Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-13
Nonhabitable space
Operative Text
A. Toilet rooms and bathrooms. Toilet rooms and bathrooms in one- and two-family dwellings shall have provisions for privacy. B. No person shall occupy as owner-occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein which does not comply with the following requirements: (1) Sanitary facilities. The following minimum sanitary facilities shall be supplied and maintained in a sanitary and safe working condition: (a) Water closets. Every dwelling unit shall contain within its walls a room, separate from the habitable rooms, which affords and which is equipped with a water closet. (b) Lavatories. Every dwelling unit shall contain a lavatory, which, when a closet is required, shall be in the same room with said water closet. (c) Bathtubs or showers. Every dwelling unit shall contain a room which affords privacy to a person in said room and which is equipped with a bathtub or shower. Toilet rooms for employees in multiple dwellings shall be separate rooms for each sex where there are five or more employees, shall be readily accessible to such employees and shall not open directly into any public kitchen or other public space used for the cooking or preparation of food. In all dwellings, bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be provided with floors of moisture-resistant material. (2) Light and ventilation. (a) Kitchenettes, bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be provided with electric light approved for the use of such rooms. (b) Laundry rooms, furnace rooms and similar nonhabitable space shall be provided with electric light approved for the intended use of such rooms. (c) Stairs shall be provided with electric light to allow safe ascent or descent. (d) Kitchenettes, bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be provided with ventilation.
Section 215-13 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum standards for nonhabitable and sanitary spaces within dwellings. Every dwelling unit must include a private toilet room with a water closet, a lavatory in the same room, and a private bathtub or shower, all kept in sanitary and safe working condition. The provision also requires appropriate electric lighting in kitchenettes, bathrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms, stairways, and similar spaces, as well as adequate ventilation in kitchenettes, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. Floors in bathrooms and toilet rooms throughout all dwellings must be made of moisture-resistant material.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings in Jamestown generally ensure compliance with § 215-13 by maintaining each unit's toilet room, lavatory, and bathtub or shower as private, separate spaces that are kept in sanitary and safe working condition. Compliant operators install and maintain approved electric lighting in kitchenettes, bathrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and stairways, and ensure that kitchenettes, bathrooms, and toilet rooms have adequate ventilation. Moisture-resistant flooring in all bathroom and toilet room spaces, and sex-separated employee toilet rooms in multiple dwellings with five or more employees, are also part of a compliant property under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 215-13 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances, tenants have a right to a dwelling unit that includes a private toilet room with a water closet, a lavatory, and a private bathtub or shower, all maintained in sanitary and safe working condition, along with proper lighting and ventilation in bathrooms, kitchenettes, and similar spaces. If a unit lacks these features or they fall into disrepair, that condition may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their unit does not meet these standards may consider documenting the conditions, notifying the landlord in writing, or reaching out to Jamestown's local code enforcement office or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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