Utica, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 2-12 § 2-12-550

(a) All residential rental dwelling units shall be inspected and certified by the Department which shall determine compliance with, administer and enforce all applicable provisions of this Rental Dwelling Registry Code (Registry Code). On and after April 1, 2006, residential occupancy permits shall be valid for 30 months from the date of issuance. (b) Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter to rent, lease or otherwise allow the occupancy of any residential rental dwelling unit without the inspection and certification as required herein. (c) If, upon inspection, said premises do not comply with all applicable provisions of this Registry Code and the State Fire and Property Maintenance Code, the particular reasons for noncompliance shall be specified in writing, and a time limit not to exceed 30 days shall be directed for either the correction of the deficiencies noted or a substantial effort to correct the deficiencies noted. The notice of noncompliance shall be delivered personally or by first class mail within three business days to the owner, agent or person in charge at the address set forth in the rental dwelling registry and to any occupant who so requests. Occupants or proposed occupants of dwellings shall have the right to inspect the certificate of occupancy of the residential rental dwelling unit. (d) On or after April 1, 2006, the Department shall have the right to inspect all or any part of the rental dwelling unit, including any unit or apartment, or entire multiple residence as required herein to issue an initial permit, re-issue a permit and/or, upon complaint, to investigate said complaint, except that the owner, agent or person in charge thereof shall have the right to insist upon the procurement of a search warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction by the Administrator, or his or her designee, in order to enable such inspection. The owner, agent or person in charge shall be present at such inspection. The inspection officers charged with conducting the inspection pursuant to this article shall be required to obtain a search warrant whenever an owner, agent or person in charge refuses to permit a warrantless inspection of the premises after having been advised that he or she has a constitutional right to refuse entry of the inspection officers without a search warrant. (e) The Department may make such inspection, access and circumstances permitting, within five business days of receipt of a request from the owner, agent or occupant or based upon a complaint. (f) An owner, agent or occupant may file with the Department a request for such inspection and the issuance of a residential occupancy permit by regular mail or in person at the office of the Administrator. (g) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the right of the Department to inspect any property at any time. If there is a complaint, and/or after issuing a residential occupancy permit, the Department shall make a good-faith effort to notify the owner or agent of the complaint by either telephone or regular mail before conducting an inspection under this chapter, and shall provide to the owner or agent one working day from the date the owner or agent receives the notice to explain what steps the owner or agent is taking to correct the violation. The Department may take steps necessary, by inspection or other means, to assure that the violation is corrected. (h) No residential occupancy permit shall be issued under this article unless and until the fee(s) required under Section 2-12.555 is (are) paid in full.