Lighting Outside of Brownstones
I just purchased a Brownstone and was wondering about the lighting outside the house, right above the stoop. The former owner told me that it is a New York (city/state?) law to provide proper lighting during the night on the brownstone facades. Can someone direct me to the actual legal text? I would like to…
I just purchased a Brownstone and was wondering about the lighting outside the house, right above the stoop. The former owner told me that it is a New York (city/state?) law to provide proper lighting during the night on the brownstone facades. Can someone direct me to the actual legal text? I would like to know more about the kind of bulbs to use, what is the minimum/maximum power of the bulbs, if one light is enough (2 are currently used), if the interior light in the vestibule also qualifies as exterior lighting and if it is subject to the law mentioned earlier. My main concern is the safety of everybody (tenants and ourselves)who is using the stoop at night but also the architectural aspect of the lighting as well.
I use this AutoChron Programmable Wall Switch Timer to support 2 light fixtures (outside stoop and inside foyer)using 3 CFL bulbs. Not very aesthetically pleasing, but works really, really well, and allows me to use the energy-efficient bulbs.
http://bit.ly/c7sjQU
MDL and NYS Energy Code have been in conflict on this point for years. This will become more pointed on 7/1/10 under NYC Energy Code.
BTW, NYC and NYS Energy codes have exemptions for historic buildings – NYC Code defines historic buildings
By law it is required to be a 50 watt bulb as referenced earlier and it is only a MDL code so it does not apply to a single or 2 family.
Be advised that the exterior lighting thing is being revsed to mandatory energy efficiancy guidelines effective July 1 under the new energy code so things might change a bit. I am waiting to see the mass confusion this will esult in the Dept. of Building as until now in general only 1 plan examiner in Brooklyn actually made sure that a note is there for the location and wattage for the light bulb at the exterior facade.
I have being using light sensors in combination with CFL bulbs for many years without any problems. Light sensors are $8 or so at Home depot.
Sorry for an error. The timer is an Aube T1071 (don’t use the 1070) and costs $42.98.
The correct timer to use for a CFL is made by Aube-Honeywell. Do not buy the timer rated for 25 watts to 600 watts…it won’t work. There is another timer that works for 2 watts to 300 watts. And no, it doesn’t blow-out the bulbs…I’ve been using mine for almost 5 years. It adjusts itself automatically for sunrise to sunset, daylight savings time, too. Costs about $35 and is very easy to install. It must be hard-wired.
If you get the light I linked above, there will be plenty of light for outside and inside and your neighbors too!
There are regulations for both common area and exterior lights that differ somewhat between Multiple Dwelling Law and Housing Maintenance Code (HMC applies to tenant-occupied 2-family).
Article 10, Artificial Lighting
NYC Housing Maintenance Code: http://bit.ly/cgZrh2
Title 1, §35 Entrance Doors and Lights
New York Multiple Dwelling Law: http://bit.ly/byTo5z
Lighting, Page 13
Guidelines and Materials Checklists for Performing Work
on Landmarked Buildings: http://bit.ly/c2dpJj
The owner of every multiple dwelling shall install and maintain a
light or lights at or near the outside of the front entrance-way of the building which shall in the aggregate provide not less than fifty watts incandescent illumination for a building with a frontage up to
twenty-two feet and one hundred watts incandescent illumination for a building with a frontage in excess of twenty-two feet, or equivalent illumination and shall be kept burning from sunset every day to sunrise
on the day following. In the case of a multiple dwelling with a frontage in excess of twenty-two feet, the front entrance doors of which have a combined width in excess of five feet, there shall be at least two lights, one at each side of the entrance way, with an aggregate illumination of one hundred fifty watts or equivalent illumination. In enforcing this provision the department shall permit owners to determine for themselves the actual location, design and nature of the installation of such light or lights to meet practical, aesthetic and other considerations, so long as the minimum level of illumination is maintained.
MDL applies to three or more units.