Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-23
Public space
Operative Text
A. Minimum height. Public space shall have a minimum height of seven (7) feet six (6) inches, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling. B. Light and ventilation. (1) Public spaces shall be provided with artificial light. (2) In public stairs, stairways and passageways, 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 thirty (30) feet and so that no wall is more than fifteen (15) feet distant from a fixture. (b) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than one-fourth ( 1/4) watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than twenty-five (25) watts. (c) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than one-tenth ( 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 fifteen (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 147-23 of Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 establishes minimum physical standards for public spaces in buildings. Ceilings in these areas must be at least seven feet six inches high, and all public spaces must have adequate lighting and ventilation. Stairways, passageways, and similar circulation areas require continuously available electric lighting arranged so no point is too far from a fixture, with specific wattage minimums depending on whether incandescent or fluorescent bulbs are used. Ventilation must be either natural, meeting the same standards as habitable rooms, or provided mechanically.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of buildings subject to Spring Valley Code ch. 147 § 147-23 generally ensure that all public spaces meet the seven-foot-six-inch ceiling height requirement and maintain compliant lighting at all times. For stairways and passageways, compliant operators install fixtures spaced no more than thirty feet apart, verify that wattage meets the per-square-foot minimums for the lamp type used, and confirm that the next standard lamp size up is selected whenever calculated wattage falls between standard sizes. Ventilation systems in public spaces are maintained to meet either the natural ventilation standard for habitable space or an approved mechanical ventilation standard under § 147-23.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 147-23 of Spring Valley's Code of Ordinances ch. 147 establishes rights to safe, adequately lit, and properly ventilated common areas in your building. If stairways, hallways, or other public spaces lack sufficient lighting, fall below the required ceiling height, or have inadequate ventilation, these conditions may constitute code violations. Tenants who believe their building does not meet these standards can document the conditions, raise the issue with their landlord in writing, or contact the appropriate Spring Valley municipal code enforcement office; tenant-rights organizations can also help explain available options.
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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