Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-21
Interior finishes, trim and decorative materials
Operative Text
Interior finish materials for acoustical correction, surface insulation and decorative treatment on the surfaces of walls and ceilings and interior trim shall be of materials that will not, in burning, give off excessive amounts of smoke or objectionable gases.
Section 178-21 of Hornell's housing code establishes a fire-safety standard for interior finish materials—such as acoustical panels, insulation applied to surfaces, decorative wall and ceiling treatments, and interior trim. The rule focuses on combustion behavior: materials used in these applications must not produce excessive smoke or harmful gases when they burn. The provision does not specify a particular test standard or rating system by name, but sets a performance-based threshold tied to smoke and gas output during burning.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators managing rental properties in Hornell should ensure that any interior finish materials—including acoustical tiles, surface insulation, decorative wall or ceiling coverings, and trim—meet the combustion-safety standard described in § 178-21. Compliant operators typically select and document materials that carry recognized low-smoke, low-toxicity ratings or manufacturer certifications, and they apply this standard when renovating, redecorating, or replacing finishes. Keeping records of material specifications and product data sheets can help demonstrate compliance during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 178-21 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if interior finishes in their unit—such as ceiling tiles, wall panels, decorative coverings, or trim—appear to be materials that could produce dangerous smoke or gases in a fire. Tenants who believe a property may not meet this standard can contact Hornell's local code enforcement or housing inspection office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how this provision interacts with broader habitability protections.
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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