Syracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27 § 27-29
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
(a) Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. (b) Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, stairwells, and accessible roofs and shall be installed in conformity with generally accepted standards. (c) Stairs or steps of more than three (3) risers shall have a handrail or railing parallel to the stair slope on at least one (1) side. Where one (1) or both sides of such stairs or steps are open, railings shall be provided on open sides. (d) Landings, platforms and porches more than eighteen (18) inches above the adjacent floor or grade level shall be provided with railings on the open sides, except where openings are required for access.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 3 § 27-29 establishes minimum safety standards for stairs and vertical travel features in residential buildings. Stairways must be wide enough to serve occupants according to generally accepted standards, and railings or handrails are required on open sides of stairs with more than three risers, as well as on balconies, landings, stairwells, and accessible roofs. Elevated landings, platforms, and porches more than 18 inches above the adjacent floor or grade level must also have railings on open sides, with an exception for access openings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 3 § 27-29, compliant property operators ensure that all interior and exterior stairways are adequately wide and that handrails or railings are installed on the open sides of any stair flight with more than three risers. Railings are also maintained on balconies, landings, stairwells, accessible roofs, and any elevated platform or porch more than 18 inches above the adjacent floor or grade. Routine inspections of these features help confirm that installations remain structurally sound and consistent with generally accepted standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Syracuse Rev. Gen. Ord. ch. 27, art. 3 § 27-29 gives occupants a basis to expect safe, adequately wide stairways and properly installed railings throughout their building, including on elevated porches and landings more than 18 inches above grade. If stairs lack required handrails or railings, or if existing ones are damaged or missing, tenants may consider documenting the condition and reporting it to the appropriate Syracuse code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help residents understand the range of options available when these standards are not met.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 1, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.