Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-21
Fireplaces
Operative Text
A. Fireplaces and similar constructions used or intended to be used for burning fuel in open fires shall be connected to approved chimneys and shall be installed so that nearby or adjacent combustible material and structural members shall not be heated to unsafe temperatures. B. Hearths and linings or other parts of fireplaces exposed directly to flame shall be of materials that will not melt, disintegrate, spall or shatter at high temperatures. C. Wood mantels and trim on fireplaces shall be placed and attached so that they cannot be heated to unsafe temperatures or ignited by sparks or embers from the fire. D. Fireplaces shall have protective screens made of nonflammable material which shall be placed across the fireplace between the fire and the room. Such protective screen shall be kept closed at all times while the fireplace is in use.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-21 establishes construction and operational standards for fireplaces and similar open-burning fixtures in residential and other buildings. The rule requires that fireplaces connect to approved chimneys, use heat-resistant materials for all flame-exposed components, keep wood mantels and trim at safe distances from heat and sparks, and maintain a closed nonflammable protective screen across the fireplace opening whenever a fire is burning. These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of structural fires and unsafe heat transfer to surrounding building materials.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-21, compliant property operators generally ensure that any fireplace on the premises is connected to an approved chimney and that all flame-exposed components—such as hearths and linings—are constructed from materials rated to withstand high temperatures without degrading. Operators also verify that wood mantels and trim are positioned and secured so they remain safely away from heat, sparks, and embers. A nonflammable protective screen must be present and kept closed across the fireplace opening during any use, making it a standard item to inspect and maintain during routine property walkthroughs.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 210-21 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances ch. 210 gives tenants a basis to expect that any fireplace in their rental unit meets specific safety standards, including proper chimney connections, heat-resistant construction materials, safely positioned wood trim, and a functioning nonflammable screen that must remain closed during use. If a fireplace appears to lack these features—such as a missing or broken screen, deteriorating hearth materials, or signs of unsafe heat transfer to nearby walls—tenants can document the condition and report it to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations in the Ithaca area can help residents understand how to raise a housing code violation and what remedies may be available.
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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