New York City Fire Code Rooftop Access

504.4.1 Rooftop access.

Access to building rooftops shall be provided as follows:

1. For each 12 linear feet (3658 mm) of building perimeter accessible from the frontage

space of the building and from any other exposure accessible to fire apparatus, a

minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) in width and 6 feet (1829 mm) in depth from

any obstruction shall be provided at the parapet wall or other perimeter of the rooftop.

Where such building perimeter is 24 linear feet (7315 mm) or greater, but less than 36

linear feet (10 973 mm), the required clearance openings shall be separated by a

distance of not less than 12 linear feet (3658 mm). Where such building perimeter is 36

linear feet (10 973 mm) or greater, the required clearance openings may be contiguous,

provided, however, that such contiguous openings shall not exceed 12 linear feet (3658

mm) and shall be separated from other required clearance openings by a distance of not

less than 12 linear feet (3658 mm). Each exposure accessible by fire apparatus may be

treated separately for purposes of locating clearance openings and otherwise complying

with the requirements of this provision.

2. A minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) in all directions shall be provided from

each door opening onto a rooftop from a dwelling unit, stairway, bulkhead, or other

occupied space or means of egress, as measured from the door hinge.

3. A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) in all directions shall be provided from any

fire escape or rooftop access ladder, as measured from each side of the ladder or

landing.

504.4.2 Rooftop obstructions.

Unobstructed space shall be provided on rooftops sufficient

to allow firefighting operations, as follows:

1. A clear path of not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) horizontal width and 9 feet (2743 mm)

in height shall be provided from the front of the building to the rear of the building and

from one side of the building to the other, except that a conduit or pipe in compliance

with the requirements of this section may cross such path. Such clear path shall be

accessible from each point of the rooftop access from which clearance is required

pursuant to Section 504.4.1.

2. To the maximum extent practicable, conduits, including cable trays, and piping, shall

be installed on the rooftop side of the parapet wall. If such installation is not

practicable, conduits and piping shall be installed along the periphery of the rooftop, in

order to minimize rooftop obstructions. Steps or ramps constructed of non-combustible

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material and equipped with railings shall be provided in the clear paths for any conduits

or piping installations that exceed 1 foot (305 mm) in height above the rooftop. All

conduits and piping installations shall be color coded with continuous, durable and

weatherproof reflective or luminescent markings as follows:

2.1. High voltage wiring

. Red.

2.2. Low voltage wiring

. Orange.

2.3. Natural gas piping

. Yellow.

2.4. Other compressed gas piping

. Yellow, labeled at regular intervals with the type

of gas.

2.5. Fuel oil piping
. Yellow with black stripes.

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