Larchmont, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 215-1
Legislative intent
Operative Text
A. The purpose of this chapter is: (1) To protect the public health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, conditions and occupancy of certain premises in all zones as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. (2) To establish minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to making the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation, occupancy and use. (3) To fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants. (4) To authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of residential and nonresidential premises. (5) To fix penalties for the violations of this chapter. (6) To provide for the right of access across adjoining premises to permit repairs. (7) To provide for the repair, demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use. B. This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial, preventive and essential for the public interest, and it is intended that this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.
Section 215-1 of Larchmont's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational intent behind the village's property maintenance chapter. It sets out that the chapter exists to create minimum standards for the upkeep, condition, and occupancy of both residential and nonresidential properties, while assigning distinct responsibilities to owners, operators, and occupants. The provision also authorizes inspections, provides for penalties on violations, and allows for repair or demolition of properties deemed unfit for habitation. Because the chapter is declared remedial and preventive, courts and administrators are directed to interpret it broadly in service of public health, safety, and welfare.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-1, Larchmont's property maintenance code places affirmative responsibilities on owners and operators that are legally separate from any duties assigned to occupants. Compliant operators generally maintain their properties to the minimum standards of appearance, condition, and utility outlined throughout Chapter 215, and they cooperate with authorized inspections of their premises. Owners should also be aware that the chapter expressly provides for penalties on violations and, in serious cases, can authorize repair, demolition, or vacation of a property found unfit for human habitation or use.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-1 signals that Chapter 215 is designed to protect occupants by guaranteeing minimum habitability and maintenance standards for properties in Larchmont. Tenants living in conditions that may fall below those standards can point to this provision's declaration that the chapter is remedial and should be interpreted broadly in the public interest. General enforcement paths may include filing a complaint with the village's code enforcement office, raising a violation of Chapter 215 as a defense in a housing proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Larchmont's local ordinances.
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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