Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-37
Fireplaces
Operative Text
A. Fireplaces and similar construction used or intended to be used for burning fuel in open fires shall be connected to approved chimneys and shall be installed so that nearby or adjacent combustible material and structural members shall not be heated to unsafe temperatures. B. Hearths and linings or other parts of fireplaces exposed directly to flame shall be of materials that will not melt, disintegrate, spall or shatter at high temperatures. C. Wood mantels and trim on fireplaces shall be placed and attached so that they cannot be heated to unsafe temperatures or ignited by sparks or embers from the fire.
Section 175-37 of Watervliet's Code of Ordinances establishes safety standards for fireplaces and similar open-burning fixtures. It requires that such fixtures connect to approved chimneys, that all flame-exposed components be made of heat-resistant materials that won't degrade under high temperatures, and that wood mantels and trim be positioned so they cannot reach unsafe temperatures or be ignited by sparks or embers. The rule applies to both existing and intended-use installations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Watervliet Code § 175-37, compliant property operators ensure that any fireplace or open-burning fixture is connected to a properly approved chimney and that surrounding structural members are protected from unsafe heat transfer. Operators also verify that hearth linings and flame-exposed components are constructed from materials rated to withstand high temperatures without melting, spalling, or disintegrating. Wood mantels and decorative trim are installed at distances and with attachments that prevent ignition from sparks or embers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 175-37 of the Watervliet Code gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if a fireplace or similar fixture in their unit appears to lack an approved chimney connection, uses substandard heat-exposed materials, or has wood mantels positioned dangerously close to the fire opening. Tenants who observe these conditions may report them to the appropriate local code enforcement or building inspection office. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help clarify what documentation to gather and what remedies may be available.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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