Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-32
Fire-protection systems and devices
Operative Text
A. Fire alarm systems. Required fire alarm systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times in conformance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. B. Sprinkler equipment. (1) Required sprinkler equipment shall be maintained in property operating condition at all times in conformance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Storage of materials shall cause minimum interference to the effective discharge of water. (2) Valves controlling water supply to sprinklers shall be secure in the open position. (3) Sprinkler heads shall be maintained free of corrosion and paint. C. Standpipe systems. (1) Standpipe systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times. (2) Gate valves at hose stations shall be maintained tight against leaks. (3) Hose shall be in proper position ready for operation, dry and free of deterioration. D. Portable extinguishers. (1) Each oil burner for a boiler, furnace or central hot-water heater shall be provided with an approved hand fire extinguisher or two rounded bottom pails filled with sand. (2) Portable extinguishers required for fire protection shall be in their designated locations and in a condition which will permit efficient operation without delay.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-32 establishes comprehensive maintenance requirements for fire-protection systems in residential and other covered buildings. Fire alarm systems, sprinkler equipment, standpipe systems, and portable extinguishers must all be kept in proper working order at all times, with sprinkler systems and alarms conforming to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Specific details—such as keeping sprinkler heads free of corrosion and paint, ensuring valves remain open and leak-free, and positioning hoses ready for immediate use—reflect the provision's emphasis on readiness rather than mere installation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to ch. 210 § 210-32 generally conduct regular inspections of all required fire-protection systems, including alarms, sprinklers, standpipes, and portable extinguishers, to confirm each is in proper operating condition. Compliant operators keep sprinkler heads clean of corrosion and paint, verify that water-supply valves are secured in the open position, and ensure that hoses at standpipe stations are dry, properly positioned, and free of deterioration. Oil burner installations for boilers, furnaces, or central hot-water heaters require either an approved hand fire extinguisher or two sand-filled pails to be on hand, and portable extinguishers must remain in their designated locations at all times.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-32, tenants in covered buildings have an interest in knowing that landlords are required to maintain all fire-protection systems—alarms, sprinklers, standpipes, and extinguishers—in continuously operable condition. If a tenant observes signs of non-compliance, such as painted-over sprinkler heads, missing extinguishers, or malfunctioning alarms, they may report concerns to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement or fire department, which have authority over these requirements. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help tenants understand what documentation to gather and what remedies may be available under this provision.
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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