Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-60
Exit and directional signs
Operative Text
A. Required. Exits in multifamily dwellings shall be provided with exit and directional signs visible from the approach to the exits, except that such signs shall not be required in those portions of a building which contain dwelling units only or in which exit from sleeping rooms is directly to the outside. B. Location of directional signs. Directional signs shall be provided at locations from which the exit doorway is not readily discernible. C. Wording and size of lettering. Such signs shall be worded in plainly legible block letters with the word "EXIT" for exit signs and the words "TO EXIT" with a suitable pointer or arrow indicating the direction of exit for directional signs. Letters for signs shall be conspicuous, readily discernible and at least six (6) inches high, except that for internally illuminated signs, the height of such letters shall be at least four and one-half (4 1/2) inches. D. Illumination. Exit and directional signs shall be illuminated either externally or internally by electric lights and shall be kept illuminated at all times when the building is occupied. E. Emergency lighting. Exits shall be provided with emergency lighting fixtures from an internal battery source as needed to provide a safe exit from the common areas of the building in the event of a power failure. Location of fixtures shall be determined by the inspector.
Section 147-60 of Spring Valley's Code of Ordinances requires multifamily dwellings to have clearly marked, continuously illuminated exit and directional signs in common areas so occupants can find their way out safely. The signs must use specific wording and minimum letter heights, and must remain lit at all times when the building is occupied. In the event of a power failure, battery-powered emergency lighting must be available in common areas to ensure a safe exit path remains visible.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 147-60, operators of multifamily dwellings generally ensure that exit and directional signs are posted wherever exits may not be immediately obvious, using block lettering of at least six inches (or four and a half inches for internally illuminated signs) reading 'EXIT' or 'TO EXIT' with an appropriate arrow. Compliant operators keep all such signs illuminated at all times during occupancy and install battery-backed emergency lighting fixtures in common areas, with fixture placement subject to inspector approval. Routine inspections of sign visibility, illumination, and battery backup systems are a standard part of property maintenance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 147-60 establishes that tenants in multifamily dwellings have a right to properly marked and continuously lit exit routes in common areas, as well as battery-powered emergency lighting in case of a power outage. If exit signs are missing, unlit, or otherwise non-compliant, residents may report the condition to the local building or housing inspection authority in Spring Valley. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how to document and raise such conditions as potential code violations.
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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