Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-13
Common space
Operative Text
A. Height. Common space shall have a minimum height of seven feet six inches, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Common spaces shall be provided with electric 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) 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. (b) 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. (3) Common spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation, conforming to the requirements for habitable space, or with mechanical ventilation.
Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-13 establishes minimum physical standards for common spaces in residential buildings. Ceilings in these shared areas must be at least seven feet six inches high, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. Lighting must be electric and, in stairways and passageways, must be available at all times at specified minimum wattage levels depending on bulb type. Ventilation must be provided either naturally, meeting the same standards as habitable rooms, or through a mechanical system.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-13, operators of residential buildings generally ensure that all common areas meet the seven-foot-six-inch ceiling height requirement and are equipped with functioning electric lighting. In stairways, hallways, and passageways, compliant operators maintain always-on electric lighting that meets the minimum wattage thresholds — at least 1/4 watt per square foot for incandescent fixtures and at least 1/10 watt per square foot for fluorescent fixtures, with per-fixture minimums as well. Ventilation systems in common spaces are kept in working order, whether natural or mechanical, and are maintained to meet the standards applicable to habitable space.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 158-13 of the Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances gives occupants the right to common spaces that are adequately lit, properly ventilated, and of sufficient ceiling height. If stairways, hallways, or other shared areas in a building are poorly lit, unventilated, or otherwise fall short of these standards, tenants may have grounds to raise those conditions as a concern with local code enforcement authorities. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Evans municipal code can help clarify what documentation or complaint processes 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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