Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 475 § 475-25
Interior protection
Operative Text
A. Free from dampness. (1) Cellars, basements and crawl spaces in every structure or building shall be reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. (2) Ventilation shall be provided in every basement, cellar, crawl space and attic by means of windows, openings or vents or mechanical vents in accordance with generally accepted standards. B. Structural members. (1) Supporting structural members of every structure or building shall be structurally sound. (2) Supporting structural members shall be considered to be structurally sound if such members are capable of bearing imposed dead and live loads safely and if there is no evidence of deterioration. C. Chimneys, flues and vents. (See also § 475-37 .) (1) Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto and all other flues and vents of every structure or building shall be structurally sound and free from defects to assure the performance of the function for which they were designed and are used. (2) Chimneys, flues, gas vents or other draft-producing equipment shall provide sufficient draft to develop the rated output of the connected equipment. Chimneys and flue linings, where required, flues, gas vents and their supports shall be structurally safe, durable, smoketight and capable of withstanding the action of the flue gases. D. Stairs and railings. (1) Interior stairs of every building or structure shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Railings shall be provided in accordance with generally accepted standards for stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. (2) Treads or risers that evidence excessive wear or are broken, warped or loose shall be repaired. Stairs shall be securely fastened to supporting structural members and be capable of supporting normally imposed loads. Properly balustraded railings, capable of bearing normally imposed loads, shall be placed on the open portions of stars, balconies, landings and stairwells. E. Floors, walls and ceilings. (1) Floors, walls and ceilings of every building or structure shall be structurally sound and maintained free from deterioration in a clean and sanitary condition. (2) Floors shall be considered to be structurally sound where capable of safely bearing imposed loads. Walls and ceilings shall be considered to be structurally sound and in good repair when clean, free from breaks, loose plaster and similar conditions. F. Doors. Door(s) shall be structurally sound, free from openings, deterioration and with approved hardware.
Section 475-25 of Fulton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 475 establishes interior structural and safety standards for buildings. It requires that below-grade spaces remain reasonably dry and properly ventilated, that load-bearing structural members remain sound, and that chimneys, flues, stairs, railings, floors, walls, ceilings, and doors be maintained free from defects and deterioration. The provision defines specific benchmarks—such as the ability to bear imposed loads and freedom from breaks or loose plaster—to determine when these elements meet the required standard.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under § 475-25 generally conduct routine inspections of cellars, basements, crawl spaces, and attics to confirm adequate ventilation and freedom from dampness. Compliant operators keep structural members, chimneys, flues, stairs, railings, floors, walls, ceilings, and doors in sound condition—promptly repairing broken treads, loose plaster, deteriorating flue linings, and similar defects before they worsen. Maintaining documentation of inspections and repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the interior protection standards set out in § 475-25.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 475-25, tenants in Fulton, N.Y., have an interest in living spaces where structural elements—including stairs, railings, floors, walls, ceilings, and doors—are maintained in safe and sound condition, and where below-grade areas are kept reasonably dry and ventilated. If conditions such as broken stair treads, dampness, defective chimneys, or deteriorating walls appear to violate this provision, tenants may consider documenting the issues and reporting them to the appropriate local code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help explain available options, including how a § 475-25 violation might be raised in relevant proceedings.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation