Code Enforcement
Mission Statement
The Building and Code Departments (BCD) enforce a broad range of public health and safety regulations including housing, zoning, health, parking, environmental, public nuisance, and other safety codes. The BCD’s Mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public by assuring that all buildings, structures and related equipment are constructed, installed and maintained in compliance with the standards contained in building and safety codes. In support of our mission, BCD works in partnership with citizens, stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and other city departments to establish policies and procedures that:
- Are consistent, simple and defensible
- Are practical, workable and enforceable
- Are equitable in the enforcement of all codes
- Minimize confusion and inconvenience
- Increases the availability of information to the public on the internet
- Registers contractors and property owners to protect citizens
- Reduces substandard housing, abandoned or inoperable/unlicensed vehicles, and visual clutter to protect the integrity and improve the quality of neighborhoods.
Vacant Property Registration Ordinance
Please see the new dedicated page to learn more about the new legal requirements for vacant property owners.
Rental Registration Ordinance
All owners of rental residential properties who do not reside in either Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Chenango or Delaware County must register their dwelling unit, appoint a local property manager, and keep these records up to date. The rental registration form is available in the DOCUMENTS section of this page.
The property manager, agent or other person responsible must be be able to be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week and upon whom violation orders may be served. A separate form must be filled-out for each parcel address. Forwarding all changes in rental registration information is the responsibility of the property owner. Failuer to register may result in a violation (per Ordinance 05-31) and upon a conviction a fine of up to $500 for the first offense.
Department Overview & Facts
- This office has been placed under the direct supervision of the Fire Marshal. The operational procedures have been upgraded and Inspectors are now in uniform.
- Each Inspector is assigned a district of the City and most of his activities are concentrated in this district. Route inspections are performed daily.
- Complaints received are investigated and resolved in a timely manner.
- Housing Maintenance Codes are intended to maintain safe and attractive residential properties. This process preserves the health, safety and welfare of the occupants and contributes to the overall quality of life and well being of the community.
- Code Enforcement's inspection documentation includes all non-conformances noted, the sections of the Code in violation, the responsible party, and possible remedies. Re-inspection dates are noted and dictated by City Ordinance.
- All complaints received are immediately entered into a "Database Tracking" system and are updated as progress is made. The up-to-date status of any complaint can be immediately accessed from any computer terminal in Code Enforcement. Complainant's identity is kept strictly confidential and does not appear on any field copies.
Areas of Expertise
Thorough knowledge of; Chapter 11, Housing and Property Maintenance and Rehabilitation Code - New York State Multiple Residence Law - New York State Code, and any related legislation.
- Landlord and tenant responsibilities
- Residential and rental property maintenance
- Recognition of conditions which compromise the health and safety of the occupants
- Presenting accurate and complete testimony in City Housing Court
- Ability to effectively interact with other City Departments to coordinate the mitigation of emergency situations
- Ability to respectfully and effectively communicate with property owners and occupants
- Relational Database operations for compilation of daily activities and productivity
Additional Contacts
Emergency Housing and Assistance
- Volunteers of America, (607) 772-1130
- Salvation Army, (607) 722-2987
- American Red Cross, (607) 722-1241
Broome County Department of Social Services
- Child Protective Agency, (607) 778-2647
- Adult Protective Agency, (607) 778-2635
Legal questions regarding Lease and Rental Restrictions
- New York State Attorney General's Office, (607) 721-8771
- Broome Legal Assistance, (607) 723-7966
Utility Emergencies
New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG):
- Electricity Outage (800) 572-1131
- Gas Odor (800) 572-1121
