N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 234: Stairs and public halls

§ 234. Stairs and public halls. 1. In every tenement erected after

April eighteenth, nineteen hundred twelve, all stairs shall extend from

the entrance story to the roof, except as otherwise provided in section

two hundred thirty-three, and the stairs and public halls shall each be

at least three feet in clear width. Every apartment in such a tenement

shall be directly accessible at each story to such stairs and public

halls, and every story of such apartment shall be so accessible to such

a stair and public hall or to a tower fire-escape or stairway, as

provided in this section and sections two hundred thirty-five to two

hundred thirty-nine inclusive.

2. In every tenement erected after April twelfth, nineteen hundred

one, except as provided in paragraph b of subdivision two of section two

hundred thirty-eight, all stairs and public halls shall be completely

separated from all other stairs and from every elevator by brick walls

or partitions of terra cotta blocks at least four inches thick, or

hollow cement blocks at least four inches thick which have successfully

withstood a three-hour standard fire test and been approved by the

department and have fireproof doors and assemblies with the doors

self-closing at all openings. From any portion of a public hall in such

a tenement there may be a recess which shall not be deemed a public hall

if the walls, floor and ceilings enclosing it are fire-retarded and such

recess is at all times adequately lighted by electric lights of at least

fifteen watts or equivalent illumination. Such a recess shall not be

more than twenty feet long and shall not be used as a means of egress

from more than three apartments.