[Adopted 5-9-1989 by L.L. No. 14-1989 (Ch. 277, Art. II,
of the 1985 Code)]
A.Â
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that single-room occupancies
or emergency shelters located within the County of Suffolk are generally
utilized by low-income populations who require unimpaired access to
important agencies of County government, including social workers
and representatives from the County Department of Social Services,
for the delivery of necessary County services.
B.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to establish a requirement
for the protection of occupants of single-room occupancies or emergency
shelters through a program of information and access to social workers.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Habitable housing units of a permanent or temporary nature
in which individuals or families may temporarily reside.
Individuals; natural persons; partnerships; joint ventures;
societies; associations; clubs; corporations; unincorporated groups
of any members; officers, directors or stockholders or any kind of
personal representative thereof, in any capacity, acting for himself
or for any other person, under either personal appointment or pursuant
to law.
Any dwelling or that part of any dwelling containing one
or more rooming units, in which space is occupied by three or more
roomers who are not members of a single family.
Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit
used or intended to be used for living and sleeping but not for cooking
or eating purposes.
A.Â
Any person owning or operating a rooming house or emergency shelter
within the County of Suffolk shall post a conspicuous sign in at least
one major entrance to said facility containing phone numbers of the
following County departments and/or agencies in bold print at least
one inch in height on a contrasting background:[1]
County Department of Social Services
| |
County Department of Health Services
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County Office for the Aging
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County Department of Consumer Affairs
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District Attorney
| |
County Police Department
| |
County Handicapped Services Agency[2]
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County Human Rights Commission
| |
County Department of Labor
|
B.Â
Any person owning or operating a rooming house or emergency shelter
shall permit social workers or representatives employed by the County
Department of Social Services to enter said premises to consult with
residents of said facility upon demonstration of appropriate credentials
establishing position of employment with the County of Suffolk.
Any intentional willful violation of § 438-13 of this article shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.