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December 6, 2007
New Fire Code Proposed to Coincide with New DOB Rules
If you think changes to the city's building code are long overdue, how about the fire code? The fire department has just submitted a proposal for the first comprehensive revamp of its rules since 1913! The new code draws heavily from the International Fire Code, according to a press release put out by the FDNY yesterday. The changes, which call for, among other things, greater rooftop access and more focus on safety and evacuation plans, would be timed to go into effect alongside the new DOB regulations on July 1. The 470-page document is available on the FDNY website. The public all of three weeks to comment.
Updated Fire Code Is Offered to Mesh With Revised Building Rules [NY Times]
FDNY Wants to Update City's Fire Code [NY Daily News]
Fire Department Drafts New City Fire Code [NY1]
Photo by unrestful
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Comments
Brownstoner this post would be perfect on the "Who Gives a $hit Blog."
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 9:24 AM
remember that old buildings such as brownstones and walk-up apartments were built prior to any fire codes and they generally violate every single modern code.
The more super-duper the code, the more it will cost to bring existing buildings up to snuff.
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 9:49 AM
I think this has particular ramifications for brownstones that are cut up into apartments that are not floor-throughs. If you're in a historic district, you can't (I don't think) stick fire escapes on the front of buildings, so what to do? I've often wondered about this.
Throw your mattress out of a window and jump, I guess...
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 10:30 AM
I hope that the new fire code forbids the firefighters from double and triple parking their personal vehicles in front of and near firestations.
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 10:59 AM
10:30 AM: There are now folding metal ladders available in a number of lengths, designed to be stable when in use, which store easily (virtually rolled up)under a bed or in a closet. They come with large top hooks that go over your windowsill. So you set the hooks in place, drop the ladder down the front or back of your landmarked brownstone, and climb down. Get one for each bedroom, and you won't need to worry about the mattress route...just google fire safety websites to check them out.
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 11:39 AM
10:59,
alas no. The new code mandates that firemen take up as many neighborhood parking spots as possible and that they absolutely must live in suburbs.
Seriously, the new codes are very stringent with regard to fire safety. It basically outlaws brownstones and woodframed multiple dwellings, which makes up about, what? 80% of the Brooklyn housing stock? The codes are primarily geared for new construction but they kick in with major conversions or when the C of O is changed. It will make it much more difficult to convert a brownstone into a multiple dwelling, this could be a good thing unless it encourages more illegal conversions.
Posted by: guest at December 6, 2007 11:40 AM
The roof access bit is something I've pondered a lot.
When I redid my own place I put roof access in. The extra egress is peace of mind for me.
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at December 6, 2007 2:38 PM
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