Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-24
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Foundation walls. (1) The foundation walls of every building or structure shall be maintained in good repair and be structurally sound. (2) Foundation walls shall be considered in good repair and structurally sound if found free from damage or defects and capable of bearing imposed loads. B. Stairs, porches, railings, entrance platforms and fire escapes. (1) The stairs, porches, railings, entrance platforms and fire escapes affixed to the exterior of every structure shall be maintained in good repair and structurally sound. (2) Stairs, porches, railings, entrance platforms and fire escapes shall be considered to be in good repair and structurally sound when found to be free of holes, cracks and rust, capable of supporting imposed loads and in a safe, operable condition. C. Weather- and watertight. (1) Every structure shall be so maintained that it will be weather- and watertight. (2) Exterior walls, roof and all openings around doors, windows, chimneys and all other parts of the structure shall be so maintained as to keep water from entering the structure and to prevent undue heat loss. Damaged materials must be repaired or replaced. All parts of the structure that show evidence of wet/dry rot or other deterioration shall be repaired or replaced and refinished. Such replacements, wherever practical, shall be in conformity with the remainder of the structure. D. Protective coating for wood surfaces. All exterior wood surfaces of a structure or building that are not of a species inherently resistant to decay shall be treated when necessary with a protective coating or other preservative applied to it and must be maintained to prevent deterioration. E. Overhanging objects. (1) Every structure or building shall be free from loose overhanging objects. (2) Exterior walls, roofs and all other parts of the structure shall be free from loose and unsecured objects and materials. Such objects or materials shall be removed, repaired or replaced. F. Exterior lighting. Exterior lighting shall be maintained in operating condition.
Section 475-24 of Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 475 establishes exterior maintenance standards for all buildings and structures. It requires that foundation walls, stairs, porches, railings, entrance platforms, and fire escapes remain structurally sound and free from damage; that the building envelope—walls, roof, windows, doors, and chimneys—keep water out and limit heat loss; and that exterior wood surfaces be protected against decay. The provision also prohibits loose or unsecured overhanging objects and requires that exterior lighting remain operational.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential or commercial properties in Fulton, N.Y., subject to § 475-24 generally conduct routine inspections of foundation walls, exterior stairs, porches, railings, and fire escapes to confirm they are free of cracks, holes, rust, and structural deficiencies. Compliant property managers also ensure that roofs, exterior walls, and all penetrations around windows, doors, and chimneys are sealed against water intrusion, that deteriorated or rotting materials are promptly repaired or replaced, and that exterior wood surfaces receive protective coatings as needed. Keeping exterior lighting functional and removing or securing any loose overhanging materials are additional obligations under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings covered by Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances § 475-24 have an interest in knowing that their landlord is required to maintain the building's exterior—including foundation walls, stairs, fire escapes, the weather-tight envelope, and exterior lighting—in safe and sound condition. If a tenant observes conditions such as crumbling foundation walls, broken railings, water intrusion through walls or roofs, rotting wood, or inoperative exterior lighting, those conditions may constitute violations of this section. Tenants can document such conditions and explore options such as filing a complaint with the appropriate local code enforcement authority in Fulton, N.Y., or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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