Smoke Barrier (soffit) required in Kitchen?
I am renovating a 3-unit townhouse in Brooklyn and I am unsure if the kitchen (not kitchenette) in one of my units is required to have a smoke barrier (also called a smoke soffit). I’ve read online that kitchens are not required to have them but kitchenettes are. Does anyone know anything about this? Thank you!

jaskin
in General Discussion 3 years and 1 month ago
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Guest User | 3 years and 1 month ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202751"
If there are no windows on the kitchen wall, I believe you will need a smoke soffit. Architect should know this answer. If not, consider new architect. I am redoing a permitted kitchen from 2015 renovation due to architect and DOB plan examiner oversight, then HPD inspector finding this month. Glad I didnt manage that project for my client, but client is not happy either way

cate | 3 years and 1 month ago
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I’m sorry, but I do not know the rules on installing recessed lights in the smoke barrier.

jaskin | 3 years and 1 month ago
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@cate, thank you very much for your thoughtful response. That all makes sense. Our kitchen is a U shaped kitchen that opens up into a wider living room (rear of townhouse). I will check with my architect, but do you happen to know if you can install recessed lights in the smoke barrier?

cate | 3 years and 1 month ago
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AFAIK, if the kitchen is open to a great room, you need a smoke soffit, and if the kitchen is in its own separate room, you don’t need one. There may also be other factors, such as whether you are filing under old law and how extensively you are renovating. Consult an architect or expediter/code expert for details. IMHO, if you have the option to create a galley type kitchen with two doors vs. knocking down a wall to “open up” the space, I would go with the galley type kitchen with two doors. It looks so much better in my opinion. I don’t ever want to see appliances from the couch. Another common solution is a large kitchen with a dining room table at the center.