Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-13
Access and stairs
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-13 establishes baseline safety standards for stairways and elevated areas in residential properties. Stairs—whether inside or outside a building—must be wide enough to safely accommodate the people who use them, measured against generally accepted construction standards. Any open edge of a stairway, balcony, landing, or stairwell must be equipped with a railing to prevent falls.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-13, compliant property operators ensure that all interior and exterior stairs meet width standards consistent with generally accepted building practices for the number of occupants served. Railings are installed and maintained along every open side of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells throughout the property. Routine inspections of these features help operators identify and address deterioration or missing hardware before a code issue arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ch. 210 § 210-13 gives tenants a basis to expect that stairs are adequately wide and that open stair edges, balconies, landings, and stairwells are fitted with railings. If these conditions are not met, tenants may document the deficiency and report it to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations in the Ithaca area can explain additional options, such as raising a housing code violation as part of a broader habitability concern.
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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