[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature 4-13-1987 by L.L. No.
13-1987 (Ch. 65 of the 1985 Code). Amendments noted
where applicable. Uncodified sections of local laws amending these
provisions are included at the end of this chapter.]
The Suffolk County Legislature hereby finds as follows:
A.
There exist in the County numerous County-owned or -leased buildings,
structures or premises with conditions that are or may become substandard
or fire hazards and which, in the absence of corrective action, may
constitute a threat to the public health and safety.
B.
Although there is a New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code, there exists the need for a local law to address enforcement
of this code.
C.
Although the County Fire Marshal's Office is performing inspections
of County buildings and writing building violations, it is also important
to correct said violations in a reasonable time frame.
D.
It is essential that fire code violations in County buildings be
corrected in a timely manner so as to minimize the County risk exposure
and to ensure the safety of all County employees.
E.
Failure to comply with the state code is a breach of County government
responsibility.
F.
The state encourages local governments to exercise their full powers
to administer and enforce the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code.
G.
It is necessary to enact a local law which will set forth responsibility
and compliance criteria and strengthen procedures to ensure County
compliance with standards of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code.
A.
In addition to and not in limitation of any power otherwise granted
by law, the County Fire Marshal is hereby authorized to order, in
writing, the remedying of any condition found to exist in, on or about
any County-owned or County-leased building found to be in violation
of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, i.e.,
Article 18 of the New York Executive Law, and to issue an order that
the appropriate corrective measures be taken by the responsible parties.
The Fire Marshal is further authorized to grant, in writing, such
time as may be reasonably necessary to achieve compliance with such
order.
B.
Upon issuing an order compelling compliance with the New York State
Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the Fire Marshal shall
file notice with the affected department head, the County Executive,
the Commissioner of Public Works, the Division of Insurance and Risk
Management and the Clerk of the County Legislature.
C.
Responsibility for ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to
correct fire code violations in a timely manner shall reside with
the commissioner or director of the affected department and the Commissioner
of Public Works for County-owned buildings or the landlord for leased
buildings.
D.
Each time that the County enters into lease to rent a building for
County occupancy, the landlord's responsibility for the correction
of violations of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code shall be stipulated and the responsibility for associated costs
shall be stated, each as terms and conditions of any such lease.
E.
Notification of all corrective measures taken under any order issued
pursuant to this chapter shall be forwarded by the responsible party
to the Clerk of the Legislature, the County Executive and the Fire
Marshal within 30 days of the corrective action, unless otherwise
specified.
