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What is NYC BC § 3003.3.1?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that in buildings five stories or more, at least one elevator must be available for immediate use by the Fire Department at all times. The elevator must serve all floors, and a competent operator must be present unless specific conditions are met. Applies to building owners of multi-story structures.

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

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3003.3.1 Elevator in readiness for Fire Department emergency access.

BC § 3003.3.1

Except as provided in Section 3003.3.2, in buildings five stories in height or more, underground buildings as described in Section 405.1, and high-rise buildings, at least one elevator shall be kept available for immediate use by the Fire Department during all hours of the night and day, including holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. The elevator in readiness shall serve all floors of the building. For buildings where a Fire Service Access Elevator (FSAE) is provided, the FSAE shall serve all floors of the building. There shall be available at all times a person competent to operate the elevator. However, an attendant shall not be required for buildings with occupied floors of 150 feet (45 720 mm) or less above the lowest level of the Fire Department vehicle access that have elevators with automatic or continuous pressure operation with keyed switches meeting the requirements of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 as modified by Appendix K so as to permit sole use of the elevators by the Fire Department.

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