Mineola, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 300 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 300-39
Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation in multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. Refrigeration. (1) Mechanical refrigeration equipment shall be installed and maintained so as not to be a hazard from excessive pressure or refrigerant leakage. (2) Refrigerating equipment shall not be located in exits, except that self-contained refrigerating units may be permitted in lobbies, corridors or passageways, provided that they do not obstruct or diminish the width of exits. B. Refrigerants. (1) Refrigerants shall be normally nontoxic and nonflammable. (2) The amount of refrigerant contained in each direct refrigerating system shall not exceed the amount that, in case of leakage, may be contained safely, in accordance with generally accepted standards, in the space in which the equipment is located or in the spaces in which the refrigerant would be dissipated. (3) Systems containing refrigerants exceeding the limit stated in Subsection B(2) shall be of the indirect type. (4) Refrigerating equipment shall not be located in exits, except that self-contained refrigerating units may be permitted in lobbies, corridors or passageways, provided that they do not obstruct or diminish the width of exits. C. Safety controls. Refrigerating equipment shall be provided with devices to relieve excessive pressures safely. D. Cooling towers. Cooling towers shall be installed and maintained so that, when in operation, noise, fog, or water spray will not cause a nuisance. E. Mechanical ventilating systems. (1) Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame, or smoke through the system will be prevented. (2) Shafts, other than those designed for ventilating purposes, stairways, passageways, exits, hoistways, or attics, shall not be used as plenum chambers. (3) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped. (4) Ducts and other air handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. (5) Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. (6) Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least 1/2 inch or by a noncombustible insulating material at least 1/4 inch thick. (7) Ducts passing through fire walls shall be equipped with a fire damper or shutter on each side of the fire wall. Ducts passing through other fire separations shall be equipped with a single fire damper or shutter. (8) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality controlled, including an amount of exterior air equal to not less than one air change per hour. (9) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit, or a space whose contents may emit odors, fumes, or vapors, shall not be circulated to another dwelling unit or to other spaces within the building. F. Air intake and exhaust openings. (1) Air intake openings shall be installed, located, and maintained to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes, or foreign matter being drawn into the system. (2) Air exhaust openings shall be installed, located, and maintained so that exhaust air will not constitute a hazard or nuisance. (3) Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide for air to be received from an uncontaminated source. (4) Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected. G. Ventilation requirements. (1) Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors, or odors accumulate and may become a hazard or nuisance shall be provided with mechanical ventilation to remove such excess. (2) Cooking equipment in central kitchens shall be provided with mechanical exhaust systems which are not connected with any other exhaust system. Such systems shall be provided with equipment or filters to prevent the entry of flammable materials into ducts. Openings shall be provided to permit easy inspection and cleaning. Systems shall be installed and maintained so that, in the event of fire, the danger of spread to other parts of the building is minimized. (3) Mechanical ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the temperature and velocity of the air coming into contact with occupants does not constitute a health hazard. (4) Required mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Table II. Table II: Mechanical Ventilation Requirements Space Minimum Ventilation Shower rooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms 6 air changes per hour Recreation rooms 2 air changes per hour Lounges, reception rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms 4 air changes per hour Workshops, service rooms, paint storage rooms, utility service rooms 1 air change per hour Laundry rooms 2 air changes per hour Central kitchens 4 air changes per hour Hoods for cooking equipment in central kitchens 100 cfm per square foot of hood Central dining rooms 4 air changes per hour Garage areas: Above grade, exceeding 1,000 square feet 4 air changes per hour Below grade 6 air changes per hour Passageways, hallways, corridors and stairways: Above grade 1/2 air change per hour Below grade 1 air change per hour H. Safety controls. Safety controls shall conform to 1004.2e of the Uniform Code.
Mineola, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 300 § 300-39 establishes comprehensive safety and performance standards for refrigeration equipment, mechanical ventilation systems, and air handling infrastructure in multiple dwellings. The rule addresses everything from refrigerant toxicity limits and pressure-relief devices to duct fire-stopping, air-change rates by room type, and the separation of exhaust air between dwelling units. Cooling towers, air intake and exhaust openings, and central kitchen ventilation are each subject to specific installation and maintenance requirements designed to prevent fire, smoke, fume, and nuisance hazards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to § 300-39 generally keep refrigeration equipment away from exit pathways, use only nontoxic and nonflammable refrigerants within the quantity limits the section specifies, and equip systems with pressure-relief safety controls. Compliant building managers also ensure that ductwork is constructed of noncombustible materials, properly firestopped, fitted with fire dampers at fire walls, and maintained so that exhaust air from one dwelling unit cannot recirculate into another. Ventilation rates for each space type—shower rooms, garages, central kitchens, corridors, and others—must meet the minimums set out in Table II of § 300-39, and safety controls must conform to the referenced Uniform Code standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of multiple dwellings in Mineola are protected by § 300-39, which requires building owners to maintain refrigeration and ventilation systems so they do not create fire, smoke, fume, or health hazards in occupied spaces. If a tenant notices issues such as refrigerant odors, inadequate ventilation, or exhaust air from another unit entering their home, these conditions may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants can document concerns, raise the matter with local code enforcement or housing authorities, or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand what complaint or defense options may be available under § 300-39.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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