Relates to subjecting owners who knew or should have known about an alteration in violation of the uniform code to a civil penalty

BILL NUMBER:S3469

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to subjecting owners who knew or should have known about an alteration in violation of the uniform code to a civil penalty

Purpose of bill

To subject persons who own buildings to a civil penalty if a building is constructed or used in violation of the uniform fire prevention and building code in a manner that impedes egress during a fire or other emergency evacuation.

Summary of provisions

Section One - amends the executive law to impose a civil penalty of up to seven thousand five hundred dollars when the construction or use of a building impedes egress from the building during a fire or other emergency evacuation.

Section Two - this act will take effect immediately.

Justification

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of buildings that have been altered or otherwise used in a manner that violates the uniform fire prevention and building code in a manner that impedes egress during a fire or other emergency. In many instances, these unsafe conditions have resulted in the loss of life to tenants and other occupants of these buildings. In at least one instance, firefighters became trapped in a burning building when partitions were installed to create additional living quarters without regard to fire codes. This bill seeks to enhance penalties that may be imposed for creating these unsafe conditions.

Legislative history

S.5041A of 2013 - Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development. S.5041A of 2014 - Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.