Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-24
Fireplaces
Operative Text
A. Fireplaces and similar construction 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 175º F. 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 175º F. or ignited by sparks or embers from the fire. Fire screens are to be provided over fireplace openings.
Section 215-24 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances establishes construction and safety standards for fireplaces and similar open-burning fixtures in residential and other buildings. The rule requires that fireplaces connect to approved chimneys, that all flame-exposed materials resist extreme heat without degrading, and that combustible elements like wood mantels stay below 175°F and be shielded from sparks. Fire screens must also be installed over fireplace openings to contain embers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing units with fireplaces should ensure that any fireplace covered by § 215-24 is connected to a code-approved chimney and that all surrounding combustible materials and structural members are installed at distances sufficient to keep temperatures below 175°F. Hearth linings and other flame-exposed components should be constructed of heat-resistant materials that will not melt, spall, or disintegrate under high-temperature conditions. Wood mantels and trim must be positioned and secured to prevent ignition from sparks or embers, and a fire screen must be in place over every fireplace opening.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in units with fireplaces have an interest in knowing that § 215-24 sets minimum safety standards for fireplace construction, including requirements for approved chimneys, heat-resistant hearth materials, properly placed wood mantels, and fire screens over openings. If a fireplace appears to lack a fire screen, shows signs of deteriorating hearth materials, or seems improperly connected to a chimney, tenants may report these conditions to Jamestown's local code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations in the area can also help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under local housing codes.
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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