Lenox, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 96 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 96-3
Incorporation of State Code
Operative Text
This section shall incorporate the standards found in the Property Maintenance Code of New York State, which shall be referred to in this chapter as the "State Code." On January 1, 2003, the Property Maintenance Code of New York State, based on the 2000 International Property Maintenance Codes, became effective as part of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention Building Code of New York. This new eight-volume series of building codes applies to all buildings in New York State outside of New York City and as amended and renamed. Under Section 106 of the State Code, violations of the State Code shall be dealt with as provided for in local law. A. Weeds. All premises and immediate exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of five inches (127 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, that this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. (NOTE: This section shall supersede the 2016 Chapter 8 IPMC Section 302.4 amendment to the 2015 IPMC.)
Section 96-3 of Lenox, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 96 adopts the Property Maintenance Code of New York State as the local standard for property maintenance. A key requirement under this provision is that all premises and their immediate exterior areas must be kept free of weeds or plant growth taller than five inches (127 mm), and all noxious weeds are prohibited outright. The term 'weeds' covers grasses, annual plants, and general vegetation, but explicitly excludes trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, and gardens. Violations of the State Code are handled according to local law, as directed by Section 106 of the State Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Lenox, N.Y. are generally expected to monitor exterior grounds regularly to ensure compliance with § 96-3, which incorporates the State Code's vegetation standards. A compliant operator typically keeps all exterior property areas free of plant growth exceeding five inches in height and removes noxious weeds promptly. Cultivated gardens and ornamental plantings are not considered weeds under this provision, so maintaining clear records of intentional landscaping can help distinguish managed plantings from prohibited growth.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Lenox, N.Y., Code of Ordinances § 96-3, tenants have an interest in knowing that exterior property areas—including grounds associated with their dwelling—are subject to the weed-height and noxious-weed standards incorporated from the State Code. If exterior areas appear to be out of compliance, tenants may consider documenting conditions with dated photographs and contacting the local code enforcement office to inquire about the complaint process. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New York State property maintenance standards can also help explain how violations of the State Code are addressed under local law.
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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