North Collins, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 103-38
Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation
Operative Text
A. One- and two-family dwellings. (1) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit shall not be circulated to another dwelling unit. (2) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately fire-stopped. B. Multiple dwellings. (1) Refrigerants. (a) Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used in multiple dwellings. (b) Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes. (2) Ventilating systems. (a) Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented and so that, under conditions of use, the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature. (b) Stairways, passageways, exits, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. (c) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately fire-stopped. (d) Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. (e) Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. (f) Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least one-half (1/2) inch or by a noncombustible insulating material at least one-fourth (1/4) inch thick. (g) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled. (h) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or a space whose contents may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building. (3) Intake and exhaust openings. (a) Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system. (b) Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source. (c) Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected. (d) Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance. (4) Ventilation requirements. (a) Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess. (b) Public spaces shall be provided with means for obtaining air supply for the maximum number of persons for which such spaces are designed. (5) Safety controls. (a) Manually operated controls shall be provided to stop the operation of all central fan equipment. Such controls shall be conspicuously identified and in readily accessible locations outside the fan room. (b) Every system using recirculated air and serving an assembly space of more than one fire area or more than one story of a building shall be provided with controls arranged so that under normal rise in temperature of the air in the system the fans causing normal circulation shall stop and require manual restart. (c) Every system for ventilating an assembly space shall be provided with an emergency switch conveniently located and with a durable sign giving instructions for shutting down the system in case of fire.
Section 103-38 of North Collins, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 103 establishes safety requirements for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in both one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings. The rule prohibits practices that could spread fire, smoke, fumes, or toxic substances through ventilation systems, such as circulating exhaust air between units or using highly flammable refrigerants. It also mandates that ducts, filters, intake and exhaust openings, and safety controls be installed and maintained in ways that prevent fire hazards and protect occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties subject to § 103-38 of North Collins Code ch. 103 generally ensure that all ductwork is securely fastened and fire-stopped, that filters and ventilation equipment are kept in a condition that does not create fire or smoke hazards, and that exhaust air from any dwelling unit is never recirculated to other occupied spaces. In multiple dwellings, compliant operators avoid highly flammable or toxic refrigerants, use noncombustible materials for ducts and air-handling equipment, and maintain the required clearances between ducts and combustible construction. Safety controls—including manually operated fan shutoffs and emergency switches in assembly spaces—are kept conspicuously identified, accessible, and in working order as required by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 103-38 of North Collins Code ch. 103, tenants in both single-family and multi-family housing have an interest in ventilation systems that do not circulate exhaust air, fumes, or smoke from one unit into their living space. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these requirements—such as improperly maintained ductwork, missing fire-stops, or malfunctioning safety controls—they may document the issue and report it to the local code enforcement or housing authority in North Collins. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how ventilation-related code violations may be raised in housing proceedings or complaints.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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