Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-14

A. When, upon reexamination after the expiration of the time for compliance, the enforcement officer finds that a violation of this chapter has not been corrected, then he is authorized to cause such dwelling to be repaired, altered or improved or to be vacated or closed. B. Whenever the enforcement officer finds that the dwelling constitutes a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or to the public because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested or lacking in the facilities required by this chapter, he shall designate such dwelling unfit for human habitation and shall cause to be posted on the main entrance of any dwelling so closed, a placard with the following words: "This building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful." If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the dwelling, the enforcement officer may cause the dwelling to be removed or demolished. C. The amount of the cost of such repairs, alterations or improvements or vacating or closing or removal or demolition, when done by the enforcement officer, shall be a City lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred and shall be added to and appear on the next City tax bill for said property. If the dwelling is removed or demolished by the enforcement officer, he shall sell the materials of such dwelling at public sale, as provided by law, and shall credit the proceeds of such sale, after the deductions of the expenses thereof, against the cost of the removal or demolition, and any balance remaining shall be secured in such manner as may be directed by such Court, and shall be disbursed by such Court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final order or decree of such Court; however, nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the City to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement, by summary proceedings or otherwise. D. Complaints or orders issued by the enforcement officer pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon a person either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such person is unknown and the address cannot be ascertained by the enforcement officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence and the enforcement officer shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of the complaint or order upon such person may be made by publishing the complaint or order once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official newspaper of the city. A copy of the complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint or order. A copy of such complaint or order shall be duly recorded or lodged for record with the City Clerk.