Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-66
Notice of intent to demolish; right of owner to demolish or repair structure
Operative Text
Wherever the head of the Code Enforcement Agency designates a building as unfit for human habitation as provided in this Chapter and determines that the cost necessary to correct the violation is not reasonably related to the value of the building, he shall include, within the notice of violation provided for in Section 12-34 , a statement of his intent to order the demolition of the structure. A copy of such notice shall be served on the owner, occupant, lessee or mortgagee as provided in Section 12-34 . The owner may demolish such structure as provided in Section 12-39 or correct the violation regardless of cost, provided that the requirements of the Building Code in effect at the time of attempted compliance are satisfied.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-66, when the head of the Code Enforcement Agency finds a building unfit for human habitation and concludes that the cost to fix the violations is disproportionate to the building's value, that intent to order demolition must be included in the official notice of violation. That notice must be served on the owner, occupant, lessee, or mortgagee. Despite the demolition intent, the owner retains the right to either demolish the structure voluntarily or bring it into compliance—regardless of cost—as long as current Building Code requirements are met.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to a notice issued under § 12-66 should be aware that the Code Enforcement Agency's designation of a building as unfit for human habitation, combined with a cost-to-value determination, triggers a formal statement of demolition intent within the violation notice. Compliant operators in this situation typically either proceed with voluntary demolition under the process outlined in Section 12-39 or undertake full remediation that satisfies the Building Code standards in effect at the time of the repair work. Keeping documentation of all repair costs, appraisals, and Building Code compliance efforts is a practice commonly associated with navigating this process effectively.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants, occupants, and lessees are entitled to receive a copy of any notice issued under § 12-66, which means they have a right to be formally informed when the Code Enforcement Agency has flagged their building for potential demolition due to its condition and cost-to-value ratio. This notice is a significant document, and occupants who receive one may want to review their rights regarding relocation, habitability, and any local tenant-protection ordinances that may apply. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Poughkeepsie housing law can help occupants understand what options may be available after receiving such a notice.
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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