intrusion at footings, and maintain termite shields or soil treatments as needed. Exterior walls are routinely inspected and repaired—through painting, flashing, coping, or waterproof coatings—to prevent deterioration that could become hazardous to occupants or adjacent properties. Roofing is kept in watertight condition through timely repair of roofing materials, flashings, and coatings so that leakage into the building does not occur.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Ithaca rental properties are protected by ch. 210 § 210-16, which requires landlords to maintain foundations, exterior walls, and roofs in sound, weathertight condition. If a tenant observes signs of moisture intrusion, structural deterioration, pest entry, or roof leaks, those conditions may constitute a violation of this provision and can be reported to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office. Tenants may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how documented housing code violations can be raised in relevant proceedings.
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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