Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-86
Fire-resistance ratings
Operative Text
A. General. The fire-resistance rating of floors, walls, ceilings and other elements and components required by the Building Code shall be maintained. B. Maintenance. All required fire doors and smoke barriers shall be maintained in good working order, including all hardware necessary for the proper operation thereof. Fire doors shall not be held open by door stops, wedges and other unapproved hold-open devices.
Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 § 151-86 establishes that fire-resistance ratings on floors, walls, ceilings, and similar structural elements must be kept intact as originally required by the Building Code. Fire doors and smoke barriers must remain fully operational, with all associated hardware in good working condition. The provision also prohibits propping fire doors open with door stops, wedges, or any other unapproved devices.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151-86, compliant property operators routinely inspect fire-rated assemblies—including floors, walls, and ceilings—to ensure their fire-resistance ratings have not been compromised by damage, renovation, or deferred maintenance. Operators also verify that all fire doors and smoke barriers, along with their hardware such as closers, latches, and seals, are in good working order. Unapproved hold-open devices like wedges or door stops are not used on fire doors, as this directly violates the maintenance requirements of this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 151-86 of the Amherst Code gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when fire doors are propped open with wedges or door stops, or when fire-rated walls and ceilings appear damaged or compromised. Tenants who observe these conditions may report them to the local code enforcement or building inspection office in Amherst, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how fire-safety maintenance violations under this provision may relate to habitability standards or other protections.
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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