Sea Cliff, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 78 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 78-5
Safety and health hazards in outside areas
Operative Text
A. Cesspools, wells or cisterns shall be securely closed or barricaded from access by the public and shall be maintained and emptied to prevent discharge of offensive or noxious odors or effluent. B. Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent the development of stagnant ponds. No roof, surface or sanitary drainage shall create a structural, safety or health hazard by reason of construction, maintenance or manner of discharge. C. Retaining walls and fences which present a danger to the general public shall be restored to a safe condition. D. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. E. Vacant lots and open areas shall be kept free of physical hazards, infestation and litter. Any trees, shrubs, plant growth or portions thereof constituting a physical or health hazard to the general public shall be treated, secured, trimmed or removed so as to eliminate the hazard. Putrescible wastes which the owner or occupant of a residence intends to reduce to compost for use on such premises may be stored on such premises by such owner or tenant as long as no noxious odors shall emanate therefrom, it is maintained free of infestation and no other nuisance shall be created thereby.
Sea Cliff Code ch. 78 § 78-5 establishes a set of outdoor property-maintenance standards aimed at protecting public safety and health. The rule covers a wide range of exterior features — from cesspools, drainage systems, and retaining walls to walkways, vacant lots, and vegetation — requiring that each be kept in a condition that does not pose physical, structural, or health hazards. Composting of putrescible waste is permitted on residential premises, provided it remains odor-free, pest-free, and does not create a nuisance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Sea Cliff Code ch. 78 § 78-5 generally maintain all outdoor areas of their properties in a manner that prevents hazards from arising in the first place. Compliant operators routinely inspect cesspools, drainage infrastructure, retaining walls, paved surfaces, and landscaping, addressing deterioration or infestation before conditions become dangerous to the public. Where composting is permitted on residential premises, compliant operators ensure it is managed so that no odors, pests, or nuisances result.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Sea Cliff Code ch. 78 § 78-5 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when outdoor areas of a property — such as walkways, drainage systems, fences, or vegetation — are maintained in a way that creates safety or health hazards. Tenants who observe such conditions may document them and report the issue to the appropriate Sea Cliff municipal code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available 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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