Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-16
Exits
Operative Text
A. Safe, continuous and unobstructed exit shall be 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 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 exit openings for emergency use. D. In multiple residences, approved exits shall be provided.
Section 149-16 of Oswego's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 149, establishes that every residential building must have safe, clear, and unobstructed pathways leading from the building's interior to the outside at street or ground level. One- and two-family homes are required to have both a primary exit and a secondary exit or emergency exit opening. Multi-family residential buildings must provide exits that meet approved standards, ensuring all occupants can escape safely in an emergency.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-16, compliant residential property operators maintain all exit pathways in a safe, continuous, and unobstructed condition at all times. Owners of one- and two-family dwellings ensure that both a primary exit and a secondary exit or qualifying emergency exit opening are present and functional. Operators of multiple-residence buildings verify that all exits meet the approved standards referenced in Chapter 149 and conduct regular inspections to confirm nothing blocks or compromises those pathways.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-16 gives occupants of Oswego residential buildings the right to safe, unobstructed exit routes from their homes to street or ground level. If a primary or secondary exit is blocked, missing, or otherwise non-compliant, tenants may report the condition to the City of Oswego's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrections. Tenants can also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand what documentation to gather and what options may be available when exit conditions appear unsafe.
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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