Syracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27 § 27-32
Exterior protection
Operative Text
(a) Foundation walls: (1) The foundation walls of every building or structure shall be maintained in good repair and be structurally sound. (2) Foundation walls shall be considered in good repair and structurally sound if found free from damage or defects, and capable of bearing imposed loads: (b) Stairs, porches and railings: (1) All exterior stairs, porches and railings shall be kept in good repair and structurally sound. (2) Stairs, porches and railings shall be considered to be in good repair and structurally sound when found to be free of holes, cracks and capable of supporting imposed loads. (c) Weather and watertight: (1) Every structure shall be so maintained that it will be weather and watertight. (2) Exterior walls, roofs and all openings around doors, windows, chimneys, and all other parts of the structure shall be so maintained as to keep water from entering the structure and to prevent undue heat loss. Damaged materials must be repaired or replaced. All parts of the structure, that show evidence of wet/dry rot or other deterioration, shall be repaired or replaced and refinished. Such replacement, wherever practical, shall be in conformity with the remainder of the structure. (d) Protective coating for wood surfaces. (1) All exterior wood surfaces of a structure or building that are not of a species inherently resistant to decay shall be treated when necessary with a protective coating or other preservative to prevent deterioration. However, any exterior surface which has had a protective coating or preservative applied to it, must be maintained to prevent deterioration. (e) Overhanging objects: (1) Every structure or building shall be free of loose overhanging objects. (2) Exterior walls, roofs and all other parts of the structure shall be free from loose and unsecured objects and materials. Such objects or materials shall be removed, repaired or replaced.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 4 § 27-32 establishes minimum exterior maintenance standards for buildings and structures in Syracuse. It requires that foundation walls, stairs, porches, and railings remain structurally sound and free from damage; that roofs, exterior walls, and openings keep water out and limit heat loss; and that wood surfaces be protected against decay. The rule also prohibits loose or unsecured overhanging objects on any part of a structure's exterior.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 4 § 27-32, compliant property operators routinely inspect foundation walls for cracks or structural deficiencies, ensure exterior stairs, porches, and railings are free of holes and capable of bearing loads, and promptly repair or replace deteriorated roofing, siding, and window or door seals to maintain a weather- and watertight envelope. Wood surfaces that are not naturally decay-resistant are treated with protective coatings and those coatings are kept in good condition. Loose or overhanging materials on any exterior surface are removed or secured as part of regular maintenance practice.
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. 4 § 27-32 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a building's exterior — including its foundation, stairs, porches, railings, roof, walls, or overhanging elements — falls into disrepair or poses a structural or water-intrusion problem. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the City of Syracuse's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations in the Syracuse area can also help residents understand how this provision may apply to conditions in their building.
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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