Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-64
Requirements for multifamily dwellings
Operative Text
The following provisions shall apply to air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in multifamily dwellings: A. Refrigerants. (1) Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used in multifamily 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 and appropriately fire-stopped. (4) Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. (5) Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. (6) Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least one-half ( 1/2) inch or by a noncombustible insulating material of at least one-fourth ( 1/4) inch thick. (7) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality controlled. (8) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or a space whose contents may edit 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 or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system. (2) Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source. (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 adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess. (2) Public spaces shall be provided with means for obtaining air supply for the maximum number of persons for which such spaces are designed. 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 or more than one (1) fire area or more than one (1) story of a building shall be provided with controls arranged so that, under abnormal rise in 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.
Spring Valley Code ch. 147 § 147-64 establishes detailed safety standards for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in multifamily dwellings. The provision prohibits highly flammable or toxic refrigerants, requires that ductwork, filters, and air-handling equipment be made of noncombustible materials, and mandates that exhaust air from one unit not recirculate to other occupied spaces. It also requires safety controls—including manual shutoff switches and automatic fan-stop mechanisms—to limit the spread of fire, smoke, and hazardous fumes throughout a building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multifamily dwellings in Spring Valley must ensure that all HVAC and ventilation systems comply with the requirements of ch. 147 § 147-64, which covers everything from refrigerant selection to duct installation and fire-safety controls. Compliant operators typically use only approved, noncombustible materials for ducts and air-handling equipment, verify that intake air comes from uncontaminated exterior sources, and confirm that manual shutoff controls are conspicuously labeled and accessible outside fan rooms. Regular inspection and maintenance of filters, fire-stops, and emergency switches are among the ongoing obligations this section imposes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in multifamily dwellings in Spring Valley have an interest in knowing that ch. 147 § 147-64 requires building owners to maintain ventilation and air-conditioning systems that do not pose fire, smoke, or fume hazards. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards—such as improperly maintained ductwork, missing safety controls, or exhaust air entering their unit from another space—they may consider documenting the issue and reporting it to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under local 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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