Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-31
Prevention of spread of fire
Operative Text
A. Walls and ceilings shall be maintained free from cracks and openings which would permit flame or excessive heat to enter the concealed space. B. In one- and two-family dwellings where there is mixed occupancy, the nonresidential space shall be divided from the residential space by fire separations having a minimum fire rating of 45 minutes. In multiple dwellings, such spaces shall be divided by fire separations having a minimum rating of one hour, or the nonresidential space shall be equipped with an approved sprinkler system. C. Spaces within a multiple dwelling used as carpenter, repair or paint shops and other spaces where flammable materials or large quantities of combustible materials are stored shall be enclosed by construction having an approved fire-resistance rating of at least one hour, and such construction shall be maintained in condition so as to prevent the spread of fire. D. Garages in or attached to a residential building shall be separated from other spaces in the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 hour. Openings in the fire separation shall be limited to a single doorway having a sill at least eight inches above the garage floor. Such openings shall be equipped with a self-closing door having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 hour. Private garages in or attached to a dwelling shall be separated from other spaces in the building by construction having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 hour. Each opening in the separation between the garage and the other spaces in the building shall be equipped with a self-closing door having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 hour. Such door shall not open into a room used for sleeping purposes.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-31 establishes fire-containment standards for residential and mixed-use buildings. Walls and ceilings must be kept free of cracks or gaps that could let flames or excessive heat reach hidden spaces. Where residential and nonresidential areas share a building, fire-rated separations of specified durations—ranging from 45 minutes to one hour depending on building type—must divide those spaces, and garages attached to or within residential buildings must be separated from living areas by fire-resistant construction and self-closing, fire-rated doors that cannot open directly into sleeping rooms.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to § 167-31 generally keep walls and ceilings in good repair, ensuring no cracks or openings compromise concealed spaces. In mixed-occupancy one- and two-family dwellings, compliant operators maintain fire separations rated for at least 45 minutes between residential and nonresidential areas, while multiple dwellings require one-hour separations or an approved sprinkler system in nonresidential spaces. Attached or interior garages in residential buildings are typically equipped with fire-resistance-rated construction and self-closing doors rated at least 3/4 hour, with door sills at least eight inches above the garage floor and no direct access into sleeping areas.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings covered by § 167-31 have an interest in knowing that their building's walls, ceilings, and fire separations are required to meet specific fire-containment standards. If a tenant observes cracked walls, damaged ceilings, missing or broken fire-rated doors, or improper garage access into sleeping areas, these may constitute code violations that can be reported to Schenectady's local code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how documented violations under ch. 167 § 167-31 can be raised in housing proceedings or used to prompt corrective action by the property owner.
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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