N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 231: Egress

§ 231. Egress. 1. Every non-fireproof tenement exceeding two stories

in height and every fireproof tenement erected after May sixteenth,

nineteen hundred thirteen, shall have at least two independent means of

egress, which shall extend from the ground story to the roof, be located

remote from each other and be separated from each other by walls.

2. One of such means of egress shall be a flight of stairs constructed

as provided in sections two hundred thirty-three to two hundred

thirty-eight inclusive; but this sentence shall not be construed to

require any alteration in the material or width of any stair or its

treads and risers lawfully permitted on April eighteenth, nineteen

hundred twenty-nine.

3. The other required means of egress shall be directly accessible at

each story to each apartment without having to pass through the first

means of egress. Such other means of egress shall be any one of the

following, as the owner may elect:

a. A system of outside fire-escapes constructed as provided in section

fifty-three.

b. An additional stair, either inside or outside, constructed and

arranged as provided in sections two hundred thirty-three to two hundred

thirty-eight inclusive.

c. A fire-tower or fire-stair constructed and arranged as provided in

section two hundred thirty-nine.

d. Except as provided in subdivision nine of section fifty-three, any

means of egress lawfully permitted on April eighteenth, nineteen hundred

twenty-nine, except wire, chain, cable, vertical ladder, or rope

fire-escapes.