Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-23
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 materials 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.
Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-23 establishes safety standards for fireplaces and similar open-fire burning structures. Fireplaces must connect to approved chimneys and be installed so that nearby combustible materials and structural members stay at safe temperatures. The materials used for hearths, linings, and flame-exposed parts must withstand high heat without melting or breaking down, and any wood mantels or trim must be positioned so they cannot be ignited by sparks or embers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-23, compliant property operators ensure that any fireplace or open-fire burning structure is connected to an approved chimney and installed with adequate clearance from combustible materials. Operators generally verify that hearths, linings, and other flame-exposed components are constructed from heat-resistant materials that will not degrade under high temperatures. Wood mantels and decorative trim are positioned and secured at distances that prevent them from reaching unsafe temperatures or being ignited by sparks or embers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-23 sets out standards that landlords must meet when providing a rental unit with a fireplace or similar open-fire burning structure. If a fireplace appears to have improperly installed components, inadequate chimney connections, or combustible materials placed dangerously close to the firebox, tenants may have grounds to raise a housing code violation. General enforcement paths can include reporting concerns to the local code enforcement or building department, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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