Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-12
Public space
Operative Text
A. Height. Public space shall have a minimum height of seven feet six inches measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Public spaces shall be provided with artificial 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) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet distant from a fixture. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) Where, under these formulas, the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. (3) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation conforming to the requirements for habitable space or with mechanical ventilation.
Section 178-12 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces in buildings, covering ceiling height, lighting, and ventilation. Public spaces must have ceilings at least seven feet six inches high and must be supplied with artificial light; stairways and passageways specifically require always-available electric lighting with fixtures spaced no more than 30 feet apart. Ventilation must be provided either naturally, meeting the same standards required for habitable rooms, or through a mechanical system.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of buildings subject to § 178-12 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances generally ensure that all public spaces meet the seven-foot-six-inch minimum ceiling height and maintain continuously available electric lighting in stairways, passageways, and public stairs. Compliant operators verify that fixture spacing does not exceed 30 feet, that no wall is more than 15 feet from a fixture, and that wattage meets the incandescent or fluorescent minimums specified in the provision. Ventilation systems in public spaces are also kept in conformance with either the natural ventilation standards for habitable space or an approved mechanical ventilation system.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 178-12 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances, tenants and building users are entitled to public spaces—including stairways and passageways—that are adequately lit at all times, properly ventilated, and of sufficient ceiling height. If lighting is inadequate, fixtures are improperly spaced, or ventilation is lacking, these conditions may constitute code violations that can be reported to the appropriate Hornell municipal code enforcement office. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how documented violations of this provision could be relevant to broader housing complaints or legal proceedings.
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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