N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 1505: Section EBC 1505: Maintaining Means of Egress

1505.1 Maintenance of means of egress.

Existing required means of egress shall be maintained at all times during construction or demolition operations in an occupied building and shall not be removed, obstructed, or altered in any manner that would diminish the full effectiveness of such means of egress.

Exceptions:

1. Where a new permanent or temporary means of egress that complies with all applicable egress requirements of Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code is provided in substitution, and the new permanent or temporary means of egress has satisfactorily passed an inspection by the department or another party designated by the department prior to the diminishment of any existing required means of egress in the building.

2. A variance approved in accordance with Section 28-103.3 of the Administrative Code.