Cal. Civ. Code § 257
Public stairs
Operative Text
§ 257. Public stairs. 1. Every stair and fire-stair shall, except as otherwise provided in subdivisions three and four of this section and in section two hundred fifty-nine, be constructed as provided for fire-stairs in sections two hundred two and two hundred five for fireproof dwellings. 2. Every stair and fire-stair shall be at least three feet in clear width throughout, and at all floor levels shall have landings at least three feet eight inches in clear width. 3. Every stair and fire-stair shall be completely separated from every other stair and fire-stair and from every public hall and shaft by fireproof walls, with fireproof doors and assemblies, with the doors self-closing and without transoms, at all openings, except that in dwellings two stories or less in height such walls may be fire-retarded. The doors giving access to such stairs shall not be held open by any device whatever. 4. Except in the case of an interior enclosed stair separated from and directly accessible to the public hall by a self-closing fireproof door and except as provided in subdivision five, there shall be provided to light and ventilate every stair at every story a window or windows opening on a street, court or yard. 5. In a dwelling occupied by two families or less on every story: a. If such dwelling is three stories or less in height, there may be provided for any stair, in lieu of windows, a stairwell sixteen inches or more in clear width extending from the entrance story to the roof. b. If such dwelling is a permanently occupied dwelling and is two stories or less in height, there may be provided for any stair, in lieu of windows, a stairwell six inches or more in clear width. For the purposes of this paragraph, a section of a permanently occupied dwelling may be deemed a separate multiple dwelling. c. If such dwelling is two stories in height and has no public hall on the first story, no stairwell or stair windows need be provided.
New York Multiple Residence Law § 257 establishes the construction, width, fire-separation, and ventilation standards that public stairs and fire-stairs in multiple dwellings must meet. Stairs must be at least three feet wide with wider landings at floor levels, and must be enclosed by fireproof walls with self-closing doors that cannot be propped open. Lighting and ventilation through windows or stairwells are generally required at every story, though the specific requirements vary based on the building's height, the number of families it houses, and whether certain enclosed stair configurations are used.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 257 generally maintain stairs that meet the minimum clear-width requirements, ensure that all enclosing walls and doors are fireproof and self-closing, and confirm that no device is used to hold stair-access doors open. Compliant buildings also provide adequate light and ventilation at each story through windows or qualifying stairwells, with the permissible configurations depending on the building's height and occupancy. Owners of smaller two-family dwellings should note that § 257 includes specific alternative standards that may apply based on the number of stories and whether a public hall exists on the first floor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in multiple dwellings covered by N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 257 have an interest in stairs that are properly enclosed, wide enough for safe passage, and adequately lit and ventilated. If stair doors are routinely propped open, walls appear non-fireproof, or stairwells lack required windows or ventilation, these conditions may represent violations of § 257 that can be reported to local housing or building code enforcement authorities. Tenants who believe conditions in their building fall short of these standards may also consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available complaint and enforcement processes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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