Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-17
Duties of Department
Operative Text
It shall be the duty of the Department to: A. Suggest amendments to this code as necessary to bring it up-to-date when local needs dictate. B. Cause inspections to be made of premises within the scope of this code. C. Cause an investigation of complaints of alleged violations of this code. D. Develop a system of records, inspection forms, form letters and controls for properly carrying out departmental activities. E. Issue written orders for the elimination of conditions in violation of this code and, where appropriate, order the cessation of an unlawful use or nuisance or the vacation, demolition or repair of premises found dangerous or unsafe, and to state in the violation order a reasonable time limit for compliance herewith and the time within which an appeal may be made. F. Initiate techniques that will encourage and assist owners to voluntarily bring their property up to code standards. G. Request the Municipal Attorney to take appropriate legal action upon failure to comply with a violation notice or notices. H. Cause studies to be made of housing and environmental conditions for the purpose of community improvements. I. Require independent inspections and tests of equipment and systems used in connection with the premises. J. Cooperate with other public and private agencies engaged in the study and improvement of housing and environmental conditions. K. Submit an annual report to the chief executive officer of the Village of Pelham on accomplishments to date and recommendations for the future. L. Carry out any additional activities necessary to administer and achieve compliance with this code.
Section 54-17 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 54, defines the broad operational duties assigned to the Department responsible for housing and property code enforcement in the Village of Pelham. These duties include conducting inspections, investigating complaints, issuing written violation orders with compliance deadlines and appeal windows, and referring unresolved violations to the Municipal Attorney for legal action. The Department is also charged with maintaining records, studying housing conditions, and submitting annual progress reports to the Village's chief executive officer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-17, the Department has authority to inspect properties, issue written violation orders specifying a reasonable compliance deadline, and escalate unresolved matters to the Municipal Attorney for legal proceedings. Operators who stay current with Pelham's code standards and respond promptly to any written orders issued under this section generally reduce the risk of further enforcement steps. The Department is also directed to develop programs that encourage voluntary compliance, which can be a resource for owners seeking guidance on bringing properties up to standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-17 establishes that the Department has a formal duty to investigate complaints about alleged code violations on residential premises in Pelham, meaning tenants have a recognized channel for raising concerns about unsafe or substandard conditions. When a violation is confirmed, the Department must issue a written order with a stated compliance timeline and information about the appeal process. Tenants who believe a property condition violates Chapter 54 may file a complaint with the Department, and those seeking broader guidance on their rights can consult a local tenant-rights organization familiar with Pelham's ordinances.
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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