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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 7
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to local government
- Referred to local government
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Authorizes on-site inspections of housing in violation of zoning laws for purposes of enforcing illegal housing laws and regulations
In Assembly Committee · Local Governments · Sponsor Michael Montesano
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S934
Title of bill
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to authorized on-site inspections of housing in violation of zoning laws
Purpose or general idea of bill
Authorizes the on-site inspections of housing in violation of zoning laws for purposes of enforcing illegal housing laws and regulations.
Summary of specific provisions
The general municipal law is amended by adding a new section 99-x, which allows on-site inspection of a residence if any form of advertisement or listing (newspaper, pennysaver, supermarket paper, advertising flyer, internet listing, electronic mail list or any other type of listing) offers a rental unit in excess of the zoning certificate of occupancy. The governmental entity with jurisdiction over the premises shall create a rebuttable presumption that it is in violation of the code, law or certificate. A notice of violation may be issued to the owner, and then the owner shall have at least 7 days to prove compliance, or be subject to an on-site zoning inspection by a municipal housing inspector or tax assessor for the limited purpose of confirming compliance with the applicable zoning code or law affecting the premises, or certificate of occupancy, certificate of prior nonconforming use or any other certificate, notice or form of document.
Justification
Communities across the state have all seen a rise in illegal housing and slumlords attempting to take over our neighborhoods. Local newspapers repeatedly run ads by absentee landlords offering rental opportunities for those interested, The increase of illegal rental apartments has caused additional burdens to the taxpayers within local governments and schools as well as a drain on local resources. This legislation is aimed to give government one more tool to fight this increasing problem.
Enactment of this legislation will give towns and zoning authorities a greater ability to enforce local zoning and building codes and create a safer environment for all residents of these communities. This bill would also provide firefighters and other emergency responders with pertinent information regarding occupancy of the buildings, as well as any structural changes made, In addition, this bill would ensure towns are able to properly assess the properties for tax purposes.
Prior legislative history
S.4285 (2011) - Passed Senate; A.10657 (2010) A.3873 (2009) A.7568 (2008)
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.