Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-21
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings, banisters and/or guardrails shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, stairwells and accessible roofs and shall be installed in conformity with generally accepted standards. C. Stairs or steps of more than three risers shall have a handrail or railing parallel to the stair slope on at least one side. Where one or both sides of such stairs or steps are open and such stairs or steps exceed six feet in width, railings shall be provided on open sides. D. Landings, platforms and porches more than 18 inches above the adjacent floor or grade level shall be provided with railings on the open sides, except where openings are required for access.
Section 475-21 of Fulton, N.Y.'s Code of Ordinances establishes minimum safety standards for stairs, railings, and elevated surfaces in residential and other occupied buildings. Stairs must be wide enough to safely serve occupants, and railings, banisters, or guardrails are required on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, stairwells, and accessible roofs. Any stairway with more than three risers must have at least one handrail running parallel to the slope, and landings, platforms, or porches elevated more than 18 inches above the adjacent floor or grade must have railings on open sides.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of properties subject to Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-21 generally ensure that all stairways—interior and exterior—are sized to accommodate occupant traffic in line with accepted standards. Compliant property managers install and maintain handrails on any stairway exceeding three risers, add railings to open sides of stairs wider than six feet, and equip landings, porches, and platforms more than 18 inches above grade with guardrails on open sides. Routine inspections of these features help confirm that railings and banisters remain structurally sound and meet the requirements of § 475-21.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-21, tenants have a right to stairways, landings, balconies, and porches that meet the safety standards described in this provision, including properly installed handrails and guardrails. If a stairway lacks a required railing, a landing is unguarded, or other conditions appear to fall short of § 475-21's requirements, tenants may report the concern to the local code enforcement or housing inspection office in Fulton, N.Y. Tenant-rights organizations can help explain what documentation to gather and what general options exist for addressing unsafe conditions.
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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