Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-50
Code official; powers and duties
Operative Text
A. General. The code official shall enforce the provisions of this article. B. Rule-making authority. The code official shall have authority as necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare to adopt and promulgate rules and procedures; to interpret and implement the provisions of this article; to secure the intent thereof; and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided for in this article or of violating accepted engineering methods involving public safety. C. Inspections. The code official shall make all of the required inspections or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. All reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be signed by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority. D. Right of entry. The code official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect subject to constitutional restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures. If entry is refused or not obtained, the code official is authorized to pursue recourse as provided by law. E. Identification. The code official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this article. F. Notices and orders. The code official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this article. G. Department records. The code official shall keep official records of all business and activities of the department specified in the provisions of this article. Such records shall be retained in the official records as long as the building or structure to which such records relate remains in existence, unless otherwise provided for by other regulations. H. Coordination of inspections. Whenever in the enforcement of this article or another code or ordinance the responsibility of more than one code official of the Town of Amherst is involved, it shall be the duty of the code officials involved to coordinate their inspections and administrative orders as fully as practicable so that the owners and occupants of the structure shall not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or multiple or conflicting orders. Whenever an inspector from any agency or department observes an apparent or actual violation of some provision of some law, ordinance or code not within the inspector's authority to enforce, the inspector shall report the findings to the code official having jurisdiction.
Section 151-50 of Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 151 establishes the authority and responsibilities of the code official responsible for enforcing the article's housing and property standards. The code official is empowered to conduct or accept inspections, issue notices and orders, enter properties at reasonable times, adopt rules to implement the article, and maintain official records for the life of any affected structure. Multiple code officials are expected to coordinate their efforts to avoid subjecting property owners and occupants to redundant or conflicting directives.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151-50, property owners and managers in Amherst should expect that the code official—or an approved inspection agency acting on the official's behalf—may request entry to structures at reasonable times to conduct inspections. Compliant operators generally cooperate with properly identified inspectors, respond to any notices or orders issued under this section, and maintain awareness that records related to their property are kept on file for as long as the structure exists. When multiple town departments are involved, § 151-50 requires those officials to coordinate, which means owners should not face duplicative or contradictory orders from different inspectors.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 151-50 gives the Amherst code official broad authority to inspect residential structures, issue compliance orders, and coordinate with other town departments—all of which can be relevant to tenants experiencing habitability or code concerns. Tenants should be aware that the code official is required to carry proper identification during inspections and that inspections may be triggered by complaints or reports. Those who believe a code violation exists in their unit may consider contacting the Amherst code enforcement office to request an inspection under this article, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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