Glens Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 § 128-17
Abatement of violations
Operative Text
A. When, upon reexamination after the expiration of the time for compliance, the enforcement officer finds that the violation has not been corrected, then he is authorized to cause such dwelling to be repaired, altered or improved or to be vacated or closed. B. Whenever the enforcement officer finds that any dwelling constitutes a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or to the public because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested or lacking in the facilities required by this code, he shall designate such dwelling unfit for human habitation and shall cause to be posted on the main entrance of any dwelling so closed a placard with the following words: "This building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful." If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the dwelling, the Director of Buildings may cause such dwelling to be removed or demolished after a hearing conducted in accordance with this article. C. The amount of the cost of such repairs, alterations or improvements or vacating and closing or removal or demolition, when done by the enforcement officer pursuant to an order of the Director of Buildings, shall be a municipal lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred. If the dwelling is removed or demolished by the enforcement officer pursuant to an order of the Director of Buildings, he shall sell the materials of such dwelling at a public sale as provided by law and shall credit the proceeds of such sale, after the deductions of the expense thereof, against the cost of the removal or demolition, and any balance remaining shall be deposited in the City Court of the City of Glens Falls by the enforcement officer, shall be secured in such a manner as may be directed by such Court and shall be disbursed by such Court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final order or decree of such Court; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the municipality to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement of summary proceedings or otherwise. D. Complaints or orders issued by the enforcement officer pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon persons either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such persons is unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the enforcement officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence and the enforcement officer shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of such complaint or order upon such persons may be made by publishing the same once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official newspaper of the City of Glens Falls. A copy of such complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint or order. A copy of such complaint or order shall be duly recorded or lodged for record with the City Clerk of the City of Glens Falls.
Glens Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 § 128-17 establishes a process by which the city can step in and directly remedy housing violations when an owner fails to correct them within the allotted time. If a dwelling is found to pose a serious health or safety hazard, the enforcement officer may declare it unfit for human habitation, post a closure notice on the entrance, and ultimately arrange for its repair, vacation, or even demolition following a hearing. Any costs the city incurs through these actions become a municipal lien on the property, and proceeds from any sale of salvaged materials are credited against those costs, with any surplus held by the City Court for distribution to entitled parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 128-17, property owners in Glens Falls who receive a compliance order should act promptly within the stated timeframe, because a failed reexamination can trigger the city's authority to carry out repairs, alterations, or demolition directly—and to place a municipal lien on the property for those costs. If a dwelling is designated unfit for human habitation, the Director of Buildings may order its removal or demolition after a hearing, leaving the owner responsible for any net costs not offset by salvage proceeds. Compliant operators generally maintain records of all corrective actions taken and confirm completion with the enforcement officer before any reexamination deadline passes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 128-17 of the Glens Falls Code provides occupants with a meaningful protection: if a dwelling is found to be dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested, or lacking required facilities, the enforcement officer has authority to designate it unfit for human habitation and post a public notice on the main entrance. Tenants who believe their dwelling meets this threshold may contact the city's enforcement office to report conditions and request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can help occupants understand how a posted closure notice or an outstanding compliance order might affect their rights and what general options—such as raising housing code violations as a defense in certain proceedings—may be 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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