Rockland Code Enforcement Issues 60+ Garbage Code Violations

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has issued more than 60 code violations at 30 properties in Spring Valley for rubbish and garbage accumulation.

After a recent media report about accumulating trash in the village, OBC Director Ed Markunas immediately sent out inspectors to investigate further and hold property owners responsible.

OBC discovered violations of the New York State Property Maintenance Code that included the accumulation of old tires, construction debris, furniture, and propane tanks.

“My office has been tasked with protecting the health and safety of the Village of Spring Valley and we all know accumulating trash is more than an eyesore, it becomes a breeding ground for pests and rodents," Markunas said. "We hope our swift action leads to cleaner neighborhoods throughout the village."

As the issue poses a health safety risk, the Rockland Codes Investigations Unit, which is part of the Rockland County Department of Health, is also responding to the issue and has at least five active cases, officials said.

“This is not an easy job, but it is an important one,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Catherine Johnson Southren. “We face many obstacles from uncooperative building managers and landlords but are working on behalf of the best interests of the people of Rockland.”

The Department of Health's RCI program is responsible for the enforcement of housing hygiene and occupancy regulations pursuant to the Rockland County Sanitary Code. RCI investigates all residential housing complaints, including allegations regarding single-family dwellings, multiple dwellings, rental properties, and owner-occupied premises.

Since its launch in 2015, RCI has assessed over $2 million in fines against property owners across Rockland — and, unlike the Office of Buildings and Codes, has jurisdiction to respond and investigate complaints county-wide.

“The property owners enabling these egregious conditions should be ashamed of themselves. I’m proud to see Director Markunas and RCI taking swift action on behalf of the families in the Village of Spring Valley,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The Office of Buildings and Codes requests that the public submit complaints regarding Building and Code violations within the Village of Spring Valley to 845-364-3700 or by email to BuildingsAndCodes@co.rockland.ny.us.

The Rockland Codes Investigations Unit requests the public submit complaints to 845-364-2585 or online here.

See more photos of the trash problem in Spring Valley on the county government's Facebook post Friday.