C of o inspections and property code in Rochester ny

[Matt Harris]

Hi 

Anyone locally in Rochester NY that can be of some help or point me in correct direction. I own a few rentals here locally and deal with a lot of hands on work myself just had a c of o done on two different properties and am concerned and curious the differences in violations and way city inspectors come up with code violations. Now I do have experience been to quite a few c of o inspections and section 8 inspections and thought I was familiar with local codes but seems everytime it's a new or different inspector and codes seem to change or are different based solely on who inspects. My question is where can I get their property code book or rules for violations so that I maybe versed and fix things before inspection and if they should try and tell me otherwise I would have the local code enforcement booklet which should be made available to the public and landlords if your holding me responsible to standards. One example recently is at 2 different properties home passed with no carbon or smoke in kitchen was told not needed as it wasnt required just needs to be outside kitchen and same location has boarded windows in basement only no violation but another location different inspector wants a carbon and smoke inside kitchen even when directly in next room and also wants natural light in basement because windows are boarded. Mind you both are single families and in low income areas which inspector is correct and is there a way around this or to hold these inspectors accoutable to what code really is required should be the same across the board no differences. How can I know their not just making this up as they go along as it seems when I question them their unaware of own property code laws and always a newbie inspector. I printed out chapter 90 of property code for city of Rochester about 46 pages read through and nothing goes so much into detail. I would like to know before hand so I can make properties ready and done correctly before inspections. Any help on where to get or who to speak with. I even asked an inspector for a copy and he says he can't provide that only office has them this was in regards to proper code on height requirements for stairs and railings. Thanks really confused with the differences any insight is appreciated as I would like to do this all correctly the first time and to the best quality of standards but as landlords time is money

[Derrick W.]

first you have to find out what codes are adopted. You will most likely be dealing with the irc. (International residential building code) then you will need to know what year. Cities do not have to change every time the new codes cycle through.  Once you have the codes and the years, next will be a list of the amendments to said codes.  This will be a list of what the city has added to the adopted codes.  Cities proved a copy of the code books but you will more than likely have to sit at city hall to read the book.  The admenents will be posted on the city web sites.  The old code books can be found through google and be read for free on line. ICC makes you buy the newest ones.  There are also code commentary books that help to understand the actual codes.  Inspectors must go by the book/amendments but each inspector has different areas they key in on depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses.  I know it's a pain. I have been on both sides as a construction worker and now an inspector with rentals that's has to hire construction workers.