Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-46
Open areas
Operative Text
A. Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant pools. B. Fences and other minor constructions shall be maintained in safe and substantial condition. C. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use. D. Yards and courts and vacant lots shall be kept clean and free of fire hazards and physical hazards. E. Ground cover shall be properly established to prevent undue soil erosion due to the elements. F. Heavy undergrowths and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health and safety shall be eliminated.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-46 establishes standards for the outdoor and open areas of properties. It requires that water drainage, fences, paved surfaces, yards, ground cover, and vegetation all be kept in conditions that prevent safety hazards, structural damage, and health risks. Stagnant water, unstable structures, deteriorated walkways, fire hazards, soil erosion, and harmful plant overgrowth are all addressed as conditions that must be corrected or prevented.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 167-46, compliant property operators routinely inspect and maintain all outdoor areas, including drainage systems, fences, driveways, walkways, parking areas, yards, and vegetation. Operators generally ensure that paved surfaces remain safe for normal use, that ground cover is established to control erosion, and that overgrown or noxious plant growth is cleared before it becomes a health or safety concern. Keeping records of maintenance activities and addressing drainage or vegetation issues promptly are practices consistent with meeting the standards set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 167-46 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when outdoor areas of a rental property — such as walkways, yards, drainage systems, or fencing — are not maintained in a safe and hazard-free condition. Tenants who observe conditions like stagnant water pools, broken fences, deteriorated steps, or heavy overgrowth may report these issues to the City of Schenectady's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and act on violations of this chapter. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help tenants understand what documentation to gather and what options are generally available when open-area conditions fall short of the standards in § 167-46.
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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