Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-12
Prohibited accumulations and storage
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited: (1) To accumulate or store on residential premises, except in approved locations, any highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils, cleaning fluids and similar materials or any combustible refuse liable to spontaneous combustion, such as wastepaper, boxes, rags or similar materials. (2) To accumulate or store materials on fire escapes or stairs, in stairways or passageways, at doors or windows or in any other locations where, in the event of fire, such materials may obstruct egress of occupants or interfere with fire-fighting operations. B. In any multiple dwelling it shall be a violation of this chapter to store or accumulate garbage, refuse, newspapers or other disposable combustible material, unless the same are stored in a fire-rated room which shall also be equipped with sprinklers as approved by the Building Inspector; and, in addition thereto, the door to such room is at least of a one-hour fire-retardant capacity, and said room is vented directly to the exterior of the building by means of a duct which shall be fire-retardant to the same rating as the room. Said storage room shall be used for no other purpose.
Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 § 116-12 prohibits the accumulation or storage of flammable, explosive, or combustible materials in unapproved locations on residential premises, including on fire escapes, in stairways, and near exits. In multiple dwellings specifically, garbage, refuse, newspapers, and similar combustible materials may only be stored in a dedicated, fire-rated room equipped with sprinklers, a fire-retardant door of at least one-hour rating, and direct exterior venting — and that room may serve no other purpose. The rule is designed to keep egress routes clear and reduce fire hazards for all building occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties subject to § 116-12 of Thomaston's Code of Ordinances generally ensure that flammable or explosive substances — such as paints, volatile oils, and cleaning fluids — are kept only in locations that have received proper approval, and that no combustible materials are allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, or near exits. In multiple dwellings, compliant operators maintain a dedicated storage room for garbage, refuse, and combustible disposables that meets all fire-rating, sprinkler, door, and venting requirements as approved by the Building Inspector, and they do not use that room for any secondary purpose. Routine inspections of storage areas and egress routes help confirm ongoing compliance with this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 116-12 of Thomaston's Code of Ordinances, tenants in residential buildings have an interest in knowing that flammable materials and combustible refuse must not be allowed to pile up in hallways, stairwells, fire escapes, or other shared spaces, and that any dedicated refuse storage room in a multiple dwelling must meet specific fire-safety standards. If a tenant observes blocked egress routes or improperly stored combustible materials, they may report the condition to the local building or fire department for inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how such violations may be raised or documented in connection with habitability concerns.
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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