Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 197-27
Order to vacate
Operative Text
A. Whenever a notice of violation as provided in § 197-24 of this law has not been complied with or where § 197-25 of this law has not been invoked, the Board of Trustees may order the dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit to be vacated. A copy of such notice to vacate shall be served on the owner, agent, operator and the occupant as provided in § 197-23 of this law. B. Vacation of unfit dwelling. Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit designated as unfit for human habitation pursuant to § 197-22 and ordered vacated as provided in § 197-27 shall be vacated within such reasonable time as the Board of Trustees may specify in the order. No such dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit shall again be used for human habitation or the placard removed until written approval is secured from the Board of Trustees. C. Removal of placard. No person shall deface or remove the placard from any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit which has been designated as unfit for human habitation, except as provided in Subsection B above. D. Vacated dwelling made secure. The owner, agent or operator of any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit which has been designated as unfit for human habitation and vacated shall make such dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit safe and secure in whatever manner the Commissioner or Board of Trustees shall deem necessary. Any vacant building open at the doors and windows, if unguarded, shall be deemed dangerous to human life and a nuisance within the meaning of this provision.
Under Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 § 197-27, the Board of Trustees holds authority to order a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit vacated when a prior notice of violation has gone unaddressed or certain remediation procedures have not been pursued. Once a property is designated unfit for human habitation and a vacate order is issued, no one may reoccupy the space or remove the posted placard until the Board of Trustees grants written approval. Owners, agents, and operators are also required to secure the vacated property, and any building left open and unguarded at doors and windows is treated as a danger to human life and a nuisance under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Port Chester should be aware that under § 197-27, failure to address a notice of violation can escalate to a formal vacate order issued by the Board of Trustees, with notice served on the owner, agent, operator, and occupant. A compliant operator ensures that any property designated unfit for human habitation is vacated within the timeframe specified in the order, that the posted placard remains intact and undisturbed, and that the structure is made safe and secure as directed by the Commissioner or Board of Trustees. Operators generally obtain written approval from the Board of Trustees before allowing any reoccupancy or removing the placard, and they take steps to close and guard all doors and windows to prevent the property from being deemed a nuisance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Port Chester should know that § 197-27 gives the Board of Trustees the power to order a dwelling vacated when housing violations remain unresolved, and that a copy of any vacate order must be formally served on occupants as well as on the owner and operator. If you receive a vacate order or notice related to an unfit-for-human-habitation designation, tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help you understand what the order means for your housing situation and what options may be available. Tenants may also find it useful to contact the Board of Trustees directly to understand the conditions under which written approval for reoccupancy could be granted under § 197-27.
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.
Effective Timeline
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