Elmira, N.Y., Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-451
Open areas
Operative Text
(a) Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures, and to prevent ponding. (b) Fences, walls and other minor constructions shall be maintained in safe, good and substantial condition. (c) Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained to afford safe and convenient passage. (d) Yards, courts and vacant lots shall be kept clean and free of hazards. (e) Ground cover shall be properly established to prevent undue soil erosion, due to the elements. (f) Heavy undergrowth and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health or safety shall be eliminated. (g) Open fires shall not be permitted, unless authorized and approved pursuant to local law and in conformity with state air pollution control regulations.
Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-451 establishes standards for the outdoor areas of properties, covering drainage, fences, paved surfaces, yards, ground cover, vegetation, and open fires. Water must be managed to prevent pooling, structures like fences and walls must be kept in sound condition, and walkways and driveways must remain safe for use. Yards and vacant lots must be free of hazards, soil erosion must be controlled, harmful overgrowth must be removed, and open fires are prohibited unless specifically authorized under local law and consistent with state air pollution rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-451 generally maintain drainage systems to prevent standing water, keep fences and walls structurally sound, and ensure that all paved areas such as steps, driveways, and parking spaces are in safe, usable condition. Compliant operators also keep yards and vacant lots clear of hazards, establish appropriate ground cover to limit erosion, and routinely remove heavy or noxious vegetation. Open fires on the property are only conducted when a valid local authorization is in place and state air pollution control requirements are satisfied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-451, tenants have an interest in outdoor areas that are properly drained, structurally sound, and free of hazards — including safe walkways, clean yards, and controlled vegetation. If conditions such as ponding water, deteriorated fences, unsafe paved surfaces, or overgrown noxious plants are present, tenants may document the issues and report them to the appropriate Elmira code enforcement office. Tenants can also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand what options may be available when outdoor areas do not meet the standards set by this provision.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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