Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-34
Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators in multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained so as to be free from physical and fire hazards. B. Elevator and power-operated dumbwaiter cars shall be provided with durable signs in conspicuous locations on which the rated capacity shall be indicated. C. Elevator cars shall be provided with approved means for transmitting a signal outside the hoistway in case of emergency. D. Hoistways and pits shall be maintained free of refuse. E. Machine rooms shall be maintained free of oil and grease and shall not be used for the storage of articles or materials unnecessary for the maintenance of the elevator or dumbwaiter. Flammable liquids shall not be kept in such rooms. F. No person shall at any time make any required safety device or electrical protective device inoperative except where necessary during tests, inspections or maintenance.
Section 178-34 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances establishes safety and maintenance standards for elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators in multiple dwellings. The rule requires that these systems be kept free of physical and fire hazards, that cars display rated capacity signs in visible locations, and that emergency signaling devices be available inside elevator cars. It also mandates that hoistways, pits, and machine rooms be kept clean and uncluttered, and prohibits anyone from disabling required safety or electrical protective devices except during authorized testing, inspection, or maintenance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 178-34, property owners and managers operating multiple dwellings with elevators, dumbwaiters, or escalators are generally expected to maintain a consistent inspection and housekeeping routine for all related equipment and spaces. Compliant operators keep hoistways, pits, and machine rooms clear of refuse, oil, grease, and unnecessary stored materials, and ensure that flammable liquids are never stored in machine rooms. They also verify that capacity signs are posted in conspicuous locations on each car and that emergency signaling devices remain functional, with safety devices disabled only during documented tests, inspections, or maintenance activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 178-34 gives residents of multiple dwellings the right to expect that elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators in their building are maintained to specific safety standards, including working emergency signals inside elevator cars and clearly posted capacity ratings. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these requirements—such as debris in hoistways, missing capacity signs, or apparent tampering with safety devices—they may report those conditions to the City of Hornell's code enforcement office. Tenants can also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand what documentation to gather and what remedies may be available under the city's housing code.
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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