Crawford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 103-5
Exterior property areas
Operative Text
A. Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupants shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. B. Grading and drainage. All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon. C. Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions. D. Weeds. All premises and immediate exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. "Weeds" shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. E. Rodent harborage. All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent reinfestation. F. Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant. G. Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. (1) Gates. Gates which are required to be self-closing and self-latching in accordance with the Building Code of New York State shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from a still position of six inches from the gatepost. (2) Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair. (3) Enclosures. An approved enclosure at least four feet in height shall be provided around outdoor swimming pools so that such pools are inaccessible to children. The enclosure may surround either the pool area or the property. H. Motor vehicles. Except as provided for in statute or other regulations, two or more inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles shall not be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in s state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth. I. Construction sites. If substantial construction activity ceases for 30 days, then the owner and any other person responsible for construction or property maintenance shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required to ensure that the property and premises remain safe, secure, clean and in compliance with the requirements for vacant property and the other applicable provisions of this chapter, and including but not limited to the following: (1) Safeguard the property, premises and any structures and buildings thereon; (2) Remove all equipment and materials or store such equipment and materials to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector; (3) Remove or spread on site all piles of stone, soil or dirt; (4) Remove all garbage, refuse, waste and debris; (5) Mow or cut grasses and other growth so as to prevent excessive and/or noxious growth, nuisance, and deterioration of structures and to prevent the property and premises from harboring insects, rodents, vermin or other pests. Grasses on the property shall be kept mowed or cut to a height not to exceed nine inches; (6) Install and maintain acceptable stormwater and erosion control measures.
Crawford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 § 103-5 establishes comprehensive standards for the upkeep of exterior property areas within the jurisdiction. The rule covers a wide range of conditions, including sanitation, drainage, sidewalk safety, weed control (with a 10-inch height limit), rodent prevention, exhaust venting, accessory structures such as fences and swimming pools, motor vehicle storage, and construction site maintenance. Both property owners and occupants share responsibility for keeping exterior areas clean, safe, and free from hazards, with specific technical requirements applying to each category of condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Crawford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 § 103-5 generally maintain exterior areas by conducting regular inspections to catch issues such as drainage problems, overgrown vegetation, rodent activity, and deteriorating structures before they become violations. Compliant operators ensure that accessory structures—including fences, gates, and swimming pools—meet the structural and safety standards described in the provision, including proper pool enclosures of at least four feet in height. At construction sites where activity has paused for 30 or more days, responsible parties typically secure the property, remove or store equipment, manage vegetation, and install stormwater controls as outlined in the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Crawford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 § 103-5, occupants are responsible for keeping the portions of exterior property they occupy or control in a clean and sanitary condition, which is a distinct obligation from that of the property owner. Tenants who observe conditions on the property—such as rodent infestations, hazardous sidewalks, or improper exhaust venting affecting their space—may have grounds to report those conditions to the local code enforcement authority responsible for administering ch. 103. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help occupants understand how this provision interacts with their lease and what remedies or complaint processes may be available to them.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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