Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-66
Light
Operative Text
A. Habitable spaces. Every habitable space shall comply with the requirements of Subsection A(1) and (2) : (1) Habitable space shall have natural light provided by means of one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combination thereof, that face directly on open space. (2) Habitable space shall be provided with electric light appropriate for the intended use. B. Common halls and stairways. Every common hall and stairway, other than in one- and two-family dwellings, shall be lighted at all times with at least a sixty-watt standard incandescent light bulb or equivalent for each 200 square feet (19 square meters) of floor area, provided that the spacing between lights shall not be greater than 30 feet (9144 mm). Every exterior means of egress stairway, other than in one- and two-family dwellings, shall be illuminated with a minimum of one footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings and treads. C. Other spaces. All other spaces shall be provided with natural or artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of sanitary conditions and the safe occupancy of the space and utilization of the appliances, equipment and fixtures.
Section 151-66 of Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 151 establishes minimum lighting standards for residential spaces. Every habitable room must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar openings facing open space, and must also have adequate electric lighting. Common halls and stairways in buildings with more than two units must maintain continuous artificial lighting at a specified intensity, while all other spaces must have enough natural or artificial light to allow safe use and sanitary upkeep.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties in Amherst should ensure that every habitable room covered by § 151-66 has qualifying natural light sources—such as windows or skylights opening to open space—as well as appropriate electric lighting. In multi-unit buildings, common corridors and stairways must be kept lit at all times, meeting the bulb-equivalency and spacing requirements set out in § 151-66(B), and exterior egress stairways must achieve at least one footcandle at floors, landings, and treads. Compliant operators routinely inspect lighting fixtures, replace burned-out bulbs promptly, and verify that any renovations do not reduce natural light below the thresholds established in § 151-66.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 151-66 of Amherst's Code of Ordinances, tenants in multi-unit buildings have a right to adequately lit habitable rooms with natural light access, as well as continuously illuminated common hallways and stairways. If lighting in a rental unit or common area falls short of these standards—for example, a room lacks any window facing open space, or a stairway is routinely unlit—tenants may document the condition and report it to the Amherst Code Enforcement office, which oversees compliance with Chapter 151. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes are available under § 151-66.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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