Category: Building Code

Only one staircase/exit

Maximizing rent area has always been the target of developers and architect has to deliver that and also stay in compliance with the building code. One such thing that can give you more space is limiting no of exits. In this case, here we are exploring how large a building can be built with a … Continue reading Only one staircase/exit

Means of egress through lobby

It is a common sight to have means of egress through a lobby. Question is which section of code allows the use of a lobby, for better word say vestibule, as part of Means of Egress? As we know several parts of means of egress namely, egress path, exits, and exit discharge. The answer to … Continue reading Means of egress through lobby

Entrance lobby door can open inside – Residential

So as per building code we know the door swing of the egress door shall be towards the flow of egress, but there is an exception to this code in certain cases, which allows us to open the door inside. Lets see this in detail. First to locate the section lets check Chapter 10-Means of … Continue reading Entrance lobby door can open inside – Residential

Building code 2014-NYC quiz

This quiz is to test you knowledge of all the chapter of Building code and its appendices. For study material follow this link. Enter the quiz here for various Chapters of Building codeEnter the quiz here for various sections of Means of EgressEnter the quiz here for various sections of Fire and Smoke Protection

Building Characteristics

Various building characteristics as required by PW1 form of NYC DOB are here-under Primary structural systemMasonryConcreteWoodSteel(Structural)Steel(Cold formed)Steel(Concrete encased)Structural occupancy/risk categoryI- Low Hazard to Human Life II Other than I, III or IV III Substantial Hazard to Human Life IV Essential Facility Seismic design category (Download seismic map)Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DOccupancy classifications- This is defined … Continue reading Building Characteristics

Residential Group, R-4

I recently saw a reference made to a R-4 residential group, which left me confused, as I knew only three occupancy classification for residential group. So what is R-4 Occupancy group? NYC building code 2014 has R-1, R-2 & R-3 occupancy classifications for the residential group. International building code 2018 has new classification as R-4. … Continue reading Residential Group, R-4

Type A, Type B & Type C Dwelling units

Building code does not elaborate much on the three types. It mainly defines Type B unit as dwelling unit in accordance to ICC A117.1 and Federal Fair Housing Act. The three types are defined in ICC A117.1 .Type A is defined in Section 1103. It is fully compliant unit is called accessible unit.Type B is … Continue reading Type A, Type B & Type C Dwelling units

Fire rating-Refuse & laundry chutes and compactor room

Section 708.13.1 (Refuse and laundry chute enclosures) of building code stipulates that the shaft enclosure for refuse and laundry chutes shall be 2 hrs. The shaft opening not to open in corridors and shall be self closing. Section 708.13.3 (Refuse and laundry chute access rooms) of building code defines the guidelines for fire rating for … Continue reading Fire rating-Refuse & laundry chutes and compactor room

High rise but no accessible means of egress?

It came to my befuddlement when I saw a 100’ high building with staircase of 3’2” and not area for rescue assistance, as defined under accessible means of egress. This made me look in detail in the code and this is what I have found. I knew that a high rise building has to have … Continue reading High rise but no accessible means of egress?