Niagara, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 122 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 122-6
Unoccupied hazards
Operative Text
A. Buildings and structures shall be maintained in such condition so that they shall not become an unoccupied hazard as defined in this chapter. B. Any buildings in the condition of an unoccupied hazard, as defined in this chapter, shall be repaired, improved and maintained so as to eliminate the conditions creating an unoccupied hazard, as defined in this chapter, or demolished, and all refuse, rubbish and debris caused by such demolition shall be removed from the premises except acceptable fill which may be used in excavations. The area formerly covered by any building that has been removed or demolished shall be graded to the level of the lot.
Section 122-6 of Niagara's Code of Ordinances requires that all buildings and structures be kept in a condition that prevents them from becoming what the chapter defines as an 'unoccupied hazard.' If a building already meets that definition, the code mandates that the owner either bring it up to a safe, maintained standard or demolish it entirely. Following any demolition, all refuse and debris must be cleared from the site, and the land must be graded level with the surrounding lot.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 122-6, compliant property owners in Niagara routinely inspect vacant or underused buildings to ensure they do not fall into the condition the chapter defines as an unoccupied hazard. When a structure does reach that threshold, operators generally act promptly to either rehabilitate the property to eliminate the hazardous conditions or proceed with full demolition. After demolition, responsible operators arrange for complete debris removal and proper grading of the cleared lot to meet the section's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 122-6 establishes that neighboring residents and occupants of nearby properties have an interest in ensuring that hazardous vacant structures in Niagara are addressed by their owners. If a building in your area appears to meet the chapter's definition of an unoccupied hazard, tenants and community members can report the condition to the local code enforcement office, which has authority to compel repairs or demolition under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocacy groups can help explain how § 122-6 complaints are processed and what follow-up steps are generally available.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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