Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-12
Continuation of certain preexisting conditions
Operative Text
Existing conditions not in strict compliance with this code may be permitted to continue where the Code Enforcement Department finds that the exceptions do not constitute a hazard to life, health or property.
Chapter 215, Section 215-12 of the Cohoes Code of Ordinances establishes a limited exception for housing conditions that do not fully meet current code standards. Rather than requiring immediate correction of every pre-existing nonconformity, the rule allows those conditions to remain in place if the Code Enforcement Department determines they do not pose a danger to life, health, or property. The exception is not automatic — it depends on an official finding by the enforcement authority.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-12, property owners managing buildings with pre-existing conditions that fall short of strict code compliance may not face mandatory remediation if the Code Enforcement Department has determined those conditions are not hazardous. Compliant operators typically document any such findings and maintain records showing the department's assessment. Proactively communicating with the Code Enforcement Department about known nonconformities is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate good faith under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-12 means that not every code deviation in an older building is automatically treated as a violation requiring correction — but only when the Code Enforcement Department has affirmatively found the condition is not a hazard to life, health, or property. If a tenant believes a pre-existing condition does pose such a hazard, they may file a complaint with the Cohoes Code Enforcement Department to prompt an official review of that determination. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how this exception interacts with broader habitability protections and what options are generally available when a hazardous condition is alleged.
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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