Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-36
Electrical
Operative Text
A. General requirements. Existing electrical fixtures, devices, wiring and systems shall be maintained in a condition which will avoid a potential source of shock and fire. Existing electrical systems shall be governed in accordance with standards in force at the time of installation. Any alterations, repairs or additional installation shall comply with the National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association 70) and Chapter 131 , Electrical Standards, the Code of the City of Jamestown. B. Additional residential requirements. (1) Where there is electrical service available to the building or structure, every habitable room of a dwelling or multifamily dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote outlets, one of which may be a ceiling or wall-type electrical light fixture. In kitchens, three separate and remote wall-type electrical convenience outlets or two such convenience outlets and one ceiling or wall-type electrical light fixture shall be provided. Every public hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least one electric light fixture. In addition to the electric light fixture in every bathroom and laundry room, there shall be provided at least one electrical outlet. (2) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. (3) Electrical wiring and equipment installed in damp or wet locations or where exposed to explosive or flammable gases or to excessive temperatures shall be of a type approved for the purpose and location. (4) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be protected against electrical overload by properly rated overcurrent devices. (5) Electrical wiring and equipment shall be grounded so as to eliminate the danger of high voltage from lightning or other causes. (6) Electrical equipment which in ordinary operation produces arcs or sparks shall be enclosed, separated and isolated from all combustible material. (7) Service equipment and overcurrent protection devices shall be installed and maintained in a readily accessible location. C. Electric lighting. (1) Residential buildings and occupancies shall be wired for electricity, and lighting equipment shall be installed throughout to provide illumination for the intended use of each space. Electric wiring systems shall be connected to an adequate source of supply. (2) There shall be a switch or other means for controlling a light in each dwelling unit near the point or entrance to such unit. D. Exit and directional signs. (1) Exits in multiple dwellings shall be provided with exit and directional signs visible from the approach to the exits, except that such signs shall not be required in those portions of a building which contain dwelling units only or in which exit from sleeping rooms is directly to the outside. (2) Directional signs shall be provided at the locations from which the exit doorway is not readily discernible. (3) Such signs shall be worded in plainly legible block letters with the word EXIT for exit signs and the words TO EXIT with a suitable pointer or arrow indicating the direction of exit for directional signs. Letters for signs shall be conspicuous, readily discernible and at least six inches high, except that existing signs shall be at least 4 1/2 inches high. (4) Exit and directional signs shall be illuminated either externally or internally by electric lights and shall be kept illuminated at all times when the building is occupied. (5) In structures of 12 or more dwelling units, emergency lighting shall be required in the event of power failure.
Section 215-36 of the Jamestown Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive electrical standards for residential buildings, covering everything from basic outlet counts and wiring safety to exit signage and emergency lighting. Existing electrical systems must be kept safe from shock and fire hazards, while any new work must conform to the National Electrical Code and Jamestown's Chapter 131 Electrical Standards. The provision also sets specific requirements for the number and placement of outlets in habitable rooms and kitchens, proper grounding and overcurrent protection, and illuminated exit signs in multi-unit buildings, including emergency lighting in structures with 12 or more dwelling units.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Jamestown should ensure ongoing compliance with § 215-36 by routinely inspecting all electrical fixtures, wiring, and devices to confirm they remain free of shock and fire hazards. Compliant property managers verify that each habitable room contains the minimum required outlets, that kitchens and bathrooms meet their specific outlet and fixture requirements, and that all wiring is properly secured, grounded, and protected by correctly rated overcurrent devices. In multi-unit buildings, operators generally maintain illuminated exit and directional signs at all times when the building is occupied, and in structures of 12 or more dwelling units, they ensure emergency lighting systems are in place and functional in the event of a power failure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 215-36 of the Jamestown Code of Ordinances, tenants in residential dwellings are entitled to electrical systems that are maintained safely, with adequate outlets in habitable rooms and kitchens, proper lighting in common areas, and—in buildings of 12 or more units—emergency lighting during power failures. If electrical conditions in a rental unit appear to fall short of these standards, such as missing required outlets, exposed or unsecured wiring, or non-functioning exit signs, tenants may have grounds to raise these conditions as a housing code violation. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the appropriate Jamestown code enforcement office or consulting a local 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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