Syracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27 § 27-73
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
(a) Exterior surfaces of buildings and structures not inherently resistant to deterioration by the natural elements shall be periodically treated by appropriate means and materials suitable for preservation of said exterior. (b) Graffiti shall be removed from all exterior surfaces, upon all buildings and structures and all interior surfaces in public space. (c) Buildings and structures shall be maintained in such condition so that they shall not become an unoccupied hazard. (d) The owner of a vacant building shall take such steps and perform such acts as may be required of him by the director from time to time to ensure that the building and its adjoining yards remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to adjoining property or the public. If a board up is required by the director the standards shall be: (1) The first floor front entry door to the structure shall be secured with a padlock and any windows therein shall be boarded as hereinafter provided; (2) All other door, window and other openings below the second floor level shall be covered with one-half (½) inch CDX plywood sized to fit the window or door frame, leaving a two-inch opening at the top of said opening for natural light, painted with an earth tone exterior paint, and secured to the frame of the opening with No. 8 coated nails, every twelve (12) inches on center.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 7 § 27-73 establishes maintenance standards for the exterior surfaces of buildings and structures, requiring that surfaces vulnerable to weather-related deterioration be treated with appropriate materials to prevent decay. It also mandates the removal of graffiti from all exterior surfaces and interior surfaces in public spaces. Vacant buildings must be kept safe and secure, and when a board-up is directed, specific technical standards apply — including padlocked entry doors and plywood-covered openings below the second floor, painted in earth tones and fitted with a two-inch gap for natural light.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 7 § 27-73 generally maintain exterior surfaces with weather-resistant treatments and promptly remove graffiti as it appears. Owners of vacant buildings typically monitor those properties regularly to ensure they remain secure and do not pose hazards to neighboring properties or the public. When the director requires a board-up, compliant operators follow the provision's detailed specifications — including the correct plywood grade, nail spacing, paint finish, and light-gap dimensions — to meet the standard.
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. 7 § 27-73 establishes that building owners bear responsibility for maintaining exterior surfaces, removing graffiti, and keeping structures from becoming hazardous — rights that benefit occupants and neighbors alike. If a building you occupy or live near appears to be deteriorating, has unaddressed graffiti, or a vacant structure nearby seems unsecured, these conditions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants can report such concerns to the relevant Syracuse code enforcement authority, and tenant-rights organizations in the area can help explain what remedies or complaint processes may be available.
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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