A new NY law strengthens building code enforcement. Here's what it means for Rockland: - Yahoo News

Property owners who repeatedly violate building codes and fail to correct potentially dangerous conditions will face mandatory penalties under a law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The law, sponsored by Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City, adds to the current penalties by imposing a minimum fine of $25 a day after 180 days of a property being in violation. An unaddressed violation after 360 days would bring a minimum penalty of $50 a day.

The maximum code violation penalty remains $1,000 a day that could be levied by a judge. But Zebrowski said the amount is rarely imposed so he and state Sen. Rachel May, D-Onondaga, proposed strengthening code violation penalties.

Zebrowski and May said the tougher fine structure is meant to push municipal governments to act faster on properties that are not up to code and have languished for months with token fines put in place.

Building code violations, enforcement, and adequate penalties with deterrence have been an issue across Rockland. Critics have especially focused on Ramapo, its villages, and Spring Valley.

The law received a thumbs up with a cautionary warning from the head of the Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force and Private Schools, which monitors and reports building violations to the county and local building departments.

"It's a step in the right direction," Justin Schwartz said. "But we know they can pass as many laws as we want but if they are not enforced, what good comes from it?"

Enforcing penalties

Currently, property owners have a 30-day cure period to correct the issue before being subject to court action and fines. After the cure period, judges have the discretion of setting fines from a cent to $1,000 a day.

source: https://news.yahoo.com/ny-law-strengthens-building-code-104755806.html

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