713.12.1.2 Smoke vent dimensions.
BC § 713.12.1.2
The effective venting area shall be not less than 3 1/2 percent of the maximum shaft area at any floor, but in no event less than 72 square inches (46 451.5 mm 2 ).
Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours
What is NYC BC § 713.12.1.2?
Quick Answer
This section specifies the minimum effective venting area for smoke vents, requiring it to be at least 3.5% of the maximum shaft area on any floor, with a minimum of 72 square inches. Applies to building owners responsible for smoke vent installations.
General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →
Common Questions
Our team
Meet the people you will work with
SM
AS
BS
SB
AB
SM
AS
BS
SB
AB
Resources & updates
Practical resources for NYC legal problems.
Browse practical legal articles, violation-code tools, city-agency resources, and searchable references without leaving the landing page.
DOB Violations
NYC DOB Certificate of Correction: New DOB NOW Safety Portal Launches December 2025
The new DOB NOW: Safety portal is live as of December 15, 2025. Learn the 5 key changes, step-by-step submission process, and how to avoid the 20 common disapproval reasons.
8 min readOpen
Building Code Violations
What Are the Critical NYC DOB Updates for December 2025?
NYC property owners face urgent DOB deadlines: a historic basement legalization program, year-end inspection reports due December 31st, and the new 2025 Electrical Code effective December 21st. Here's what you need to know.
8 min readOpen
DOB Violations
Understanding DOB Violations: A Complete Guide
Your complete guide to understanding, navigating, and resolving NYC Department of Buildings violations with confidence. Learn about violation classes, penalties, and resolution strategies.
15 min readOpen
Traffic Violations
NYC Failure-to-Yield (§ 19-190[b]) at OATH: What to Expect
Complete guide to NYC Admin Code § 19-190(b) 'Failure to Yield Causing Physical Injury' summonses at OATH. Learn about phone hearings, flat fee structure, and what to expect from the process.
8 min readOpen
1 / 2
Need something specific? Search the full resources library for articles, agencies, violation codes, and legal-code references.
Search all resourcesFree case review
Have a matter that touches § 713.12.1.2?
Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.
Same-day response
During business hours
Direct attorney access
Same lawyer from intake to close
Flat-fee pricing
On most OATH and closing matters