Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-23
Public space
Operative Text
A. Height. Public space shall have a minimum height of seven feet six inches measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Public spaces, including lobbies, lounges, stairs, stairways and passageways, shall be provided with electric lighting available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (a) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet in distance from a fixture. (b) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/4 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than 25 watts. (c) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/10 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps of a total of not less than 15 watts. (2) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation, conforming to the requirements for habitable space, or with mechanical ventilation, conforming to the requirements of Table I. TABLE I Minimum Mechanical Ventilation Requirements in Multiple Dwellings Space Amount of Ventilation Cooking space with domestic-type range for noncommercial public use 250 cubic feet per minute per range Water closet compartment and bathrooms: Private use 25 cubic feet per minute Public use 40 cubic feet per minute per water closet or urinal Recreation rooms 2 air changes per hour Lobbies, lounges, reception rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms 10 cubic feet per minute per person Small workshops, service rooms, paint storage rooms, utility service rooms 1 air change per hour Laundry rooms 2 air changes per hour Kitchens serving public dining rooms 4 air changes per hour Hoods for cooking equipment in kitchens serving public dining rooms 100 cubic feet per minute per square foot of hood Garage areas: Above grade exceeding 1,000 square feet 4 air changes per hour Below grade 6 air changes per hour Passageways, hallways, corridors and stairways: Above grade 1/2 air change per hour Below grade 1 air change per hour
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-23 establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces in multiple dwellings, covering ceiling height, electric lighting, and ventilation. Public areas such as lobbies, stairways, and passageways must maintain at least a seven-foot-six-inch ceiling clearance and be continuously lit so occupants can move safely. Ventilation in these shared spaces must meet either natural-light standards or specific mechanical airflow rates that vary by room type, as detailed in the provision's Table I.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to § 167-23 generally ensure that all public spaces—lobbies, lounges, corridors, stairways, and similar areas—meet the seven-foot-six-inch minimum ceiling height and maintain electric lighting at all times, with fixtures spaced no more than 30 feet apart and no wall more than 15 feet from a fixture. Compliant operators also verify that wattage minimums are met for both incandescent and fluorescent fixtures as specified in the provision. For ventilation, property managers typically confirm that each type of public space achieves the mechanical airflow rates listed in Table I of § 167-23, or alternatively meets the natural-ventilation standards applicable to habitable space.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 167-23, tenants in Schenectady multiple dwellings have a right to public spaces—including hallways, stairways, and lobbies—that are adequately lit at all times and properly ventilated according to the standards set out in the provision. If lighting is insufficient, fixtures are improperly spaced, or ventilation appears inadequate, tenants may document the conditions and consider raising the issue with local housing code enforcement or a tenant-rights organization familiar with Schenectady's housing code. Tenants may also raise a violation of § 167-23 as part of a broader housing complaint process, and consulting a local tenant advocacy group can help clarify 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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