Greenport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 103-18
Village authority to inspect
Operative Text
A. Application for a search warrant. The Building Inspector is authorized to make application to any court of competent jurisdiction for the issuance of a search warrant in order to conduct an inspection of any premises covered by this chapter where the owner or occupant fails or refuses to allow an inspection of any dwelling unit or property, and where there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred. The application for a search warrant shall in all respects comply with the applicable laws of the State of New York. B. Search without warrant restricted. Nothing in this chapter, except for the provisions concerning emergency inspections, shall be deemed to authorize the Building Inspector to conduct an inspection of any premises subject to this chapter without the consent of the owner or occupant of the premises, or without a warrant duly issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. C. Emergencies. If, in the judgment of the Building Inspector, an emergency exists as when a condition or hazard is an immediate peril to the public health and safety, or a serious and immediate danger to person or property, he or she may enter any building or structure to inspect and investigate.
Under Greenport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 § 103-18, the Village's Building Inspector generally may not enter a dwelling or property to conduct a housing inspection without either the consent of the owner or occupant or a warrant issued by a court. When consent is denied and there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, the Building Inspector may seek a search warrant through the appropriate court. An exception exists for genuine emergencies—situations posing an immediate peril to public health, safety, or property—where entry without consent or a warrant is permitted.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 103-18, a compliant property owner or manager typically cooperates with scheduled inspections by the Building Inspector, since refusing access can trigger a court-supervised warrant process. Operators generally keep records of any inspection requests and responses to demonstrate good-faith cooperation. Being aware that emergency conditions—such as an immediate hazard to health or safety—can authorize warrantless entry helps owners understand the full scope of the Village's inspection authority.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 103-18 establishes that occupants have a recognized interest in consenting to inspections of their dwelling unit; the Building Inspector cannot simply enter without permission or a court-issued warrant except in a declared emergency. If an occupant believes an inspection was conducted improperly under this provision, that concern can be raised with the Village or documented for use in any related proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Greenport's housing code can help occupants understand what options are generally available when inspection procedures are at issue.
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