Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-27
General safety provisions
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 at any season of the year shall be maintained so that ground- and surface water will not penetrate into basements and cellars.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-27 establishes baseline structural safety standards for all buildings. Under this provision, buildings must be kept strong enough to bear their own weight and any imposed loads, must transfer those loads to the ground without dangerous settling or movement, and must have structural members protected from deterioration caused by moisture, temperature cycles, corrosion, and insects. Buildings situated in water-bearing soil must also be maintained to prevent groundwater and surface water from entering basements and cellars.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-27 generally conduct regular inspections of load-bearing elements, foundations, and structural members to identify signs of settling, cracking, moisture intrusion, or pest activity. Compliant operators address protective measures—such as waterproofing, corrosion-resistant coatings, and pest control—before deterioration reaches a point that compromises structural integrity. Maintaining documentation of inspections and remediation work is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-27 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a building shows signs of structural compromise, such as significant foundation cracking, water intrusion into basements, or evidence of pest-related structural damage. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the City of Schenectady's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help tenants understand how this provision may apply to their circumstances and what documentation to gather when reporting a potential violation.
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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