Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-18
Prohibited accumulations and storage
Operative Text
It shall be prohibited to accumulate or store: A. On residential premises, except in approved locations, any highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils, cleaning fluids and similar materials or any combustible refuse liable to spontaneous combustion, such as wastepaper, boxes, rags or similar materials. B. Materials on fire escapes or stairs, in stairways or passageways, at doors or windows or in any other locations where, in the event of fire, such materials may obstruct egress of occupants or interfere with fire-fighting operations.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-18 prohibits the accumulation or storage of highly flammable or explosive materials—such as paints, volatile oils, and cleaning fluids—on residential premises except in approved locations. It also bars storing any materials on fire escapes, stairs, stairways, passageways, doorways, or windows where those materials could block occupants from exiting or hinder firefighting efforts in an emergency. The rule applies to all residential premises and is aimed at reducing fire hazards and keeping evacuation routes clear.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-18, compliant property operators generally ensure that flammable or explosive substances are stored only in designated, approved locations and that no materials of any kind are placed on fire escapes, stairways, or passageways. Routine property inspections typically include checking that egress routes remain unobstructed and that combustible refuse such as wastepaper, rags, or boxes does not accumulate in common areas. Maintaining clear documentation of approved storage locations and communicating storage rules to tenants are practices commonly associated with compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 210-18 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when flammable materials are improperly stored or when fire escapes, stairways, or passageways are obstructed on their residential premises. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement or building department, which has authority to inspect and address violations. Tenant-rights organizations in the Ithaca area can provide general information about how this provision interacts with habitability standards and what options are generally available to residents.
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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