Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-14
Stairs and railings
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings shall be provided on all interior stairways and open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. Such railings must be well-secured and extended the full length of the stairway.
Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-14 establishes minimum standards for stairs and railings in residential properties. Stairs—whether inside or outside a building—must be wide enough to safely accommodate the people who use them, in line with generally accepted standards. Railings are required along all interior stairways, open stair sections, balconies, landings, and stairwells, and those railings must be firmly secured and run the full length of the stairway.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-14 of the Jamestown Code, compliant property operators ensure that all interior and exterior stairs meet generally accepted width standards for the number of occupants served. Operators also install and maintain railings on every interior stairway, open stair portion, balcony, landing, and stairwell, verifying that each railing is well-secured and extends the full length of the stairway. Routine inspections of stair and railing conditions help operators identify and address any deterioration before it becomes a code violation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-14 of the Jamestown Code gives occupants the right to stairs of adequate width and properly secured, full-length railings on all interior stairways, open stair sections, balconies, landings, and stairwells. If stairs or railings in a rental unit appear unsafe, undersized, loose, or incomplete, tenants may report the condition to the local code enforcement or housing inspection office in Jamestown. Tenant-rights organizations can also help occupants understand what documentation to gather and what options may be available when a landlord does not address stair or railing deficiencies.
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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