Oneida, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 77 § 77-98
Exits
Operative Text
A. Safe, continuous and unobstructed exits provided from the interior of the building to the exterior at street or grade level. B. Exits shall be arranged, constructed and proportioned so that occupants may escape safely from the building in case of an emergency. C. In one- and two-family dwellings, in addition to a primary exit from the building, there shall be provided a secondary exit or, in lieu thereof, one or more openings for emergency use. Openings for emergency uses shall be as defined in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings. D. In multiple dwellings, approved exits shall be provided.
Section 77-98 of Oneida's Code of Ordinances requires that all residential buildings maintain safe, clear, and uninterrupted pathways from the building's interior to the outside at street or ground level. Exits must be designed and sized so that occupants can escape quickly and safely during an emergency. One- and two-family homes must have both a primary exit and a secondary exit or qualifying emergency-use opening, while multiple dwellings must provide exits that meet approved standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 77-98, compliant property owners ensure that all exit pathways remain free of obstructions, are structurally sound, and lead continuously to street or grade level. Operators of one- and two-family dwellings verify that a secondary exit or an emergency-use opening meeting New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code definitions is in place alongside the primary exit. Owners of multiple dwellings confirm that all exits carry the required approvals and are maintained in a condition that allows safe egress at all times.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 77-98 gives occupants the right to live in a building with safe, unobstructed exits adequate for emergency escape. If exits appear blocked, damaged, or missing—particularly the secondary exit or emergency opening required in one- and two-family homes—tenants can document the condition and report it to the City of Oneida's code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what remedies may be available, including raising a code violation as part of a housing complaint.
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
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation