Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-41
Ventilating systems in multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. 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. B. Stairways, passageways, exits, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. C. Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped. D. Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. E. Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. F. 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 at least one-fourth (1/4) inch thick. G. Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled. H. Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or a space whose contents may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building.
Section 116-41 of Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 116 establishes fire-safety and air-quality standards for ventilating systems in multiple dwellings. The rule requires that ventilation equipment be designed and maintained to prevent the rapid spread of heat, flame, or smoke, and that all ducts, filters, and air-handling components be made of noncombustible materials and properly secured. It also prohibits routing exhaust air from units or spaces with odors, fumes, or vapors into other occupied areas of the building, and bars the use of stairways, exits, and similar spaces as air-distribution chambers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to Thomaston Code § 116-41 generally keep ventilating systems in continuous compliance by using noncombustible ducts and equipment, maintaining filters so they do not become fire or smoke hazards, and ensuring ducts are securely fastened and firestopped. Compliant operators also verify that required clearances or noncombustible insulation separate ducts from combustible construction, and that exhaust air from kitchens, bathrooms, or other odor- or fume-producing spaces is discharged to the exterior rather than recirculated to other occupied units. Routine inspections and documented maintenance records are common practices for demonstrating ongoing adherence to the standards set out in § 116-41.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of multiple dwellings in Thomaston have an interest in knowing that § 116-41 of Chapter 116 entitles them to ventilation systems that do not spread fire, smoke, or fumes between units or common areas. If a tenant observes conditions suggesting the ventilation system is improperly maintained—such as smoke or odors migrating from other units through shared ductwork—those observations may be relevant to a housing code complaint filed with the appropriate local building or housing authority. Tenants seeking to understand their options can consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full text of § 116-41 to assess whether a reported condition falls within the provision's requirements.
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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