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What is NYC BC § 1011.12?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that buildings four or more stories or exceeding 40 feet in height must have a stairway extending to the roof surface through a compliant bulkhead. Access to setback roof areas is also addressed, impacting building owners with such structures.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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1011.12 Stairway to roof and roof access.

BC § 1011.12

In buildings four or more stories or more than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade, one stairway shall extend to the roof surface through a stairway bulkhead complying with Section 1510.2, unless the roof has a slope steeper than 20 degrees (0.35 rad). Access to setback roof areas may be through a door or window opening to the roof. Stairways terminating at the level of a setback shall provide access to the setback roof areas, except where the setback is less than 4 feet (1220 mm) in width and 10 feet (3048 mm) in length, measured from the inside of the parapet wall.

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