Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 238-13
Stairs and railings
Operative Text
Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants, and shall be at a height of six feet six inches, measured vertically from the surface of the tread and maintained in good repair. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells and on one side of all stairwells. All hand rails and landing railings must be secured to the wall or floor on which it is mounted.
Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 § 238-13 establishes minimum standards for stairs and railings in residential properties. Stairs — whether inside or outside — must be wide enough to safely serve occupants, maintain a vertical clearance of at least six feet six inches above each tread, and be kept in good repair. Railings are required along open sections of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells, including on at least one side of every stairwell, and all handrails and landing railings must be firmly anchored to the wall or floor.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Patchogue should routinely inspect all stairways covered by ch. 238 § 238-13 to confirm that vertical clearance above each tread meets the six-foot-six-inch minimum and that treads and risers are in good repair. Railings must be installed on open stair sections, balconies, landings, and stairwells — with at least one side of every stairwell covered — and each railing must be securely fastened to the wall or floor. Documenting inspection dates and any repair work completed helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Patchogue, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 238 § 238-13, tenants have a right to stairs and railings that meet the stated safety standards, including adequate clearance, good repair, and properly secured handrails. If stairs or railings in a rental unit appear to fall short of these requirements, tenants may report the condition to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing inspection authority in Patchogue. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what general options exist when a property appears to be out of compliance.
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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