Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-37
Power to act in emergencies
Operative Text
Whenever the head of the Code Enforcement Agency, at any stage of the proceedings instituted under the provisions of this Chapter, finds that a violation of this Chapter exists which, in his opinion, requires immediate action to abate a direct hazard or immediate danger to the health, safety, morals or welfare of the occupants of a building or of the public, he may, without prior notice or hearing, issue an order citing the violation and directing that such action be taken as is necessary to remove or abate the hazard or danger. Such order may include an order to vacate as provided in Section 12-62 . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, such order shall be effective immediately upon service and shall be complied with immediately or as otherwise provided.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-37, the head of the Code Enforcement Agency has authority to issue an emergency order at any point during code enforcement proceedings when an immediate hazard or danger to health, safety, morals, or welfare is found to exist. Unlike standard enforcement actions, this type of order requires no prior notice or hearing before it takes effect. The order becomes binding the moment it is served and may include a directive to vacate the building, as referenced in Section 12-62.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-37 should be aware that emergency orders issued under this provision carry no waiting period — compliance is required immediately upon service. Operators who maintain buildings in continuous code-compliant condition reduce the circumstances under which the Code Enforcement Agency head might invoke this emergency authority. When an emergency order is received, compliant operators generally document the hazard, take prompt corrective action, and communicate with the Code Enforcement Agency about remediation steps.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-37 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances ch. 12 gives tenants a meaningful protection: when a serious and immediate hazard exists in their building, the Code Enforcement Agency head can act without delay to order its removal or even require the building to be vacated. Tenants who believe an urgent health or safety hazard exists in their home may report it directly to the local Code Enforcement Agency, which has the authority under this provision to respond on an emergency basis. Tenant-rights organizations in the Poughkeepsie area can help residents understand what kinds of conditions may qualify for emergency action and what general options are available to them.
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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