Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-14
Stairs and railings
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 shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Section 178-14 of Hornell's housing code establishes baseline safety requirements for stairs and railings in residential properties. Stairs—whether inside or outside a building—must be wide enough to safely accommodate the people who use them, measured against generally accepted construction standards. Railings are required along any open edges of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Hornell Code § 178-14, compliant property operators ensure that all interior and exterior stairways meet width standards consistent with generally accepted building practices for the number of occupants served. Operators also install and maintain railings along every open section of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells throughout the property. Routine inspections of these features help confirm that railings remain secure and that stair widths have not been compromised by alterations or obstructions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 178-14 gives occupants of Hornell rental properties the right to stairs that are adequately wide and to railings on all open stair edges, balconies, landings, and stairwells. If these features are missing, damaged, or inadequate, tenants may report the condition to the City of Hornell's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how to document deficiencies and what options are generally available when a landlord does not address safety hazards.
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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