Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 133-10
Maintenance of vacant lots
Operative Text
A. Combustible waste, refuse and large quantities of dry vegetation which, by reason of their proximity to buildings or structures, would constitute a fire hazard or contribute to the spread of fire shall be removed (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code). B. Heavy undergrowth and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious, detrimental to health or safety or unsightly shall be eliminated. C. Lots with valid building permits are not required to maintain plant growth during active construction. D. Individual undeveloped lots in developed areas shall be maintained. E. Where two or more undeveloped lots adjoin and in all other open fields and undeveloped areas, an area of 15 feet must be maintained where these areas adjoin developed areas or public rights-of-way. F. On all parcels, public rights-of-way must be maintained at all times by the owner of the adjoining parcel.
Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 § 133-10 establishes maintenance standards for vacant and undeveloped lots. Owners must remove combustible waste and heavy undergrowth that poses fire, health, or safety hazards, and must keep a 15-foot buffer maintained where undeveloped areas meet developed properties or public rights-of-way. Public rights-of-way adjoining any parcel must be kept up by the owner of that parcel at all times, though lots with active building permits are exempt from plant-growth maintenance during construction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 § 133-10, compliant property owners routinely inspect vacant and undeveloped lots for combustible debris, noxious vegetation, and overgrowth that could create fire or health hazards. Operators with adjoining undeveloped land maintain a clear 15-foot buffer wherever that land meets developed areas or public rights-of-way, and they keep any adjacent public rights-of-way maintained at all times. Owners actively constructing under a valid building permit are not required to manage plant growth during that construction period, but should confirm permit validity is current.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Gates, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 § 133-10 sets out the obligations property owners have to maintain vacant lots, including removing fire hazards and noxious vegetation and keeping a 15-foot maintained buffer near developed areas and public rights-of-way. If a neighboring vacant lot appears to violate these standards—for example, by harboring combustible waste or heavy undergrowth close to residences—tenants and residents may report the condition to the appropriate Gates municipal code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocacy groups can help explain how this provision interacts with broader habitability or nuisance concerns.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation