Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 238-9
Light and ventilation
Operative Text
Habitable space shall meet the following light and ventilation requirements: A. All habitable space must be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combination thereof, that face directly on legal open spaces at least six inches above the adjoining finished grade or area above any roofline. The amount of light shall be equivalent to that transmitted through clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space. B. Habitable space shall be provided with artificial light. C. Habitable space shall be provided with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows or other openings in exterior walls that face legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or above a roof, or through openable parts of skylights, providing total clear ventilation area equal to not less than 5% of the total floor area of each habitable space. D. Habitable space may also be provided with mechanical ventilation, in addition to natural ventilation.
Under Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 § 238-9, every habitable space in a dwelling must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar transparent openings that face legal open spaces, with the total glazed area equal to at least 10% of the room's floor area. Artificial lighting must also be provided. Natural ventilation through openable windows, skylights, or exterior openings is required, with the total open ventilation area equaling at least 5% of the floor area; mechanical ventilation may supplement, but does not replace, this natural ventilation requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Patchogue should ensure that every habitable room complies with ch. 238 § 238-9 by verifying that window and skylight glazing areas meet the 10% floor-area threshold for natural light and that openable ventilation areas meet the 5% floor-area threshold. Artificial lighting must be present in each habitable space as a separate requirement, not a substitute for natural light. Mechanical ventilation systems may be installed as a supplement to natural ventilation, but compliant operators confirm that natural ventilation openings remain functional and unobstructed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 § 238-9 establishes minimum standards for light and ventilation that landlords must provide in every habitable room, including adequate natural light, artificial light, and openable ventilation. If a room lacks sufficient windows, functional openings, or lighting as described in this provision, that condition may constitute a code violation. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of these standards can document the conditions, contact the local code enforcement or housing authority, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization 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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