Code Enforcement

As Director of Code Enforcement, I place an emphasis on code compliance for my department. This has been accomplished through the improved nuisance abatement program and a revamped follow-up inspection procedure, along with the implementation of various internal departmental policies and procedures.

The Code Department has instituted the Property Maintenance Sweep Program whereby code inspectors, in conjunction with several councilpersons accompanying, inspects each and every property within specified neighborhoods and issues violation notices to all properties found not to be in compliance with the New York State Property Maintenance Code. As a result, I am pleased to say that to date, the Code Department has been 90% successful in obtaining code compliance with this program. I contribute this tremendous success to recent improvements made within the department over the past few years, and I fully expect such successes to continue.

The Code Department has been very diligent in working with city administration, city council, various governmental and private agencies, and the general public. As a result, we have been successful in obtaining quicker turnaround times regarding code compliance than has been in the past.

I would like everyone to know what a great team there is at the Code Department. My employees take their jobs very seriously; they work together and are always willing to help each other out. On behalf of the Code Enforcement Department, we look forward to the future and continued success within the City of Elmira.

City of Elmira

Director of Code Enforcement / Superintendent of Buildings

If you have been issued a code violation citation, find out what you need to do to remedy the situation and get your property back into compliance with codes.

Submit a formal legal complaint against a property in the City of Elmira that is not in compliance with New York State or City of Elmira codes. An inspector will complete an inspection and issue citations for any violations found at the time of inspection. Complaints can be submitted anonymously.

Complaint Form

Inspection Services conducts inspections for permits, multiple residence units, and other routine property issues. Find out what to expect from inspections and how they are done.

Permits are necessary for any changes to a structure or property in the City. They notify the City of your intention to change a property and they cover the cost of the City's responsibility to inspect those changes to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable codes. Use this section to make sure you follow all the steps to get your permit and complete your project according to applicable codes, thereby avoiding costly modifications, delays, and possible fines.

All properties must be maintained to ensure the health and safety of their occupants and the general public. This section includes requirements for common property maintenance issues such as high grass, junk and debris, and utilities maintenance. Use this section to make sure your property remains in compliance with all applicable codes. It also includes information for tenants and landlords.

According to the City of Elmira Code of Ordinances, all rental housing in the City of Elmira must be registered by completing the Rental Housing Registration Form (PDF) and returning it to the City of Elmira Codes Office. After turning in a fully completed registration form, the property is certified to be used as a rental property.