Fallsburg, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 218 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 218-5
Maintenance of premises and landscape elements
Operative Text
A. All premises and landscape elements shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, including but not limited to steps, walks, driveways, fences, retaining walls, trees, shrubs, grass and weeds. If any such area or object constitutes a danger to health or safety, it shall be repaired, replaced or removed. It shall be the duty of every property owner to maintain all driveways, walkways, steps, sidewalks, etc., free of ice and snow or other conditions which may make passage hazardous to the occupants, general public, emergency personnel and equipment, within 24 hours of cessation of inclement weather or any circumstances causing such hazardous conditions. B. All fences, retaining walls or similar structures shall be firmly anchored in the ground and maintained in good structural repair. Wooden elements or other elements subject to deterioration from weathering shall be maintained with chemicals, stain or paint to preserve the wood and retard deterioration. Wooden fences shall be kept in good repair and free from broken, damaged, rotted areas. Chain link fences, gates, slats, posts and rails shall be maintained free of damage, rust and breaks. C. All properties within the Town of Fallsburg having one or more structures 100 feet or more from the edge of any road shall maintain all access driveways and other areas deemed necessary by the Code Enforcement Officer for access by emergency services free of snow, ice and other hazardous conditions within 24 hours of cessation of inclement weather or any circumstances causing such conditions in order to allow for safe, unhindered access of emergency service equipment and personnel. Locked gates and fences shall be provided with a Knox-Box® or equivalent for emergency service access. D. Properties having private fire hydrants shall ensure all hydrants display an approved hydrant marker and shall maintain a clear path of not less than four feet up to and around all hydrants located on the property. All private hydrants shall be maintained in working condition at all times. Overhanging tree branches, bushes and shrubs shall be maintained in a manner that shall provide unobstructed access to hydrants.
Fallsburg Code of Ordinances ch. 218 § 218-5 establishes broad maintenance obligations for all properties in the Town of Fallsburg, covering everything from steps, driveways, and fences to trees, shrubs, and private fire hydrants. Property owners must clear snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions from walkways and access driveways within 24 hours after inclement weather ends. Fences and retaining walls must be structurally sound and protected against weathering, and properties with private hydrants must keep a clear four-foot path around each hydrant and ensure hydrants remain operational at all times.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of properties subject to Fallsburg Code ch. 218 § 218-5 generally maintain a documented routine for inspecting all exterior elements — driveways, walkways, fences, retaining walls, and landscaping — and address deterioration or hazards promptly. Compliant operators track weather events and ensure snow and ice are cleared from all walkways and access driveways within the 24-hour window the provision specifies, including emergency-access routes on properties where structures sit 100 feet or more from a road. Where locked gates or fences exist, operators typically install a Knox-Box® or approved equivalent, and those with private fire hydrants keep a clear four-foot perimeter around each hydrant and verify hydrants remain in working condition.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Fallsburg Code ch. 218 § 218-5, tenants have an interest in knowing that their landlord bears the duty to keep all exterior premises — including steps, walkways, driveways, and fences — in a safe and sanitary condition, and to clear hazardous snow and ice within 24 hours of a weather event ending. If conditions such as icy walkways, broken fencing, or blocked emergency access appear to go unaddressed, tenants may document the issue and report it to the Town of Fallsburg's Code Enforcement Officer, who is referenced in the provision as having authority over access determinations. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing resources can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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