Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC BC § 909.10.6?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that smoke control systems must remain operational after an earthquake and be designed according to specific seismic standards. It details the component importance factor for these systems, with exceptions for certain seismic categories. Applies to building owners with smoke control systems in earthquake-prone areas.

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

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

909.10.6 Seismic requirements.

BC § 909.10.6

Smoke control systems covered by Section 909 are required to function after an earthquake. Such smoke control systems shall be seismically designed in accordance with Section 1613 of this code and ASCE 7. The component importance factor, I p , shall be taken as 1.5 in accordance with ASCE 7, section 13.1.3. The smoke control system includes all components required for its operation, including but not limited to fans, ducts, electrical power, switchboards, motor control centers, starters, and controls. Exception: Smoke control systems in structures classified in Seismic Design Categories A or B shall have a component importance factor, I p , of 1.0. (Am. L.L. 2023/077, 6/11/2023, eff. 6/11/2023) Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2023/077.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 909.10.6?

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.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters