{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-1019","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1019","heading":"Section BC 1019: Exit Access Stairways and Ramps","body":"1019.1 General.\n\nExit access stairways and ramps serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. The number of stories connected by exit access stairways and ramps shall include basements, but not mezzanines.\n\n1019.2 All occupancies.\n\nExit access stairways and ramps that serve floor levels within a single story are not required to be enclosed.\n\n1019.3 Occupancies other than Groups H, I-2 and I-3.\n\nIn other than Group H, I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps shall be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713.\n\nException: In other than Group H, I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps that comply with one of the following conditions need not be enclosed:\n\n1. A maximum of 50 percent of the exit access stairways and ramps that serve only two consecutive stories need not be enclosed, provided each such interconnected story has access to the minimum number of approved independent exits as required by Section 1006, and in no case be less than two means of egress. Such interconnected stories shall not be open to other stories. Unenclosed exit access stairways and ramps shall be remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.\n\n2. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, exit access stairways and ramps that serve between only the first and second stories above grade, provided the first and second stories have access to the minimum number of approved independent exits as required by Section 1006, and in no case be less than two means of egress. Such interconnected stories shall not be open to other stories. Unenclosed exit access stairways and ramps shall be remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.\n\n3. In Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies that are fully sprinklered in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or less and contained within an individual residential dwelling unit.\n\n4. Exit access stairways and ramps in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where the area of the vertical opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the stairway or ramp and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q. In other than Group B and M occupancies, this provision is limited to openings that do not connect more than four stories.\n\n5. Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with the provisions of Section 404.\n\n6. Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.\n\n7. Exit access stairways and ramps serving open-air seating in buildings of Group A-5, where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside.\n\n8. Exit access stairways and ramps serving the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.\n\n1019.4 Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies.\n\nIn Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, floor openings between stories containing exit access stairways or ramps are required to be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713.\n\nException: In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 408 are not required to be enclosed.","path":["New York City Administrative Code","Title 28","Chapter 7: New York City Building Code"],"source_url":"https://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/NewYorkCity/Admin/XML.zip","current_through":"Local Law 2026/135 (enacted August 31, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-06T02:48:57Z","sha256":"6e89b19a7454217e6ea97028b2644ca31725116f16ff9970257c6da57417613b","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-1018","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-1020"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}