504.4.1 Rooftop access.
FC § 504.4.1
Access to building rooftops shall be provided for fire operations by providing unobstructed access to the rooftop, including unobstructed passage across the building parapet, perimeter fence or other obstructions, and a safe landing. Such rooftop access shall be provided in compliance with the following required clearances: 1. For each 12 linear feet (3658 mm) of building perimeter accessible from the frontage space of the building and from any other exposure accessible to fire apparatus, a minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) in width and 6 feet (1829 mm) in depth from any obstruction shall be provided at the parapet wall or other perimeter of the rooftop.
2.Where such building perimeter is 24 linear feet (7315 mm) or greater, but less than 36 linear feet (10 973 mm), the required clearance openings shall be separated by a distance of not less than 12 linear feet (3658 mm).
3.Where such building perimeter is 36 linear feet (10 973 mm) or greater, the required clearance openings may be contiguous, provided, however, that such contiguous openings shall not exceed 12 linear feet (3658 mm) and shall be separated from other required clearance openings by a distance of not less than 12 linear feet (3658 mm).
4.Each exposure accessible by fire apparatus shall be treated separately for purposes of locating clearance openings and otherwise complying with the requirements of this provision.
5.Awnings, sun control devices, solar panels or other structures affixed to an exterior building wall below the roof line shall not obstruct fire apparatus aerial ladder access to the rooftop perimeter access locations.
6.Scaffolding obstructing rooftop access locations shall be designed to provide secure landings at such locations in an approved manner.
7.The rooftop parapet or other perimeter railing or barrier shall be designed to facilitate the safe dismounting of a firefighter from an aerial ladder. Any such parapet, railing or barrier on a building constructed after the effective date of this section, or installed pursuant to a work permit issued by the Department of Buildings after such date, shall be of substantial construction capable of supporting a minimum of 350 pounds (159 kg) and shall be designed with a level surface at least 5 inches in width (127 mm) so as to allow a firefighter to safely step on it, as prescribed by the department, or other approved design. Where the height of the rooftop parapet, railing or other enclosure is more than 48 inches (1219 mm), an approved landing platform and steps or ladder shall be provided to allow a firefighter to safely dismount and descend to the rooftop. Design and installation documents shall be submitted to the department for approval.
8.To the maximum extent practicable, wind turbines or other equipment with moving components shall be installed at rooftop location where they do not impede access or encroach up rooftop access landings, clear path, or required clearances, but in no case shall fan blades or other moving component operate within 3 feet (914 mm) of the rooftop access required by this section, including the 9-foot (2743 mm) height above the parapet or other rooftop perimeter railing or barrier and rooftop access landings. The tips of the fan blades and the edges of other moving components shall bear reflective markings and identified by caution warning signs or other means, to ensure that persons on the rooftop are aware of the presence of such equipment.
