{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-410","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 410","heading":"Section BC 410: Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas","body":"410.1 Applicability.\n\nThe provisions of Sections 410.1 through 410.11 shall apply to all parts of buildings and structures that contain stages or platforms and similar appurtenances as herein defined.\n\n410.2 Definitions.\n\nThis section contains terms defined elsewhere in the code, and terms with definitions that are specific to this section.\n\n410.2.1 Terms defined elsewhere in the code.\n\nThe following terms are defined in Chapter 2:\n\nFLY GALLERY.\n\nGRIDIRON.\n\nPINRAIL.\n\nPROSCENIUM WALL.\n\nSTAGE.\n\nTECHNICAL PRODUCTION AREA.\n\n410.2.2 Definitions specific to this section.\n\nThe following term shall, for the purposes of this section, have the meaning shown herein:\n\nPLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round stages; and similar purposes wherein, other than horizontal sliding curtains, there are no overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not more than 30 days.\n\n410.3 Stages.\n\nStage construction shall comply with Sections 410.3.1 through 410.3.7.\n\n410.3.1 Stage construction.\n\nStage floors shall be constructed of materials as required for floors for the type of construction of the building in which such stages are located. Where areas below the stage are used for other occupancies, such stage floor shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for separated occupancies as per Chapter 5.\n\nExceptions:\n\n1. Stages of Type IIB or IV construction with a nominal 2-inch (51 mm) wood deck, provided that the stage is separated from other areas in accordance with Section 410.3.4.\n\n2. In all types of construction, the finished floor shall be constructed of wood or approved noncombustible materials. Openings through stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting, solid wood trap doors with approved safety locks. The room or space below the stage into which the traps or lifts open shall be completely enclosed by construction having at least the fire-resistance rating required for the stage floor, and such room or space shall not be used as a workshop or storage area. Storage shall not be deemed to include the location in this area of scenery or scenic elements used during a performance. However, no combustible material that has a flame spread rating greater than 25 or that has not been rendered flameproof in accordance with the rules of the Fire Commissioner may be stored in this location at any time.\n\n410.3.1.1 Stage height and area.\n\nStage areas shall be measured to include the entire performance area and adjacent backstage and support areas not separated from the performance area by fire-resistance-rated construction. Stage height shall be measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above the stage.\n\n410.3.2 Technical production areas: galleries, gridirons, catwalks and pinrails.\n\nBeams designed only for the attachment of portable or fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries and catwalks shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Floors of fly galleries and catwalks shall be constructed of noncombustible material. These areas shall not be considered to be floors, stories, mezzanines or levels in applying this code.\n\n410.3.3 Exterior stage doors.\n\nWhere protection of openings is required, exterior exit doors shall be protected with fire door assemblies that comply with Section 716. Exterior openings that are located on the stage for means of egress or loading and unloading purposes, and that are likely to be open during occupancy of the theater, shall be constructed with vestibules to prevent air drafts into the auditorium.\n\n410.3.4 Proscenium wall.\n\nWhere the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), all portions of the stage shall be completely separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating extending continuously from the foundation to the roof.\n\n410.3.5 Proscenium curtain.\n\nWhere a proscenium wall is required to have a fire-resistance rating, the stage opening shall be provided with one of the following:\n\n1. A fire curtain complying with NFPA 80; or\n\n2. An approved stage water curtain and sprinklers complying with Section 410.7 and Section 903.3.1.1 of this code, and the following:\n\n2.1. A deluge valve actuated by a \"rate of rise system\" and \"fixed temperature system\" shall control the water curtain system;\n\n2.2. The heat actuating devices shall be located on not more than 10-foot (3048 mm) centers around the perimeter of the sprinklered area stage or as otherwise required for the type of device used to assure operation of the system;\n\n2.3. In addition to the automatic controls, manual-operating devices shall be located at the voice/alarm communication system required by Section 410.9, and adjacent to at least one exit from the stage. Such exit shall be remote from the voice/alarm communication system;\n\n2.4. All valves controlling deluge and sprinkler supplies on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be provided with tamper switches wired to an annunciator panel located at the voice/alarm communication system required by Section 410.9;\n\n2.5. The operation of any section of the sprinkler system on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) or the operation of the deluge system shall activate the emergency ventilating equipment required in Section 410.3.7 and shall be provided with central station supervision in addition to the required local alarm; and\n\n2.6. The water flow alarm, tamper switches, the sprinkler system on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), and deluge system equipment shall be provided with central station supervision in addition to the required local alarm.\n\n410.3.6 Scenery.\n\nAll scenery or scenic elements shall be of noncombustible materials, or of materials having a flame-spread rating not exceeding 25, or of materials that have been rendered flameproof in compliance with the rules of the Fire Commissioner. Scenery and scenic elements not complying with the above requirements may be used only when expressly permitted by the Fire Department.\n\n410.3.7 Stage ventilation.\n\nEmergency ventilation shall be provided for stages larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t) in floor area, or with a stage height greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm). Such ventilation shall comply with Section 410.3.7.1 or 410.3.7.2.\n\n410.3.7.1 Roof vents.\n\nTwo or more vents constructed to open automatically by approved heat-activated devices and with an aggregate clear opening area of not less than 5 percent of the area of the stage shall be located near the center and above the highest part of the stage area. Supplemental means shall be provided for manual operation of the ventilator. Curbs shall be provided as required for skylights in Section 2610.2. Vents shall be labeled.\n\n410.3.7.2 Smoke control.\n\nSmoke control in accordance with Section 909 shall be provided to maintain the smoke layer interface not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the highest level of the assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where a proscenium wall is provided in compliance with Section 410.3.4.\n\n410.4 Platform construction.\n\nPermanent platforms shall be constructed of materials as required for the type of construction of the building in which the permanent platform is located. Permanent platforms are permitted to be constructed in accordance with the following:\n\n1. The area below the platform shall be enclosed on all sides with solid construction.\n\n2. Platforms constructed of untreated wood shall not exceed an area of 400 square feet (37 m\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t). Platforms constructed of fire retardant treated wood shall not exceed an area of 1,200 square feet (111 m\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t). Platforms constructed of noncombustible materials shall not be limited in area.\n\n3. Where wood is used, the floor of the platform shall be a least 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. Such floor shall be laid on a solid, noncombustible backing, or shall have all spaces between supporting members fire blocked with noncombustible material.\n\nWhere the space beneath the permanent platform is used for storage or any other purpose other than equipment, wiring or plumbing, the floor construction shall not be less than 1-hour fire-resistant construction. Where the space beneath the permanent platform is used only for equipment, wiring or plumbing, the underside of the permanent platform need not be protected.\n\n410.4.1 Temporary platforms.\n\nPlatforms installed for a period of not more than 30 days are permitted to be constructed of any materials permitted by this code. The space between the floor and the platform above shall only be used for plumbing and electrical wiring to platform equipment.\n\n410.5 Dressing and appurtenant rooms.\n\nDressing and appurtenant rooms shall comply with Sections 410.5.1 and 410.5.2.\n\n410.5.1 Separation from stage.\n\nThe stage shall be separated from dressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms and compartments appurtenant to the stage and other parts of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than 2 hours for stage heights greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) and not less than 1 hour for stage heights of 50 feet (15 240 mm) or less.\n\n410.5.2 Separation from each other.\n\nDressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms and compartments appurtenant to the stage shall be separated from each other by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.\n\n410.6 Means of egress.\n\nExcept as modified or as provided for in this section, the provisions of Chapter 10 shall apply.\n\n410.6.1 Stage exits.\n\nNo fewer than one exit or exit access doorway shall be provided from each side of the stage and from each side of the space under the stage. Technical production areas shall comply with Section 410.6.3.\n\n410.6.2 Stairway and ramp enclosure.\n\nExit access stairways and ramps serving a stage or platform are not required to be enclosed. Exit access stairways and ramps serving technical production areas are not required to be enclosed.\n\n410.6.3 Technical production areas.\n\nTechnical production areas shall be provided with means of egress and means of escape in accordance with Sections 410.6.3.1 through 410.6.3.5.\n\n410.6.3.1 Number of means of egress.\n\nNo fewer than one means of egress shall be provided from technical production areas.\n\n410.6.3.2 Exit access travel distance.\n\nThe exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 300 feet (91 440 mm) for buildings without a sprinkler system and 400 feet (121 900 mm) for buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.\n\n410.6.3.3 Two means of egress.\n\nWhere two means of egress are required, the common path of travel shall be not greater than 100 feet (30 480 mm).\n\nException: A means of escape to a roof in place of a second means of egress is permitted.\n\n410.6.3.4 Path of egress travel.\n\nThe following exit access components are permitted where serving technical production areas:\n\n1. Stairways.\n\n2. Ramps.\n\n3. Spiral stairways.\n\n4. Catwalks.\n\n5. Alternating tread devices.\n\n6. Permanent ladders.\n\n410.6.3.5 Width.\n\nThe path of egress travel within and from technical support areas shall be not less than 22 inches (559 mm) in width.\n\n410.7 Automatic sprinkler system.\n\nAn automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided in the following areas when located within a place of assembly:\n\n1. Stages including those with stage height greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm);\n\n2. Technical production areas over the stage including under the roof, above and below the gridiron, catwalks and galleries;\n\n3. Dressing rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to stages or platforms, with live entertainment;\n\n4. Platforms with live entertainment;\n\n5. Cabarets; or\n\n6. When openings are provided in the stage floor for stage lifts, trap doors or stairs, sprinklers spaced 5 feet (1524 mm) on centers shall be provided around the opening at the ceiling below the stage, and baffles at least 12 inches (305 mm) in depth shall be installed around the perimeter of the opening.\n\nExceptions:\n\n1. Sprinklers are not required under stages or platforms less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height that are utilized exclusively for storage of tables and chairs, provided the concealed space is separated from the adjacent spaces by Type X gypsum board not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) in thickness.\n\n2. Sprinklers are not required within portable orchestra enclosures on stages.\n\n410.8 Standpipes.\n\nStandpipe systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.\n\n410.9 Voice/alarm communication system.\n\nStages shall be provided with a voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.1.1.\n\n410.10 Construction in seating areas.\n\nConstruction in seating areas shall be in accordance with Sections 410.10.1 and 410.10.2.\n\n410.10.1 Scenery and scenic elements in seating areas.\n\nScenery or scenic elements may be placed in seating sections if such elements:\n\n1. Are noncombustible, or of materials that have been rendered flameproof in accordance with the rules of the Fire Commissioner, or have a flame spread rating of 25 or less.\n\n2. Are adequately braced or secured.\n\n3. Do not obstruct the required visibility of, or paths of travel to, exit openings.\n\n410.10.2 Platforms or runways in seating areas.\n\nPlatforms or runways for performances, to accommodate the operation of cameras, electronic equipment, or motion picture projection machines not using carbon-arc or other light source that emits a gaseous discharge may be constructed in seating sections, provided such platforms or runways comply with the requirements of Section 410.4, except Item 1, and Section 410.9.\n\n410.11 Stage lighting.\n\nStage lights shall be placed such that they will not develop temperatures on the surface of any material that will cause that material to ignite, or smoke, or cause its flame proofing to deteriorate.","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":"471bcd09e14ec3d1b260d7ac75c60209b7395935dc377f5df5edcad8069e10d9","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-409","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-411"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}