Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-16
Public space
Operative Text
A. Height. Public space shall have a minimum height of seven feet six inches, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Public spaces shall be provided with artificial light. (2) In public stairs, stairways and passageways, artificial light shall be electric lighting available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (a) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet distant from a fixture. (b) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/4 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than 25 watts. (c) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/10 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps of a total of not less than 15 watts. (d) Where under these formulas the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. (3) Public spaces shall be provided either with natural ventilation conforming to the requirements for habitable space or with mechanical ventilation.
Section 135-16 of Oyster Bay's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces within residential buildings. These spaces must have ceilings at least seven feet six inches above the finished floor, and they must be supplied with both artificial lighting and adequate ventilation. Stairways, passageways, and other public circulation areas are subject to specific electric-lighting requirements governing fixture spacing, wattage minimums, and lamp types, while ventilation may be achieved either naturally or through mechanical systems.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Oyster Bay must ensure that all public spaces comply with the standards set out in § 135-16, including the seven-foot-six-inch minimum ceiling height and continuous electric lighting in stairways and passageways. Compliant operators typically verify that fixture placement keeps no wall more than 15 feet from a light source and that incandescent or fluorescent lamps meet the prescribed wattage minimums per square foot. Ventilation in public spaces is generally maintained either through natural openings that meet habitable-space standards or through a functioning mechanical ventilation system.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 135-16 gives occupants and users of Oyster Bay residential buildings a right to public spaces—including stairways and passageways—that meet minimum height, lighting, and ventilation standards. If a stairwell is poorly lit, ceilings appear below the required height, or ventilation is inadequate, these conditions may constitute a code violation that can be reported to the appropriate local building or housing enforcement office. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may also consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available options, including raising a code violation as part of a broader housing complaint.
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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