New laws in Wellsville aim to give codes 'more teeth' in addressing unsafe properties
Some new laws on the books in the Village of Wellsville may give the codes office more teeth in addressing unsafe, unsightly properties.
The village board Monday night passed its first new laws of 2024, a local law “providing for village regulation of unsafe properties” and a related law “providing for the administration and enforcement of NYS uniform fire prevention and building code.”
Mayor Randy Shayler said the laws ensure the village is “100% in compliance” with state codes and processes while also helping the Allegany County village deal with its “unique issues.”
Shayler noted that the updates won’t completely rewrite the existing law, but they are expected to better position the village to address homes and buildings that do not meet codes.
“It spells out exactly what can and is to be done, and what authorities the codes officer has,” said Shayler. “It takes away all the question as to what he or she may do, and what the next steps are, what the property owner must do and that type of thing. It removes all the questions from that.
"That in itself provides more teeth, I believe, to the codes officer."
A public hearing on the new laws Monday night passed without comment. The board unanimously approved the measures, with one trustee absent.
Shayler said “problem properties” are a “constant battle” for the village. Groups of residents have approached the village board with concerns about the state of vacant homes on East State Street and Seneca Street.
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The Allegany County Land Bank has demolished several abandoned homes in the village, and built a new home on a vacant Clark Street lot in 2021.
“It’s a constant battle. It’s the type of thing where we’ve got some properties that are chronic offenders, but we’re putting another big push on it,” said Shayler. “This should be quite helpful for us.”
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: How new Wellsville laws may help village respond to codes complaints
