Norwich, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 310 § 310-9
Minimum space, use and location requirements
Operative Text
No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit, for the purpose of living therein, which does not comply with the following requirements: A. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for the first occupant thereof and at least 100 additional square feet of floor space for every additional occupant thereof, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area. B. In every dwelling unit of two or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof, except that where the occupants of such room are all less than 15 years of age, a room having at least 120 square feet of floor space may be occupied by additional persons, provided that the floor space per occupant does not become less than 35 square feet. C. No dwelling or dwelling unit containing two or more sleeping rooms shall have such room arrangements that access to a bathroom or water closet compartment intended for use by occupants of more than one sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room; nor shall room arrangements be such that access to a sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room or a bathroom or water closet compartment, except that where such a dwelling unit is occupied only by a husband and wife, or a husband and wife and child or children under the age of 13, this section shall not apply. D. At least 1/2 of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven feet, and the floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than five feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof. E. No cellar space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit. F. No basement space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless: (1) The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface water and are insulated against dampness; (2) The total of window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required in § 310-7A of this chapter; (3) Such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground and adjoining such window area; and (4) The total of openable window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum as required under § 310-7B of this chapter, except where there is supplied some other device affording adequate ventilation and approved by the enforcement officer. G. The provisions of this section shall only apply to new construction and to existing homes which are to be remodeled.
Section 310-9 of Norwich, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 310 establishes minimum space, layout, and location standards that every dwelling or dwelling unit must meet before it can be occupied. These standards cover minimum square footage per occupant, sleeping-room size, bathroom access arrangements, ceiling heights, and restrictions on using cellar or basement spaces as living areas. The rules apply to new construction and to existing homes undergoing remodeling, but not to existing homes that remain unchanged.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 310-9, compliant operators ensure that each dwelling unit provides at least 150 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant and 100 additional square feet for each subsequent occupant, with sleeping rooms meeting separate per-occupant minimums. Operators also verify that bathroom access does not require passing through a sleeping room shared by other occupants, that ceiling heights meet the seven-foot threshold over at least half of every habitable room's floor area, and that no cellar space is used as a habitable room. When planning new construction or a remodel, property managers confirm that any basement space proposed for habitation meets the waterproofing, window area, and ventilation requirements spelled out in § 310-9F before allowing occupancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 310-9 gives occupants the right to live in a dwelling that meets minimum size, layout, and habitability standards — including adequate square footage, proper sleeping-room dimensions, accessible bathrooms, and restrictions on below-grade living spaces. If a unit appears to fall short of these standards, tenants may document the conditions and raise the violation with the local code enforcement officer identified under Norwich's ordinance. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New York housing code can help residents understand how § 310-9 applies to their situation and what complaint or defense options may be available.
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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