I own a 3rd fl. townhouse condo with a roof hatch/vertical wall-mount ladder inside my unit. Is there any DOB or condo board limitations that can be imposed on the replacement of the ladder for a different model. I am looking into clever collapsing stairs and attic ladders to make roof access easier. What is the legality of changing/replacing the hatch, altering its size, or moving it. Any assistance is appreciated. I haven’t found any info in the condo lease specifying my rights concerning this hole in my ceiling that accesses the condo’s roof.


Comments

  1. You must have a certain width so that fire fighters can access the roof with all their equipment on their back. THis is why a small spiral staircase would not work. Also, the accessibility of the ladder is an issue. I believe it has to be visible on the wall, etc.

    Good luck

  2. There are definitely regulations. Check the DOB website. One thing to keep in mund is that the ladder isn’t just designed to give you access to the roof, but also to give firefighters access to the building in the event of an emergency.