Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-11
Prohibited uses
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited to use for sleeping purposes any kitchen, nonhabitable space or public space. B. It shall be prohibited, in lodging houses, to use for dining purposes any communal kitchen containing less than 100 square feet of floor area, or any nonhabitable space or public space other than dining space. C. It shall be prohibited to prepare or eat meals in lodging units. D. It shall be prohibited to use any cellar space as habitable space.
Oswego Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-11 establishes several prohibited uses within residential and lodging spaces. Kitchens, nonhabitable areas, and public spaces may not be used for sleeping, and cellar spaces may not be used as habitable living areas at all. In lodging houses specifically, dining is restricted to designated dining spaces or communal kitchens of at least 100 square feet, and meals may not be prepared or eaten within individual lodging units.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 149 § 149-11 generally ensure that no tenant or occupant is permitted to sleep in kitchens, nonhabitable spaces, or public areas of the building. Compliant operators of lodging houses maintain clearly designated dining spaces and verify that any communal kitchen used for dining meets the 100-square-foot minimum floor area requirement. Cellar spaces are kept out of use as habitable rooms, and lodging unit agreements reflect the prohibition on meal preparation or consumption within those units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Oswego Code ch. 149 § 149-11, tenants have a right to live in spaces that meet the city's habitability standards — for example, a landlord cannot lawfully designate a cellar or a kitchen as a sleeping area. If you believe your housing arrangement violates these prohibited-use rules, you may consider contacting the City of Oswego's code enforcement office to report the concern. Tenant-rights organizations can also help explain how these provisions apply generally and what complaint or inspection processes may be available.
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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