N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 235: Stairs in non-fireproof tenements

§ 235. Stairs in non-fireproof tenements. 1. Every non-fireproof

tenement erected after May fifteenth, nineteen hundred two, containing

more than twenty-six apartments or suites of rooms above the entrance

story shall have an additional stair for every additional twenty-six

apartments or suites or fraction thereof; except that if such tenement

contains not more than thirty-six apartments above the entrance story,

in lieu of an additional stair the stairs, stair halls and entrance

halls throughout the entire tenement may each be at least one-half wider

than is specified in sections two hundred thirty-four, two hundred

thirty-seven and two hundred thirty-eight.

2. The number of apartments on any story in any non-fireproof tenement

may be altered, if the number of living rooms on such story is not

increased by more than twenty per centum. If the number of living rooms

on any story or section thereof above the entrance story exceeds twenty,

there shall be an additional stair for each twenty rooms or fraction

thereof on any such story or section thereof, except that if the number

of living rooms on any such story or section does not exceed thirty, in

lieu of an additional stair one stair and every public hall connected

therewith may be at least one-half wider than is specified in sections

two hundred thirty-four, two hundred thirty-seven and two hundred

thirty-eight.

3. Whenever the total number of rooms, exclusive of bathrooms,

water-closet compartments, and cooking spaces less than eighty square

feet in area, in any non-fireproof tenement or section thereof is

decreased through the process of an alteration, the number of apartments

may be altered and the provisions of this section which relate to

additional stairs shall not be applicable.