Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-25
Width of stairs; railings
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.
Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 § 147-25 establishes two related requirements for residential properties: stairs (inside and outside a building) must be wide enough to safely accommodate the people who use them, measured against generally accepted standards, and railings must be installed wherever stairs, balconies, landings, or stairwells have open or exposed sides. The rule applies to both the dimensions of stairways and the protective barriers alongside them. Together, these requirements are aimed at ensuring safe passage through and around a building's vertical circulation areas.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties subject to Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 § 147-25 generally ensure that all stairways—whether inside or outside the building—meet width standards recognized in the building and housing industry for the number of occupants served. Compliant operators also inspect open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells to confirm that railings are present and properly installed. Routine maintenance checks that include both stair width adequacy and railing integrity help demonstrate ongoing conformance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 § 147-25, tenants have an interest in stairs that are wide enough for safe use and in railings being present on open stair edges, balconies, landings, and stairwells. If a stairway appears too narrow or a railing is missing or damaged, a tenant may document the condition and report it to the appropriate local housing or code enforcement office in Spring Valley. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand available options, such as raising a code violation as part of a housing complaint process.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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