Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-20
Height of nonhabitable space
Operative Text
Nonhabitable space, except crawl spaces and attics, in multiple dwellings shall have a minimum height of seven feet measured from floor to ceiling.
Albany City Code Chapter 231, Section 231-20 establishes a minimum ceiling height of seven feet for nonhabitable spaces—such as basements, utility rooms, and similar areas—in multiple dwellings, with crawl spaces and attics explicitly excluded from this requirement. The rule applies to the floor-to-ceiling measurement and is specific to buildings that qualify as multiple dwellings. It sets a baseline structural standard intended to ensure a minimum level of usable vertical clearance in these shared or accessory spaces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code § 231-20, operators of multiple dwellings are generally expected to ensure that any nonhabitable space—other than crawl spaces and attics—meets the seven-foot floor-to-ceiling height standard. Compliant property managers typically verify this measurement during construction, renovation, or inspection planning and document that affected spaces meet the threshold. Spaces that fall short of this minimum may be flagged during municipal inspections, potentially requiring remediation before the space can be used or approved.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 231-20 of Albany's Code of Ordinances gives residents of multiple dwellings a basis to raise concerns if a nonhabitable space (excluding crawl spaces and attics) does not meet the seven-foot ceiling height requirement. Tenants who believe a space in their building falls below this standard can document the condition and report it to the appropriate Albany housing or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in the Albany area can also help residents understand how this provision may relate to broader habitability or code-compliance concerns.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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