Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 144 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 144-13
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. All exterior exposed surfaces not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be repaired, coated, treated or sealed, to protect them from deterioration or weathering. B. 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. C. The foundation walls of every building shall be maintained in good repair and shall be structurally sound. D. Exterior walls, roofs and all openings around doors, windows, chimneys and other parts of a building shall be so maintained as to keep water from entering the building and to prevent undue heat loss from occupied areas. Materials which have been damaged or show evidence of dry rot or other deterioration shall be repaired or replaced and refinished in a workmanlike manner. Exterior walls, roofs and other parts of the building shall be free from loose and unsecured objects and material and improperly secured objects and material. Such objects or material shall be removed, repaired or replaced. E. The owner of a vacated building shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required of him or her 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 provided with painted, exterior-grade plywood closures, securely fastened. F. Buildings and structures shall be maintained in such a condition that they shall not become unoccupied hazards as defined in this Article. All graffiti or defacing shall be removed, and the surface finish restored, within a five-day period. G. All signs and lighting systems shall be maintained in a completely operable, clean and safe condition. H. All decorative pools and similar devices shall be maintained free of litter and operated as intended. Should the maintenance costs of such devices prove unacceptable, the device shall be converted to landscaped planting beds.
Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 144 § 144-13 establishes comprehensive exterior maintenance standards for buildings and structures. Surfaces must be protected against weathering and deterioration, walls and roofs must be structurally sound and watertight, and buildings must not become hazards to occupants or the public. Vacated buildings require special attention to security, and graffiti must be removed within five days of appearing. Signs, lighting, and decorative features like pools must also be kept in safe, operable condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 144 § 144-13, compliant property operators routinely inspect exterior surfaces, walls, roofs, foundations, and openings to catch deterioration, dry rot, or water intrusion early and address it in a workmanlike manner. Owners of vacant buildings are expected to secure all openings with painted, exterior-grade plywood and keep adjoining yards free of hazards. Graffiti removal within the five-day window, along with upkeep of signage, lighting, and any decorative pools, are among the ongoing obligations that operators generally track as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 144-13 of the Thomaston Code gives occupants a basis to expect that their building's exterior — including walls, roofs, foundations, and openings — is maintained to prevent structural collapse, water intrusion, and undue heat loss. If conditions such as loose materials, deteriorating surfaces, or unsecured openings are observed, tenants may document the issues and report them to the appropriate local code enforcement or building department. 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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