Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-40
Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators
Operative Text
A. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted standards. B. Elevators and power-operated dumbwaiter cars shall be provided with durable signs in conspicuous locations, on which the rated capacity shall be indicated. C. Elevator cars shall be provided with approved means for transmitting a signal outside the hoistway in case of emergency. D. Hoistways and pits shall be maintained free of refuse. E. Machine rooms shall be maintained free of oil and grease and shall not be used for the storage of articles or materials unnecessary for the maintenance of the elevator or dumbwaiter. Flammable liquids shall not be kept in such rooms. F. No person shall at any time make any required safety device or electrical protective device inoperative, except when necessary during tests, inspections or maintenance.
Section 215-40 of the Jamestown Code of Ordinances establishes maintenance and safety standards for elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators in residential and commercial buildings. The rule requires that these systems be kept in working order according to accepted standards, that capacity ratings be posted visibly, and that emergency signaling devices be functional. It also mandates that hoistways, pits, and machine rooms be kept clean and free of hazardous materials, and prohibits anyone from disabling required safety or electrical protective devices except during authorized testing, inspection, or maintenance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to § 215-40 of the Jamestown Code generally keep elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators under a regular maintenance schedule aligned with accepted industry standards. Compliant operators ensure that rated-capacity signs are durably posted in conspicuous locations on elevator and power-operated dumbwaiter cars, and that emergency signaling devices remain operational at all times outside of authorized testing or maintenance windows. Machine rooms are kept free of oil, grease, and unnecessary stored materials, flammable liquids are not stored in those spaces, and hoistways and pits are routinely cleared of refuse.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 215-40 of the Jamestown Code of Ordinances, tenants in buildings with elevators, dumbwaiters, or escalators have an interest in knowing that these systems must be maintained to accepted safety standards, equipped with visible capacity signs and working emergency signals, and kept free of hazardous conditions. If a tenant observes a missing capacity sign, a non-functioning emergency signal, debris in a hoistway, or evidence that a safety device has been disabled outside of a maintenance context, these may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants can document such conditions and report them to the appropriate Jamestown municipal code enforcement office, or consult 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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