Can I add a deck to my fire escape?

I had hoped to have a drop ladder to the deck, but as jim says, it’s not to code. I thought that having the fire escape stair coming down onto my deck would be really obtrusive, but in fact it is not and there’s still plenty of space for furniture, barbeque etc. Lopopolo Ironworks does a great, relatively inexpensive, job.

brooklynbemused

in Decks and Porches 12 years and 3 months ago

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cobblehillbilly | 12 years and 3 months ago

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http://cdn.brownstoner.com/516f273ea0ab5-.jpg

Can I have a 3 level fire escape modified to a 2 level plus deck like the one in the photo?  Thanks a bunch!

brucef | 12 years and 3 months ago

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Yes you can have the drop ladder land on a legal deck.

dazednconfused2 | 12 years and 3 months ago

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Not in my experience.  I’ve had plans rejected specifically because the drop down ladder did not go to grade.  The code specifically states that there must be a drop down ladder from the lowest fire escape landing to the ground below.  I’ve even had to put in the drop down ladder in addition to fixed metal stairs.  This particular case was not just some uninformed plan examiner, but the chief plan examiner stating so because it is shown that way in the Multiple Dwelling Law and the NYC Building Code. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the deck.  If it’s non-combustible and there is a drop down ladder in addition to the stairs, it can be part of the fire escape system.  We’ve done that on occasion.   Now that’s not to say that you would never get your example approved.  If the plan examiner is a real stickler for code, it might get an objection.  If not, you might get it approved.