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Ridgeway board adopts law to regulate unsafe buildings and create enforcement process
Summary
The Ridgeway Town Board on Nov. 18 adopted Local Law #2 of 2024 establishing procedures for inspecting, ordering repair or demolition of unsafe buildings and assessing costs to property owners; the law includes emergency powers and a notice-and-hearing process.
The Ridgeway Town Board adopted Local Law No. 2 of 2024 on Nov. 18 establishing a formal process for identifying, securing, repairing or demolishing buildings, structures and equipment deemed dangerous or unsafe.
The measure, adopted without recorded dissent, authorizes an Enforcement Official to inspect properties after complaints or observations, to prepare written findings, and to submit reports and recommendations to the Town Board. The law specifies required notices, a right to a hearing before the Town Board, timeframes for repair or removal, and the town's authority to carry out emergency securing or demolition when there is an imminent danger to life or property.
Why it matters: the local law sets an enforceable procedure the town can use to address vacant or deteriorated properties that officials said pose risks to public safety, health and neighborhood welfare. It also allows the town to place a lien or assessment on property for costs incurred by the town if an owner refuses or neglects to comply.
Key provisions spelled out in the adopted text include definitions of "abandoned," "vacant," "dangerous/unsafe building or structure or equipment," and "enforcement official;" an explicit requirement that notices include the 911 address and tax parcel, reasons the property is unsafe, deadlines for compliance and the date for the Town Board hearing. The law references the town's enactment authority under Municipal Home Rule Law and Section 130(16) of New York Town Law and states it takes effect upon filing with the New York Secretary of State.
The Board voted to adopt the law after adding it to the meeting agenda earlier in the session. The law's appendix, entered into the meeting record, includes procedures for filing a notice in the Orleans County Clerk's office and explains the assessment process if the town completes remediation on behalf of an owner.
What’s next: The law becomes effective once the town files it with the Secretary of State. Implementation will require the Town Board to appoint or confirm an Enforcement Official and adopt any related administrative practices the official needs to carry out inspections and notices.
Provenance: Board action and full local-law text were recorded in the meeting record and appendix provided by the Town Board.
