Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-36
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Exterior surfaces of buildings and structures that are not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be periodically treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative. B. Floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings and fixtures of residential buildings shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. C. Accessory structures shall be maintained so as to be free of conditions detrimental to safety or health. D. No paint shall be used which contains more than 1% of metallic lead, based on the total nonvolatile content of the paint, on the interior of any apartment or room in any dwelling to which this Code applies or in any location accessible to children on the interior or exterior of any said dwelling. If existing lead paint constitutes a health hazard, it shall be removed or covered in such a manner so as to remove the health hazard in its entirety.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-36 establishes maintenance and safety standards for residential buildings and structures. Exterior surfaces that are not naturally resistant to decay must be periodically coated with paint or another protective substance, while interior floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures must be kept clean and sanitary. Accessory structures must remain free of conditions that threaten health or safety. Additionally, paint containing more than 1% metallic lead is prohibited on interior surfaces or in areas accessible to children, and any existing lead paint that poses a health hazard must be fully remediated by removal or covering.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 210 § 210-36 generally maintain a routine schedule for inspecting and recoating exterior surfaces that are not inherently weather-resistant, ensuring no protective coating is allowed to deteriorate to the point of structural risk. Compliant operators keep all interior surfaces, furnishings, and fixtures in clean, sanitary condition and ensure that accessory structures such as garages or sheds remain free of hazardous conditions. With respect to lead paint, operators typically audit their properties for paint containing more than 1% metallic lead, avoid using such paint in any interior or child-accessible area, and address any existing lead paint that constitutes a health hazard through full removal or encapsulation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under ch. 210 § 210-36, tenants in Ithaca have a right to live in a dwelling whose exterior, interior surfaces, furnishings, and fixtures are properly maintained and kept in a clean, sanitary condition, and whose accessory structures are free of health or safety hazards. The provision's lead-paint restrictions are particularly significant: if a tenant believes that deteriorating lead paint in their unit or in areas accessible to children poses a health hazard, that condition may constitute a code violation. Tenants who observe potential violations can consider contacting the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office, raising the issue with a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting an attorney familiar with New York housing law to understand available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.