Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-85
Accumulations and storage
Operative Text
A. Accumulations. Rubbish, garbage or other materials shall not be stored or allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress. B. Hazardous material. Combustible, flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials, such as paints, volatile oils and cleaning fluids, or combustible rubbish, such as wastepaper, boxes and rags, shall not be accumulated or stored unless such storage complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Code and the Fire Prevention Code.
Section 151-85 of Amherst's Code of Ordinances establishes two related rules about what may be kept in and around residential properties. First, it prohibits rubbish, garbage, or other materials from being stored or allowed to pile up in stairways, passageways, doorways, windows, fire escapes, or any other exit routes. Second, it restricts the storage of combustible, flammable, explosive, or otherwise hazardous materials — including paints, volatile oils, cleaning fluids, wastepaper, boxes, and rags — unless that storage meets the standards set by the applicable Building Code and Fire Prevention Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties subject to § 151-85 generally maintain clear, unobstructed egress paths throughout their buildings, including stairways, hallways, and fire escapes, free of accumulated rubbish or debris. Where hazardous or combustible materials must be stored on the premises — such as maintenance supplies, paints, or cleaning fluids — compliant operators ensure that storage arrangements conform to the requirements of the applicable Building Code and Fire Prevention Code. Routine inspections of common areas and storage spaces are a standard practice for operators seeking to stay ahead of potential violations under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 151-85, tenants have an interest in ensuring that shared egress routes — stairways, hallways, fire escapes, and exits — remain free of accumulated materials that could block escape in an emergency. If a tenant observes blocked exits or improperly stored hazardous materials in a rental property, general enforcement paths include reporting the condition to Amherst's local code enforcement or building inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how conditions that violate § 151-85 may be relevant to habitability concerns or other remedies available under local law.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation