Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-21
Regulations to prevent the spread of fire
Operative Text
A. Walls and ceilings shall be maintained free from cracks and openings which would permit flame or excessive heat to enter the concealed space. B. In buildings of mixed occupancy, nonresidential space shall be separated from residential space by approved fire separations which will retard the spread of fire. C. Garages in or attached to a residential building shall be separated from other spaces in the building by approved fire separations which will retard the spread of fire and prevent flammable or toxic vapors originating within the garage from being transmitted to other parts of the building. D. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed and maintained as per Section 704 of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State.
Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-21 establishes a set of fire-prevention standards for residential and mixed-use buildings. Walls and ceilings must be kept free of cracks or openings that could allow flames or excessive heat into hidden spaces, and where residential and nonresidential uses share a building, approved fire separations must divide those areas. Attached or interior garages must be similarly separated to block both fire spread and the migration of flammable or toxic vapors. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed and kept in working order in accordance with Section 704 of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential and mixed-use properties in Clarkstown are generally expected to conduct routine inspections of walls and ceilings to identify and repair any cracks or gaps that could compromise fire containment, as required under ch. 157 § 157-21. Buildings with attached garages or nonresidential tenants require approved fire-separation assemblies that meet applicable standards, and those assemblies should be verified to be intact and unaltered. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in the locations and quantities specified by Section 704 of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State and kept in proper working condition throughout the tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-21, tenants have an interest in ensuring that their building's walls, ceilings, fire separations, and detection devices meet the standards described in this provision. If a tenant observes missing or non-functioning smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, visible wall or ceiling damage, or an improperly separated garage, those conditions may constitute code violations that can be reported to the local code enforcement authority. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand how documented code violations can be raised in housing proceedings or used to support other remedies available under New York 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.
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