Waverly, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 93 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 93-13
Provisions applicable to public space
Operative Text
A. Height. Public space shall have a minimum height of seven feet six inches measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Public spaces shall be provided with artificial light. (2) In public stairs, stairways and passageways, artificial light shall be electric lighting available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (a) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet distant from a fixture. (b) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/4 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than 25 watts. (c) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/10 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps of a total of not less than 15 watts. (d) Where, under these formulas, the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. (3) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation, conforming to the requirements for habitable space, or with mechanical ventilation.
Section 93-13 of Waverly, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 93 establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces in residential buildings. Ceilings in these areas must be at least seven feet six inches high, and all public spaces must have both artificial lighting and adequate ventilation. Stairways, passageways, and similar shared areas must have continuously available electric lighting arranged so that fixtures are no more than 30 feet apart and no wall is more than 15 feet from a fixture, with specific minimum wattage requirements depending on whether incandescent or fluorescent bulbs are used. Ventilation must be either natural (meeting habitable-space standards) or mechanical.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of buildings subject to Waverly, N.Y., Code ch. 93 § 93-13 generally ensure that all public spaces—lobbies, corridors, stairwells, and passageways—maintain a finished ceiling height of at least seven feet six inches. Compliant operators keep electric lighting continuously available in all public stairs and passageways, spacing fixtures no more than 30 feet apart and ensuring no wall is farther than 15 feet from a light source, while meeting the wattage minimums specified for incandescent or fluorescent fixtures. Ventilation systems in public spaces are maintained to meet either the natural-ventilation standards applicable to habitable space or an approved mechanical-ventilation alternative under § 93-13.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Waverly, N.Y., Code ch. 93 § 93-13, tenants and building users are entitled to public spaces—including stairways and hallways—that meet minimum height, lighting, and ventilation standards. If a shared area in your building has inadequate ceiling height, insufficient or non-functioning lighting, or poor ventilation, that may constitute a code violation that can be reported to the local code enforcement or building department. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may also consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand what documentation and complaint processes are available to them.
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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