changing a fire escape into...
Hi, I own a 3-family which has a standard fire escape on the rear of the building. Living on the 2nd floor, I’d like to gain backyard access by changing the release & drop-down metal ladder to a straight set of metal stairs. I also was thinking about extending the platform of the fire escape…
Hi,
I own a 3-family which has a standard fire escape on the rear of the building. Living on the 2nd floor, I’d like to gain backyard access by changing the release & drop-down metal ladder to a straight set of metal stairs. I also was thinking about extending the platform of the fire escape to make it a little more like a deck that I can put a chair out on, maybe 5 feet out instead of the standard fire escape depth.
Crazy? Possible? Cheaper or more than your standard “steel-deck + stairs to yard” project? I appreciate all thoughts. I would of course get permits for this too.
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yes it is a simple job that could be done in a couple of days. you will need an architect to approve the plans of the deck with the DoB. the new codes don require firescapes on three family house. I just did a similar job in which the person used the firescape as a bridge inside the home
The owner/landlord of 4 family next to me just did something similar. New ‘fire escape’ on each level is probably 16′ x 10′. But no staircase down to garden ..just the old fashioned ladder (he wouldn’t want other levels to have access only garden floor). but I have seen those on multifamily dwellings before. And he had permits and architect. Also made door out of window on all upper floors.
I doubt cheap to do.
The owner/landlord of 4 family next to me just did something similar. New ‘fire escape’ on each level is probably 16′ x 10′. But no staircase down to garden ..just the old fashioned ladder (he wouldn’t want other levels to have access only garden floor). but I have seen those on multifamily dwellings before. And he had permits and architect. Also made door out of window on all upper floors.
I doubt cheap to do.
I would call some of the people mentioned in the Forum who build decks. Also, consult with an architect.
Dear Mr. pig three, true, a fire escape is not needed in a residential building if there is a sprinkler system. But the OP might want to consider what ISO would do if an obvious safety feature was removed, approved by DOB or not. Like you say “this blog is full of people stating “facts” known through their limited experience.”
Yanks21,
Is your fire escape on file with the DOB? Do you have sprinklers in your common halls? The fire escape may not even be required for your 3 fam. Check what is on file with DOB and look at code requirements. This blog is full of people stating “facts” known through their limited experience.
Srsly? Once a fire escape, always a fire escape. It is unlikely the DOB or FDNY would approve of a landing on a fire escape being used as a back porch no matter how big you made it.
“The Rules of the City of New York are hereby amended to allow the positioning of an appropriate folding lawn chair in or upon a landing of a fire escape if said landing is built out in a really nice way. Said chair can be accompanied by a matching end table, of matching color for holding legally permitted drinks.”
Ha!