Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-55
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. A violation of this article is a violation as that term is defined in the New York State Penal Law . B. Notwithstanding any provision of this Code inconsistent herewith, for each violation of this article, the owner and any person who is in charge of the subject property at the time of the violation shall be liable for a fine of not less than $4,500 and not more than $6,000 for the first violation, or a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both; for a second violation, the fine shall be no less than $8,000 and not more than $11,000 or a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both; for the third violation and any subsequent violation, the fine shall be no less than $11,000 and no more than $16,000, or a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both. C. Each day that the violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. D. Any provision contained in the Town Code to the contrary notwithstanding, the Town Attorney, or his/her designee, in consultation with the Town Board, in addition to or in lieu of seeking criminal penalties or seeking to restrain or enjoin activity in violation of this article, may enter into a civil compromise whereby the person or entity who or which committed such violation agrees to pay to the Town a civil penalty in an agreed amount. The payment of a civil penalty must be made in conjunction with an agreement on consent whereby the violator agrees to take steps to comply with the procedures set forth in the Town Code. A violation of this article includes, but is not limited to, the construction, alteration, repair or conversion of any building or structure or the use of any building, structure or premises in violation of this article or any covenant or condition imposed by the Town Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Board in connection with the approval of any petition or application submitted to such Board.
Section 157-55 of Clarkstown's Code of Ordinances establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations of the article governing property use and construction. First-time violators—both property owners and anyone in charge of the property at the time—face fines ranging from $4,500 to $6,000, up to 15 days imprisonment, or both; second violations carry fines of $8,000 to $11,000 with the same imprisonment option; third and subsequent violations escalate to fines between $11,000 and $16,000, again with possible imprisonment. Critically, each day a violation persists is treated as a separate, independent violation, and the Town Attorney may also pursue civil compromise agreements as an alternative or supplement to criminal penalties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Clarkstown, N.Y., Code ch. 157 § 157-55 should be aware that any construction, alteration, repair, conversion, or non-compliant use of a building or premises can trigger escalating daily fines starting at $4,500 for a first offense and reaching up to $16,000 per day for third and subsequent offenses. Compliant operators typically ensure that all work and property use conform to Town Code requirements and any conditions imposed by the Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Planning Board. Because each day of non-compliance counts as a separate violation under § 157-55, promptly addressing any identified deficiency is a hallmark of responsible property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Clarkstown, N.Y., Code ch. 157 § 157-55, tenants living in or near properties where unpermitted construction, illegal conversions, or other code violations are occurring may have grounds to report those conditions to the Town of Clarkstown, since owners and persons in charge of the property bear direct liability for each day a violation continues. Tenants who believe their housing involves a violation of this article can contact the Town Attorney's office or relevant local enforcement authorities to inquire about the complaint process. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Rockland County housing law can help clarify what options may be available under § 157-55 and related provisions.
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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