Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-41
One- and two-family and multiple dwellings: air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation
Operative Text
Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation requirements in one- and two-family dwellings shall be as follows: A. Refrigerants. (1) Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used in multiple dwellings. (2) Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes. B. Ventilating systems. (1) Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented and so that, under conditions of use, the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature. (2) Stairways, passageways, exits, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. (3) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place. (4) Ducts, filters and other air-handling equipment shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. (5) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled. (6) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or space whose contents may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building. C. Air intake and exhaust openings. (1) Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard of nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system. (2) Required ventilating systems shall be provided with openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the circulation required by the New York State Building Construction Code. (3) Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected. (4) Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance. D. Ventilation requirements. (1) Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with ventilation to remove such excess, designed in accordance with the standards of the New York State Building Construction Code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings and to multiple dwellings. (2) Public spaces shall be provided with means for obtaining air supply for the maximum number of persons for which such spaces are designed in conformity with the standards of the New York State Building Construction Code. E. Safety controls. (1) Manually operated controls shall be provided to stop the operation of all central fan equipment. Such controls shall be conspicuously identified and in readily accessible locations outside the fan room. (2) Every system using recirculated air and serving an assembly space of more than one fire area or more than one story of a building shall be provided with controls arranged so that, under an abnormal rise in the temperature of the air in the system, the fans causing normal circulation shall stop and require manual restart. (3) Every system for ventilating an assembly space shall be provided with an emergency switch, conveniently located, and with a durable sign giving instructions for shutting down the system in case of fire.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-41 establishes detailed safety standards for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings. The provision prohibits the use of highly flammable or toxic refrigerants, requires that ductwork, filters, and air-handling equipment be installed and maintained to prevent fire and smoke hazards, and mandates that exhaust air from spaces with odors or fumes not be recirculated to other occupied areas. It also requires specific safety controls—including manual shutoffs for central fan equipment and emergency switches for assembly-space ventilation systems—to limit the spread of heat, flame, or smoke in the event of an emergency.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-41 generally ensure that all refrigerants, ductwork, and ventilation equipment meet the provision's safety specifications at the time of installation and on an ongoing maintenance basis. Compliant operators verify that exhaust systems discharge to the exterior without creating nuisances, that air intakes are positioned to prevent the ingestion of smoke or fumes, and that fuel-burning equipment is not starved of combustion air by mechanical exhaust. They also confirm that manual fan shutoffs and any required emergency switches are conspicuously labeled, accessible, and functional so that staff or occupants can quickly stop ventilation systems if a fire or other emergency arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-41, tenants in one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings have an interest in ventilation systems that are maintained to prevent fire, smoke, and fume hazards, including protection from recirculated exhaust air originating in spaces that emit odors or vapors. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards—such as improperly maintained ductwork, missing safety controls, or exhaust air being drawn into living spaces—they may report concerns to the City of Schenectady's code enforcement office, which oversees compliance with Chapter 167. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how documented code violations can be raised in housing proceedings or used to support other remedies available under local and state law.
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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