Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 265-5
Residential buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Exterior walls, roofs and porches or appurtenances thereto shall be maintained in a manner so as to prevent the collapse of the same or injury to the occupants of the building or to the public. B. The foundation walls of every building shall be maintained in good repair and shall be structurally sound. C. Exterior walls, roofs and other parts of buildings shall be free from loose and unsecured objects and material and improperly secured objects and materials. Such objects or materials shall be removed, repaired or replaced. D. The owner of vacated buildings shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required from time to time to ensure that the building and its adjoining yards remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to adjoining property or to the public. All openings shall be covered with painted. exterior-grade plywood closures and securely fastened to prevent trespassing. See Chapter 93. E. Buildings and structures shall be maintained in such a condition that they shall not become unoccupied hazards as defined per Chapter 90 of the Code of the Town of Rotterdam. All graffiti or defacing shall be removed and the surface finish restored within five days' written notice of the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer. F. All signage and lighting systems shall be maintained in a completely operable, clean and safe condition. G. All swimming pools shall be maintained and operated in a clean, safe and sanitary manner at all times and in compliance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Swimming pool recirculation and disinfection equipment shall be operated to maintain water quality. Swimming pool equipment and appurtenances shall be operated and maintained in accordance with approved plans and specifications. H. All decorative pools, fountains, architectural garden features, and similar items shall be maintained free of litter and operated as intended. Should these devices be abandoned or should they deteriorate because of lack of adequate maintenance, the owner shall either repair, remove or replace these items within five days of written notice. I. Grass lawns on any lot improved with structures shall be maintained free of unrestrained growth and in compliance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit gardens, woods, generally recognized groundcovers and lawn grasses, or properly maintained compost piles. J. Placement of animal feed on the premises for the purposes of feeding nondomesticated animals shall be carried out in a manner that avoids a noxious impact on the premises or the neighborhood and that avoids detriment to public health or safety. K. The maintenance of fences on properties shall be the responsibility of the owner of the fence.
Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5 establishes a broad set of structural and aesthetic maintenance standards for residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Exterior walls, roofs, foundations, porches, and appurtenances must be kept structurally sound and free of loose or unsecured materials that could cause injury. Vacant buildings must be secured with painted exterior-grade plywood over all openings, graffiti must be removed within five days of written notice, and features such as swimming pools, decorative fountains, fences, and lawns each carry their own specific upkeep requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5, compliant property operators routinely inspect exterior walls, roofs, foundations, and porches for structural deficiencies and promptly remove or secure any loose materials. Owners of vacant properties board all openings with painted exterior-grade plywood and keep adjoining yards hazard-free, while responding to written notices from the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer within the five-day window specified for graffiti removal and abandoned decorative features. Operators also keep swimming pools, signage, lighting, and lawns in safe, operable condition and ensure any animal feeding practices do not create public health or nuisance concerns.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5 gives occupants a basis to expect that the structural elements of their building — walls, roofs, foundations, and porches — are kept safe and free of hazards. If conditions such as loose exterior materials, unsecured openings, persistent graffiti, or neglected pools appear to violate these standards, tenants may consider documenting the conditions and contacting the Rotterdam Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, who has authority to issue written notices requiring corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand what remedies may be available when a property falls short of the standards set out in 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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