Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-31
Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation
Operative Text
A. Refrigerants. (1) Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used in multiple dwellings. (2) Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes. B. Ventilating systems. (1) Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented, and so that under conditions of use, the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature. (2) Stairways, passageways, exits, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. (3) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately fire-stopped. (4) Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. (5) Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. (6) Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least 1/2 inch or by a noncombustible insulating material at least 1/4 inch thick. (7) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled. (8) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or space whose contents may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building. C. Air intake and exhaust openings. (1) Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system. (2) Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source. (3) Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected. (4) Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance. D. Ventilation requirements. Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess.
Section 215-31 of the Cohoes Code of Ordinances establishes safety standards for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in multiple dwellings. The provision prohibits the use of highly flammable or toxic refrigerants, requires that ventilating systems be designed and maintained to prevent the rapid spread of fire, heat, or smoke, and mandates that ducts, filters, and air-handling equipment meet specific fire-safety and material standards. It also governs where air intake and exhaust openings may be located, ensuring that air drawn into a building comes from uncontaminated sources and that exhaust air carrying odors, fumes, or vapors is not recirculated to other occupied spaces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings in Cohoes should ensure that HVAC and ventilation systems comply with every subsection of § 215-31, including the prohibition on flammable or toxic refrigerants, the requirement that all ducts and air-handling equipment be made of noncombustible materials, and the mandate that filters be kept in a condition that does not pose a fire or smoke hazard. Compliant operators routinely inspect duct fastening, fire-stopping, and clearance requirements, and verify that air intake openings draw from uncontaminated exterior sources while exhaust openings are positioned to avoid creating a nuisance. Spaces where heat, gases, vapors, or odors may accumulate must be equipped with adequate ventilation as required under § 215-31(D).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 215-31 of the Cohoes Code of Ordinances, tenants in multiple dwellings have a right to live in buildings where ventilation and air-conditioning systems meet established fire-safety and air-quality standards, including protections against recirculated fumes or odors from other units. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards—such as improperly maintained ductwork, evidence of hazardous refrigerants, or exhaust air being drawn into living spaces—they may consider documenting the issue and reporting it to the appropriate local code enforcement authority in Cohoes. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under local housing codes.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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