Greetings, I live on the top floor of a walk-up and am looking for some clarification on the NYC fire code. The building is 3 floors, with 3 units (one each floor). I currently hang a bicycle by a hook near the entryway to a ladder leading to the roof. There is ample space to walk by without touching the bicycle as it rests in a recessed space which makes it flush with the hallway wall. I have been reading through NYC fire code and I am trying to determine if there is a minimum amount of space necessary to be within code. There is speculation from my landlord that there is an impending inspection and we want to make sure that the current setup is 1) safe and 2) within the law. Can anyone chime in on their experiences of using their landing to store their stuff and if so have you passed inspection? I’m thinking about taking this question to my local firehouse for an answer however I thought I’d start here with homeowners/renters who may have faced a similar situation.


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  1. Picture that bike hanging there during a fire.Will it impeded enrey or egress to the roof?What about in dark smokey conditions?The firefighters will attempt to gain aces throught he roof hatch.
    Nothing should be in that area.

  2. If it is of combustible material (wooden bicycle! huh? ) you cannot have it in the entire space. Non-combustible you must generally have a 36″ clear exit path without any obstruction. If it’s secured not to fall down and you have the minimum you shouldn’t have any issues.

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