Oneida, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 77 § 77-93
Public space light and ventilation
Operative Text
A. Public space shall be provided with electric light. B. In public stairs, stairways and passageways, electric lighting shall be available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (1) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet distant from a fixture. (2) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/4 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than 25 watts. (3) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than 1/10 watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps of a total of not less than 15 watts. (4) Where under these formulas the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. C. Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation, conforming to the requirements for habitable space or with mechanical ventilation.
Section 77-93 of Oneida's Code of Ordinances (ch. 77) establishes minimum standards for lighting and ventilation in public spaces within residential buildings. All public areas must have electric lighting, and stairways, passageways, and public stairs must be lit continuously to allow safe passage. Public spaces must also receive either natural ventilation meeting habitable-space standards or mechanical ventilation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 77 § 77-93, compliant building operators ensure that all public spaces are equipped with electric lighting and that stairwells, passageways, and public stairs remain lit at all times. Fixtures are generally spaced no more than 30 feet apart, with no wall more than 15 feet from a fixture, and wattage meets the minimums specified for incandescent or fluorescent lamps. Operators also maintain either natural or mechanical ventilation in public spaces that meets the code's habitable-space ventilation benchmarks.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 77-93 of Oneida's Code of Ordinances entitles occupants to continuously lit stairways and passageways, as well as adequately ventilated public spaces in their building. If lighting is absent, insufficient, or ventilation is lacking in common areas, tenants may report the condition to the local code enforcement or building department for inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how ch. 77 § 77-93 applies to conditions in their building.
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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