Norwood, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 136-3
Standards for grounds and exterior property
Operative Text
The grounds and exterior of all premises located within the Village shall be maintained so that the appearance thereof shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood or such higher standards as may be adopted by the Village. The appearance of grounds and exteriors shall not constitute a blighting effect upon neighboring properties nor an element leading to progressive deterioration or downgrading of neighboring properties. Without limiting the foregoing, all owners, agents, tenants and occupants shall adopt the following practices: A. The owner, agent, tenant or occupant shall keep all and every part of the premises which he owns and the steps, walks, driveways and parking areas in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and free from litter, debris, paper, solid waste, garbage and junk. B. Disposing in a clean and sanitary manner all garbage, refuse and debris. Solid waste or garbage, other than garbage stored in a trash receptacle as defined above, is not to be stored in the public view, except that construction and demolition debris related to an ongoing construction project with a valid building permit may be stored in the public view for no more than 30 days or by special exception by the Code Enforcement Official. C. Residents may place reusable materials on the front lawn for purposes of informal scavenging. Such materials shall not be in public view for more than two successive days. D. Strong, waterproof plastic bags may be used to place garbage at the roadside on the day of collection. E. All premises and immediate exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 10 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. F. Swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair. G. Surface and subsurface water shall be drained to prevent damage to buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant water. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be utilized. In no case shall the water from any rain leader be allowed to flow over a sidewalk, driveway, public roadway or upon adjoining property. H. Fences and retaining walls shall be maintained in a safe condition. I. In the case of multifamily premises and commercial premises, steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall, snow shall be plowed or shoveled from all steps, walks and driveways used or intended to be used by tenants, occupants, customers, invitees or other members of the public. J. No snow removed from driveways, walks or other areas shall be deposited upon the public streets or highways so as to interfere with the use of such streets or highways or with the use of any other premises. K. Dead or incurably diseased trees shall be taken down, and the diseased portion thereof removed and destroyed. Trees shall be kept pruned, and dead wood one inch or more in diameter shall be removed. L. Undergrowth and accumulation of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated or removed. Hedges and shrubs shall be kept pruned or trimmed. Grass shall not be permitted to exceed six inches in height.
Section 136-3 of Norwood, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 establishes a broad set of exterior maintenance standards for all properties within the Village. Grounds, structures, vegetation, drainage systems, and paved surfaces must be kept in a condition that does not negatively affect neighboring properties or contribute to neighborhood deterioration. Specific requirements address everything from weed height limits and snow removal timelines to tree maintenance, garbage storage, and swimming pool upkeep.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 136-3, property owners and their agents are generally expected to maintain all exterior areas—including steps, driveways, fences, drainage systems, and landscaping—in a clean, safe, and orderly condition consistent with neighborhood standards. Compliant operators typically ensure that grass stays under six inches, weeds do not exceed ten inches, dead or diseased trees are removed, and snow is cleared from walkways and driveways within 24 hours after snowfall ends. For multifamily and commercial properties in particular, paved areas must be kept safe for tenants, customers, and visitors under normal use and weather conditions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 136-3 places exterior maintenance obligations not only on owners and agents but also on tenants and occupants, meaning renters may be held responsible for conditions within their control, such as keeping their portion of the premises free of litter, debris, and overgrown vegetation. Tenants in multifamily buildings have an interest in ensuring that shared walkways, driveways, and common areas meet the safety and cleanliness standards described in this provision. Those who believe a property is out of compliance with § 136-3 may consider contacting the Village's Code Enforcement Official or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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