Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-51
Height and ventilation
Operative Text
A. Habitable space. A mobile home shall be provided with natural light and ventilation adequate for the intended use of each habitable space in accordance with the following: (1) The window area shall equal at least 10% of the floor area of each habitable space. (2) Openable area of windows and other openings used for natural ventilation of each habitable space shall equal at least 45% of the required window area, or mechanical ventilation shall be provided as set forth in § 178-52B(16) . B. Nonhabitable space. A mobile home shall be provided with light and ventilation adequate for the intended use of nonhabitable space in accordance with the following: (1) Kitchenettes, bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be provided with light of sufficient intensity and so distributed as to permit the maintenance of sanitary conditions and the safe use of the space and the appliances, equipment and fixtures. (2) Kitchenettes, bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be provided with natural ventilation consisting of openable areas of not less than 1 1/2 square feet for bathrooms and toilet rooms and not less than three square feet for kitchenettes, or mechanical ventilation shall be provided as set forth in § 178-52B(16) .
Section 178-51 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum light and ventilation standards for mobile homes. In habitable rooms, windows must cover at least 10% of the floor area, and at least 45% of that window area must be openable for natural airflow—or an approved mechanical ventilation system must be used instead. Kitchenettes, bathrooms, and toilet rooms must have adequate lighting for safe, sanitary use and must provide specific minimum openable areas for natural ventilation, again with a mechanical ventilation alternative permitted.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of mobile home properties subject to § 178-51 generally ensure that every habitable room has windows sized to at least 10% of the room's floor area, with nearly half of that window area capable of opening. For kitchenettes, bathrooms, and toilet rooms, compliant operators verify that openable ventilation meets the square-footage minimums stated in § 178-51B(2)—1½ sq ft for bathrooms and toilet rooms, 3 sq ft for kitchenettes—or that a mechanical system meeting § 178-52B(16) is installed and maintained. Keeping documentation of window measurements and ventilation equipment can support compliance during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 178-51, tenants in mobile homes in Hornell have a right to habitable spaces with adequate natural light and ventilation, as well as properly lit and ventilated kitchenettes, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. If windows are too small, cannot open sufficiently, or ventilation appears inadequate, tenants may consider documenting the conditions and contacting the City of Hornell's code enforcement office to report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help residents understand what options may be available when these standards 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation