N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 1611.3

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 1611.3 - Residential buildings

(a) Construction.

(1) Unless otherwise required by local and/or State laws, all buildings from three to nine stories in height, inclusive, shall be constructed of class 2 (fire-resistive or fire protected) or class 1 (fireproof) construction; buildings over nine stories in height shall be constructed of class 1 construction.

(2) Buildings one or two stories in height shall be constructed as follows:

(i) When such projects are intended for senior citizens and others, the construction may be of wood frame, brick veneered. In two story buildings the first floor ceilings of living rooms and bedrooms in dwelling units for senior citizens shall not be attached directly to the ceiling beams when such beams are of wood, but shall be sound retarded by acceptable means.

(ii) When such projects are intended exclusively for senior citizens, the construction shall be as follows:

(a) Exterior walls and floors--class 2 or class 1 construction. (See definition above.)

(b) Partitions between apartments--one hour construction.

(c) Partitions within apartments--dry wall or plaster on studs.

(iii) All such projects, whether intended exclusively or partly for senior citizens shall have the following construction features:

(a) Pitched roof of wood frame construction.

(b) Fire wall between not more than four apartments.

(c) When two or more entrance doors to apartments for senior citizens open on a common public hall, such public hall shall be constructed of fireproof construction in its entirety and the stairs shall be fireproof.

(b) General provisions.

(1) Space below grade shall not be used for dwelling purposes except on a sloping site when the floor level at one wall of each such dwelling is above outside grade level.

(2) In multiple dwellings, apartment entrance doors shall have door knockers and peepholes. Entrance doors in other types of projects shall have door knockers.

(3) On the inside face of each entrance door to an apartment a large card holder should be provided on which the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons to call in an emergency may be written.

(4)

(i) Buildings three stories or more in height shall have flat roofs. Metal roof railings shall be installed on such roofs rather than masonry parapets.

(ii) Buildings one or two stories in height shall have pitched roofs. Garbage stations and similar nonresidential buildings may have flat roofs provided that the construction of same is of pre-cast concrete plank or similar material.

(iii) A pitched roof is defined as one with a minimum 3:12 pitch.

(5) Multi-story buildings shall have full cellars under living spaces, unless excavation is not practicable.

(6) Conduits and/or sleeves shall be provided for telephone service for all dwelling units in multi-dwelling projects.

(7) Elevators shall be of 2,000 pounds minimum capacity with handrails around three sides of cab, which shall be four feet five inches by six feet four inches minimum.

(8) Long halls shall be at least four feet six inches wide. A slop sink closet shall be provided on each floor of apartment buildings.

(9) Floor slabs of living spaces directly on the ground shall be properly insulated, damp-proofed and constructed.

(10) In row house projects, recessed fire extinguishers shall be installed in exterior walls, located so as to provide adequate fire protection.

(11) Storm and screen window and door combinations shall be provided for all row house projects.

(12) Partitions between bathrooms or toilets and living rooms in the same apartment shall be constructed the same as partitions between apartments as described below.

(13) Between all dwelling units, sound reduction of at least 40 decibles at an average frequency of 256 to 1024 cycles per second shall be obtained by the use of suitable construction methods and materials. (See National Bureau of Standards Report #BMS 144 on sound insulation of wall and floor constructions, and subsequent revisions or supplements).

(14)

(i) Maximum exposure to the sun shall be provided. All dwelling units designed for more than two persons shall have two exposures.

(ii) Each room shall have direct outside exposures from one or more windows. The window areas shall comply with local codes, but shall not be less than 10 per cent and not more than 15 per cent of the floor area in any case.

(iii) Half of the minimum required window area must be openable. Keep the heads of windows as close to the ceiling as possible.

(15) Interior bathrooms and kitchenettes (cooking spaces less than 59 square feet in floor area) are permitted, if proper mechanical exhaust ventilation is installed, and if permitted by law.

(16) Provide handrails on both sides of all stairs except exit stairs in multiple dwellings where not required by law. Handrails, staggered, are recommended in public halls. Stairs and public spaces shall be well-lighted. All stair risers shall be seven inches or less in height, except exit stairs in multiple dwellings.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 1611.3