Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-37
Chimneys, flues and gas vents
Operative Text
A. General requirements. (1) Chimneys, flues, gas vents and their supports shall be installed and maintained so as to be structurally safe, durable, smoketight, noncombustible and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases without softening, cracking, corroding or spalling. (2) Such facilities shall effectively convey the products of combustion to the outer air. (3) Masonry chimneys, except approved prefabricated chimneys, shall have noncombustible foundations. (4) Chimneys and metal smokestacks shall have sufficient clearance from building construction in accordance with generally accepted standards. (5) No flue shall have smoke pipe or gas vent connections in more than one story of a building. (6) A single-wall metal smoke pipe or connector shall not pass through a floor, attic, inside wall, partition or concealed space. (7) A single-wall metal smoke pipe or connector passing through an exterior wall or a roof shall be guarded at the point of passage by a suitable metal collar. (8) Incinerator flues equipped with service openings shall not be used as flues for other fuel-burning equipment. (9) Openings for smoke pipes or gas vent connections shall be provided with means for easy connection without restriction of flue. B. Firesafety. Chimneys, flues and gas vents shall be installed and maintained so that under conditions of use the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto, insulated therefrom or in contact therewith does not exceed a safe temperature. C. Spark arresters. A chimney or flue connected to an incinerator and a chimney or flue which may emit sparks shall be provided with a spark arrester of noncombustible construction. Spark arresters shall have sufficient total clear area to permit unrestricted passage of flue gases. Openings in spark arresters shall be of such size as to prevent passage of embers and to minimize clogging by soot.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-37 establishes standards for chimneys, flues, and gas vents in buildings, covering structural integrity, fire safety, and spark control. The rule requires these systems to be structurally sound, airtight against smoke, and capable of safely carrying combustion byproducts to the outside. It also sets specific installation rules—such as limiting smoke pipe connections to a single story and requiring spark arresters on chimneys connected to incinerators or those that may emit sparks—to reduce fire and safety hazards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 167-37, property owners and managers are generally expected to keep chimneys, flues, and gas vents in a condition that is structurally sound, smoketight, and noncombustible, and to ensure these systems effectively vent combustion gases to the exterior. Compliant operators typically schedule routine inspections to verify that single-wall metal smoke pipes do not pass through floors or concealed spaces, that proper clearances from building materials are maintained, and that spark arresters are in place and unobstructed on applicable chimneys. Keeping maintenance records and working with qualified contractors helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with the requirements set out in ch. 167 § 167-37.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 167-37 of Schenectady's Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when chimneys, flues, or gas vents appear to be deteriorating, improperly installed, or missing required safety features such as spark arresters. If a tenant observes cracking, smoke leakage, or other signs that these systems are not functioning safely, they may report the condition to the local code enforcement or housing inspection office in Schenectady. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document conditions and what options are generally available when a landlord does not address reported deficiencies under ch. 167 § 167-37.
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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