Port Jefferson, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 161 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 161-15
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 if left unprotected. Causes of such deterioration include, among others, action of freezing and thawing, dampness, corrosion, wetting and drying and termites and other destructive insects. D. Buildings built in soil which is water-bearing in any season of the year shall be maintained so that ground- and surface water will not penetrate into habitable spaces, basements and cellars.
Section 161-15 of Port Jefferson's Code of Ordinances establishes baseline structural and environmental maintenance standards for all buildings. It requires that structures bear their own weight and imposed loads safely, transmit those loads to the ground without harmful settling or deformation, protect structural members from deterioration caused by moisture, temperature cycles, corrosion, and insects, and prevent groundwater or surface water from entering habitable spaces, basements, and cellars. The rule applies year-round and covers the full range of conditions a building may encounter across seasons.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 161-15, compliant property operators routinely inspect structural components for signs of settling, deformation, moisture intrusion, corrosion, and pest activity. Operators generally maintain waterproofing, drainage systems, and protective coatings or treatments on structural members to guard against the deterioration sources the provision names—including freeze-thaw cycles, dampness, and termites. Keeping documented records of inspections and remediation work is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with these general requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 161-15 establishes that tenants in Port Jefferson have a right to occupy buildings that are structurally sound and protected from water intrusion into habitable spaces, basements, and cellars. If a tenant observes conditions such as visible structural movement, water seeping into living areas, or evidence of pest-related structural damage, those conditions may constitute a violation of this provision. General enforcement paths include notifying the landlord in writing, contacting the Port Jefferson Code Enforcement office to request an inspection, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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