Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-33
Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation in multiple residences
Operative Text
A. Refrigerants. (1) Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used in multiple residences. (2) Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes. B. 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 and so that under conditions of use the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature. (2) Stairways, passageways, exits, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. (3) Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately fire-stopped. (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 one to four inches thick. (7) Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality-controlled. (8) Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or a space whose contents may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building. C. Air intake and exhaust openings. (1) Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter from being drawn into the system. (2) Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source. (3) Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain flue-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. (4) Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance. D. Ventilation requirements. (1) Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess. (2) Public spaces shall be provided with means for obtaining air supply for the maximum number of persons for which such spaces are designed. E. Safety controls. (1) Manually operated controls shall be provided to stop the operation of all central fan equipment. Such controls shall be conspicuously identified and in readily accessible locations outside the fan room. (2) Every system using recirculated air and serving an assembly space or more than one fire area or more than one story of a building shall be provided with controls arranged so that under abnormal rise in temperature of the air in the system the fans causing normal circulation shall stop and require manual restart. (3) Every system for ventilating an assembly space shall be provided with an emergency switch conveniently located and with a durable sign giving instructions for shutting down the system in case of fire.
Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-33 establishes detailed safety requirements for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in multiple residences. The rule prohibits the use of highly flammable or toxic refrigerants, requires that ductwork, filters, and related equipment be made of noncombustible materials and properly maintained to prevent the spread of fire, heat, or smoke, and mandates that exhaust air from one unit not be recirculated to other occupied spaces. It also requires that ventilation systems include manual and automatic safety controls, including emergency shutoff switches in assembly spaces, to allow rapid shutdown in the event of a fire or abnormal temperature rise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating multiple residences in Oswego are expected to ensure that all HVAC and ventilation systems comply with ch. 149 § 149-33 at the time of installation and on an ongoing maintenance basis. Compliant operators typically use only approved, non-flammable refrigerants; install ducts of noncombustible material that are securely fastened and fire-stopped; and ensure that air intake sources are uncontaminated and that exhaust air from individual units is not recirculated to shared spaces. Operators also generally maintain clearly labeled, accessible manual shutoff controls for central fan equipment and provide emergency switches with posted instructions in any assembly spaces served by the ventilation system.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in multiple residences in Oswego have an interest in knowing that ch. 149 § 149-33 sets baseline safety standards for the ventilation and air conditioning systems in their buildings, including protections against fire spread, toxic refrigerants, and contaminated air recirculation. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards—such as improperly maintained ductwork, missing safety controls, or odors suggesting cross-contamination of exhaust air—they may consider reporting concerns to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations in New York can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what general options may be available when ventilation safety concerns arise.
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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