N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 236: Stairs in fireproof tenements

§ 236. Stairs in fireproof tenements. 1. Except as in this section

otherwise provided, every fireproof tenement erected after May

fifteenth, nineteen hundred two, containing more than thirty-six

apartments or suites of rooms above the entrance story shall have an

additional stair for every additional thirty-six apartments or suites or

fraction thereof.

2. If such a tenement contains not more than forty-eight apartments or

suites 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.

3. If such a tenement contains more than seventy-two apartments or

suites but not more than eighty-four above the entrance story, in lieu

of three stairs there may be only two stairs, provided that one of such

stairs and the stair and entrance halls connected therewith are at least

one-half wider than is specified in sections two hundred thirty-four,

two hundred thirty-seven and two hundred thirty-eight.

4. For the purposes of this section a janitor's apartment in a

penthouse shall not be construed as an additional apartment.

5. The number of apartments on any story in any fireproof tenement may

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

by more than thirty per centum. If the number of living rooms on any

story or section thereof above the entrance story exceeds thirty, there

shall be an additional stair for each thirty 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 forty, 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; but in every such tenement erected before May sixteenth,

nineteen hundred thirteen, and altered as herein permitted, the

occupants of each additional apartment shall have access to at least two

independent means of egress, which shall be made to conform to the

requirements of section two hundred thirty-one for fireproof tenements

erected after such date.

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

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

feet in area, in any 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.