Ordinances and Laws

GENERAL HEATING REQUIREMENTS

In Syracuse, residential buildings shall maintain a temperature of not less than sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit between September 15th and May 31st, whenever the outdoor temperature falls below fifty-five (55) degrees Fahrenheit (Property Conservation Code Section 27-54).

AMANDA'S LAW: CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM REQUIREMENTS 

Amanda’s Law requires essentially all residences, both new and existing, to have carbon monoxide alarms installed. The specific requirements differ for new and existing residences and also on when the buildings were built and subcategories of occupancy groups.

Probably the most asked question is the requirement for existing one and two family residences. They are required to have one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area.

The proposal to modify the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, in order to comply with Amanda's Law, is being adopted as an emergency rule. The following link provides the proposed code text and legislation, Amanda’s Law. 

 www.dos.state.ny.us/code/COAlarm.htm

 UNFIT PREMISES

Sec. 27-115 of the City of Syracuse Property Conservation Code states the following for designating and vacating of unfit premises;

Unfit premises shall be any premises within the scope of this code, having any of the following defined defects and may be designated by the director as unfit for human habitation or dangerous to human life or detrimental to health and may be so placarded:

(1) The structure lacks illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat or other facilities adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupants or the public. (2) The structure or premises is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested in such a manner as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the occupants or the public. (3) The structure or premises, because of the location, general conditions, state of premises, or number of occupants, is so unsanitary, unsafe, overcrowded or otherwise detrimental to health and safety that it creates a serious hazard to the occupants or the public. (4) The structure, because of the failure of the owner or occupant to comply with such notice and orders, issued pursuant to this code, is unfit for human habitation or dangerous to human life or detrimental to health.

(Gen. Ord. No. 30.1993, 6-28-93; Gen. Ord. No. 42-1993, § 17, 9-13-93)