Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-134
Installation of heating equipment
Operative Text
(a) Every heating, cooking and water heating device located in a structure used for human habitation shall be properly installed, connected and capable of performing the function for which it was designed. (b) All heating, cooking and water-heating equipment burning solid fuels shall be rigidly connected to a chimney or flue, and such heating equipment, burning liquid or gaseous fuels shall be rigidly connected to a supply line and, where required, to a chimney, flue or vent. (c) Heating equipment shall be installed in a manner which will avoid the dangerous concentration of fumes and gases. Unvented portable space heaters, burning liquid or gaseous fuels shall be prohibited. Heating equipment shall not be forced to operate beyond the safe capacity for which it was designed. Where necessary, exposed heating risers, heating ducts and hot-water lines shall be covered with an insulating material or guard. Repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with applicable regulations of the city.
Section 12-134 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances establishes baseline standards for heating, cooking, and water-heating equipment in residential structures. Every such device must be properly installed, correctly connected to its fuel source or chimney, and operated only within its designed capacity. The provision also bans unvented portable space heaters that burn liquid or gaseous fuels and requires that exposed heating components be insulated or guarded where necessary to prevent hazards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12-134, compliant residential property operators ensure that all heating, cooking, and water-heating equipment is professionally installed, properly connected to the appropriate fuel supply or chimney, and maintained within its rated capacity. Operators generally conduct periodic inspections to confirm that fumes and gases cannot accumulate dangerously, that no prohibited unvented portable space heaters are present in units, and that exposed risers, ducts, and hot-water lines are adequately insulated or guarded. All repairs and new installations are carried out in accordance with applicable City of Poughkeepsie regulations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-134 gives residents of Poughkeepsie the right to live in a dwelling where heating, cooking, and water-heating equipment is safely installed, properly vented, and not operated beyond its safe limits. If a tenant observes conditions such as unvented portable space heaters, dangerous fume buildup, or improperly connected equipment, they may report the concern to the City of Poughkeepsie's code enforcement office as a potential violation of this provision. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes are 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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