NY A03097

Authorizes municipalities in Rockland County to collect unpaid housing, building, and fire code violation penalties by adding them to the annual tax levy.

Unpaid violations must be adjudicated by court judgment, recorded by the county clerk, remain unpaid for one year after all appeals are exhausted, and equal at least five percent of the property's assessed tax value to qualify for levy placement.

Properties exempt from this provision include owner-occupied residential dwellings and primary residences.

Municipalities must notify property owners within 30 days of levy placement and must develop a tenant assistance program before placing properties on the tax levy, including housing counseling and relocation support.

Property owners can cure violations prior to the redemption period deadline to be removed from the levy, or may pay the balance owed to redeem the property; surplus funds from tax foreclosure sales are returned to former owners proportionate to unpaid code violations.