West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 171 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 171-4

A. Generally. The following provisions of this section set forth the minimum standards of maintenance of premises, residential and commercial, within the Village of West Haverstraw. B. Exterior maintenance. All exterior property areas of premises regulated under this chapter shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. In particular, but not by way of limitation, every owner or occupant shall be responsible for the following: (1) Good repair. (a) No person shall abandon, leave, dump, store or keep any nuisance, hazard, litter, debris or other matter attractive to vermin upon any public street or public place or upon any privately owned property within the Village, except as otherwise permitted under this chapter or other provision of law. (b) It shall be the duty of every owner, lessee, occupant, tenant or other person exercising supervision or control of any residential or commercial premises to keep all and every part of the exterior premises, including the steps, walks, driveways and parking areas located in the front, rear or side of said premises, from the building line to the nearest curb, in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. Said area shall be free from litter, debris, paper, dirt, garbage and junk and, except for public improvements, in good repair. (2) Drainage. Surface and subsurface water shall be drained to prevent damage to buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant water. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets and stormwater sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be provided and utilized. In no case shall the water from any rain leader be allowed to flow over the sidewalk or adjoining property. (3) Fences, etc. Fences, retaining walls, signs and other structures situated on property, public and private, shall be maintained in good repair and condition. (4) Snow removal and repair of paved areas. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Within four hours after the cessation of snowfall, snow shall be plowed or shoveled from all steps, walks, driveways and parking areas up to the curb. No snow removed from driveways, walks or other areas shall be deposited upon the public streets or highways. (5) Trees. Dead or incurably diseased trees which present a safety or health hazard shall be removed. Trees shall be kept pruned so as not to present a safety and health hazard. (6) Shrubbery and ground cover. It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee, occupant or tenant of any privately owned property within the Village to maintain grass or other ground cover, trees and shrubbery in a safe and attractive condition, free of noxious weeds and otherwise free of nuisance, hazard, debris, litter and unsightly materials. For the purpose of this provision, all grass or other ground cover shall be kept trimmed to a height of no greater than 10 inches. C. Exterior structure and accessory structures. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in a structurally sound and sanitary condition, and otherwise in conformity with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code, so as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants and so as to protect the occupants from the elements. (1) Structural members. All supporting members of all structures shall be structurally sound, free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing the dead and live loads imposed upon them. (2) Foundations. All foundations shall be maintained so as to carry the operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks. (3) Exterior walls. (a) Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the wall or the occupied spaces of the building. (b) All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface-coated when required to prevent deterioration. (4) Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound and tight and not have defects which might admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent water from causing dampness in the walls or interior portions of the building. (5) Decorative features. All cornices, entablatures, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition. (6) Signs, marquees and awnings. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhead extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored. They shall be protected from the elements against decay and rust by periodic application of a weather-coating material such as paint or other protective treatment. (7) Chimneys. All chimneys and similar structures shall be maintained in good repair and structurally safe. (8) Stairs and porches. (a) Every stair, porch, rail, balcony and all appurtenances attached thereto shall be so constructed and maintained as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it may be subjected. (b) Every window, door and their frames shall be constructed and maintained as to exclude the elements as completely as possible. Where necessary, weather stripping shall be used and maintained in good repair. (9) Glazing. Every required window sash shall be properly glazed with glazing materials without open cracks and holes. (10) Operable windows. Every openable window shall be capable of being easily opened and securely held in an open position. D. Interior structure. The interior of a structure and its equipment shall be maintained in a structurally sound and sanitary condition. (1) Structural members. The supporting members of every building shall be maintained structurally sound, not showing any evidence of deterioration which would render them incapable of carrying the imposed loads. (2) Interior surfaces. (a) Floors, walls, including windows and doors, ceilings and other interior surfaces shall be maintained free of serious defects threatening the health and safety of the occupants. (b) Dirt, sand or gravel floors are not allowed. This shall not apply to basements which are not used as living areas. (3) Bathroom and kitchen floors. Every toilet, bathroom and kitchen floor surface shall be maintained so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition. (4) Cellars, basements and crawl spaces. Cellars, basements and crawl spaces shall be maintained free from conditions posing a threat to the health or safety of the occupants. (5) Sanitation. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the premises thereof which he occupies and regularly uses. (6) Major systems. The interior structure, including but not limited to all heating, lighting, electrical and plumbing systems, shall be in conformity with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and all other applicable regulations.