Use and Occupancy Classification

NYC Admin. Code tit. 28, ch. 7, art. 701, ch. 3

in effect

NYC Building Code § BC 301 General

Section BC 301: General 301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures, and spaces therein, as to use and occupancy.

NYC Building Code § BC 302 Classification

Section BC 302: Classification 302.1 General. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed below. A room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to each of the purposes for which the room or space will be occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure, or portion thereof, is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, such structure, or portion thereof, shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved, and as approved by the commissioner. 1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 2. Business (see Section 304): Group B 3. Educational (see Section 305): Group E 4. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2 5. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 6. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4 7. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M 8. Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3 9. Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2 10. Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U For a listing of occupancy group classifications that corresponds with uses listed in the New York City Zoning Resolution, refer to department rules. For a listing of occupancy group classifications that corresponds with uses listed in the New York City Zoning Resolution, refer to department rules.

NYC Building Code § BC 303 Assembly Group A

Section BC 303: Assembly Group A 303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof, excluding a dwelling unit, for the gathering of any number of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions, recreation, food or drink consumption, awaiting transportation, or similar group activities; or when occupied by 75 persons or more for educational or instructional purposes. 303.1.1 Definitions. The following term is defined in Chapter 2: PLACE OF ASSEMBLY. 303.1.2 Buildings and nonaccessory tenant spaces. A building or nonaccessory tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of fewer than 75 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy, except that the number of plumbing fixtures for such a building or space is permitted to be calculated in accordance with the requirements for assembly occupancies. 303.1.3 Accessory assembly spaces. A room or space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of fewer than 75 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy, except that the number of plumbing fixtures for such a room or space is permitted to be calculated in accordance with the requirements for assembly occupancies. Assembly occupancies shall include the following: 303.2 Assembly Group A-1. Group A-1 occupancy includes assembly uses, usually with fixed seating, intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures including, but not limited to: Motion picture theaters Symphony and concert halls Television and radio studios admitting an audience Theaters 303.3 Assembly Group A-2. Group A-2 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption including, but not limited to: Banquet halls Cabarets Casinos (gaming areas) Nightclubs, including dance halls Restaurants, cafeterias (except as provided for in A-3), and similar dining facilities Restaurants Taverns and bars 303.4 Assembly Group A-3. Group A-3 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A including, but not limited to: Amusement arcades Art galleries Bowling alleys Cafeterias for children up to and including the 12th grade Classrooms and instructional rooms with 75 persons or more; such rooms with fewer than 75 persons shall be classified as Group B or E Community halls Courtrooms Custodial care facilities with 75 or more persons, providing care to persons over the age of 2, where no more than four occupants are incapable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff Dance studio or instruction (not including food or drink consumption) Exhibition halls Funeral parlors Gymnasiums (without spectator seating) Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating) Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating) Lecture halls Museums Places of religious worship (Houses of worship) Pool and billiard parlors School auditoriums Waiting areas in transportation terminals 303.5 Assembly Group A-4. Group A-4 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for viewing of indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating including, but not limited to: Arenas Skating rinks Swimming pools Tennis courts 303.6 Assembly Group A-5. Group A-5 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to: Amusement park structures Bleachers Grandstands Stadiums 303.7 Certificate of Operation. A Certificate of Operation shall be required, as per Section 28-117.1, for the following assembly occupancies: 1. Indoor assembly occupancies used or intended for use by 75 persons or more, including open spaces at 20 feet (6096 mm) or more above or below grade plane, such as roofs or roof terraces. 2. Outdoor assembly occupancies used and intended for use by 200 persons or more.

NYC Building Code § BC 304 Business Group B

Section BC 304: Business Group B 304.1 Business Group B. Business Group B occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional, service-type transactions, or for conducting public or civic services, including the incidental storage of records and accounts and the incidental storage of limited quantities of stocks of goods for office use or purposes. Business Group B occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Airport traffic control towers Ambulatory care facilities Animal hospitals, kennels, pounds, veterinary clinics and pet shops Banks Barber and beauty shops Civic administration offices Clinic-outpatient, including group medical centers, and neighborhood family care centers Custodial care facilities with fewer than 75 persons, providing care to persons over the age of 2, where no more than four occupants are incapable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff Dry cleaning and laundries; pick-up and delivery stations and self-service Educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade, where not classified in Group A. Such occupancy may be used occasionally for educational purposes offered to children through the 12th grade Electronic data processing Laboratories; nonproduction testing and research, as per Section 427 Libraries when not classified in Group E Motor vehicle showrooms Offices Post offices Photocopying and printing shops using electronic printing equipment Professional services (architects, attorneys, dentists, physicians, engineers, etc.) Radio and television stations not admitting an audience Telephone exchanges Training and skill development not in a school or academic program (this shall include, but not be limited to, tutoring centers, martial arts studios, gymnastics and similar uses regardless of the ages served, and where not classified as a Group A occupancy) (Am. L.L. 2015/078, 9/2/2015, eff. 12/31/2015) 304.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. CLINIC, OUTPATIENT.

NYC Building Code § BC 305 Educational Group E

Section BC 305: Educational Group E 305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by five or more persons at any one time for educational purposes offered to children through the 12th grade and where no more than two children are under the age of 2, including but not limited to, the following: Academies Day care facilities where no more than two children are under the age of 2 Libraries accessory to Group E occupancies Schools Exceptions: 1. Classrooms and instructional rooms with 75 or more persons shall be classified as Group A-3. 2. Day care services provided within a dwelling unit as described in Section 310. 3. Custodial care facilities with up to 30 children under the age of 2 are permitted to be classified as Group E when the rooms where such children are cared for are located on the level of exit discharge and each of these child care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior. 305.2 Reserved.

NYC Building Code § BC 306 Factory Group F

Section BC 306: Factory Group F 306.1 Factory Industrial Group F. Factory Industrial Group F occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair, cleaning, laundering or processing operations that are not classified as a Group H hazardous occupancy. Factory Industrial Group F occupancy also includes certain mechanical and/or electrical equipment rooms in accordance with Section 306.3. 306.2 Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1. Factory industrial uses that are not classified as Factory Industrial F-2 Low Hazard shall be classified as F-1 Moderate Hazard and shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Aircraft (manufacturing, not to include repair) Aircraft repairs Automobiles and other motor vehicles, manufacturing Automobiles and other motor vehicles, repairs Bakeries Beverages; over 16-percent alcohol content Boats Boat repairs Brooms or brushes Canvas or similar fabric Carpets and rugs Carpets and rugs, cleaning, using or storing solvents having a flash point between 100°F (38°C) and 138.2°F (59°C) (Tag closed cup) Clothing Disinfectants Dry cleaning and dyeing using or storing solvents having a flash point between 100°F (38°C) and 138.2°F (59°C) (Tag closed cup) Electric generation plants Electrical substations Engines (including rebuilding) Food processing, except meat slaughtering or preparation of fish for packing Food processing establishments and commercial kitchens not adjoining a restaurant, cafeteria or similar dining facilities Furniture Hemp products Jute products Laboratories; for production (moderate-hazard), that may involve the synthesis or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities below those found in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) Leather products Metals; finishing, plating, grinding, sharpening, polishing, cleaning, rustproofing, heat treatment, or similar processes Millwork (sash and door) Motion pictures filming (without spectators) Musical instruments Optical goods Paper mills or products Photographic film Plastic products Printing or publishing Recreational vehicles Refuse incineration Shoes Soaps and detergents Textiles Tobacco Trailers Upholstering Wood; distillation Woodworking (cabinet) using no more than 2 quarts (1.9 L) per day or storing no more than 20 gallons (75.7 L) of paint, varnish, lacquer or shellac 306.3 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factory industrial uses that involve the cleaning, laundering, fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Appliances Athletic equipment Automobile laundries Automobile wrecking establishments Beverages; up to and including 16-percent alcohol content; bottling works Beverages; non-alcoholic Bicycles Brick and masonry Business machines Cameras and photo equipment Carpets and rugs, cleaning, using or storing solvents having a flash point above 138.2°F (59°C) (Tag closed cup) Ceramic products Commercial kitchens adjoining restaurants, cafeterias (including those classified in Group A-3), or similar dining facilities Construction and agricultural machinery Dry cleaning and dyeing using or storing solvents having a flash point above 138.2°F (59°C) (Tag closed cup) Electronics Food processing; meat slaughtering or preparation of fish for packing Foundries Glass products Gypsum Ice Laboratories; for production (low-hazard), that may involve the synthesis or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities below those found in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) Laundries Machinery Mechanical and/or electrical equipment rooms that are neither identified as incidental uses in Table 509 nor classified as the occupancy within which they are located per section 508.1 Metal products (fabrication and assembly), not including flammable metals and alloys listed in Section 307 Plastic products; non-flammable Printing; incidental to primary use, area not exceeding 2,000 square feet (185.8 m2) Television filming (without spectators) 306.4 Location restrictions. Locations of spaces classified in Factory Group F may be restricted within a building containing a Group R occupancy pursuant to Section 510.8.

NYC Building Code § BC 307 High-Hazard Group H

Section BC 307: High-Hazard Group H 307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the requirements of Section 415 and the New York City Fire Code. 307.1.1 Uses other than Group H. An occupancy that stores, uses or handles hazardous materials as described in one or more of the following items shall not be classified as Group H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that it most nearly resembles. 1. Buildings and structures occupied for the application of flammable finishes, provided that such buildings or areas conform to the requirements of the New York City Fire Code and Section 416 of this code. 2. Wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the New York City Fire Code. 3. Closed piping system containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery or equipment. 4. Cleaning establishments that utilize combustible liquid solvents having a flash point of 140°F (60°C) or higher in closed systems employing equipment listed by an approved testing agency, provided that this occupancy is separated from all other areas of the building by 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. 5. Cleaning establishments that utilize a liquid solvent having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C). 6. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk storage. 7. Refrigeration systems. 8. The storage or utilization of materials for agricultural purposes on the premises. 9. Stationary batteries utilized for facility emergency or standby power, uninterruptable power supply or telecommunication facilities, provided that the batteries are provided with safety venting caps and ventilation is provided in accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code. 10. Corrosive personal or household products in their original packaging used in retail display. 11. Commonly used corrosive building materials. 12. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol storage shall be classified as Group S-1, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of the New York City Fire Code. 13. Display and storage of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area in Group M or S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5. 14. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellant and small arms primers in Groups M and R-3 and special industrial explosive devices in Groups B, F, M and S, provided such storage conforms to the quantity limits and requirements prescribed in the New York City Fire Code. 15. Laboratories for nonproduction testing, research, experimental, instructional or educational purposes, in compliance with Section 427. Table 307.1(1) Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Materials Posing a Physical Hazard a, j, m, n, q Material Class Group When the Maximum Allowable Quantity Is Exceeded q Storage b Use-Closed Systems b Use-Open Systems b Solid Pounds (cubic feet) Liquid Gallons (pounds) Gas SCF Solid Pounds (cubic feet) Liquid gallons (pounds) Gas SCF Solid Pounds (cubic feet) Liquid gallons (pounds) Combustible Liquid c, i, r II IIIA IIIB H-2 or H-3 H-2 or H-3 Not Applicable Not Applicable 120 d, e 330 d, e 13,200 e, f Not Applicable Not Applicable 120 d 330 d 13,200 f Not Applicable Not Applicable 30 d 80 d 3,300 f Combustible fiber Loose Baled s H-3 (100) (1,000) Not Applicable Not Applicable (100) (1,000) Not Applicable Not Applicable (20) (200) Not Applicable Cryogenics Flammable Not Applicable H-2 Not Applicable 45 d Not Applicable Not Applicable 45 d Not Applicable Not Applicable 10 d Cryogenics Oxidizing Not Applicable H-3 Not Applicable 45 d Not Applicable Not Applicable 45 d Not Applicable Not Applicable 10 d Explosives Division 1.1 Division 1.2 Division 1.3 Division 1.4 Division 1.4G Division 1.5 Division 1.6 H-1 H-1 H-1 or H-2 H-3 H-3 H-1 H-1 1 e, g 1 e, g 5 e, g 50 e, g 125 d, e, l 1 e, g 1 d, e, g (1) e, g (1) e, g (5) e, g (50) e, g Not Applicable (1) e, g Not Applicable Not Applicable 0.25 g 0.25 g 1 g 50 g Not Applicable 0.25 g Not Applicable (0.25) g (0.25) g (1) g (50) g Not Applicable (0.25) g Not Applicable Not Applicable 0.25 g 0.25 g 1 g Not Applicable Not Applicable 0.25 g Not Applicable (0.25) g (0.25) g (1) g Not Applicable Not Applicable (0.25) g Not Applicable Flammable gas Gaseous Liquefied H-2 Not Applicable Not Applicable (150) d, e 1,000 d, e Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable (150) d, e 1,000 d, e Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Flammable liquids c, k IA o IB and IC H-2 or H-3 Not Applicable 30 d, e 120 d, e Not Applicable Not Applicable 30 d 120 d Not Applicable Not Applicable 10 d 30 d Combination Flammable liquid (IA o, IB, IC) Not Applicable H-2 or H-3 Not Applicable 120 d, e, h Not Applicable Not Applicable 120 d, h Not Applicable Not Applicable 30 d, h Flammable solid s Not Applicable H-3 Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Pigs, ingots, billets, heavy castings 1,000 d, e 1,000 d 1,000 d Light castings, light metallic products 125 d, e 125 d 25 d Scraps, shavings, powders, dusts 1 d, e 1 d 1 d All others 125 d, e 125 d 25 d Inert Gas Gaseous Liquefied Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Limited Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Limited Not Applicable Not Applicable Cryogenic Inert Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Limited Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Limited Not Applicable Not Applicable Organic peroxide p Unclassified Detonable I II III IV V H-1 H-2 H-3 H-3 Not Applicable Not Applicable 1 e, g 5 d, e 50 d, e 125 d, e Not Limited Not Limited (1) e, g (5) d, e (50) d, e (125) d, e Not Limited Not Limited Not Applicable 0.25 g 1 d 50 d 125 d Not Limited Not Limited (0.25) g (1) d (50) d (125) d Not Limited Not Limited Not Applicable 0.25 g 1 d 10 d 25 d Not Limited Not Limited (0.25) g (1) d (10) d (25) d Not Limited Not Limited Oxidizer 4 3 k 2 1 H-1 H-2 H-3 H-3 1 g 10 d, e 250 d, e 4,000 e, f (1) e, g (10) d, e (250) d, e (4,000) e, f Not Applicable 0.25 g 2 d 250 d 4,000 f (0.25) g (2) d (250) d (4,000) f Not Applicable 0.25 g 2 d 50 d 1,000 f (0.25) g (2) d (50) d (1,000) f Oxidizing gas Gaseous Liquefied H-3 Not Applicable Not Applicable (150) d, e 1,500 d, e Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable (150) d, e 1,500 d, e Not Applicable Pyrophoric material p detonable Not Applicable H-1 1 e, g (1) e, g 10 e, g 0.25 g (0.25) g 2 e, g 0 0 Pyrophoric material nondetonable Not Applicable H-2 4 e, g (4) e, g 50 e, g 1 g (1) g 10 e, g 0 0 Unstable (reactive) p detonable 4 3 H-1 H-1 1 e, g 1 e, g (1) e, g (1) e, g 10 e, g 10 e, g 0.25 g 0.25 g (0.25) g (0.25) g 2 e, g 2 e, g 0.25 g 0.25 g (0.25) g (0.25) g Unstable (reactive) nondetonable 4 3 2 1 H-1 H-1 or H-2 H-3 Not Applicable 1 e, g 5 d, e 50 d, e Not Limited (1) e, g (5) d, e (50) d, e Not Limited 10 e, g 50 d, e 250 d, e 750 d, e 0.25 g 1 d 50 d Not Limited (0.25) g (1) d (50) d Not Limited 2 e, g 10 d, e 250 d, e Not Limited 0.25 g 1 d 10 d Not Limited (0.25) g (1) d (10) d Not Limited Water-reactive detonable p 3 2 H-1 H-1 1 e, g 1 e, g (1) e, g (1) e, g Not Applicable 0.25 g 0.25 g (0.25) g (0.25) g Not Applicable 0.25 g 0.25 g (0.25) g (0.25) g Water-reactive nondetonable 3 2 1 H-2 H-3 Not Applicable 5 d, e 50 d, e Not Limited (5) d, e (50) d, e Not Limited Not Applicable 5 d 50 d Not Limited (5) d (50) d Not Limited Not Applicable 1 d 10 d Not Limited (1) d (10) d Not Limited For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L. a. For use of control areas, see the New York City Fire Code and Section 414.2 of this code. b. The aggregate quantity in storage, handling and use shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage. c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited providing the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. d. Maximum allowable quantities, except for liquefied petroleum gas and flammable liquid motor fuel, shall be increased 100 percent in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. e. Maximum allowable quantities, except for liquefied petroleum gas and flammable liquid motor fuel, shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or listed safety cans. Listed safety cans shall be in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. f. Quantities shall not be limited in a building protected throughout by a sprinkler system. g. Allowed only in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system. h. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA, Class IB or Class IC flammable liquids. i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel oil storage that complies with the requirements of Section 1305 of the New York City Mechanical Code. j. Quantities shown in the table in parentheses have the units shown in parentheses at the head of the column. k. A maximum quantity of 200 pounds of solid or 20 gallons of liquid Class 3 oxidizers is allowed when such materials are necessary for maintenance and operation of equipment when the storage containers and the manner of storage are approved. l. Reserved. m. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. n. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with the New York City Fire Code. o. For purposes of this table, gasoline and other flammable liquid motor fuels are classified as a Class IA flammable liquid. p. Unclassified detonable organic peroxides, detonable pyrophoric materials, detonable unstable (reactive) materials and detonable water-reactive materials shall be treated as explosives for purposes of storage, handling and use in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. q. The maximum allowable quantities shall be limited by the New York City Fire Code for non-production laboratories classified as Occupancy Group B. r. For storage of flammable and combustible liquids in Group M occupancy, see the New York City Fire Code. s. Densely-packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class. Table 307.1(2) Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Material Posing a Health Hazard a, b, c, i, j Material Storage d Use-Closed Systems d Use-Open Systems d Solid pounds Liquid gallons (pounds) e, f Gas SCF e (pounds) Solid pounds e Liquid gallons (pounds) e Gas SCF e (pounds) Solid pounds e Liquid gallons (pounds) e Corrosive 5,000 500 Gaseous 810 f Liquefied (150) h 5,000 500 Gaseous 810 f Liquefied (150) h 1,000 100 Highly toxic 10 (10) h Gaseous 20 g Liquefied (4) g, h 10 (10) h Gaseous 20 g Liquefied (4) g, h 3 (3) h Toxic 500 (500) h Gaseous 810 f Liquefied (150) f, h 500 (500) h Gaseous 810 f Liquefied (150) f, h 125 (125) h For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L. a. For use of control areas, see the New York City Fire Code and Section 414.2 of this code b. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics, containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. c. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with the New York City Fire Code. d. The aggregate quantity in storage, handling and use shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage. e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note f also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. f. Maximum allowable quantities may be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the New York City Fire Code. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. g. Allowed only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the New York City Fire Code. h. Quantities shown in the table in parenthesis have the units shown in parenthesis at the head of the column. i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. j. The maximum allowable quantities shall be limited by Section 427 for chemical laboratories classified as Occupancy Group B and operating as nonproduction facilities for testing, research, experimental, instructional or education purposes. 307.1.2 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in any quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code, including Section 414 of this code, and the New York City Fire Code. 307.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: AEROSOL. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3. BALED COTTON. BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED. BARRICADE. Artificial barricade. Natural barricade. BOILING POINT. CLOSED SYSTEM. COMBUSTIBLE DUST. COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. Class II. Class IIIA. Class IIIB. COMPRESSED GAS. CONTROL AREA. CORROSIVE MATERIAL. CRYOGENIC FLUID. DAY BOX. DEFLAGRATION. DETONATION. DISPENSING. EXPLOSION. EXPLOSIVE. High explosive. Low explosive. Mass-detonating explosives. UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives. Division 1.1. Division 1.2. Division 1.3. Division 1.4. Division 1.5. Division 1.6. FIREWORKS. Fireworks, 1.3G. Fireworks, 1.4G. FLAMMABLE GAS. FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS. FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Class IA. Class IB. Class IC. FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. FLAMMABLE SOLID. FLASH POINT. HANDLING. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. HEALTH HAZARD. HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIAL. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. INERT GAS. OPEN SYSTEM. ORGANIC PEROXIDE. Class I. Class II. Class III. Class IV. Class V. Unclassified detonable. OXIDIZER. Class 4. Class 3. Class 2. Class 1. OXIDIZING GAS. PHYSICAL HAZARD. PYROPHORIC MATERIAL. PYROTECHNIC MATERIAL. STANDARD CUBIC FEET (SCF). TOXIC MATERIAL. UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL. Class 4. Class 3. Class 2. Class 1. WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL. Class 3. Class 2. Class 1. 307.3 High-hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Detonable pyrophoric materials Explosives: Division 1.1 Division 1.2 Division 1.3 Division 1.4 Division 1.5 Division 1.6 Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable Oxidizers, Class 4 Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4 307.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not classified as H-1. The following occupancies containing explosive materials shall be classified as follows: 1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used and maintained in a form where either confinement or configuration will not elevate the hazard from a mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed in H-2 occupancies. 2. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations, or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be allowed in H-3 occupancies. No part of this section shall be construed to authorize the manufacture, storage, sale or use of explosives, including fireworks, if otherwise prohibited by the New York City Fire Code and unless in compliance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code. 307.4 High-hazard Group H-2. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H-2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103.4 kPa) Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3 Cryogenic fluids, flammable Flammable gases Organic peroxides, Class I Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103 kPa) Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonable Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3, nondetonable Water-reactive materials, Class 3, nondetonable No part of this section shall be construed to authorize an LPG-distribution facility if otherwise prohibited by the New York City Fire Code. 307.5 High-hazard Group H-3. Buildings and structures containing materials that readily support combustion or that pose a physical hazard shall be classified as Group H-3. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103 kPa) or less Combustible fibers, other than densely packed baled cotton, where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3 Cryogenic fluids, oxidizing Flammable solids Organic peroxides, Class II and III Oxidizers, Class 1 and 2 Oxidizing gases Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 2 Water-reactive materials, Class 2, nondetonable 307.6 High-hazard Group H-4. Buildings and structures containing materials that are health hazards shall be classified as Group H-4. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Corrosives Highly toxic materials Toxic materials 307.7 High-hazard Group H-5. Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are used and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess of those listed in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be classified as Group H-5. Such facilities and areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 415.11. 307.8 Multiple hazards. Buildings and structures containing a material or materials representing hazards that are classified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occupancies so classified.

NYC Building Code § BC 308 Institutional Group I

Section BC 308: Institutional Group I 308.1 Institutional Group I. Institutional Group I occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are or are not capable of self-preservation without physical assistance or in which persons are detained for penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted. Institutional occupancies shall be classified as Group I-1, I-2, I-3 or I-4. 308.2 Definitions. This section contains provisions for definitions of terms defined elsewhere in this code as well as the terms with definitions specific to this section. 308.2.1 Terms defined elsewhere in this code. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: 24-HOUR BASIS. CARE SUITE. INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. 308.2.2 Definitions specific to this section. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this section, have the meanings shown herein: CHILD CARE FACILITIES. Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than 5 children, under the age of 2. DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES. Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others. HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC CENTERS. Buildings or portions thereof used on a 24-hour basis for the medical, psychiatric, obstetrical or surgical treatment of inpatients who are incapable of self-preservation. NURSING HOMES. Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation. 308.3 Institutional Group I-1. Institutional Group I-1 occupancy shall include buildings, structures or parts thereof housing persons, on a 24-hour basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons, live in a supervised residential environment that provides personal care services. The occupants are capable of self-preservation and capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff. Such occupancy shall be subject to the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Adult homes, where occupants are capable of self-preservation (see Section 308.3.1) Alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation centers Assisted living facilities Community Residences or Intermediate Care Facilities (see Section 308.3.2) Congregate care facilities Convalescent facilities Enriched housing, where occupants are capable of self-preservation (see Section 308.3.1) Halfway houses Overnight facilities for children where all supervised occupants are under the age of 18, with no more than two children under the age of 2 Residential care facilities Social rehabilitation facilities 308.3.1 Adult homes and enriched housing. Adult homes and enriched housing facilities operated pursuant to and meeting the additional construction requirements of Section 460 of the New York State Social Services Law and regulations of the New York State Department of Health offering care on a 24-hour basis to persons capable of self-preservation, in the same building, shall be classified as Group I-1. Exception: Such a facility offering supervised care on a 24-hour basis for no more than 16 occupants capable of self preservation, in the same building, may be classified in Group R in accordance with Section 310. 308.3.2 Community Residences or Intermediate Care Facilities. Community Residences or Intermediate Care Facilities, operated pursuant to and meeting the additional construction requirements of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law and applicable regulations of the New York State Office of Mental Health and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities shall be classified as Group I-1. Exceptions: Such facilities limited to 14 residents capable of self-preservation and three staff members per dwelling unit shall be classified as: 1. Group R-1, where such facility does not occupy more than two dwelling units in a residential building classified as R-1 of Type I or II construction, or one dwelling unit in any other type of construction, and occupied on a transient basis; or 2. Group R-2 where such facility does not occupy more than two dwelling units in a residential building classified R-2 of Type I or II construction, or one dwelling unit in any other type of construction, and occupied on a long-term basis; or 3. Group R-3 where the number of dwelling units in the building does not exceed two. 308.4 Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 shall include buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or personal care on a 24-hour basis or overnight of more than two children under the age of 2, or more than three persons who are not capable of self-preservation and not capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Adult homes, where occupants are not capable of self-preservation (see Section 308.4.1) Child care facilities Community Residences or Intermediate Care Facilities, where occupants are not capable of self preservation, operated pursuant to and meeting the additional construction requirements of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law and applicable regulations of the New York State Office of Mental Health and Office for people with Developmental Disabilities Detoxification facilities Exception: Such a facility offering care on a 24-hour basis for three or fewer persons who are not capable of self-preservation may occupy not more than one dwelling unit in a Group R occupancy. Enriched Housing, where occupants are not capable of self-preservation (see Section 308.4.1) Hospitals Nursing homes Psychiatric centers where patients are not under restraint 308.4.1 Adult homes and enriched housing. Adult homes and enriched housing facilities operated pursuant to and meeting the additional construction requirements of Section 460 of the New York State Social Services Law and regulations of the New York State Department of Health offering care on a 24-hour basis to persons not capable of self-preservation, in the same building, shall be classified as Group I-2. 308.5 Institutional Group I-3. Institutional Group I-3 occupancy shall include buildings and structures that are inhabited by more than five persons who are under restraint or security. A Group I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants' control. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Correctional centers Detention centers Jails Prerelease centers Prisons Psychiatric centers where patients are under restraint Reformatories Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Sections 308.5.1 through 308.5.5. 308.5.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas, and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted, to the exterior via means of egress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be constructed as Group R. 308.5.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to the exterior is impeded by locked exits. 308.5.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed within individual smoke compartments, such as within a residential unit comprised of individual sleeping units and group activity spaces, where egress is impeded by remote controlled release of means of egress from such a smoke compartment to another smoke compartment. 308.5.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Remote-controlled release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments. 308.5.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments. 308.6 Institutional Group I-4. Institutional Group I-4 occupancy shall include custodial care facilities providing care to more than two children under the age of 2, or to more than four persons over the age of 2 who are not capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from the staff. Such occupancy shall include, but not be limited to, adult custodial care facilities and day nurseries. Exceptions: 1. Custodial care facility as described in Section 303. 2. Custodial care facility as described in Section 304. 3. Custodial care facility as described in Exception 3 of Section 305.1. 4. Such facility providing care within a dwelling unit as described in Section 310. 5. Such facility providing care to children under the age of 2 in religious houses of worship during religious functions.

NYC Building Code § BC 309 Mercantile Group M

Section BC 309: Mercantile Group M 309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof for the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Department stores Drug stores Markets Motor fuel-dispensing facilities Retail or wholesale stores Sales rooms 309.2 Quantity of hazardous materials. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed in a single control area of a Group M occupancy shall not exceed the quantities in Table 414.2.5(1).

NYC Building Code § BC 310 Residential Group R

Section BC 310: Residential Group R 310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for dwelling or sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I. Buildings containing 3 or more dwelling units shall be subject to the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. Residential occupancies shall be classified as Groups R-1, R-2, or R-3. 310.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: APARTMENT. APARTMENT, STUDENT. BOARDER (ROOMER, LODGER). CONGREGATE LIVING UNIT. CUSTODIAL CARE FACILITY. DWELLING. DWELLING, MULTIPLE. DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY. DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. DWELLING UNIT. FAMILY. GROUP HOME. PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. RESIDENTIAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. ROOMING HOUSE. SLEEPING UNIT. TRANSIENT. 310.3 Residential Group R-1. Residential Group R-1 occupancies shall include: 1. Residential buildings or spaces occupied, as a rule, transiently, for a period less than 30 days, as the more or less temporary abode of individuals or families who are lodged with or without meals, including, but not limited to, the following: Class B multiple dwellings as defined in Section 27-2004 of the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and Section 4 of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, where not classified in Group I-1. Club houses Hotels (transient) Motels (transient) Rooming houses (boarding houses – transient) Settlement houses Vacation timeshares 2. College or school student dormitories, except for student apartments classified as an R-2 occupancy 3. Congregate living units owned and operated by a government agency or not-for-profit organization, where the number of occupants in the dwelling unit exceeds the limitations of a family as defined, including, but not limited to, the following: Adult homes or enriched housing with 16 or fewer occupants requiring supervised care within the same building on a 24-hour basis Fraternity and sorority houses Homeless shelters (Am. L.L. 2023/077, 6/11/2023, eff. 6/11/2023) Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2023/077. 310.4 Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies shall include buildings or portions thereof containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units that are occupied for permanent residence purposes as defined in subparagraph (a) of paragraph 8 of subdivision a of Section 27-2004 of the New York City Housing Maintenance Code. Such occupancy shall be subject to the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Adult homes or enriched housing with 16 or fewer occupants requiring supervised care on a 24-hour basis in the same building, provided that the number of occupants per dwelling unit does not exceed the definition of a family Apartment houses Apartment hotels (nontransient) Class A multiple dwellings as defined in Section 27-2004 of the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and Section 4 of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, where not classified in Group I, including the following: 1. Dwelling units where the resident of the unit provides custodial care to no more than four persons on less than a 24-hour basis and not overnight, where not classified in Group I. 2. Dwelling units where the resident of the unit provides child custodial care as a family day care home registered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in accordance with the New York State Social Services Law, with no more than six children between the ages of 2 and 13, or with no more than five children if any are under the age of 2, receiving supervised care on less than a 24-hour basis and not overnight, where not classified in Group I. Convents and monasteries with more than 20 occupants in the building Student apartments (Am. L.L. 2023/077, 6/11/2023, eff. 6/11/2023) Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2023/077. 310.5 Residential Group R-3. Residential Group R-3 occupancies shall include buildings or portions thereof containing no more than 2 dwelling units, occupied, as a rule, for shelter and sleeping accommodation on a long-term basis for a month or more at a time, and are not classified in Group R-1, R-2 or I. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Convents and monasteries with 20 or fewer occupants in the building Group homes One- and two-family dwellings, including the following: 1. Dwelling units where the resident of the unit provides custodial care to no more than four persons on less than a 24-hour basis and not overnight. 2. Dwelling units where the resident of the unit provides child custodial care as a family day care home registered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in accordance with the New York State Social Services Law for three to six children for more than three hours per day per child but less than 24 hours per day. A family day care provider may, however, care for seven or eight children at any one time if no more than six of the children are less than school age and such children receive services only during the periods set forth in the New York State Social Services Law. 3. Dwelling units where the resident of the unit provides child custodial care as a group family day care home registered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in accordance with the New York State Social Services Law for seven to 12 children of all ages for more than three hours a day per child but less than 24 hours per day. There may be an additional four children if such children are of school age and such children receive services only during the periods set forth in the New York State Social Services Law.

NYC Building Code § BC 311 Storage Group S

Section BC 311: Storage Group S 311.1 Storage Group S. Storage Group S occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage, such as for warehouses, storage rooms, freight depots and distribution centers, when not classified as a hazardous occupancy. 311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces. A room or space used for storage purposes that is less than 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as part of that occupancy. The aggregate area of such rooms or spaces shall not exceed the allowable area limits of Section 508.2.3. 311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Storage Group S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storing any flammable or combustible materials that are likely to permit the development and production of fire with moderate rapidity including, but not limited to, storage of the following: Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3 Aircraft hangar (storage and repair) Bags; cloth, burlap and paper Bamboos and rattan Baskets Belting; canvas and leather Books and paper in rolls or packs Boots and shoes Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone Cardboard and cardboard boxes Clothing, woolen wearing apparel Cordage Dry boat storage (indoor, not accessory to Group R) Furniture Furs Glues, mucilage, pastes and size Grains Horns and combs, other than celluloid Leather Linoleum Lumber Photo engravings Resilient flooring Silks Soaps Sugar Tires, bulk storage of Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff Upholstery and mattresses Wax candles 311.3 Low-hazard storage, Group S-2. Storage Group S-2 occupancies include, among others, buildings used for the storage of noncombustible materials such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings. Such products are permitted to have a negligible amount of plastic trim, such as knobs, handles or film wrapping. Group S-2 storage uses shall include, but not be limited to, storage of the following: Asbestos Beverages up to and including 16-percent alcohol in metal, glass or ceramic containers Cement in bags Chalk and crayons Dairy products in nonwaxed coated paper containers Dry cell batteries Electrical coils Electrical motors Empty cans Food products Foods in noncombustible containers Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers Frozen foods Glass Glass bottles, empty or filled with noncombustible liquids Gypsum board Inert pigments Ivory Meats Metal cabinets Metal desks with plastic tops and trim Metal parts Metals Mirrors Oil-filled and other types of distribution transformers Parking garages, open or enclosed Porcelain and pottery Stoves Talc and soapstones Washers and dryers

NYC Building Code § BC 312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U

Section BC 312: Utility and Miscellaneous Group U 312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Carports Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height Private garages as per Section 406.1 Retaining walls Sheds or greenhouses accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, that are: freestanding, less than 120 square feet (11.15 m2) in area, not permanently affixed to the ground, and used for household goods or items associated with the garden or lawn. Any other shed shall be classified as either S-1 or S-2. Tanks Towers

Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-224204Fetched: 10/24/2026