Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-12
Prohibited uses
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited to use for sleeping purposes any kitchen, nonhabitable space or public space. B. It shall be prohibited, in lodging houses, to use for dining purposes any communal kitchen containing less than 100 square feet of floor area, or any nonhabitable space or public space other than dining space. C. It shall be prohibited to prepare or eat meals in lodging units. D. It shall be prohibited to use any cellar space as habitable space.
Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 § 186-12 establishes several prohibited uses within residential and lodging spaces. Kitchens, nonhabitable spaces, and public spaces may not be used for sleeping, and cellar spaces may not be treated as habitable areas. In lodging houses, communal kitchens smaller than 100 square feet and nonhabitable or public spaces (other than designated dining areas) cannot be used for dining. Lodging unit occupants are also barred from preparing or eating meals within their individual units.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of lodging houses and rental properties in Massena must ensure that their properties comply with the use restrictions set out in ch. 186 § 186-12. Compliant operators generally configure their buildings so that sleeping occurs only in designated habitable rooms, dining in lodging houses takes place only in communal kitchens of at least 100 square feet or properly designated dining spaces, and no cellar space is offered or represented as habitable. Lodging house operators also typically communicate clearly to occupants that meal preparation and eating within individual lodging units is not permitted under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 § 186-12, tenants and lodging house residents have an interest in knowing which spaces in their building are legally designated for sleeping, dining, and habitation. If a landlord is renting out a cellar, kitchen, or other nonhabitable space as a sleeping or living area, that arrangement may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their housing arrangement conflicts with § 186-12 may consider contacting the local code enforcement office, raising the issue with a tenant-rights organization, or consulting a housing attorney 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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