Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-33
Dangerous structures
Operative Text
If all or part of any structure or the equipment for operation, including, among others, the heating plant, plumbing, electric wiring, stairways, elevators and fire-protection equipment, shall be found by the Enforcement Officer, with concurrence of the chief executive of the Village of Pelham, to have significant defects hereinafter described, it shall be deemed a dangerous structure. Dangerous structures include those which: A. Are so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, difficult to heat, structurally unsafe or vermin-infested that they create a hazard to the safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public or which contain lead-based paint that is dangerous or likely to become dangerous to the health of small children. B. Lack illumination, ventilation or sanitary facilities adequate to protect the safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public. C. Because of their general condition or location, are unsanitary or otherwise dangerous to the safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public. D. Are so overcrowded with occupants that they constitute a public nuisance or are a health hazard to their occupants. E. Are in a state of dilapidation, deterioration or decay; or have faulty construction such that the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building or the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation or other similar cause is likely to partially or completely collapse the structure. F. Have exterior and interior walls or other vertical members which lean, buckle or twist to such an extent as to endanger life, limb and property. G. Are being used in such a manner and condition to constitute public nuisances. H. Are vacant, open to trespass, unoccupied and attractive nuisances to anyone on or near the premises, thereby endangering life, health and property. I. Have been damaged by fire, wind or other causes so as to no longer provide shelter from the elements and have become or threaten to become dangerous to life, safety or the general health and welfare of anyone on or near the premises.
Section 54-33 of Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 54 establishes the criteria by which a structure—or any of its systems, such as heating, plumbing, electrical wiring, stairways, elevators, or fire-protection equipment—may be officially classified as 'dangerous.' A finding of dangerous status requires both the Village's Enforcement Officer and the chief executive of the Village of Pelham to concur that significant defects exist. The provision lists nine categories of qualifying conditions, ranging from physical decay, overcrowding, and fire damage to inadequate ventilation, lead-based paint hazards, and vacancy that attracts trespassers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Pelham, N.Y., Code ch. 54 § 54-33 generally maintain all structural systems—including heating plants, plumbing, electrical wiring, stairways, elevators, and fire-protection equipment—in a condition that avoids the nine categories of dangerous defects enumerated in the provision. Compliant operators routinely inspect for signs of decay, structural instability, inadequate ventilation or illumination, vermin infestation, lead-based paint hazards, and overcrowding before those conditions escalate to a level that could trigger a dangerous-structure determination. Vacant properties receive particular attention, as § 54-33(H) specifically identifies unoccupied structures that are open to trespass and attractive to unauthorized entry as a basis for a dangerous classification.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-33 of Pelham's housing code gives tenants a framework for understanding when their building's condition may rise to the level of a legally 'dangerous structure,' covering issues such as structural decay, inadequate heat or ventilation, vermin infestation, lead-based paint, and fire damage. Tenants who believe their home meets one or more of the nine categories listed in § 54-33 may consider documenting the conditions and reporting them to the Village of Pelham's Enforcement Officer, who—together with the Village's chief executive—holds authority to make an official dangerous-structure determination. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Westchester County housing law can help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord fails to address conditions that fall under this provision.
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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