Building Code

It is very important to have a permit to perform construction work. I don't think you can get it done (especially for extension) without a permit. If you get caught, there will be a fine and then you need to apply a construction permit for removing all the work done without a permit. Before you buy the property, you should make sure zoning allows you to build additional floor area. Good luck.

I had this problem a while back. See below... http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2009/05/safety_latches.php#comments I think at the end of the day I found somewhere on some site (sorry it was a while back) that if there was main front and back door - again mine was on garden level - that these were sufficient. K

Sounds like you'd be restoring the fire escape to a configuration more similar to the standard. In that case, it's most likely not a problem. You mention "poles". As long as the fire escape is supported by non-combustible materials it should be ok. Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP Urban Pioneering Architecture

I'm not a professional, but own a similar property. I was under impression that while a 3 family and up requires 2 means of egress, or one means of egress with sprinkler depending what code your architect files under, while anything under a 3 family would not require sprinkler?