Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-42
General requirements
Operative Text
A. Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant ponds. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers, approved combined storm and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be utilized where deemed necessary. B. Fences and other minor constructions shall be maintained in safe and substantial condition. C. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. D. Yards and courts shall be kept clean. E. Overgrown weeds, grass, brush and other vegetation. (1) It shall be the duty of every owner, occupant or person having charge of lands within the City of Jamestown to cut down or cause to be cut down all overgrown weeds, grass, brush and other vegetation in excess of six inches and to remove or cause to be removed all garbage, weeds, grass or other rank, poisonous or noxious vegetation and tree limbs or other debris on said land as often as necessary to maintain such land in a sanitary and orderly condition and to comply with the provisions of § 215-42 . (2) It shall be unlawful for any person having control or ownership of any type of tenancy in any lot in a residential, nonresidential, commercial or industrial zone in the City of Jamestown, County of Chautauqua and State of New York, to permit or maintain on such land, or portion thereof, any growth of weeds, grass or other rank vegetation to a greater height than six inches on the average or any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush. (3) Failure to comply with this section shall constitute a violation of this section and shall be punishable in accordance with §§ 215-68 and 215-72 . F. Exterior property areas shall be free from conditions which may create a health, accident or fire hazard. Trees growing within 24 inches of the foundation of a home must be removed. G. Exterior property areas shall be free from holes and excavations, sharp protrusions and other objects or conditions which might cause personal injury. Walks, steps and driveways that contain holes or tripping hazards shall be filled, repaired or replaced to conform to their intended use; wells, cesspools or cisterns shall be securely closed; and trees or limbs of trees that constitute a hazard shall be removed. H. No motor vehicle as such is defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York nor trailer, camper or boat, whether registered or unregistered, shall be parked or stored in the front yard of any residential building whether such building is occupied or vacant. I. Repair of motor vehicles in residential areas. It shall be unlawful for any person to perform automotive repair on any motor vehicle in an area zoned for detached single-family or multifamily dwelling units in the City, except under the following condition: Any person may perform automobile repair work on one currently licensed motor vehicle titled or registered in his/her name or in the name of a member of his/her immediate family, provided that such work shall be done within a garage of suitable dimensions for said repairs on the premises of his/her residence; and provided, further, that such work shall not be performed in violation of any other City ordinance. A person may only perform repair work on one motor vehicle at a time. J. Repair of combustion engines in residential areas. It shall be unlawful for any person to perform repairs on any combustion engine in an area zoned for detached single-family or multifamily dwelling units in the City, except under the following condition: Any person may perform automobile repair work on a currently licensed motor vehicle titled or registered in his/her name or in the name of a member of his/her immediate family, provided that such work shall be done within a garage of suitable dimensions for said repairs on the premises of his/her residence; and provided, further, that such work shall not be performed in violation of any other City ordinance.
Jamestown Code ch. 215 § 215-42 establishes a broad set of exterior property maintenance standards for properties within the city. It requires that drainage systems be functional, fences and paved surfaces be kept safe, yards be kept clean, and vegetation be cut to no more than six inches in height. The provision also restricts parking vehicles in front yards of residential buildings, prohibits most automotive and combustion-engine repair work in residential zones, and requires removal of hazardous trees, holes, and sharp protrusions from exterior areas.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Jamestown Code ch. 215 § 215-42 generally keep drainage infrastructure in working order, maintain fences and paved surfaces in safe condition, and ensure that grass, weeds, and brush are cut before they exceed six inches. Compliant operators also keep front yards free of parked or stored vehicles, trailers, campers, and boats, and remove trees within 24 inches of a building's foundation. Because violations are subject to penalties under §§ 215-68 and 215-72, operators typically conduct routine exterior inspections to catch and correct issues before they escalate.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Jamestown have an interest in § 215-42 because it places affirmative duties on owners and occupants alike to maintain safe, clean exterior conditions—including walkways free of tripping hazards, yards free of overgrown vegetation, and drainage systems that prevent standing water. If an exterior condition on a rental property appears to violate these standards, tenants may consider documenting the issue and contacting the appropriate Jamestown code enforcement office to report the concern. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Jamestown's housing code can help residents understand how § 215-42 interacts with other local protections and what options 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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