Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 219-12
Injunctive relief
Operative Text
A. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of the Town in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit, compliance order, or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter. In particular, but not by way of limitation, where the construction or use of a building or structure is in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any stop-work order, compliance order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of the Town in the Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions. No action or proceeding described in this subsection shall be commenced without the appropriate authorization from the Supervisor of the Town. B. Operating permits for areas of public assembly shall be limited to one year. Operating permits for all other occupancies as noted in § 219-10A shall be for not more than three years or shall coincide with the schedule of inspections as required by § 219-10A of this chapter. C. Where activities do not comply with applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, an operating permit shall be revoked or suspended.
Section 219-12 of Potsdam's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 219, authorizes the Town to seek court-ordered relief—such as an injunction, removal order, or abatement—against violations of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or local building regulations. The Town may pursue such legal action in Supreme Court or another court of competent jurisdiction, but only with prior authorization from the Town Supervisor. The section also governs operating permit durations: one year for public assembly areas, up to three years for other occupancies, and permits may be revoked or suspended when activities fall out of compliance with the Uniform Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 219-12, property owners and managers should ensure that any building, structure, or use remains in continuous compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and all conditions attached to building permits, certificates of occupancy, and operating permits. Compliant operators track operating permit expiration dates—one year for public assembly spaces and up to three years for other occupancies—and renew them on schedule to avoid suspension or revocation. Operators who receive a stop-work order, compliance order, or other directive from the Code Enforcement Officer generally address the identified violation promptly, since unresolved violations can trigger Town-initiated court proceedings under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 219-12 gives the Town of Potsdam the legal authority to go to court to stop or correct building and housing code violations, which can be relevant to tenants living in properties that are out of compliance with the Uniform Code or the Energy Code. If a tenant believes their building is operating without a valid or current operating permit, or that conditions violate applicable codes, they may report concerns to the local Code Enforcement Officer, who has authority to issue orders and refer matters for court action under this provision. Tenants seeking to understand their options in such situations may also consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general guidance.
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
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation