Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-23
Interior finishes, trim and decorative materials
Operative Text
A. Interior finish materials for acoustical correction, surface insulation and decorative treatment on the surfaces of walls and ceilings and interior trim shall be of materials that will not, in burning, give off smoke or gases which constitute a hazard. B. In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, the use of lead-base paint is prohibited in residential structures on applicable surfaces, meaning all interior surfaces and those exterior surfaces, such as stairs, decks, porches, railings, windows and doors, which are readily accessible to children. C. Interior finish materials for acoustical correction, surface insulation and decorative treatment on the surfaces of walls and ceilings and interior trim shall be of materials that will not, in burning, exceed the flame-spread characteristics of the surface for which its use is intended as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. In addition thereto, any building containing three or more separate dwelling units shall have interior finish which shall conform to the standards of the 1981 Edition of the Life Safety Code as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., and more specifically set forth therein as Sections 19-3.3 and 19-3.3.2, and any amendments thereto which may from time to time be adopted.
Section 215-23 of Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 establishes standards for interior finishes, trim, and decorative materials used in residential buildings. It prohibits the use of lead-based paint on interior surfaces and on exterior surfaces readily accessible to children, in line with federal regulations. Wall, ceiling, and trim materials must not produce hazardous smoke or gases when burning, must not exceed specified flame-spread limits under New York State's Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and buildings with three or more dwelling units must additionally meet the interior finish standards of the 1981 NFPA Life Safety Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under § 215-23 generally ensure that all interior finish materials—including acoustical, insulating, and decorative treatments on walls and ceilings—are selected and documented to meet the flame-spread and smoke/gas requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. For buildings with three or more dwelling units, compliant operators also verify that interior finishes conform to Sections 19-3.3 and 19-3.3.2 of the 1981 NFPA Life Safety Code, including any adopted amendments. Additionally, lead-based paint must not be applied to any interior surface or to exterior surfaces accessible to children, consistent with the federal requirements incorporated by reference in § 215-23(B).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 215-23 of Jamestown's Code of Ordinances ch. 215, tenants in residential units have a right to living spaces where interior finishes meet fire-safety and lead-paint standards. If a tenant suspects that wall, ceiling, or trim materials are non-compliant—or that lead-based paint has been applied to accessible surfaces—they may raise these conditions as potential housing code violations with the appropriate local code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document concerns, request inspections, or use a landlord's non-compliance as a defense in relevant housing proceedings.
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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