Niskayuna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 139 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 139-5
Residential buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Exterior walls, roofs, and porches or appurtenances thereto shall be maintained in a manner so as to prevent collapse of the same or injury to the occupants of the building or to the public. B. The foundation walls of every building shall be maintained in good repair and shall be structurally sound. C. Exterior walls, roofs, and other parts of buildings shall be free from loose and unsecured objects and material and improperly secured objects and materials. Such objects or materials shall be removed, repaired, or replaced. D. The owner of vacated buildings shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required from time to time to ensure that the building and its adjoining yards remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to adjoining property or to the public. All openings shall be covered with painted, exterior-grade plywood closures, and securely fastened to prevent trespassing. See Chapter 75 . E. Buildings and structures shall be maintained in such a condition that they shall not become unoccupied hazards as defined in Chapter 75 of the Code of the Town of Niskayuna. All graffiti or defacing shall be removed and the surface finish restored within five days of written notice from the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer. F. All signage and lighting systems shall be maintained in a completely operable, clean, and safe condition. G. All swimming pools shall be maintained and operated in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner. Swimming pool recirculation and disinfection equipment shall be operated to maintain water quality. Swimming pool equipment and appurtenances shall be operated and maintained in accordance with approved plans and specifications. H. All decorative pools, fountains, architectural garden features, and similar items shall be maintained free of litter and operated as intended. Should these devices be abandoned or should they deteriorate because of lack of adequate maintenance, the owner shall either repair, remove, or replace these items within five days of written notice. I. Grass lawns on any lot improved with structures shall be maintained free of unrestrained growth. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit gardens, woods, generally-recognized groundcovers and lawn grasses, or properly maintained compost piles. J. Placement of animal feed on the premises for the purposes of feeding nondomesticated animals shall be carried out in a manner that avoids a noxious impact on the premises or the neighborhood and that avoids detriment to public health or safety. K. The maintenance of fences on properties shall be the responsibility of the owner of the fence.
Niskayuna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 139 § 139-5 establishes a broad set of structural and aesthetic upkeep standards for residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Exterior walls, roofs, foundations, porches, fences, pools, signage, and landscaping must all be kept in safe, sound, and clean condition. Vacant buildings require special measures—including plywood closures over all openings—to prevent hazards to neighboring properties and the public, and graffiti must be removed within five days of written notice from the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 139 § 139-5 generally keep all structural elements—foundations, exterior walls, roofs, and porches—in sound repair and free of loose or unsecured materials. Compliant operators promptly secure vacant buildings with painted exterior-grade plywood, maintain pools and signage in operable condition, and address graffiti within the five-day window triggered by written notice. Owners of decorative water features, fences, and landscaped areas similarly ensure those elements are kept in good order or removed when no longer functional.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings subject to ch. 139 § 139-5 have an interest in knowing that their landlord is obligated to maintain structural elements, common exterior areas, and building systems in safe and sound condition. If conditions such as deteriorating walls, unsecured roof materials, or unaddressed graffiti appear to violate this provision, tenants can document the issues and report them to the Niskayuna Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, who has authority to issue written notices requiring corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand how a landlord's failure to comply with § 139-5 might be relevant to broader habitability concerns.
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.
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