376-A - Code enforcement training.
§ 376-a. Code enforcement training. 1. For the purpose of this section, the term code enforcement personnel shall mean a code enforcement official charged with enforcement of the uniform fire prevention and building code or the state energy conservation construction code. 2. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided by this article, the secretary of state may promulgate rules and regulations with respect to: (a) The approval, or revocation thereof, of code enforcement training programs for code enforcement personnel; (b) Minimum courses of study, attendance requirements, and equipment and facilities to be required for approved code enforcement training programs for code enforcement personnel; (c) Minimum qualifications for instructors for approved code enforcement training programs for code enforcement personnel; (d) The requirements of minimum basic training which code enforcement personnel shall complete in order to be eligible for continued employment or permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training must be completed following such appointment; (e) The requirements for in-service training programs designed to assist code enforcement personnel in maintaining skills and being informed of technological advances; (f) Categories or classifications of advanced in-service training programs and minimum courses of study and attendance requirements with respect to such categories or classifications; (g) Exemptions from particular provisions of this article in the case of any county, city, town, or village if in the opinion of the secretary of state the standards of code enforcement training established and maintained by such county, city, town, or village are equal to or higher than those established pursuant to this article; or revocation in whole or in part of such exemption, if in his or her opinion the standards of code enforcement training established and maintained by such county, city, town, or village are lower than those established pursuant to this article; 3. In furtherance of his or her functions, powers and duties as set forth in this section, the secretary of state may: (a) Recommend studies, surveys and reports to be made by the department of state regarding the carrying out of the objectives and purposes of this section; (b) Visit and inspect any code enforcement training programs approved by the secretary of state or for which application for such approval has been made; and (c) Recommend standards for promotion to supervisory positions. 4. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided by this section, the secretary of state shall: (a) Approve code enforcement training programs for code enforcement personnel and issue certificates of approval to such programs, and revoke such approval or certificate; (b) Certify, as qualified, instructors for approved code enforcement training programs for code enforcement personnel and issue appropriate certificates to such instructors; (c) Certify code enforcement personnel who have satisfactorily completed basic training programs and in-service training programs, and issue appropriate certificates to such code enforcement personnel, and revoke such certificate; (d) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the establishment, operation, effectiveness and approval of code enforcement training programs;(e) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the completion or partial completion of training programs by video or computer to the maximum extent practicable; (f) Consult with and cooperate with the state university of New York and private universities, colleges and institutes in the state for the development of specialized courses of study for code enforcement personnel.