Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-74
Stairways, porches and railings
Operative Text
A. Stairways, porches and balconies, handrails and railings and parapet walls shall be kept in good repair and structurally sound, free of holes and cracks and capable of bearing normally imposed loads. B. Stairways and landings shall be properly pitched for drainage and arranged, proportioned and maintained so as to provide safe ascent and descent. C. Handrails shall be provided on at least one (1) side of stairways that are more than three (3) risers high. D. Balustraded railings, at least thirty-three (33) inches above nosings and thirty-six (36) inches above landings, shall be provided on open portions of stairways and landings. E. Handrails and railings shall be firmly fastened. F. Properly balustraded railings or parapet walls shall be provided at open sides of porches, balconies, accessible roofs and motor vehicle parking decks and ramps, where there is clear danger of accident or personal injury. G. Railings and parapet walls shall be at least three (3) feet six (6) inches high. Fixed openings in same shall not exceed six (6) inches in one (1) dimension.
Section 54-74 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances establishes structural and safety standards for stairways, porches, balconies, handrails, railings, and parapet walls in residential properties. These elements must be kept in good repair, free of holes and cracks, and capable of bearing normal loads, with handrails required on at least one side of stairways exceeding three risers. Balustraded railings must reach at least 33 inches above stair nosings and 36 inches above landings, while railings and parapet walls on open sides of porches, balconies, and similar areas must stand at least three feet six inches high with fixed openings no wider than six inches in any one dimension.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties in Pelham subject to § 54-74 generally maintain all stairways, porches, balconies, handrails, railings, and parapet walls in a structurally sound condition, promptly repairing any holes, cracks, or loose fastening. Compliant operators ensure that handrails are installed on at least one side of any stairway with more than three risers, and that balustraded railings meet the height requirements specified in the ordinance. Routine inspections of open stairway portions, landings, porches, balconies, and parking decks help confirm that railing heights and baluster spacing remain within the dimensions required by § 54-74.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 54-74 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances, tenants have a right to stairways, railings, handrails, porches, and balconies that are structurally sound and meet specific safety dimensions. If a railing is loose, a handrail is missing, or a porch structure appears unsafe, tenants may document the condition in writing and notify the landlord, and may also contact the appropriate Pelham municipal code enforcement office to report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how § 54-74 applies to their building and what remedies or 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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