NY A03851

Authorizes the City of Lockport to collect unpaid housing, building, and fire code violation penalties through placement on the city's annual tax levy, with the same enforcement and lien procedures as regular property taxes.

Requires unpaid penalties to be adjudicated by court judgment, recorded by county clerk, remain unpaid for one year after final adjudication, and equal at least five percent of the property's assessed tax value to qualify for levy placement.

Exempts owner-occupied residential dwellings and primary residences from this collection method, and requires the city to develop a tenant assistance program including housing counseling before placing properties at risk for tax foreclosure.

Requires the city to notify property owners within thirty days of levy placement with details on violation dates, amounts owed, foreclosure process, and contact information for payment.

Allows property owners to cure violations prior to the redemption period expiration to avoid auction, permits payment plans, and requires any surplus funds from foreclosure sales to be returned proportionally to former owners based on code violations versus tax debt owed.