Great Neck, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 321 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 321-20
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 material 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.
Great Neck, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 321 § 321-20 establishes safety standards for fireplaces and similar open-burning fixtures in residential and other structures. Fireplaces must connect to approved chimneys and be built so that surrounding combustible materials and structural components are not exposed to dangerous heat levels. The parts of a fireplace that face direct flame must be made of heat-resistant materials, and any wood mantels or decorative trim must be positioned and secured so they cannot be ignited by sparks, embers, or conducted heat.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties in Great Neck should ensure that any fireplace covered by ch. 321 § 321-20 is connected to a properly approved chimney and that the installation keeps nearby combustible materials and structural members away from unsafe heat exposure. Compliant operators typically use heat-resistant materials for hearths and fire-exposed linings, and they verify that wood mantels and trim are mounted at safe distances and secured against ignition from sparks or embers. Routine inspections of fireplace components, chimney connections, and surrounding materials are a common part of maintaining compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in a Great Neck rental unit with a fireplace have an interest in knowing that the unit meets the safety standards set out in ch. 321 § 321-20, which requires proper chimney connections, heat-resistant fireplace materials, and safely positioned wood mantels and trim. If a fireplace appears to have unsafe construction — such as scorched trim, crumbling hearth materials, or a disconnected chimney — tenants can document the condition and report it to the appropriate local building or code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help clarify what remedies or complaint processes may be available under local law.
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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