Syracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27 § 27-186
Jurisdiction
Operative Text
The bureau of administrative adjudication shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine charges of municipal code violations that affect the quality of life of the citizens of the city of Syracuse, New York or may constitute a threat or danger to the public health, safety or welfare for which civil penalties may be imposed and to render decisions and orders and impose the civil penalties provided under the law for such violations. The Bureau shall not hear or determine charges resulting from violations of the city of Syracuse Building Code or any violation which includes imprisonment as a penalty. The bureau of administrative adjudication shall not have the power to sentence a person to a term of imprisonment upon being found guilty of a municipal code violation, nor may an administrative law judge order the arrest or detention of any person, nor may an administrative law judge deprive any person of a right to counsel.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 13 § 27-186 establishes the scope of authority for the City of Syracuse's Bureau of Administrative Adjudication. The Bureau is empowered to hear cases involving municipal code violations that affect quality of life or pose threats to public health, safety, or welfare, and may impose civil penalties for such violations. However, the Bureau is explicitly barred from handling Building Code violations or any violation that carries imprisonment as a possible penalty, and it cannot sentence anyone to jail, order arrests, or deny anyone the right to an attorney.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 13 § 27-186, property owners and managers should be aware that quality-of-life municipal code violations can be adjudicated through the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, which has the authority to render decisions and impose civil penalties. Compliant operators generally stay current with municipal code requirements that fall within the Bureau's jurisdiction, understanding that Building Code violations are handled through a separate process. Keeping records of maintenance, inspections, and corrective actions can be relevant when responding to any charges brought before the Bureau.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 13 § 27-186 defines the forum where certain municipal code violations affecting residents' quality of life may be formally addressed and penalized. Tenants should know that the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication handles civil penalty matters for these violations but does not cover Building Code issues, which go through a different channel. Those who believe a landlord's conduct violates a relevant municipal code provision may explore filing a complaint with the appropriate city office or consulting a local tenant-rights organization to understand which enforcement path applies to their situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 1, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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