Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-20
Crawl spaces
Operative Text
Crawl spaces shall be maintained free of moisture, and the flow of air from such spaces into walls above shall be effectively barred so as to prevent deterioration of structural members. Such provisions shall consist of maintenance of openings in foundation walls to provide adequate circulation of air in the crawl space, covering the ground in the crawl space with a moisture barrier, installation of drains outside the structure if the crawl space is below surrounding grade, blocking openings in stud walls to prevent flow of air and moisture into walls, frequent destruction of termite tubes from the soil to wood floor members above, poison treatment of soil and other suitable means.
Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-20 establishes that crawl spaces in residential structures must be kept free of excess moisture and must be sealed so that air from the crawl space cannot migrate into the walls above. The rule is designed to protect structural integrity by preventing wood decay, termite damage, and moisture-related deterioration. It identifies a range of acceptable maintenance methods—such as foundation vents, ground-level moisture barriers, exterior drainage, and soil treatment—as ways to achieve compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-20, property operators generally keep crawl spaces dry and properly ventilated by maintaining foundation-wall openings, installing ground-cover moisture barriers, and ensuring exterior drainage where the crawl space sits below surrounding grade. Compliant operators also block stud-wall openings to stop air and moisture from entering wall cavities, and they routinely inspect for and eliminate termite activity, including soil-to-wood tubes. Keeping records of inspections, barrier installations, and any pest-control treatments can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-20 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a crawl space appears to be contributing to structural deterioration, moisture intrusion, or pest problems in the dwelling. Tenants who observe signs such as soft flooring, mold, or evidence of termite activity may report conditions to the local code-enforcement or housing-inspection office in Evans, N.Y., which can investigate whether the provision is being met. Consulting a tenant-rights organization can help clarify what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes are available.
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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