Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 136-6
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this chapter or who fails to comply with any order issued by the Building Inspector pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and, upon conviction, shall be punished in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 382 of the Executive Law of the State of New York as may be amended from time to time, including but not limited to a fine of not more than $1,000 per day of violation or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. B. In addition to any penalties set forth herein, any person who refuses to permit the Building Inspector to inspect the subject dwelling unit or premises shall be liable for payment of a civil penalty of not more than $200 per day for each day such refusal to allow inspection of said dwelling unit or premises continues. Such civil penalty shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of the Town of Ghent by the Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer. Such action may be initiated in Small Claims Court if the amount due is within the jurisdictional limits of the Court.
Section 136-6 of Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 establishes two tiers of consequences for non-compliance. First, anyone who violates the chapter's requirements or ignores a Building Inspector's order may face criminal penalties aligned with New York Executive Law § 382, which can include a fine of up to $1,000 per day of violation, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Second, anyone who refuses to allow the Building Inspector to inspect a dwelling unit or premises may face a separate civil penalty of up to $200 per day for each day the refusal continues, recoverable by the Town of Ghent through a legal action that may be brought in Small Claims Court when the amount qualifies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 136-6, property owners and managers operating in Ghent are generally expected to remain in full compliance with all requirements of ch. 136 and to promptly act on any orders issued by the Building Inspector. Compliant operators typically maintain their properties to code and cooperate with inspection requests, since refusing entry can trigger a separate civil penalty of up to $200 per day independent of any other fines. Keeping records of maintenance activity and inspection access can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the chapter's standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 136-6 establishes that the Town of Ghent, through its Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer, has authority to pursue penalties against property owners who violate ch. 136 or obstruct inspections. Tenants who believe their dwelling unit is out of compliance with the chapter's requirements may contact the Town's Building Inspector to report conditions and request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents of Ghent understand how the enforcement mechanisms under § 136-6 may relate to their housing situation.
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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