N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 1003: Section EBC 1003: Building Elements and Materials

1003.1 General.

Building elements and materials in portions of buildings undergoing a change of occupancy classification shall comply with this section.

1003.2 Heights and areas.

Hazard categories with regard to height and area shall be in accordance with Table 1003.2.

Table 1003.2 Heights and Areas Hazard Categories

RELATIVE HAZARD

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS

1 (Highest Hazard)

H

2

A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, I, R-1, R-2

3

E, F-1, S-1, M

4 (Lowest Hazard)

B, F-2, S-2, A-5, R-3, U

1003.2.1 Height and area for change to higher hazard category.

When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1003.2, heights and areas of buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the New York City Building Code for the new occupancy classification.

Exception: For high-rise buildings constructed pursuant to building codes in existence prior to the effective date of the 2014 New York City Construction Codes, and are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the New York City Building Code, the fire-resistance rating of the existing building elements that were allowed to be reduced in accordance with Table 601 of the New York City Building Code may be maintained. However, any proposed change to the construction classification of the building or fire-resistance rating of the building elements shall be made to comply with Section 403.2.1 of the New York City Building Code.

1003.2.1.1 Fire wall alternative.

In groups other than Groups H, F-1, and S-1, fire barriers and horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Sections 707 and 711 of the New York City Building Code shall be permitted to be used in lieu of fire walls to subdivide the building into separate buildings for the purpose of complying with the area limitations required for the new occupancy where all of the following conditions are met:

1. The buildings are protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the New York City Building Code;

2. The maximum allowable area between fire barriers, horizontal assemblies, or any combination thereof shall not exceed the maximum allowable area determined in accordance with Chapter 5 of the New York City Building Code without an increase allowed for an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 506 of the New York City Building Code; and

3. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barriers and horizontal assemblies shall be not less than that specified for fire walls in Table 706.4 of the New York City Building Code.

Exception: Where horizontal assemblies are used to limit the maximum allowable area, the required fire-resistance rating of the horizontal assemblies shall be permitted to be reduced by 1 hour provided the height and number of stories increases allowed for an automatic sprinkler system by Section 504 of the New York City Building Code are not used for the buildings.

1003.2.2 Fire barriers.

Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1003.2, fire barriers in separated mixed use buildings shall comply with the fire-resistance requirements of the New York City Building Code.

Exception: In prior code buildings subject to verification by the registered design professional of record, where the fire barriers are required to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition, existing one-half-inch-thick (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or other materials acceptable to the department shall be permitted.

1003.2.3 Height and area for change to equal or lesser hazard category.

Where a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category (higher number) as shown in Table 1003.2, the height and area of the existing building shall be deemed acceptable.

1003.3 Exterior wall fire-resistance ratings.

Hazard categories with regard to fire-resistance ratings of exterior walls shall be in accordance with Table 1003.3.

Table 1003.3 Exposure of Exterior Walls Hazard Categories

RELATIVE HAZARD

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

1 (Highest Hazard)

H

2

F-1, M, S-1

3

A, B, E, I, R

4 (Lowest Hazard)

F-2, S-2, U

1003.3.1 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy classification to a higher hazard category.

Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1003.3, exterior walls shall have fire resistance and exterior opening protectives as required by the New York City Building Code.

Exception: A 2-hour fire-resistance rating shall be allowed where the building does not exceed 3 stories in height and is classified as 1 of the following Occupancy Groups: A-2 and A-3 with an occupant load of less than 300, B, F, M, or S.

1003.3.2 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy classification to an equal or lesser hazard category.

When a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category (higher number) as shown in Table 1003.3, existing exterior walls, including openings, shall be accepted.

1003.3.3 Opening protectives.

Openings in exterior walls shall be protected as required by the New York City Building Code. Where openings in the exterior walls are required to be protected because of their distance from the lot line, the sum of the area of such openings shall comply with the allowable area of Table 705.8 of the New York City Building Code.

Exceptions. The following exceptions shall apply to existing openings:

1. Existing openings that are not in compliance with the area limitations of Section 705.8 of the New York City Building Code can be maintained provided that they are protected in accordance with Sections 715.4 and 715.5 of the New York City Building Code.

2. Protected openings shall not be required in buildings of Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies that are located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the lot line. The allowable area of openings per story shall be in accordance with the fire separation distance as indicated in Table 705.8 of the New York City Building Code.

3. Exterior opening protectives are not required where an automatic sprinkler system has been installed throughout provided the area limitations of Section 705.8 of the New York City Building Code are not exceeded.

4. Exterior opening protectives are not required where the change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category (higher number) as shown in Table 1003.3 provided the area limitations of Section 705.8 of the New York City Building Code are not exceeded.

1003.4 Enclosure of vertical shafts.

Enclosure of vertical shafts shall be in accordance with Sections 1003.4.1 through 1003.4.4.

1003.4.1 Minimum requirements.

Vertical shafts shall be designed to meet the New York City Building Code requirements or the requirements of this section.

1003.4.2 Stairways.

When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1005.2, interior stairways shall be enclosed as required by the New York City Building Code.

Exception: In prior code buildings, where the New York City Building Code allows for reduction in fire rating of stair enclosures below the existing fire rating of such stair enclosure, such reduction shall not be permitted unless the building or portion thereof subject to the change is protected with an automatic sprinkler system from the highest floor undergoing the change of occupancy to and including the level of exit discharge.

1003.4.3 Other vertical shafts.

Interior vertical shafts other than stairways, including but not limited to elevator hoistways and service and utility shafts, shall be enclosed as required by the New York City Building Code when there is a change of occupancy classification to a higher hazard category (lower number) as specified in Table 1005.2.

Exception. In prior code buildings, existing 1-hour interior shaft enclosures shall be accepted where a higher rating is required and the building or portion thereof subject to the change in occupancy classification is protected with an automatic sprinkler system from the highest floor undergoing the change to and including the level of exit discharge.

1003.4.4 Openings.

When there is a change of occupancy classification to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1005.2, all openings into existing vertical shaft enclosures shall be protected by fire assemblies having a fire protection rating corresponding to the vertical shaft rating, but not less than 1 hour, and shall be maintained self-closing or be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector. All other openings, including duct and air transfer openings, shall be fire protected in an approved manner. Existing fusible link-type automatic door-closing devices shall be permitted in all shafts except stairways if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).

1003.4.4.1 Window openings on lot line air shafts.

Where an existing building or portion thereof, classified in Occupancy Group R-1 or R-2, is undergoing a change in occupancy classification, all window openings on a lot line air shaft, as described in Section 803.8, shall be protected in accordance with Section 803.8.

1003.5 Interior finish.

Where work is being done in areas of the building undergoing the change of occupancy classification, the interior finish of walls, floors, and ceilings shall comply with the requirements of the New York City Building Code for the new occupancy classification.