Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-61
Exterior structure
Operative Text
A. General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare. B. Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches and trim, shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights shall be maintained weather-resistant and watertight. C. (Reserved) D. Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads. E. Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents. F. Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, loose or rotting materials and maintained weatherproof and properly surface-coated where required to prevent deterioration. G. Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance. A tarp may be placed on the roof of the property to provide temporary protection to the roof of the structure for an amount of time not to exceed sixty (60) days. H. Decorative features. All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition. I. Overhang extensions. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weathercoating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment. J. Stair and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall comply with the provisions of § 151-84I . K. Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads. L. Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment. M. Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition. N. Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weathertight. (1) Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes. (2) Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware. O. (Reserved) P. Doors. All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guest rooms shall tightly secure the door. Q. Basement or cellar hatchways. Every basement or cellar hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water. R. Guards for basement or cellar windows. Every basement or cellar window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents.
Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 § 151-61 establishes comprehensive standards for the exterior condition of structures, covering everything from foundation walls and roofs to doors, windows, handrails, and decorative features. The rule requires that all exterior components be kept structurally sound, weatherproof, and free from deterioration so they do not endanger public health, safety, or welfare. Specific elements such as painted surfaces, drainage systems, stairways, and locks must meet defined maintenance thresholds, and temporary measures like roof tarps are permitted only for limited periods not exceeding sixty days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 § 151-61 generally conduct routine inspections of all exterior components—including roofing, siding, foundation walls, windows, doors, and overhang extensions—to identify and address deterioration before it becomes a code violation. Compliant operators repaint or treat wood surfaces before peeling or decay sets in, keep gutters and downspouts clear, ensure all locks function properly, and verify that stairways, balconies, and handrails can safely bear imposed loads. Because the provision covers a wide range of exterior elements, maintaining dated inspection and repair records helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with each subsection.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 § 151-61, tenants have an interest in exterior conditions that affect safety and habitability, such as deteriorating stairways, broken window glazing, faulty door locks, or inadequate roof drainage. If exterior defects covered by this provision are present, tenants may report concerns to the local code enforcement or building inspection office in Amherst, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New York property maintenance law can help residents understand how documented exterior deficiencies under § 151-61 may relate to broader habitability rights or available remedies.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation