Hempstead Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 78 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 78-19
Dwelling units, sleeping rooms and exit door signs
Operative Text
A. Application. The provisions of this section shall apply to all multiple dwellings, including multiple residences, hotels, single room occupancies, boarding homes and rooming and lodging houses, whether or not such dwelling shall have been constructed, altered or replaced or repaired before or after the enactment of this section. B. In all multiple dwellings, the dwelling unit or sleeping unit number shall be affixed to the entrance door on the corridor side. No two rooms shall bear the same number. C. Entrance doors to dwelling unit. Entrance doors to dwelling units shall be equipped with a lock operable by a key from the outside and a thumb-turn from the inside. Each dwelling unit entrance door shall also be equipped with a chain guard so as to permit partial opening of the door. Each dwelling unit entrance door shall also be equipped with a viewing device located so as to enable a person on the inside of the entrance door to view a person immediately outside. D. Exit door signs. An EXIT sign shall be affixed to the exit door opening into a stairshaft or directly to the exterior on the corridor side indicating the word "EXIT." E. Characteristics of dwelling unit or sleeping unit numbers, entrance door and exit door signs. Dwelling unit or sleeping unit numbers and entrance door and exit door signs shall have the characteristic that they have a reflective finish. (1) Lettering/numerals and coloring of signs. (a) The lettering/numerals and background shall be in contrasting colors. (b) The lettering and/or numerals shall be of bold type and properly spaced to provide good legibility. (c) The lettering and/or numerals of such signs shall not be less than two inches in height and shall have a width of not less than 3/8 inch. Such signs shall be located not less than six inches and not more than 12 inches above the floor and shall be affixed in such a manner that they cannot be readily removed. (2) Material of signs. (a) Signs shall be of metal or other durable materials. (b) Fire-resistive pressure-sensitive vinyl decals may be permitted if the plastic is printed on the reverse side. (3) Attachment of signs. Signs shall be securely attached to the bottom of all doors. F. Report of compliance. Owners shall file a report with the Building Department certifying that they have posted the signs in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section. G. Compliance date. All signs shall be installed on or before June 1, 2000.
Hempstead Village Code § 78-19 establishes uniform signage and door-hardware requirements for all multiple dwellings in the village, regardless of when the building was constructed or modified. Every dwelling or sleeping unit must display a unique, reflective number on its corridor-side entrance door, and exit doors leading to stairshafts or the exterior must carry a reflective 'EXIT' sign meeting specific size, color-contrast, and material standards. Entrance doors must also be fitted with a keyed lock, a thumb-turn, a chain guard, and a viewing device (peephole). Owners are required to file a compliance report with the Building Department confirming that all signs have been properly posted.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings covered by § 78-19 generally ensure that each unit or sleeping room entrance door on the corridor side displays a unique, reflective unit number meeting the code's lettering-size, color-contrast, bold-type, and placement specifications (between six and twelve inches above the floor, securely attached so it cannot be readily removed). Compliant operators also verify that each entrance door is equipped with a keyed lock, thumb-turn, chain guard, and viewing device, and that corridor-side exit doors bear a conforming reflective 'EXIT' sign. After completing installation, owners file the required compliance report with the Hempstead Village Building Department certifying that all signage meets the standards set out in § 78-19.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 78-19, tenants in Hempstead Village multiple dwellings have an interest in confirming that their unit's entrance door carries the required unique unit number, is fitted with a keyed lock, thumb-turn, chain guard, and peephole, and that exit doors in common corridors display proper 'EXIT' signs. If any of these features appear to be missing or non-conforming, tenants can document the condition and raise the issue with the Hempstead Village Building Department, which receives owner compliance reports under this section. Tenant-rights organizations or a housing attorney familiar with local code enforcement can help residents understand what options may be available when signage or door-hardware requirements are not met.
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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