Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-10
Fire safety (Rochester NY Property Code)
Operative Text
A. In one- and/or two-family dwellings, where it has been demonstrated that third-floor occupancy commenced before January 1, 1984, hardwired interconnected smoke alarms shall be installed in the basement and in all common areas on each level which are audible throughout the entire structure, except that for buildings with no common areas, hardwired interconnected smoke alarms shall be installed in the basement and on each level. B. In multiple dwellings with at least five dwelling units, hardwired interconnected smoke alarms shall be installed in the basement and the public hallways on each floor. This requirement shall be met before a certificate of occupancy is issued pursuant to § 90-16 of the Municipal Code. The installation of these alarms shall comply with the Fire Code of New York State. C. In addition to the above, a smoke or heat alarm shall be installed in the nonresidential portion of a mixed-occupancy building containing five or more dwelling units to activate the alarms located in the public hallways on each floor of the residential portion of the building. This requirement shall be met before a certificate of occupancy is issued pursuant to § 90-16 of the Municipal Code.
Rochester City Code § 90-10 establishes smoke alarm requirements for residential buildings based on their type and size. One- and two-family dwellings with documented pre-1984 third-floor occupancy must have hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms in the basement and on each level, audible throughout the structure. Multiple dwellings with five or more units must have hardwired, interconnected alarms in basements and public hallways on every floor, and mixed-occupancy buildings of that size must also include alarms in non-residential areas that trigger the hallway alarms—both requirements must be satisfied before a certificate of occupancy is issued under § 90-16.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Rochester must ensure their buildings meet the specific smoke alarm configurations set out in § 90-10 before a certificate of occupancy can be issued under § 90-16. For one- and two-family dwellings with pre-1984 third-floor use, compliant operators install hardwired, interconnected alarms in the basement and on each level, audible throughout the building. Owners of five-or-more-unit buildings—including mixed-occupancy structures—generally ensure that hallway and basement alarms are hardwired and interconnected, and that any non-residential portion is equipped to trigger the residential hallway alarms, all in compliance with the Fire Code of New York State.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Rochester City Code § 90-10, tenants in covered buildings have a right to live in a structure equipped with properly installed, hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms in required locations such as basements and public hallways. If alarms appear to be missing, non-functional, or not interconnected as the provision requires, tenants may consider documenting the condition and contacting Rochester's Code Enforcement office, which oversees compliance with Chapter 90. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also help residents understand how § 90-10 requirements relate to habitability standards and what options may be available when a landlord has not met them.
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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