Hempstead Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 88 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 88-8
Minimum general requirements for access and exits
Operative Text
Every owner of a dwelling containing two or more dwelling units shall have the following responsibilities: A. In addition to a primary exit, there shall be provided a secondary exit from the building or, in lien thereof in buildings not more than two stories in height, such secondary means of egress shall not be required, provided that the sill of the second-story window does not exceed 14 feet in vertical height above the ground or other safe landing place immediately below such window sills. B. Safe, continuous and unobstructed exits shall be provided from the interior of the building to the exterior at street or grade level; they shall be arranged, constructed and proportioned so that occupants may escape safely from the building in case of emergency. C. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Hempstead Town Code § 88-8 establishes minimum exit and access standards for residential buildings with two or more dwelling units. Buildings generally must have both a primary and a secondary exit, though the secondary exit requirement may be waived for buildings of two stories or fewer if the second-story window sill is no more than 14 feet above the ground or a safe landing area. All exits must be safe, continuous, and unobstructed from the building's interior to street or grade level, and railings are required on open stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 88-8 of the Hempstead Town Code, owners of multi-unit dwellings generally maintain both a primary and a qualifying secondary exit, unless the building meets the two-story height exception for window sill clearance. Compliant operators keep all exit pathways clear of obstructions at all times and ensure that stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells are equipped with proper railings. Routine inspections of exit routes and hardware help confirm that the building meets the continuous-and-unobstructed standard the provision requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hempstead Town Code § 88-8 gives occupants of buildings with two or more units the right to safe, unobstructed exit routes and properly railed stairways, balconies, and landings. If exits appear blocked, railings are missing, or secondary egress is absent where required, tenants may document the conditions and report them to the appropriate Hempstead Town code enforcement or building department. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Nassau County housing codes can help residents understand what options are generally available when these standards are not met.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation