Canandaigua, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 748 § 748-1
Findings and determinations
Operative Text
A. It is hereby found and declared that there exist in the City structures used for human habitation which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance, and that such conditions, as well as inadequate provisions for light and air, insufficient protections against fire hazards, lack of proper heating, unsanitary conditions and overcrowding, constitute a menace to the health, safety, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens of the City. It is further found and declared that, in the absence of corrective measures, such structures and areas in which they are located will experience a deterioration of property values, a curtailment of investment and tax revenue and an impairment of community economic values. The establishment and maintenance of minimum housing standards is essential to the prevention of blight and decay and to the safeguarding of public health, safety and welfare. B. The purpose of this chapter is to provide basic and uniform standards, in terms of performance objectives implemented by specific requirements, governing the condition, occupancy and maintenance of residential premises, and to establish reasonable safeguards for the health, safety and welfare of the occupants thereof. This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial and essential to the public interest.
Section 748-1 of Canandaigua's Code of Ordinances establishes the city's formal rationale for regulating residential housing conditions. The provision recognizes that substandard structures—those lacking adequate light, air, fire protection, heating, or sanitation, or suffering from overcrowding—pose risks to public health, safety, and welfare. It also acknowledges that without corrective standards, deteriorating housing can erode property values and tax revenue across affected neighborhoods. The chapter is declared remedial in nature, meaning it is designed to correct existing problems and prevent future ones through uniform minimum housing standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 748 § 748-1, Canandaigua has established that maintaining residential properties to minimum housing standards is a matter of public interest, not merely a private concern. Operators of residential rental properties in the city generally ensure that their units meet the performance objectives and specific requirements set out throughout Chapter 748, covering conditions such as structural integrity, heating, sanitation, and fire safety. Staying current with inspection requirements and promptly addressing maintenance deficiencies are the kinds of practices consistent with the remedial purpose this section declares.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 748-1 reflects Canandaigua's formal determination that residents have a right to housing that meets basic standards of safety, sanitation, and habitability. Tenants who believe their dwelling falls short of the conditions described in ch. 748—such as inadequate heat, poor sanitation, or fire hazards—may have grounds to raise those conditions through the city's code enforcement process. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand what options exist, including how to document conditions and which city offices handle housing complaints under this chapter.
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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