Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 238-18
Firesafety requirements
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited to accumulate or store on residential premises, except in approved locations, any highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils, cleaning fluids and similar materials, or any combustible refuse susceptible to spontaneous combustion, such as wastepaper, boxes or similar materials. B. It shall be prohibited to accumulate or store materials on fire escapes or stairs, in stairways or passageways, at doors or windows, or in any other locations where, in the event of fire, such materials may obstruct the egress of occupants or interfere with fire-fighting operations. C. Walls and ceilings shall be maintained free of cracks and openings which would permit flames or excessive heat to enter the concealed space. D. In buildings of mixed occupancy, nonresidential space shall be separated from residential space by fire separations which will retard the spread of fire and are approved by the authority having jurisdiction. E. Garages in or attached to a residential building shall be separated from other spaces in the building by approved fire separations which will retard the spread of fire and prevent flammable or toxic vapors originating within the garage from being transmitted to other parts of the building. F. Fireplaces and similar construction used or intended to be used for burning fuel in open fires shall be connected to approved chimneys and shall be installed so that nearby or adjacent combustible material and structural members shall not be heated to unsafe temperatures. G. Hearths and linings or other parts of fireplaces exposed directly to flames shall be of materials that will not melt, disintegrate, spall or shatter at high temperatures and shall be maintained in good repair. H. Wood mantels and trim on fireplaces shall be placed and attached so that they cannot be heated to unsafe temperatures or ignited by sparks or embers from the fire.
Patchogue Code ch. 238 § 238-18 establishes a set of fire-safety standards for residential premises. The rule prohibits storing flammable, explosive, or combustible materials in unapproved locations and bars blocking fire escapes, stairways, or other egress routes with stored items. It also requires that walls, ceilings, fireplaces, chimneys, hearths, and fire separations between different building spaces be constructed and maintained in ways that limit the spread of fire and heat.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Patchogue Code ch. 238 § 238-18 generally ensure that no flammable or combustible materials accumulate in unapproved areas and that all egress routes—including fire escapes, stairways, and passageways—remain clear at all times. Compliant operators maintain walls and ceilings free of cracks that could allow flames or heat to spread, and they verify that fire separations between residential and nonresidential spaces, as well as between garages and living areas, meet the approvals required by the authority having jurisdiction. Fireplaces, chimneys, hearths, and wood mantels are kept in good repair and installed so that combustible materials nearby are not exposed to unsafe temperatures or ignition risks.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Patchogue Code ch. 238 § 238-18, tenants have an interest in knowing that their building must be maintained with proper fire separations, clear egress routes, and safe fireplace installations. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these requirements—such as blocked stairways, cracked walls near heat sources, or improperly stored flammable materials—they may report those conditions to the local code enforcement or building department. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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