Rye, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 108 § 108-18
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Foundation walls shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and to prevent entrance of moisture, termites and vermin. Such protection shall consist of shoring where necessary, subsoil drains at footings, grouting of masonry cracks, waterproofing of walls and joists and other suitable means. B. Exterior walls and wall components shall be maintained so as to prevent deterioration due to the elements and destructive insects. Such maintenance shall consist of painting, installation or repair of walls, copings and flashings, waterproofing of joints, waterproof coatings, installation or repair of termite shields, poison treatment of soil or other suitable means. C. Roofing shall be maintained in watertight condition so as to prevent leakage into the building. Such maintenance shall consist of repairs of roofing, flashings, waterproof coatings or other suitable means. D. Any proposed retaining wall, the cumulative height of which when viewed in elevation from another property or public right-of-way is more than two feet, or any proposed single wall planned to be higher than two feet when so viewed, must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Architectural Review before a permit is granted.
Rye, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 108 § 108-18 establishes ongoing maintenance standards for the exterior structural elements of buildings, including foundations, exterior walls, and roofs. Foundation walls must be kept structurally sound and sealed against moisture, termites, and vermin; exterior walls must be maintained to resist weather and destructive insects; and roofs must remain watertight to prevent interior leakage. Additionally, any retaining wall that would appear taller than two feet when viewed from a neighboring property or public right-of-way requires review and approval by the Board of Architectural Review before a permit is issued.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rye, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 108 § 108-18, compliant property operators routinely inspect and maintain foundation walls, exterior walls, and roofing to address moisture intrusion, pest vulnerabilities, and structural deterioration before problems escalate. Common maintenance practices include waterproofing, grouting masonry cracks, repairing flashings, painting, and applying termite shields or soil treatments. Operators planning retaining walls visible above two feet from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way coordinate with the Board of Architectural Review and secure approval prior to obtaining any permit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rye, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 108 § 108-18 establishes that building exteriors—including foundations, walls, and roofs—must be kept in a condition that prevents moisture intrusion, pest entry, and structural deterioration, which can directly affect habitability. Tenants who observe conditions such as water leakage through the roof, crumbling foundation walls, or evidence of termite or vermin entry may have grounds to raise these issues as potential code violations. General enforcement paths include contacting the City of Rye's code enforcement office to report conditions, documenting the issues in writing, and reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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