Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-56
SAME—LIGHTING OF PUBLIC HALLS AND STAIRWAYS
Operative Text
Every public hall and public stairway in every dwelling containing four or more dwelling units shall be adequately lighted to provide at least two foot candles of illumination on all parts thereof at all times by means of properly located electric light fixtures; provided, that such electrical lighting may be omitted from sunrise to sunset where there are windows or skylights opening directly to the outside and where the total window or skylight area is at least one-tenth of the combined horizontal area of the floor and stairway of each such public hallway and where such windows or skylights provide adequate natural light to all parts of each such public hallway. Every public hall and stairway in dwellings containing two or three dwelling units shall be supplied with convenient light switches controlling an adequate lighting system that will provide at least two foot candles of illumination on all parts thereof which may be turned on when needed, instead of full-time lighting. (1964 Code, § 12A-18)
Under Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. III § 15-56, buildings with four or more dwelling units must keep their public halls and stairways lit to at least two foot-candles at all times using electric fixtures, though natural light through windows or skylights meeting a specific area ratio can substitute during daylight hours. Smaller buildings with two or three units are held to a lighter standard: they must have conveniently placed light switches that can bring halls and stairways up to the same two-foot-candle level whenever the lighting is needed. The rule applies to all parts of every public hall and stairway, not just main corridors.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of four-or-more-unit buildings covered by § 15-56 generally ensure that electric fixtures are properly positioned to deliver at least two foot-candles throughout every public hall and stairway around the clock, unless qualifying windows or skylights with sufficient area provide that level of natural light during daylight hours. For two- and three-unit properties, compliant operators install and maintain accessible light switches that allow occupants to illuminate all parts of shared halls and stairways to the two-foot-candle standard on demand. Routine inspections of bulbs, fixtures, and switch functionality help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15-56 of Bellevue's housing code gives occupants of multi-unit dwellings a right to adequately lit public halls and stairways—at least two foot-candles throughout—whether that comes from continuous electric lighting or, in smaller buildings, a readily accessible switch. If shared hallways or stairwells in your building are consistently dark or lack working switches, that may constitute a code violation that can be reported to the local code enforcement or housing inspection authority in Bellevue. Tenant-rights organizations can explain how to document lighting deficiencies and what complaint or defense options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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