Rye, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 108 § 108-15
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Chapter 108, Section 108-15 of Rye, N.Y.'s Code of Ordinances establishes baseline safety standards for vertical travel within and around residential buildings. Stairs—whether inside or outside—must be wide enough to safely accommodate the people using them, measured against generally accepted standards. Any open edges of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells must be fitted with railings to prevent falls.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rye Code § 108-15, compliant property operators ensure that all stairways on their properties meet width standards recognized in the building and housing industry, both for interior and exterior stairs. They also install and maintain railings along any open sides of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells. Routine inspections of these features help operators identify deterioration or gaps in coverage before they become code violations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 108-15 of Rye's housing code gives occupants a baseline expectation that stairs will be safely wide and that open edges of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells will have railings. If these features are missing, damaged, or inadequate, tenants may document the conditions and report them to the appropriate Rye municipal code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord does not address such conditions.
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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