Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-20
Conflict of ordinances; severability
Operative Text
A. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the City of Binghamton existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of health and safety of the people shall prevail. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other ordinance or code of the City of Binghamton existing on the effective date of this chapter which establishes a lower standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the people, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to prevail; and the other ordinances or codes are declared to be repealed to the extent that they may be found to be in conflict with this chapter. B. Notwithstanding the availability of other remedies for enforcement of the provisions contained in this chapter, the Building Code (Chapter 200 ), Plumbing Code (Chapter 310 , Article II ), Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 235 ) and Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 410 ) of the City of Binghamton, and in other state and local laws, ordinances or regulations enforced by the Department, the remedies and enforcement procedures set forth in this chapter are made available to enforce the provisions of the above-enumerated codes and laws and shall be deemed cumulative to other enforcement procedures and remedies. C. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, the decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect; and to this end the provisions are declared to be severable.
Section 265-20 of Binghamton's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 265, establishes rules for how this chapter interacts with other local codes and ordinances. When a conflict arises, the standard that better protects public health and safety takes precedence, and lower-standard conflicting ordinances are effectively repealed to the extent of the conflict. The section also clarifies that enforcement tools available under this chapter can be used alongside those in other codes—such as the Building, Plumbing, Fire Prevention, and Zoning codes—and that if any individual part of the chapter is found legally invalid, the rest of the chapter continues in full effect.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 265, § 265-20 should be aware that compliance with this chapter does not exist in isolation—where it overlaps with the Building Code (Chapter 200), Plumbing Code (Chapter 310, Article II), Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 235), or Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 410), the higher health-and-safety standard applies. Compliant operators generally track requirements across all applicable Binghamton codes, understanding that enforcement authorities may use the remedies from any of these frameworks simultaneously. Because the enforcement procedures under § 265-20 are cumulative, a single property condition could be addressed through multiple regulatory channels at once.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 265-20 of Chapter 265, tenants benefit from a framework that ensures the strongest applicable health and safety standard governs their housing, even when multiple city codes are in play. Enforcement of this chapter's protections can be pursued alongside remedies available under Binghamton's Building, Plumbing, Fire Prevention, and Zoning codes, meaning more than one avenue may be available to address a violation. Tenants who believe a housing condition violates applicable standards may consider contacting the relevant City of Binghamton enforcement department, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a violation can be raised as a defense in a housing proceeding.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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