Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-76
Procedure
Operative Text
A. Form of appeals and application. The Board of Appeals shall act in strict accordance with procedure specified by the General City Law and by this chapter and shall determine its own rules of conduct. All appeals and applications made to the Board shall be taken in writing on forms prescribed by the Board. B. Content of application for variance. Any building owner in the City of Oswego allegedly aggrieved by the strict application of any of the requirements of this chapter, or desiring to deviate therefrom, may apply to the Board of Appeals for a variance from any such requirement. Such application shall state the specific provisions of this chapter from which the variance is sought and shall state precisely the interpretation which is sought, the use for which the variance is sought or the details of the variance which is sought, together with the special circumstances which allegedly justify such variance. C. Appeals or applications shall be taken within such time as prescribed by the Board of Appeals by general rule, by the filing with the Housing Administrator from which the appeal is taken and with the Board of Appeals of a Notice of Appeal, specifying the grounds therefor. The Housing Administrator shall forthwith transmit to the Board of Appeals all papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. D. Public hearing. The Board of Appeals shall, after due notice, hold a public hearing on every appeal or application for a variance referred to it, and upon which it is required to pass, in accordance with this chapter in the General City Law . The Board of Appeals shall have published a notice of such public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation of the City of Oswego at least 10 days prior to such hearing. In addition, at least seven days prior to such public hearing, the Board of Appeals shall have sent, by registered mail, the notice of such hearing, and the explanation of the variance or special permits sought, to all property owners within 100 feet of the four corners of the subject building. Such notices shall be sent to the last known address of all property owners as shown on the city tax records. E. Findings and conclusions. After such public hearings, and after consideration of the application, the Board of Appeals shall either grant or deny the variance and shall make written findings of fact and conclusions concerning the subject matter of such hearing, including the reasons for the granting or denial of the relief sought.
Section 149-76 of Oswego's Code of Ordinances establishes the procedural framework governing how appeals and variance applications are handled by the Board of Appeals under Chapter 149. Appeals and applications must be submitted in writing on official forms, filed within the Board's prescribed timeframe, and accompanied by a Notice of Appeal that specifies the grounds for the request. Before deciding any matter, the Board must hold a public hearing with at least 10 days' published notice in a local newspaper and registered-mail notice sent to property owners within 100 feet of the subject building's four corners at least seven days in advance. After the hearing, the Board must issue written findings of fact and conclusions explaining its decision to grant or deny the requested relief.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Building owners in Oswego who wish to challenge a housing determination or seek relief from a Chapter 149 requirement must follow the written procedures set out in § 149-76. A compliant applicant submits the Board's prescribed forms, clearly identifies the specific provision at issue, describes the variance sought, and articulates the special circumstances that justify it. Operators generally ensure their applications are filed within the timeframe the Board of Appeals has established by general rule, so that the Housing Administrator can transmit the full record and the public-hearing process can proceed on schedule.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-76 governs how variance and appeal proceedings under Oswego's Chapter 149 are conducted, which can be relevant to tenants when a landlord seeks to deviate from housing requirements that affect their building. Tenants should be aware that a public hearing is required before any variance is granted, and that nearby property owners receive registered-mail notice at least seven days in advance — providing an opportunity to participate in the process. Tenants who believe a variance proceeding affects their housing conditions may contact the Oswego Housing Administrator, review the Board of Appeals' written findings once issued, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on how to engage with the § 149-76 process.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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