Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 219-4
Standards for stairways, decks, porches and balconies
Operative Text
It shall be the responsibility of the property owners or their delegated agents within the Town and their duty to adopt the following practices: A. Stairways, decks, porches and balconies are to be kept free of garbage, unless the garbage is stored and completely contained in a durable, nonabsorbent, watertight container having tight-fitting lids in place in anticipation of weekly collection or disposal. Plastic bags are not considered durable containers. B. Construction and demolition debris can be located in these areas for no longer than 30 days. C. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.
Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 § 219-4 establishes cleanliness and structural standards for exterior stairways, decks, porches, and balconies on properties within the Town. Garbage must be kept off these surfaces unless it is stored in a durable, watertight, lidded container awaiting collection — plastic bags do not qualify as acceptable containers. Construction and demolition debris may only remain in these areas for up to 30 days, and all such structures must be kept structurally sound, properly anchored, and capable of bearing the loads placed on them.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 219 § 219-4, compliant property owners and their agents routinely inspect exterior stairways, decks, porches, and balconies to ensure they are free of loose garbage and that any waste awaiting pickup is stored in rigid, watertight containers with tight-fitting lids. Operators also track any construction or demolition debris placed in these areas to confirm it is removed within the 30-day limit. Regular structural inspections — checking anchorage, load capacity, and overall condition — are a standard part of maintaining these features in good repair as the ordinance requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 219-4 of Potsdam's Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to expect that shared or unit-specific stairways, decks, porches, and balconies are kept clean and structurally safe by the property owner or their agent. If garbage is accumulating improperly, debris has lingered beyond 30 days, or a structure appears unsound or poorly anchored, tenants can document the conditions and report them to the Town of Potsdam's code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options are available when a property owner does not address conditions that may violate ch. 219 § 219-4.
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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