Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-12
Light and ventilation
Operative Text
A. Habitable space. (1) Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combination thereof, that face directly on legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or are above a roof. (2) Habitable space shall be provided with electric light. (3) Habitable space shall be provided with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows or other openings in exterior walls that face legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or above a roof or through openable parts of skylights. (4) Habitable space may also be provided with mechanical ventilation, in addition to natural ventilation. B. Public space. (1) Public spaces shall be provided with electric light. (2) In public stairs, stairways and passageways and porches, artificial light shall be electric lighting available at all times so as to afford safe passageway for occupants and users. (3) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation conforming to the requirements for habitable space or with mechanical ventilation as set forth in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and any other amendments thereto.
Section 215-12 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum light and ventilation standards for residential and public spaces. Habitable rooms must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar openings facing legal open spaces, and must also have electric lighting and natural ventilation through openable windows or skylights. Public areas such as stairs, stairways, passageways, and porches must have electric lighting available at all times and must meet ventilation requirements either through natural means or mechanical systems conforming to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-12, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room in their Jamestown rental property has at least one window, skylight, or translucent panel facing a legal open space, along with functioning electric lighting and openable ventilation. For public areas—including stairways, passageways, and porches—operators maintain electric lighting that is accessible at all times to allow safe passage. Mechanical ventilation systems installed in public spaces are kept in conformance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code as referenced in § 215-12(B)(3).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-12 gives occupants of Jamestown rental units the right to habitable rooms with natural light, electric lighting, and openable ventilation, as well as safely lit common areas such as stairways and passageways. If a rental unit or common area appears to fall short of these standards—for example, a room with no window facing a legal open space or a stairwell without working electric light—tenants may document the conditions and consider raising the violation with local code enforcement authorities. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Jamestown's housing code can help residents understand the general enforcement paths available under § 215-12.
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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