Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-20
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 210-20 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances establishes a fire-safety standard for interior finish materials used on walls and ceilings, including acoustical panels, insulation, decorative treatments, and trim. The rule focuses on combustion behavior: materials must not produce excessive smoke or harmful gases when they burn. This applies broadly to any such materials installed in covered buildings, regardless of when or by whom they are installed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-20, compliant operators generally select interior finish materials—such as ceiling tiles, wall insulation, decorative panels, and trim—that meet recognized low-smoke and low-toxicity combustion standards. When renovating or making repairs, property managers typically verify that replacement materials carry appropriate fire-rating documentation before installation. 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 210-20 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns if interior wall or ceiling materials—such as decorative panels, acoustical tiles, or trim—appear to be made of substances that could release dangerous smoke or gases in a fire. Tenants who believe materials in their unit or common areas may not meet this standard can document their observations and report the concern to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can also help residents understand what options are generally available under this provision.
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 Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.