Elmira Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 170 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 170-1
Legislative findings and intent
Operative Text
A. The Town Board of the Town of Elmira hereby finds and declares that the rental of dwelling units constitutes a business which impacts upon the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the Town. The intent of this chapter is to promote the orderly and timely management and maintenance of rental dwelling units in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the Town and to further achieve the following beneficial purposes: (1) The protection of the character and stability of residential areas; (2) The correction and prevention of housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare and health, including the physical, mental and social well-being of persons occupying dwellings; and (3) The preservation of the value of land and buildings throughout the Town.
Section 170-1 of Elmira Town's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational purpose behind the town's rental housing regulations. The Town Board formally recognized that renting out dwelling units is a business activity with direct consequences for public health, safety, and general welfare. This chapter is designed to promote orderly management and upkeep of rental properties, protect the character of residential neighborhoods, prevent hazardous housing conditions, and preserve property values across the town.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 170-1, the Town of Elmira has framed rental property ownership as a business activity subject to oversight in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare. Compliant operators generally keep their rental units well-maintained, address housing conditions proactively, and manage their properties in a manner consistent with the stability of surrounding residential areas. Understanding this legislative intent helps property owners anticipate how other provisions within Chapter 170 are likely to be interpreted and applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 170-1 signals that Elmira Town views the condition and management of rental housing as a matter of public concern, not merely a private contractual arrangement. Tenants living in units that may have health or safety deficiencies can point to this stated intent when raising concerns with town officials or code enforcement bodies, as the chapter explicitly aims to correct conditions that affect occupants' physical, mental, and social well-being. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Elmira Town's Code can help residents understand how this foundational provision connects to more specific enforcement mechanisms elsewhere in Chapter 170.
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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