Niskayuna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 139 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 139-7
Open areas, yards and parking spaces
Operative Text
A. Surface and subsurface water (with the exception of regulated freshwater wetlands or other bodies of water protected by either local, state, or federal law) shall be appropriately managed to protect buildings and structures. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers, or other appropriate drainage systems, shall be utilized where necessary. No roof, surface, or sanitary drainage feature shall create a structural, safety, or health hazard by reason of construction, maintenance, or manner of discharge. B. Fences and other minor construction shall be maintained in a safe and usable manner. C. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces, and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under all weather conditions. Any holes or other hazards that may exist shall be filled, and necessary repairs or replacements carried out. D. Yards and vacant lots shall be kept clean and free of physical hazards, rodent harborage, and infestation. They shall be maintained in a manner which will prevent dust, sand, litter, and other objects which are a danger to public health or safety, from being blown about the neighborhood. Open wells, cesspools, and cisterns shall be securely closed or barricaded from access to the public. E. Heavy undergrowth and accumulation of plant growth which is noxious or detrimental to health, shall be eliminated. F. Yards and vacant lots shall be maintained free of accumulations of animal excrement which create a noxious impact on the premises or the neighborhood.
Niskayuna Code ch. 139 § 139-7 establishes standards for the upkeep of outdoor areas associated with residential and other properties. It requires that drainage systems be properly maintained to prevent water from creating structural or health hazards, that fences and paved surfaces remain safe and passable in all weather, and that yards and vacant lots be kept free of physical hazards, pests, noxious plant growth, and animal waste. Open wells, cesspools, and cisterns must be securely closed or barricaded to prevent public access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Niskayuna Code ch. 139 § 139-7 generally keep gutters, culverts, and other drainage infrastructure clear and functional so that water does not threaten building integrity or occupant safety. Compliant property managers routinely inspect paved surfaces—steps, driveways, and parking areas—for holes or deterioration and make timely repairs, while also monitoring yards for pest harborage, noxious vegetation, accumulated animal waste, and any open wells or cisterns that require secure closure. Maintaining documentation of inspections and completed repairs is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Niskayuna Code ch. 139 § 139-7, tenants have an interest in outdoor areas that are free from drainage hazards, unsafe paved surfaces, pest infestations, noxious plant growth, and animal waste accumulation. If conditions in yards, parking areas, or other open spaces appear to fall short of these standards, tenants may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and dates, then notifying the property owner or manager in writing. Tenants who do not receive a satisfactory response may explore filing a complaint with the local code enforcement office in Niskayuna or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options under this provision.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation