Port Jervis, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 319 § 319-15
Abatement of violations
Operative Text
A. Order to repair, alter or improve. When upon reexamination, after the expiration of the time for compliance, the enforcement officer finds that the violation has not been corrected, then he is authorized to cause such dwelling to be repaired, altered or improved or to be vacated or closed. B. Order to remove or demolish. (1) Whenever the enforcement officer finds that any dwelling constitutes a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or to the public because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested or lacking in the facilities required by these standards, he shall designate such dwelling unfit for human habitation and shall cause to be posted on the main entrance of any dwelling so closed, a placard with the following words: "This building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful." (2) If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the dwelling, the enforcement officer may cause such dwelling to be removed or demolished. C. Collection of costs. The amount of the cost of such repairs, alterations or improvements, or vacating and closing, or removal or demolition, when done by the enforcement officer, shall be a municipal lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred. If the dwelling is removed or demolished by the enforcement officer, he shall sell the materials of such dwelling at public sale as provided by law and shall credit the proceeds of such sale, after the deduction of the expenses thereof, against the cost of the removal or demolition, and any balance remaining shall be deposited in City Court of the City by the enforcement officer, shall be secured in such manner as may be directed by such Court, and shall be disbursed by such Court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final order or decree of such Court; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the municipality to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement, by summary proceedings or otherwise. D. Service of complaints and orders. Complaints or orders issued by the enforcement officer pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon persons either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such persons is unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the enforcement officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the enforcement officer shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of such complaint or order upon such persons may be made by publishing the same once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official newspaper of the City. A copy of such complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint or order. A copy of such complaint or order shall be duly recorded or lodged for record with the City Clerk-Treasurer of the City.
Section 319-15 of Port Jervis, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 319 establishes a process by which the city's enforcement officer can take direct action to fix, close, or demolish a dwelling that remains in violation after a compliance deadline has passed. If a property is found to be a serious hazard—due to dilapidation, unsanitary conditions, vermin infestation, or missing required facilities—it can be officially declared unfit for human habitation and posted with a prohibition notice. Any costs the city incurs from carrying out repairs, closures, or demolition become a lien on the property, and proceeds from the sale of salvaged materials are credited against those costs, with any surplus held by the City Court for distribution to entitled parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 319-15, property owners in Port Jervis are expected to correct cited violations within the time frame specified in any enforcement order, because failure to do so authorizes the enforcement officer to step in and carry out repairs, alterations, or even demolition directly. Compliant operators generally maintain records of all corrective actions taken and confirm completion before any reexamination date to avoid the city acting in their place. Owners should also be aware that any municipal costs incurred under this section attach as a lien to the real property, which can affect title and financing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 319-15 provides occupants of substandard dwellings in Port Jervis with a framework of protections: if a landlord fails to correct violations, the city's enforcement officer has authority to order repairs, close the building, or pursue demolition. Tenants who observe a placard posted under this section—stating that habitation is prohibited—should understand that continued occupancy of a posted dwelling may be unlawful, and that tenant-rights organizations can help clarify available options. Residents may also contact the city's enforcement office directly to inquire about the status of any open orders issued under ch. 319 § 319-15 affecting their home.
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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