Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-87
Fire-protection systems
Operative Text
A. General. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code. B. Fire-suppression system. Fire-suppression systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times. Fire-suppression systems located in vacant spaces of partially occupied structures shall be maintained in proper operating conditions at all times or as otherwise approved by the code official. C. Standpipe systems. Standpipe systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times. Hose connections shall be unobstructed. Standpipe systems located in vacant spaces of partially occupied structures shall be maintained in proper operating conditions at all times or as otherwise approved by the code official. D. Fire extinguishers. All portable fire extinguishers shall be visible, provided with ready access thereto and maintained in an efficient and safe operating condition. Extinguishers shall be of an approved type. E. Smoke detectors. (1) Smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with all applicable New York State codes, rules, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc. (2) Tampering. Anyone tampering or interfering with the effectiveness of a smoke detector shall be in violation of this article. F. Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
Section 151-87 of Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 151 establishes that all fire-protection systems in a building — including fire-suppression systems, standpipe systems, portable fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarm systems — must be kept in working order at all times. Systems located in vacant portions of partially occupied structures are subject to the same standard unless the code official grants an exception. Tampering with or interfering with the effectiveness of a smoke detector is explicitly defined as a violation of this article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151-87, property owners and managers are generally expected to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of every fire-protection component in their buildings, including suppression systems, standpipes, extinguishers, smoke detectors, and alarm systems, ensuring none fall into disrepair. For partially occupied structures, operators typically coordinate with the code official before allowing any fire-protection system in a vacant space to deviate from full operational status. Keeping documented maintenance records and ensuring that fire extinguishers remain visible and accessible are practices consistent with compliance under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 151-87 gives tenants a basis to expect that all fire-protection systems in their building — smoke detectors, fire alarms, suppression systems, standpipes, and extinguishers — are kept in working order by the property owner at all times. If a tenant observes a malfunctioning or missing fire-protection device, or suspects that a smoke detector has been tampered with, they may report the condition to Amherst's code enforcement office, which has authority over violations of Chapter 151. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes are available under this provision.
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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