The County Executive’s Corner: Four Years of the OBC

Four years ago, Rockland County took an unprecedented step to protect residents and restore accountability when we assumed all functions and responsibilities of the Spring Valley Building Department, pursuant to an order from the New York State Department of State. That action led to the creation of the County’s Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC).

Spring Valley had long been ground zero for illegal housing conditions resulting from decades of mismanagement and neglect of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. From day one, we were clear with the public: this was not a problem that could be solved overnight, but one that required sustained enforcement, transparency, and a commitment to public safety.

Since OBC was launched, County inspectors have conducted 5,300+ property inspections, uncovered nearly 17,000 violations, and collected $1.5M+ in fines.  These figures reflect the scale of the challenge we inherited and the seriousness with which this administration has approached correcting it.

Early inspections revealed an alarming trend. In its first year alone, OBC identified an average of ten violations per property—five times higher than the typical one or two violations found per property in other municipalities. While that number has decreased over time, this reduction is not accidental. It reflects improved compliance, stronger enforcement, and the deterrent effect of consistent inspections and penalties.

Despite numerous obstacles, OBC completed three years’ worth of inspections in its first two years—one full year ahead of schedule. But a recent inspection underscores how our work is far from over. 

In January, the Office of Buildings and Codes was requested by the Spring Valley Police Department to inspect a two-family residence at 18 White Street following a 911 call related to the death of a child. 

That death, and its cause, remain under investigation by law enforcement, and there are no known facts at this time indicating that the condition of the structure contributed to the child’s passing.

However, once legally permitted to inspect the property based on a documented complaint and probable cause, OBC identified 51 violations, including unlawful residential conversions, blocked exits, unsafe electrical conditions, and missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—conditions that present serious life-safety risks. Additionally, we learned one of the tenants lived in her illegally converted garage for 31 years. As a result, more than $41,000 in penalties were assessed against the property owner.

This incident underscores the critical reality of why reporting illegal conditions is important. 

One- and two-family homes are not subject to routine inspections under state law and resulted in a tenant living in an illegally converted garage for decades. The County is only authorized to inspect these properties when a complaint is made and there are sufficient facts to establish probable cause. We cannot act unless we are notified and prior to this incident this home has not been reported to OBC. 

If you suspect unsafe building conditions or illegal housing activity in the Village of Spring Valley, I urge you to report it to the Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or by email at obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.

Four years later, the mission of the Office of Buildings and Codes remains clear: protect lives, enforce the law, and restore trust.