Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-32
Fireplaces
Operative Text
A. Fireplaces and similar construction used or intended to be used for burning fuel in open fires shall be connected to approved chimneys and shall be installed so that nearby or adjacent combustible material and structural members shall not be heated to unsafe temperatures. B. Hearths and linings or other parts of fireplaces exposed directly to flame shall be of materials that will not melt, disintegrate, spall or shatter at high temperatures. C. Wood mantels and trim on fireplaces shall be placed and attached so that they cannot be heated to unsafe temperatures or ignited by sparks or embers from the fire.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-32 establishes safety standards for fireplaces and similar open-burning fixtures in residential and other buildings. Fireplaces must connect to approved chimneys and be installed so that surrounding combustible materials and structural components are not exposed to dangerous heat levels. The parts of a fireplace that face direct flame must be made of heat-resistant materials, and any wood mantels or decorative trim must be positioned and secured so they cannot be ignited by sparks, embers, or conducted heat.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating buildings in Schenectady should ensure that any fireplace covered by ch. 167 § 167-32 is connected to a properly approved chimney and that the installation keeps nearby combustible materials and structural members away from unsafe heat levels. Compliant operators typically use heat-resistant materials for hearths and fire-exposed linings, and they verify that wood mantels and trim are mounted at distances and in configurations that prevent ignition from sparks or embers. Routine inspections of fireplace components, chimney connections, and surrounding materials are a common practice among operators seeking to maintain 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 Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-32, tenants have an interest in knowing that fireplaces in their rental units must meet specific safety standards, including proper chimney connections, heat-resistant fire-facing materials, and safely positioned wood mantels and trim. If a fireplace appears to have unsafe construction, damaged linings, or improperly installed trim that could pose a fire hazard, tenants may report concerns to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing inspection authority in Schenectady. Tenant-rights organizations can provide general information about how to document conditions and what options may be available when a unit does not appear to meet the standards set out in this provision.
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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