N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 192: Cellar entrance

§ 192. Cellar entrance. a. If there is a cellar, there shall be an

independent entrance thereto from outside the dwelling by means of a

metal fire ladder or fireproof stair leading to an opening in the

outside cellar wall at least two feet six inches in width and six feet

in height. Such entrance to the cellar may be through an areaway or

through a fireproof passageway leading directly to the street. The

entrance to the cellar may be closed off with a grating or doors which

shall not be locked or bolted unless they can be readily unbolted or

unlocked from the inside without a key and shall be arranged and

constructed so as to be readily opened at all times.

b. In lieu of the requirements set forth in subdivision a hereof,

buildings existing November first, nineteen hundred forty-nine in cities

having a population between five hundred thousand and one million may

comply with the following:

1. shall have an unobstructed entrance through a yard or court from a

street:

(a) directly to exterior dwelling entrance with interior entrance to

basement or cellar direct from said entrance, or from a fire retarded

public hall or stair landing, and

(b) to one or more cellar or basement walls containing accessible

windows.

2. The stairway leading to cellar or basement shall be enclosed with

fire retarded partitions or equal construction and shall have a minimum

fire rating of one hour. Said cellar or basement entrance shall be

equipped with a one hour self-closing fire door assembly.