Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 165 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 165-4
Scope, applicability and exceptions
Operative Text
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the maintenance, repair, use and occupancy of all residential buildings and structures now in existence or hereafter constructed, rehabilitated, renovated or converted to residential use within the Village of Johnson City where the building or structure is being used in any capacity for rental housing, except those buildings and structures specifically excluded from the provisions of this chapter and public nuisance structures as defined herein. Any structure that was in compliance on the day previous to the adoption of this chapter will be allowed to remain, except if: (1) Such structure is substantially damaged by fire or other causes. In the event that the existing use is nonconforming in any respect as to this chapter or the Village of Johnson City Zoning Code, the rehabilitation or reconstruction of the structure shall be subject to the nonconforming use provisions of Article 64 of the Village of Johnson City Zoning Code; (2) Any state, county or local code requires changes to existing structures. B. The legal occupancy of any rental building or structure existing on the date of adoption of this chapter shall be permitted to continue without change, except such changes as are specifically required to be made to existing rental buildings or structures in this chapter, the New York State Multiple Residence Law and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. C. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to change the validity of or requirements for a certificate of occupancy under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. D. Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to: (1) Buildings, structures and uses owned and operated by any governmental unit or governmental agency, including the State of New York, the State University College at Binghamton, or the County of Broome; (2) Single-family dwellings occupied by a record titleholder; (3) Two-family dwellings, with at least one dwelling unit occupied by the record titleholder; (4) Transient shelters and group homes subject to state inspection; (5) Residential structures of which ownership passes to a governmental unit; (6) Hotels or motels; (7) Tourist homes or bed-and-breakfast dwellings; and (8) Nursing homes, intermediate-care nursing homes or convalescent dwellings. E. Where a nonresidential business or activity or a state-licensed or state-approved use occupies a portion of a building and the building contains premises which would otherwise be subject to this chapter, this chapter shall be and remain applicable to the residential and common or public areas of such building and premises.
Section 165-4 of Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 165 defines which residential rental properties fall under the chapter's maintenance, repair, use, and occupancy rules. The chapter covers most rental housing within the Village of Johnson City, including mixed-use buildings, but carves out specific categories such as owner-occupied one- and two-family homes, government-owned properties, hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, nursing homes, and certain other facilities. Structures that were compliant before the chapter's adoption may generally continue as-is, unless substantially damaged, reconstructed, or required to change by state, county, or local code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating rental housing in Johnson City should confirm under § 165-4 whether their specific building type falls within the chapter's scope before assuming compliance obligations apply or do not apply. Operators of mixed-use buildings—where a commercial tenant shares a structure with residential units—should note that the residential and common areas of such buildings remain subject to the chapter's requirements regardless of the nonresidential use. Owners of properties that were compliant before the chapter's adoption should be aware that substantial damage, reconstruction, or intervening state or local code requirements can trigger full compliance obligations under Chapter 165.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in rental housing in Johnson City can look to § 165-4 to understand whether their building is covered by Chapter 165's protections, which address maintenance, repair, use, and occupancy standards. Most rental buildings are covered, though certain property types—such as owner-occupied two-family homes, hotels, and government-owned structures—are excluded, which may affect what remedies are available under this chapter. Tenants who believe their building falls within the chapter's scope and that violations exist may consider contacting the Village of Johnson City's code enforcement office, reviewing the New York State Multiple Residence Law, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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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