Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 166-32
General requirements for maintenance of buildings
Operative Text
Residential, commercial and industrial buildings, whether occupied or vacant, and accessory structures shall be maintained in conformity with the provisions of this chapter so as to assure the desirable character of the property. A. Fences. Fences and other minor construction shall be maintained in a safe and substantial condition. B. Steps and driveways. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Any holes or other hazards that may exist shall be filled or necessary repairs or replacement carried out. C. Yards; courts; vacant lots. Yards, courts and vacant lots shall be kept clean and free of physical hazards, rodent harborage and infestation. They shall be maintained in a manner that will prevent dust or other particles from being blown about the neighborhood. Open wells, cesspools or cisterns shall be securely closed or barricaded from access to the public. D. Undergrowth; accumulations of plant growth. Heavy undergrowth and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated. Any trees or portions thereof located on private property and constituting a hazard to persons or property shall be trimmed or removed.
Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-32 establishes broad maintenance standards for all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings—whether occupied or vacant—as well as their accessory structures. The rule covers a wide range of exterior features, including fences, steps, driveways, yards, and vegetation, requiring each to be kept in a safe, clean, and structurally sound condition. Open wells, cesspools, and cisterns must be secured from public access, and hazardous trees or heavy noxious undergrowth must be addressed to protect people and neighboring properties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-32, compliant property operators routinely inspect all exterior elements—fences, paved surfaces, yards, and vegetation—across both occupied and vacant properties. Operators generally fill holes in walkways and driveways promptly, secure any open wells or cisterns, and arrange for the trimming or removal of hazardous trees. Keeping yards free of rodent harborage, controlling dust-generating conditions, and eliminating noxious undergrowth are also standard practices for properties subject to this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-32 gives tenants a basis to expect that exterior areas of their residential property—including fences, walkways, yards, and trees—are maintained in a safe and clean condition. If hazards such as broken steps, overgrown vegetation, or unsecured open wells are present, tenants may document the conditions and report them to the appropriate Johnson City code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help residents understand the general options available, such as filing a complaint or raising a code violation in relevant proceedings.
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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