Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-25
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
A. Elevators are required for multiple-dwelling units that contain 20 or more units on the second floor. Elevators and escalators shall be maintained in safe operating condition and lighted at all times. B. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be in conformity with the following standards: (1) General requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. (a) Stairs may serve, in common, two dwelling units. (b) Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be arranged and constructed to provide safe ascent and descent. A fixed stair shall be provided where travel is required between two stories, each of which contains a habitable space or a recreation room, and between the first story and basement or cellar. Disappearing or folding stairs may be used between two stories above grade where only one of them contains a habitable space or a recreation room. (c) There shall be no variation exceeding 1/2 inch in the height of risers in any one run of stairs. (2) Handrails and railings. (a) Stairs or steps of more than three risers which are used by the public with the express or implied permission of the owner shall have a handrail or railing parallel to the stair slope on at least one side. Where one or both sides of such stairs or steps are open, railings shall be provided on the open sides. (b) Window openings on stairs or landings, and well openings, shall be guarded by railings or other equivalent protection. (c) For stairways and landings, top surfaces of handrails and railings shall be not less than 30 inches nor more than 36 inches in height above the floor or tread level. On stair runs, the height shall be measured above the riser face. (d) Railings or parapet walls shall be provided at open sides of balconies, mezzanines, porches, accessible roofs, exit passageways, areaways, motor vehicle parking decks and ramps and around floor openings. Such railings or parapet walls shall be at least three feet in height and designed to resist a lateral load, at the top, of at least 50 pounds per linear foot. Fixed openings in railings or parapet walls shall not exceed six inches in one dimension. (e) Wheel bumper-blocks shall be provided at perimeter and around floor openings of open motor vehicle parking decks and ramps. Wheel bumper-blocks shall be continuous at least eight inches in height, fastened to the floor and designed to resist a minimum linear load of 300 pounds per foot. (f) Clearance between handrails and the supporting wall shall be not less than 1 1/2 inches.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-25 establishes requirements for vertical access and travel within multiple dwellings. Buildings with 20 or more units on the second floor must have elevators, and all elevators and escalators must be kept in safe, lighted operating condition at all times. Stairs—both interior and exterior—must be safely constructed, properly arranged, and equipped with handrails, railings, and guards that meet specific dimensional and load-bearing standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 167 § 167-25, property owners and managers of qualifying multiple dwellings ensure that elevators are installed where required and that all elevators and escalators are continuously maintained in safe, lighted condition. Compliant operators keep stairs structurally sound, install handrails on stairways with more than three risers used by the public, and provide railings or parapet walls at balconies, mezzanines, and other open-sided areas that meet the height and load-resistance specifications set out in the ordinance. Attention to the precise dimensional requirements—such as riser height variation limits, handrail clearance, and railing heights between 30 and 36 inches—is part of routine property maintenance under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 167-25 of the Schenectady Code of Ordinances gives occupants of multiple dwellings the benefit of safe, maintained vertical access, including functioning elevators in buildings that require them and properly constructed stairs with compliant handrails and railings. If stairs are in disrepair, handrails are missing or improperly installed, or an elevator required under this section is out of service, tenants may have grounds to raise these conditions as a housing code violation. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the local code enforcement or housing inspection office, documenting the conditions in writing, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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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