Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-19
Prevention of fire spread
Operative Text
A. Walls and ceilings shall be maintained free from cracks and openings which would permit flame or excessive heat to enter the concealed space. B. In buildings of mixed occupancy, nonresidential space shall be separated from residential space by approved fire separations which will retard the spread of fire. C. Garages in or attached to a residential building shall be separated from other spaces in the building as required by the applicable building code in effect at the time of construction or renovation which triggered compliance with such code.
Section 210-19 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances establishes requirements aimed at slowing the spread of fire within and between building spaces. Walls and ceilings must be kept free of cracks or gaps that could allow flames or extreme heat to reach hidden cavities. In buildings that mix residential and non-residential uses, approved fire separations must divide those areas, and garages connected to residential buildings must be separated from other spaces according to the building code that applied when the structure was built or last renovated.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-19, compliant property operators routinely inspect walls and ceilings for cracks or openings that could channel heat or flame into concealed spaces and repair any deficiencies promptly. Owners of mixed-use buildings maintain approved fire-separation assemblies between commercial and residential areas, keeping documentation of those installations available for inspection. For attached or built-in garages, operators verify that the separation between the garage and living spaces meets the building code that was in force at the time of original construction or the renovation that triggered code compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 210-19 gives residents of Ithaca buildings a basis to expect that walls, ceilings, and fire separations are properly maintained to limit fire spread. If a tenant observes cracks in walls or ceilings, missing fire-separation assemblies in a mixed-use building, or inadequate garage separation, those conditions may constitute code violations reportable to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office. Tenants can also contact a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a documented violation under ch. 210 § 210-19 might be raised in housing proceedings or used to request repairs.
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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