Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 238-11
Public space
Operative Text
Public space shall meet the following requirements: A. Height. The minimum height of any public space shall be seven feet six inches, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. Public spaces shall be provided with artificial light and ventilation as follows: (1) All public spaces shall be provided with artificial light. (2) In public stairs, stairways and passageways, such artificial light shall be electric lighting available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (a) 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. (b) 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 of a total of not less than 15 watts. (c) 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. (d) Where under these formulas the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. (3) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation conforming to the requirements for habitable space, or with mechanical ventilation.
Section 238-11 of Patchogue's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces within residential buildings. Any public space must have a ceiling height of at least seven feet six inches, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. All public spaces must be equipped with artificial lighting, and stairs, stairways, and passageways specifically require always-available electric lighting meeting defined wattage and fixture-spacing requirements. Ventilation must be provided either naturally, in line with habitable-space standards, or through a mechanical system.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of buildings subject to ch. 238 § 238-11 generally ensure that every public space—including corridors, stairways, and passageways—meets the seven-foot-six-inch minimum ceiling height and maintains continuously available electric lighting. Compliant properties typically verify that fixtures are spaced no more than 30 feet apart, that no wall is more than 15 feet from a fixture, and that incandescent or fluorescent lamps meet the prescribed wattage minimums. Ventilation systems in public spaces are maintained to satisfy either the natural-ventilation standard for habitable space or an approved mechanical alternative under § 238-11.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings covered by Patchogue Code ch. 238 § 238-11 have an interest in public spaces—such as hallways and stairwells—that meet the code's lighting, ceiling-height, and ventilation requirements. If a stairway is poorly lit, a ceiling appears below the seven-foot-six-inch minimum, or ventilation seems inadequate, residents may document the conditions and report them to the appropriate local code-enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under § 238-11.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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