Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-19
Interior protection
Operative Text
A. Free from dampness. (1) Cellars, basements and crawl spaces in every structure shall be reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. (2) Ventilation shall be provided in every basement, cellar and crawl space by means of windows, openings or vents or mechanical vents. B. Structural members. Supporting structural members of every structure shall be structurally sound. Supporting structural members shall be considered to be structurally sound if such members are capable of bearing imposed loads safely and if there is no evidence of deterioration. C. Chimneys, flues and vents. (1) Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto and all other flues and vents of every structure shall be structurally sound and free from defects to assure the performance of the function for which they were designed and are used. (2) Chimneys, flues, gas vents or other draft-producing equipment shall provide sufficient draft to develop the rated output of the connected equipment. Chimneys, flue linings, where required, flues and gas vents and their supports shall be structurally safe, durable, smoketight and capable of withstanding the action of the flue gases. D. Stairs and railings. (1) Interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Railings shall be provided for stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. (2) Treads or risers that evidence excessive wear, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code, or are broken, warped or loose shall be repaired. Stairs shall be securely fastened to supporting structural members and be capable of supporting normally imposed loads. Properly balustraded railings capable of bearing normally imposed loads shall be placed on the open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. E. Floors, walls and ceilings. (1) Floors, walls and ceilings of every structure shall be structurally sound and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. (2) Floors shall be considered to be structurally sound where capable of safely bearing imposed loads. Walls and ceilings shall be considered to be structurally sound and in good repair when clean and free from breaks, loose plaster and similar conditions. (3) Toilet rooms and bathroom floors shall be maintained so as to prevent leakage of water through the floor under normal conditions of use and floor washing and resultant deterioration or defects in structural members and ceilings below. (4) All interior flooring shall be maintained free of gaps between floorboards and free of broken and loose flooring, warped boards, splintered flooring and rotted boards.
Section 215-19 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances establishes interior structural and safety standards for all habitable structures. The rule requires that below-grade spaces remain reasonably dry and ventilated, that load-bearing members remain sound, that chimneys and vents function safely and without defects, that interior stairs and railings be structurally secure and properly balustraded, and that floors, walls, and ceilings be kept structurally sound, clean, and free from deterioration. Bathroom and toilet room floors must resist water leakage, and all interior flooring must be free of gaps, broken boards, warping, splintering, and rot.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Jamestown Code ch. 215 § 215-19 generally maintain a routine inspection schedule covering cellars, basements, and crawl spaces to confirm adequate ventilation and freedom from dampness. Compliant operators keep structural members, chimneys, flues, and vents in sound working condition, repair or replace worn, broken, or loose stair treads and railings promptly, and ensure all floors, walls, and ceilings remain clean, intact, and capable of bearing normal loads. Bathroom floors in particular receive attention to prevent water infiltration that could damage structural members or ceilings below.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Jamestown have a right to habitable interior conditions as defined by § 215-19, including dry and ventilated below-grade spaces, sound structural members, safe chimneys and vents, secure stairs with proper railings, and floors, walls, and ceilings free from deterioration. If conditions such as persistent dampness, broken stairs, defective railings, or rotted or warped flooring are present, tenants may report these conditions to the appropriate Jamestown code enforcement authority for inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how § 215-19 violations may be raised in housing proceedings or used to support a complaint.
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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