Applicability and General Provisions

NYC Admin. Code tit. 28, ch. 12, art. The New York City Existing Building Code, ch. 3

in effect

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 301 Administration

Section EBC 301: Administration 301.1 General. The repair, alteration, partial demolition, removal, change of occupancy or relocation, moving, or raising of or addition to existing buildings and structures shall comply with this chapter and the applicable chapters of this code based on the scope of work. Sections 301.1.1 through 301.1.5 shall not be applied in combination with each other unless specifically required by this code. 301.1.1 Work not requiring permits. Work not requiring permits, including minor alterations and ordinary repairs, shall comply with this chapter, as applicable, and Section 105.3. 301.1.2 Limited alterations. Limited alterations shall comply with this chapter, as applicable, and Chapter 5 of this code. 301.1.3 Work area compliance method. Alterations, additions and changes in occupancy including relocated, moved or raised buildings or structures, as classified in Chapter 6, shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter, Chapters 7 through 11 and Chapter 14. 301.1.4 Building safety performance and scoring method. For alterations made to existing buildings constructed prior to July 1, 2008, the registered design professional of record shall be permitted to comply with Chapter 13 as an alternative to compliance with the fire safety and means of egress provisions of this chapter and Chapters 8 through 11, as shown in Table 301.1.4. In order for the building to be considered in compliance with this method, the evaluation performed in accordance with Chapter 13 shall yield a passing score for each category set forth in Section 1304, in accordance with rules promulgated by the Department. Table 301.1.4 Applicability of Chapter 13 CHAPTER / SCOPE OF WORK SECTIONS THAT MAY BE SATISFIED BY COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER 13 Chapter 3, Provisions for all compliance methods 304 Fire protection 305 Means of egress Chapter 8, Level 1 alteration 803 Building elements and materials 804 Fire protection 805 Means of egress Chapter 9, Level 2 alteration 903 Building elements and materials 904 Fire protection 905 Means of egress Chapter 10, Change of occupancy 1003 Building elements and materials 1004 Fire protection 1005 Means of egress Chapter 11, Additions 1102 Heights and areas 1104 Fire protection 1105 Means of egress 301.1.5 Relocated, moved or raised buildings. Relocated, moved or raised buildings, including relocatable buildings, shall comply with this chapter, as applicable, and Chapter 14.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 302 General Provisions

Section EBC 302: General Provisions 302.1 Applicability. The provisions of Sections 302 through 314 shall apply to all repairs, alterations, additions, and relocations of buildings and structures and changes of occupancy. 302.2 Additional codes. Repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation of buildings, respectively, in this code and the New York City Building Code, New York City Energy Conservation Code, New York City Fuel Gas Code, New York City Mechanical Code, New York City Plumbing Code and New York City Electrical Code. Where provisions of such other codes conflict with provisions of this code, the provisions of this code shall take precedence. 302.3 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the commissioner to be unsafe. 302.4 New and replacement materials, assemblies and details. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials, assemblies, and details permitted by the New York City Construction Codes shall be used. Hazardous materials, assemblies and details shall not be used where the requirements of the New York City Construction Codes applicable to new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location. New or replacement materials for buildings and spaces located below the design flood elevation in flood hazard areas shall be governed by Appendix G of the New York City Building Code. Exception: For partial and restorative repairs, where such repairs are necessitated by deteriorating façade or roof conditions and are required by the New York City Construction Codes, like materials, assemblies and details are permitted if no unsafe condition is created and the registered design professional determines that compliance with the New York City Energy Conservation Code would overload or burden building systems or lead to unsafe conditions such as freeze-thaw cracking, blockage of a cavity, condensation, or mold. Insulation where present shall be restored in kind, and additional insulation need not be added to the repaired assembly as may be required by the New York City Energy Conservation Code, if the aforementioned negative conditions would be created. This exception applies to partial and restorative repairs, and not to whole building or full elevation replacement, which would require compliance with Chapter 4 of the New York City Energy Conservation Code. 302.5 Occupancy and use. When determining the appropriate application of the referenced sections of this code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the New York City Building Code. 302.5.1 Occupancy classification in prior code buildings. For prior code buildings, the prior codes’ occupancy classifications shall be translated into occupancy classifications established by Chapter 3 of the New York City Building Code. 302.6 Existing buildings in fire districts. Alterations, additions, changes of use or occupancy and relocations of existing buildings inside the fire district, as described in Appendix D of the New York City Building Code, shall be subject to Chapter 6 of the New York City Building Code, and Sections 302.6.1 and 302.6.2 and other applicable provisions of this code. 302.6.1 Group H-1 prohibited. New Group H-1 occupancies shall be prohibited within the fire district. Change of occupancy classification to, or enlargement of, Group H-1 occupancies shall be prohibited within the fire district. 302.6.2 Changes to buildings. An existing building shall not be hereafter altered, increased in height or area, changed to a new use or occupancy, relocated or moved into the fire district unless such building is of a type of construction permitted for new buildings within the fire district in accordance with the New York City Building Code and Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 of this code. 302.7 Work that increases floor surface area of an existing building by more than 110 percent. Where proposed work at the completion of construction will increase the amount of floor surface area of an existing building by more than 110 percent over the amount of existing floor surface area, such entire building shall be made to comply with the provisions of the New York City Building Code as if it were a new building hereafter erected. 302.7.1 Floor surface area to remain. For the purpose of determining the amount of existing floor surface area to remain, the following shall be excluded from the measured square footage: 1. The square footage of floors or portions thereof removed during the course of the work when such floors are removed together with the supporting beams, joists, decking and slabs on grade. 2. The square footage of floors or portions thereof installed together with the supporting beams, joists, decking and slabs on grade less than 12 months prior to submission of the application for construction document approval for the proposed work including floors installed pursuant to a work permit signed off less than 12 months before such submission. 302.7.2 Calculation of increase in floor surface area. To determine the percentage by which the floor surface area is increased, the following formula shall be used: I = (FSAP – FSAR) / FSAR x 100 (Equation 3-1) where: I = percent increase in floor surface area. FSAP = floor surface area proposed upon completion. FSAR = floor surface area to remain after removals. 302.7.2.1 Chapters 8, 9 and 11. Where a Level 1 alteration, Level 2 alteration or addition made to an existing building results in an increase in floor surface area of more than 110 percent, such building shall comply with Section 302.7. 302.7.3 Changes in scope of work. In cases where changes in the scope of work during the course of construction would result in increasing the floor surface area at the completion of construction by more than 110 percent over the amount of existing floor surface area as determined pursuant to Section 302.7, such entire building shall be made to comply with the provisions of the New York City Building Code as if hereafter erected and such work shall be refiled in accordance with Section 28-105.2 of the Administrative Code. 302.7.4 Definitions. The following term shall have the following meaning unless the context or subject matter requires otherwise: FLOOR SURFACE AREA. For the purpose of calculating floor surface area in accordance with Section 302.7, floor surface area is the gross square foot area of all floor and roof surfaces, including roofs of bulkheads and superstructures, of a building or structure at any level, including cellar, attic and roof. Where such surfaces are sloped, the measurement shall be the horizontal projected area thereof. 302.7.5 Effect on zoning resolution. The provisions of Section 302.7 shall not be construed to affect the status of any nonconforming use or non-complying bulk otherwise permitted to be retained pursuant to the New York City Zoning Resolution. 302.8 Applicability of previous codes. Codes in effect prior to November 7, 2022, shall not apply to work on an existing building filed after the effective date of this code. Exceptions: 1. Existing conditions. The provisions of codes in effect prior to November 7, 2022, remain applicable to the extent they establish the lawful existing conditions of a building, and such provisions remain enforceable by the department. Any alteration to change such existing conditions shall be in accordance with a lawful permit issued by the department to alter the building in accordance with this code. 2. Retroactive provisions of the 1968 building code. Retroactive provisions of the 1968 building code remain applicable to existing prior code buildings and enforceable by the department. 302.9 Mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing and fire protection systems. Except as permitted by this code, alterations, additions or repairs to installations of mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing or fire protection systems shall conform to the requirements for new construction without requiring the existing installation to comply with all of the requirements of the New York City Construction Codes applicable to new systems. Alterations, additions, or repairs shall not cause an existing installation to become unsafe, hazardous, or overloaded. 302.9.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovations and repairs. Except as permitted by this code, minor additions, alterations, renovations and repairs to existing installations of mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing and fire protection systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous and is approved. 302.9.2 Maintenance. Installations of mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing and fire protection systems or parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards that are required by the New York City Construction Codes shall be maintained in compliance with the applicable provisions under which they were installed. 302.9.3 Compliance with structural requirements. Installations of mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, and fire protection systems and parts thereof shall comply with Section 307.2. 302.9.4 Required insulation of certain concealed piping exposed during alteration or repair. Where concealed existing piping is exposed in the course of the alteration or repair of a building, the owner of the building shall provide for the insulation of the exposed piping. The exposed piping shall be insulated to the extent required by the New York City Energy Conservation Code for newly installed pipe of the same specifications and serving the same function as the exposed pipe. The entire exposed length of the piping shall be insulated as well as any further length of concealed pipe that can be directly accessed through openings made in the course of such alteration or repair. Exceptions: 1. Exposed pipe with one-inch (25-mm) thick continuous coverage of existing insulation in good condition. 2. Where the length of concealed pipe which may be directly accessed through openings made in the course of such alteration or repair is less than 3 feet (914 mm). 3. Where there is not sufficient space to insulate pipes to the extent required by the New York City Energy Conservation Code due to conflicts with existing construction, pipes shall be insulated to the extent that space allows. 302.9.5 Work that increases sanitary or stormwater load. Work that increases either the sanitary load or stormwater discharge of a plumbing system shall comply with Sections 310.8 and 310.9 of this code. 302.10 Flood hazard areas. Alterations, additions, changes of occupancy and relocation, moving or raising of existing buildings in flood hazard areas shall comply with the requirements of Appendix G of the New York City Building Code to the extent required therein. 302.10.1 Flood hardening. Work performed for the purposes of flood hardening shall comply with Appendix G of the New York City Building Code. 302.11 Special inspections. Work subject to special inspection shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 303 Building Elements and Special Construction

Section EBC 303: Building Elements and Special Construction 303.1 General. The addition to, installation and replacement of building elements shall comply with the applicable provisions of the New York City Building Code for new construction and Sections 303.2 through 303.10 of this code. 303.2 Fire resistive elements. The fire-resistance ratings of existing building elements and materials shall not be reduced. Exception: Where the building is fully sprinklered, the fire-resistance ratings of building elements may be modified to meet the fire-resistance rating requirements of the New York City Building Code provided that equivalent fire protection is maintained. The registered design professional of record shall demonstrate that: 1. The building elements subject to the fire resistance rating modification comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 7 and 10 of the New York City Building Code including protection of openings thereto. 2. The installation of sprinkler system was not and will not be used to compensate for any non-compliant condition. 303.3 Roof recovering and replacements. In existing buildings, roof recovering and replacement shall comply with Chapter 15 of the New York City Building Code and Sections 303.3.1 through 303.3.5 of this code. 303.3.1 Installation and materials. Work involving the recovering or replacing of an existing roof covering shall be governed by Section 1511 of the New York City Building Code. 303.3.2 Cool roofs. Work involving the recovering or replacing of an existing roof covering shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with the solar reflectance requirements in Chapter 15 of the New York City Building Code. 303.3.3 Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs. Work involving vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs shall be permitted to be performed pursuant to Chapter 15 of the New York City Building Code. 303.3.4 Solar photovoltaic panels/modules. Work involving the installation or alteration of solar photovoltaic panels/modules shall be performed in accordance with the solar reflectance requirements in Chapter 15 of the New York City Building Code. 303.3.5 Sustainable roofing zones. Work involving the replacing of an entire existing roof deck or roof assembly shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with Chapter 15 of the New York City Building Code. 303.4 Chimneys and vents. Chimneys and vents shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 21 of the New York City Building Code, Chapter 8 of the New York City Mechanical Code, or Chapter 5 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code, as applicable. 303.4.1 Responsibility of owner of taller building. Whenever a building is erected, enlarged, or increased in height so that any portion of such building, except chimneys or vents, extends higher than the top of any previously constructed chimneys or vents within 100 feet (30 m), the owner of such new or altered building shall alter such chimneys or vents in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 21 of the New York City Building Code, Chapter 8 of the New York City Mechanical Code, or Chapter 5 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code, as applicable. 303.5 Mold resistance. Alterations, repairs, additions and relocations of buildings shall comply with Sections 2506 and 2509 of the New York City Building Code relating to areas subject to moisture or water damage. 303.6 Interior environment. Alterations, additions, conversions and changes of use or occupancy shall comply with Chapter 12 of the New York City Building Code and this code. Occupancy Groups I-1, R-1 and R-2 shall also comply with Appendix D of this code. 303.7 Window guards. Where the alteration of a Group R-2 building includes the repair or replacement of windows, the replacement windows shall be subject to applicable requirements of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with regard to window guards. 303.8 Emergency escape and rescue openings. Replacement windows in sleeping rooms located below the 4th story and in below-grade stories shall comply with the requirements of Section 1030 of the New York City Building Code. Exception: Replacement windows that are the manufacturer’s largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window. 303.9 Special construction. Special building construction, including but not limited to membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, automatic vehicular gates, awnings, canopies, sun control devices, marquees, signs, telecommunications towers and antennas, swimming pools and enclosures, sidewalk cafés, and fences, that is part of an alteration of or addition to an existing building shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 31 of the New York City Building Code. 303.10 Exterior glazing. Where the alteration of a building includes the replacement of all exterior glazing, such alteration shall comply with Section 1403.8 of the New York City Building Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 305 Means of Egress

Section EBC 305: Means of Egress 305.1 General. Alterations, repairs, additions, changes of occupancy or relocations of existing buildings that require changes to means of egress shall be subject to the applicable provisions of Chapters 8 through 11, Chapter 14 and this section. 305.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code and this code. 305.3 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. 305.3.1 Workplace exits. Except as specifically provided for in Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code, no employer or agent of an employer shall lock the doors of or otherwise prohibit exit from any workplace, when by so doing the health or safety of any employee, independent contractor or other individual working in such workplace may become endangered by fire or other hazardous condition. Refer to Section 118.2.7. 305.4 Inadequate exits for existing structures. An existing structure that is not provided with means of egress as required by Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code and this code, and in which the means of egress are, in the opinion of the commissioner, inadequate for the safety of the occupants, shall be provided with means of egress or fire protection as directed by the commissioner. 305.5 Special provisions for prior code buildings. Alterations, additions, changes of occupancy or relocations of prior code buildings that require changes to means of egress shall be permitted to comply with Sections 305.5.1 through 305.5.19 of this code. Other means of egress components that are not addressed in Sections 305.5.1 through 305.5.19 or in Sections 805, 905, 1005 or 1105 shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Exception. Prior code buildings or spaces that are required by this code to provide means of egress in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code as new construction. 305.5.1 Occupant load and exit capacity. The occupant load and exit capacity of prior code buildings or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Exception: The following alterations shall not be required to determine a new occupant load in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code and shall be permitted to maintain the existing means of egress that complies with the code under which the building was constructed: 1. Level 1 alterations that maintain existing occupant loads as documented by an existing certificate of occupancy or existing approved plans. 2. Level 2 alterations in buildings 2 stories or less in height, with not more than 1 cellar, and an area of 10,000 square feet or less per story, that maintain existing occupant loads as documented by an existing certificate of occupancy or existing approved plans. 305.5.2 Accessible means of egress. Accessible means of egress are not required in prior code buildings where the level of alterations does not trigger full building compliance with the accessibility provisions of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.3 Remoteness. Alterations that result in the same or a lesser hazard occupancy category as described in Section 1005 may maintain the existing remoteness of exits. However, the remoteness of relocated or added exits shall comply with Chapter 10, and Chapter 4 where applicable to high-rise buildings, of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.4 Travel distance. The maximum travel distance measured from the most remote point within a story along the natural and unobstructed path of egress travel to an exterior exit door at the level of exit discharge, an entrance to an interior exit stairway, interior exit ramp, exit passageway, horizontal exit, exterior exit stairway, or exterior exit ramp shall not exceed the limits specified in Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Exceptions: 1. Travel distances from Occupancy Groups F and S shall comply with Table 305.5.4(1). 2. Travel distances within Occupancy Group A shall comply with Table 305.5.4(2). Table 305.5.4(1) Travel Distances for F and S Occupancies Occupancy group of building or space Maximum Travel Distance (feet) Unsprinklered Sprinklered Factory F-1 125 175 F-2 150 200 Storage S-1 100 150 S-2 125 175 For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm Table 305.5.4(2) Maximum Travel Distance Within Assembly Space (ft) a Occupancy group of building or space Primary Secondary A-1 b 100 125 A-2 85 d 125 d A-3 c 100 d 125 d A-4 c 100 125 A-5 175 250 For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm a. Where an assembly space is provided with an exit access doorway that opens directly to a safe area in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code, the primary and secondary travel distances shall be permitted to be measured to such exit access doorway. The travel distance from such safe area shall be in accordance with this section based on the occupancy classification of the main occupancy of the building or portion thereof to which the assembly space is ancillary to. When an exit opening from an assembly space discharges into another space, including a corridor, that does not meet the requirements of Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code for a safe area, the travel distance shall include the distance within the space or corridor to an exit. b. Required exits from stage shall be within a travel distance limitation of 125 feet. c. Required exits from stage shall be within a travel distance limitation of 150 feet. d. Where a Place of Assembly is completely equipped with automatic sprinkler system, this distance may be increased 50 percent. 305.5.5 Means of egress doors. Repairs, alterations to and replacement of existing means of egress doors shall not reduce the fire resistance rating or dimensions of existing doors. 305.5.6 Alteration of corridors. Alterations to corridors shall comply with Section 805 of this code and Section 28-307.2 of the Administrative Code. 305.5.7 Dead end corridors. Dead end corridors in work areas shall comply with Section 805. 305.5.8 Existing smoke-stop doors in corridors. Existing smoke-stop doors in corridors shall be maintained in corridors exceeding 300 feet (91 m) in length for Occupancy Group E, and 150 feet (46 m) in length for Occupancy Groups I-1, I-2, R-1 and R-2. Exception. Smoke-stop doors may be eliminated in existing buildings provided with fire protection systems in accordance with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code. This exception does not apply to smoke-stop doors at elevator lobbies. 305.5.9 Exit passageways. Alterations to exit passageways shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Not more than 50 percent of the total number of vertical exits provided for a building may be served by a single exit passageway, except as provided for in Section 305.5.10. No openings other than exit doors shall be permitted in exit passageways, except as permitted by Section 305.5.10. 305.5.10 Street floor lobbies. The alteration of existing street floor lobbies serving as exit passageways in prior code buildings shall comply with the following provisions: 1. 100 percent of the total number of vertical exits provided in a prior code building may be served by an existing street floor lobby, if egress continues to be provided in 2 different directions from the discharge points of all vertical exits to open exterior spaces that are remote from each other. 2. Street floor lobbies shall be sized to accommodate the existing and new occupant load and egress capacity of all stairs and communicating spaces on the lobby floor that exit through them. Street floor lobbies shall not be decreased in width. 3. Openings between street floor lobbies, and elevators or communicating spaces, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code for protected areas. Exceptions to Item 3: 1. Existing openings that open into an existing street floor lobby may be modified provided that the required fire-resistance ratings of such openings are not reduced and the total percentage of the linear length of such openings along the street floor lobby perimeter do not increase. 2. Existing show windows may be modified provided that the existing required fire-resistance ratings of display area enclosures are not reduced and the square footage of such enclosures within the street floor lobby do not increase. 3. The occupancy group of communicating spaces with openings into an existing street floor lobby may be changed to any other occupancy group within relative hazard category 3 as listed in Table 1005.2. 305.5.11 Stairs. New or relocated stairs shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code unless otherwise provided for in this code. Alteration or vertical extension of existing stairs shall comply with Section 305.5.11.1 of this code. Exception: The requirements for smoke proof enclosures and pressurization of stairways in Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code shall not apply unless the building is required to comply with the provisions of this code as if it were a new building hereafter erected. 305.5.11.1 Stair width. The width of existing stairs shall be measured as the clear width between walls, grilles, guards, or newel posts. Stair stringers may project into the required width not more than 2 inches (51 mm) on each side of the stair. Alterations to existing stairs shall maintain a minimum width of 44 inches (1118 mm). Exceptions: 1. Existing interior stairs may be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide when serving not more than 30 occupants per stair on any floor in buildings classified in Occupancy Groups R-1 and R-2, or where serving buildings classified in Occupancy Group R-3 and exceeding 4 stories in height, or when serving not more than 60 occupants per stair on any floor in buildings classified in Occupancy Groups B, F and S. 2. Existing interior stairs may be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) wide when serving mezzanines having an occupant load not exceeding 25 persons or when located in buildings classified in Occupancy Group R-3 not more than 3 stories in height. Existing interior stairs in 4 story buildings classified in Occupancy Group R-3 shall be a minimum of 33 inches (838 mm) in width. 3. Existing interior stairs in buildings or building sections having a building area of 4,000 square feet (371 m2) or less, and occupancy above the first floor of 50 persons or less, shall be a minimum width of 36 inches (914 mm). 4. Means of egress serving technical production areas in connection with an assembly space shall comply with Chapter 4 of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.11.2 Riser height and tread depth. Riser height and tread depth for new stairs and vertical extension of existing stairs shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Alteration or replacement within the same shaft made to existing stairs where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope shall be permitted to maintain the existing riser height and tread depth and shall comply with Table 305.5.11.2. Riser height and tread depth shall be constant from story to story. Table 305.5.11.2 Maximum Riser Height and Minimum Tread Depth in Prior Code Buildings a OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING MAXIMUM RISER HEIGHT MINIMUM TREAD DEPTH b Group R-3 with closed risers 8-1/4” 9” plus 1-1/4” nosing Group R-3 with open risers 8-1/4” 9” plus 1/2” nosing Group R-2 limited to 3 dwelling units 8-1/4” 9” plus 1-1/4” nosing Group A c 7-1/2” 9-1/2” plus nosing Group I-2 7” 10” plus nosing All other occupancies d 7-3/4” 9-1/2” plus nosing For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm a. The sum of 2 risers plus 1 tread exclusive of nosing shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) nor more than 25-1/2 inches (648 mm). b. Treads may be undercut a dimension equal to the nosing. A nosing shall not be required when the tread depth is 11” (279 mm) or deeper. c. For Occupancy Group A, stepped aisles, stairs, and stairways within the Place of Assembly and special occupancy structures, refer to Section 305.5.18. d. The proportions and dimension of risers and treads may be adjusted in Occupancy Group E to suit the age of occupants, subject to the approval of the commissioner. 305.5.12 Fire towers. Balconies and vestibules of existing fire towers shall comply with the requirements of Sections 305.5.12.1 and 305.5.12.2 of this code and Section 28-307.3 of the Administrative Code. 305.5.12.1 Alterations to fire towers. Installation of mechanical equipment, piping, and electrical conduit other than for the purpose of serving the fire tower is prohibited. Where smokeproof enclosures would be required pursuant to Sections 403 or 405 of the New York City Building Code for new construction, existing fire towers shall not be altered to violate such requirements. 305.5.13 Handrails. Where handrails are altered or added, they shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Exception: Handrails shall not be required to comply with Section 1014.6 of the New York City Building Code regarding full extensions of the handrails where such extensions would be hazardous because of plan configuration. 305.5.14 Security grilles. The installation and replacement of security grilles shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.15 Guards. Where the alteration or repair of a building involves the addition or replacement of guards, such guards shall comply with Chapters10 and 16 of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.16 Fire escapes. New fire escapes shall not be installed except as permitted by this section. Exceptions: 1. Fire escapes for Occupancy Group R-2 buildings as permitted by Appendix D of this code. 2. Fire escapes for Occupancy Groups B, F or M buildings constructed prior to December 6, 1968 as permitted by the commissioner. 3. Prior code group homes constructed after December 6, 1968. Existing fire escapes shall be permitted to remain provided they are properly maintained in a safe and code compliant condition. 305.5.16.1 Fire escape details. Repairs, alterations to, replacement of existing and construction of new fire escapes shall comply with this section, except as provided for in Appendix D for residential fire escapes in multiple dwellings. Fire escapes constructed, repaired, altered, or replaced shall comply with rules of the Department and the following requirements: 1. Height limitations. No fire escape shall be permitted on buildings exceeding 6 stories or 75 feet (23 m) in height. 2. Capacity. The fire escape shall not serve more than 50 percent of the occupant load of the area or floor served. Exception. Fire escapes shall not serve new or existing Group A occupancies exceeding 74 persons. 3. Stairs. The minimum width of fire escape stairs shall be 22 inches (559 mm). Treads shall have a minimum depth of 8 inches (203 mm), exclusive of a required 1 inch (25 mm) nosing. The maximum height of risers shall be 8 inches (203 mm). No flight of stairs shall exceed 12 feet (4 m) in height between landings and every new stair shall be placed at an angle of 45 degrees or less. 4. Landings. Landings shall be provided at each story served by fire escapes. The minimum width of landings shall be 3 feet (914 mm), and the minimum length shall be 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm). Floor openings in landings shall be at least 22 inches (559 mm) by 28 inches (711 mm). 5. Handrails and guards. Handrails having a minimum height of 32 inches (813 mm) above the tread nosing shall be provided on both sides of stairs, and guards having a minimum height of 36 inches (914 mm) shall be provided on all open sides of stairs and landings. Openings in guards shall be of such dimensions as to prevent the passage of a 4 inch diameter ball (102 mm). 6. Construction. Fire escapes shall be constructed of noncombustible materials adequately protected against deterioration by corrosion or other effects of exposure to the weather and shall be designed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 16 of the New York City Building Code. 7. Access. Access to fire escapes shall be by doors or windows having a minimum clear opening of 24 inches (610 mm) in width and 30 inches (762 mm) in height. Such doors or windows shall have a fire protection rating of three-quarters of an hour. 8. Discharge. The top landing of fire escapes shall be provided with a stair or gooseneck ladder leading to the roof, except that this requirement shall not apply to buildings having a roof pitch of more than 20 degrees. The lowest landing of fire escapes shall be not more than 16 feet (5 m) above grade and shall be provided with a stair to grade, which may be counterbalanced. Where the fire escape is erected on a building wall other than the street wall, discharge to the street shall be provided through a fireproof passageway leading directly to the street. 9. Removal of fire escapes. Existing fire escapes serving as second means of egress shall not be removed unless an approved second means of egress is provided in compliance with the New York City Building Code, or where permitted by Appendix D of this code. 305.5.17 Escalators. In prior code buildings, an existing escalator previously approved for use as a means of egress component shall be permitted to continue to be used as a means of egress component in lieu of interior stairs. Alterations or relocations of such escalators shall be subject to the requirements of Sections 305.5.17.1 through 305.5.17.4. Where an altered or relocated escalator does not meet the requirements of those sections, an additional stairway or stairways complying with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code shall be provided. New, relocated, or existing escalators not previously approved for such use, shall not be used as a means of egress component. 305.5.17.1 Capacity and width. Such escalator shall not serve more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity for each story served. The egress capacity of such escalator shall be calculated at 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) of tread width per occupant. The minimum tread width of such escalator shall be 40 inches (1016 mm). 305.5.17.2 Sprinkler system. Such buildings shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code. 305.5.17.3 Enclosure. Such escalator shall be enclosed in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code as required for interior exit stairways. 305.5.17.4 Operation. Such escalator shall be connected to a fire alarm system at all stories served, so that activation of the fire alarm system shall cause the escalator to gradually stop operating. 305.5.18 Places of Assembly. Places of Assembly in existing buildings shall comply with Sections 305.5.18.1 through 305.5.18.3. 305.5.18.1 Existing Places of Assembly. Alterations, changes of occupancy or additions made to existing Places of Assembly shall comply with Chapters 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11, as applicable. 305.5.18.1.1 Work limited to change in seating arrangements, stages and platforms. Where the work within an existing approved Place of Assembly space is limited to modifications of stages, platforms, and seating arrangements, including moveable and fixed seating, seating support structures, bleachers, grandstands, folding and telescopic seating, such work shall be deemed a Level 1 alteration regardless of the size of the work area. Such work shall comply with the following conditions: 1. The work shall be performed in compliance with Sections 410 and 1029 of the New York City Building Code, as applicable; 2. There is no change to use, occupancy, exits, or increase in the existing occupant load; 3. The work is not associated with any other alteration to the space or systems serving the space; and 4. Where the work results in a change to the approved Place of Assembly application or permit, such application shall be amended as required by Article 117 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code. 305.5.18.1.1.1 Compliance with Chapter 8. Work described by Section 305.5.18.1.1 shall comply with the following provisions of Chapter 8 within the work area: 1. Section 803.4 (Interior finish). 2. Section 803.5 (Guards), limited to the assembly space. 3. Section 803.10 (Architectural investigation) limited to investigation of exits from the Place of Assembly. 4. Sections 805.7 (Means of Egress lighting), 805.8 (Exit signs) and 805.9 (Handrails). 5. Section 806 (Accessibility). 305.5.18.2 Existing special occupancy structures. Existing motion picture theaters, theaters, concert halls, operas, and similar places of assembly accommodating more than 300 persons that were established under Article 13 of the 1938 Building Code, including those constructed prior to 1938, shall not be subject to the filing requirements for a place of assembly application and Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation set forth in Article 117 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code and Section 1029 of the New York City Building Code. Current seating plans approved by the Department shall be posted in such Places of Assembly. Modifications to the existing seating arrangements or exit access shall require new seating plans to be approved by the Department. Exception: Alterations to such existing special occupancy structures exceeding the limitations of Section 305.5.18.1.1 shall be subject to Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code, and Chapters 8 and 9 of this code to the extent of the alteration, but shall be permitted to maintain the existing means of egress provided the egress capacity is sufficient for the occupant load in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. In addition, such places of assembly shall be subject to the filing requirements for a place of assembly application and Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation set forth in Article 117 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code. 305.5.18.3 New Places of Assembly in existing buildings. New Places of Assembly in existing buildings shall comply with Chapter 10 of this code and Sections 410 and 1029 of the New York City Building Code, as applicable, but shall be permitted to use the existing means of egress provided the egress capacity is sufficient for the occupant load in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. The required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel. Such new Places of Assembly shall be subject to Article 117 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code, including the filing requirements of a Place of Assembly application and Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation. 305.5.19 Balconies. In prior code residential buildings classified as Group R-2, existing balconies serving as a second means of egress from dwelling units shall be maintained in accordance with this section. New balconies in such buildings shall be permitted to serve as a second means of egress from dwelling units where permitted by this code. Such balconies shall comply with the following conditions: 1. Each balcony shall serve at least 2 dwelling units. 2. Each balcony shall be protected along its outer side by parapets or guards not less than 3 feet 6 inches (1066 mm) high. Openings in new guards or parapets shall not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter. 3. The balcony floor shall be solid and provided with drains to prevent the accumulation of water. 4. The dwelling units served by balconies shall be separated from each other by construction having at least a 2-hour fire-resistance rating. Such separation shall extend at least 3 feet (914 mm) beyond the outside face of the exterior wall of the building, although such projection may be reduced to 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm) provided that any window opening on each such balcony served by the fire separation shall be at least 2 inches (51 mm) from such fire separation for every 1 inch (25.4 mm) that such separation is less than 36 inches (914 mm). An opening at least 20 inches (508 mm) wide shall be provided between the end of this separation and the balcony parapet or guard, and the opening shall be maintained free and unobstructed for the full height of the balcony, except that privacy screens openable from either side shall be permitted in the opening. 5. Access from dwelling units to the balconies shall be through doors having glass panels at least 2 feet (610 mm) wide and 4 feet (1220 mm) high, without muntins, screens, or other obstructions to hinder entry by breaking the glass panels. The doors shall be lockable only from the inside by devices that can be easily released from the outside after breaking the glass. A combination lock or a lock required to be opened by a key, removable device, or tool shall not be permitted. 305.6 Means of egress illumination. Where the alteration of a building or portion thereof includes modifications to the means of egress illumination, such illumination levels shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. 305.6.1 Emergency lighting in Places of Assembly. Existing emergency lighting installed in accordance with prior codes in Places of Assembly shall be maintained. Any modifications to such emergency lighting shall comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. 305.7 Luminous egress path markings. In a high-rise prior code building, where the level of alterations, additions, or change of occupancy trigger compliance with Section 905, 1005, or 1105 of this code, luminous egress path markings shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. Exceptions: 1. Egress paths serving Group R-2 occupancies need not provide luminous egress path markings. 2. Where means of egress lighting upgrade is required in accordance with Section 905, and such means of egress contains existing photoluminescent exit path markings tested in laboratory conditions with 2 foot-candles (22 lux) of activating illumination, the illumination level shall not be less than 2 foot-candles (22 lux), unless replaced with luminous path markings that comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. 3. Where an addition is subject to Section 1105 of this code, and the existing portion of the stairs contains existing photoluminescent exit path markings tested in laboratory conditions with 2 foot-candles (22 lux) of activating illumination, the illumination level shall not be less than 2 foot-candles (22 lux), unless replaced with luminous path markings that comply with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code. 305.8 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, temporary flood shields shall be permitted in accordance with Appendix G of the New York City Building Code, and temporary stairs and ramps shall be permitted to provide ingress and egress in accordance with Appendix G of the New York City Building Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 306 Accessibility

Section EBC 306: Accessibility 306.1 Compliance. Alterations, including minor alterations, repairs excluding ordinary repairs, and alterations affecting an area containing a primary function, changes of use or occupancy, additions and relocation of existing buildings, shall comply with Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code and this code. Exceptions: The provisions of Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code are not applicable to: 1. Group R-3 occupancies in buildings with first occupancy on or before March 13, 1991. 2. Group R-3 occupancies in buildings with first occupancy after March 13, 1991, that were originally constructed as a single structure with fewer than 4 dwelling or sleeping units. 306.1.1 Requirements based on the extent of alterations. Accessible features and construction governed by Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code shall be provided: 1. To the entire building undergoing alterations, as if the building were hereafter erected in accordance with Sections 302.7 or 906 as applicable; or 2. To the portion of the building being altered or repaired, excluding ordinary repairs, to the extent of the alteration, including minor alterations in accordance with Section 105, Chapter 5, Section 806 or Section 906, as applicable. 306.1.2 Alterations affecting an area containing a primary function. Alterations affecting an area containing a primary function shall comply with Section 806.3. 306.1.3 Change in occupancy or how a space is used. Accessibility in buildings or portions of buildings undergoing a change of occupancy or use, as described in Section 1001.3, shall comply with Section 1006. 306.1.4 Additions to existing buildings. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with Section 1106. 306.2 Special accessibility provisions. Existing buildings or spaces shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 119 and 306.2.1 through 306.2.6. 306.2.1 Directional signage. Directional signage shall be provided in accordance with Section 1111.2 of the New York City Building Code. 306.2.2 Identifying signage. Identifying accessibility signage shall be provided in accordance with Section 1111.1 of the New York City Building Code. 306.2.3 Other signs. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall comply with Section 1111.3 of the New York City Building Code. 306.2.3.1 Prior code buildings with inaccessible entrances. At prior code buildings with 1 or more inaccessible entrances, signage stating that a portable ramp is available, if provided by the building, shall be provided at each inaccessible building entrance and shall contain the phone number to request such ramp. The use of a portable ramp by any building must comply with all applicable laws and any such ramp shall comply with Section 405 (Ramps) of ICC A117.1, except to the extent the commissioner has waived a requirement pursuant to Section 28-313.3.1 of the Administrative Code. All signage posted pursuant to this section shall comply with Section 1111 of the New York City Building Code and be maintained in good condition. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the provision of a portable ramp where such provision would not otherwise be lawful. 306.2.4 Limited Use Limited Application (LULA) elevators in existing buildings. In existing buildings, LULA elevators shall comply with Section 408 (Limited-use / Limited-Application Elevators) of ICC A117.1 and with Part 5.2 of ASME A17.1, as modified by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code. LULA elevators shall be limited to a maximum rise of not more than 25 feet (7620 mm) and shall be permitted to be a part of the required accessible route as follows: 1. In spaces complying with Section 1109.7.1 of the New York City Building Code where a LULA is permitted in new construction; 2. Where the total floor area of the entire building is less than 10,000 square feet (929 m2); or 3. Where it serves an individual occupancy of less than 10,000 square feet (929 m2) in buildings of 10,000 square feet (929 m2) or more. 306.2.5 Lifts in existing buildings. In existing buildings, platform (wheelchair) lifts installed in accordance with Section 410 (Platform Lifts) of ICC A117.1, ASME A18.1, and Chapter 30 of the New York City Building Code, shall be permitted to be a part of the required accessible route. 306.3 Waiver of requirements. The commissioner may waive the requirements of Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code or the accessibility provisions of this code, for the alteration of existing buildings, provided that such waiver would not significantly adversely affect provisions for health, safety and security and that equally safe and proper alternatives are prescribed and, further, that such waiver is based upon a specific finding that strict compliance with the requirement: 1. Would create an undue economic burden; 2. Would not achieve its intended objective; 3. Would be technically infeasible or legally impossible; 4. Would be unnecessary in light of alternatives that ensure the achievement of the intended objective or which, without a loss in the level of safety, achieve the intended objective more efficiently, effectively or economically; or 5. Would entail a change so slight as to produce a negligible additional benefit consonant with the purposes of this chapter. 306.3.1 Application process. Each application for a waiver shall be made to the commissioner in writing, setting forth each requirement sought to be waived and the specific reason or reasons for such waiver request. The commissioner shall determine, under all of the circumstances presented by such application, which of such requirements may appropriately be waived. The commissioner shall render such determination in writing, which shall set forth in detail, the commissioner’s findings and conclusions with respect to each requirement sought to be waived. A copy of such written determination shall be forwarded to the applicant. Such written determination shall be filed with the Department and shall be available for public inspection. 306.3.2 Waiver recommendation. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities or its successor agency shall be consulted by and shall advise the commissioner concerning each application for a waiver under Section 306.3. 306.4 Existing facilities. The provisions of this code shall not impose a requirement for greater accessibility than that which would be required for new construction. No work made to existing facilities, including ordinary repairs, shall: 1. Cause existing accessible facilities to be reduced or diminished to less than those that would be required for new construction; and 2. Reduce or have the effect of reducing or diminishing the level of accessibility of a facility or portion of a facility.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 307 Structural

Section EBC 307: Structural 307.1 General. Repair, alteration, partial demolition, removal, change of occupancy, relocation, moving, raising of or additions to existing buildings shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 7. The applicability of Chapter 7 shall not be limited only to planned structural work and shall include structural elements in need of repair discovered during the course of construction. 307.1.1 Condition assessment and remediation. Where the scope of work triggers condition assessment or remediation work in accordance with Section 704 or 708, such assessment or remediation work shall be performed as required. 307.2 Non-structural building elements, equipment and systems. The installation of non-structural building elements, systems and equipment shall be subject to Sections 307.2.1 and 307.2.2. 307.2.1 Seismic support. In existing buildings of seismic design categories C and D as defined in the New York City Building Code, new building elements, equipment and systems shall be provided with seismic supports as required by Section 1613 of the New York City Building Code. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings 3 stories or less in height. 2. The seismic force-resisting systems of wood-frame buildings that conform to the provisions of Section 2308 are not required to be analyzed as specified in this section. 3. Agricultural storage structures intended only for incidental human occupancy. 4. Structures that require special consideration of their response characteristics and environment that are not addressed by this code or ASCE 7, as modified by the New York City Building Code, and for which other regulations provide seismic criteria, such as vehicular bridges, electrical transmission towers, hydraulic structures, buried utility lines and their appurtenances and nuclear reactors. 307.2.2 Wind resistance. New building elements, equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the New York City Building Code. 307.2.3 Loading. Modifications resulting in an increase in loads on a structural member shall not be permitted without prior verification that such member is capable of supporting such additional loads in accordance with Chapter 7.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 308 Electrical

Section EBC 308: Electrical 308.1 General. Electrical work, installation of and work on emergency and standby power systems, and the increase in size of electrical service in alterations of parking garages and open parking lots shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the New York City Electrical Code, Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code, this section, and the applicable provisions of Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this code. 308.2 Group A occupancies in prior code buildings. Where a stationary generator is not otherwise required, the power source for emergency power to the voice/alarm communication system may be served by a gas generator or an uninterruptable power source (UPS) in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code. 308.3 Optional standby power systems in existing buildings. The installation of optional standby power systems shall comply with Sections 308.3.1 and 308.3.2. 308.3.1 Required loads for optional standby systems. Where an optional standby power system is installed in an existing building, it shall supply power to the loads listed under Section 2702.4 of the New York City Building Code. Such loads shall be connected to the optional standby power system unless such loads are already supplied by a functioning emergency power system or legally required standby system. All installations and connections shall be in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code. If an optional standby power system is used to supply required standby power loads, it shall comply with Section 2702.4.2 and 2702.4.3 of New York City Building Code. Natural gas from the public utility shall be permitted as the fuel supply for optional standby power systems if such optional standby power system is supplying only optional standby loads. If an optional standby power system is supplying emergency or standby loads, the natural gas supply shall be taken ahead of the main, provided that an outside gas cut-off valve is separate from other gas services installed in accordance with Section E.6 of Appendix E of the New York City Fuel Gas Code. 308.3.2 Additional optional standby power system. Where a functioning emergency power system or required standby system is in place and provides power to all required emergency or required standby power loads, any additional optional standby power system installed need not supply power to such emergency or required standby power loads. 308.4 Emergency power requirements for fire pumps. New or replacement fire pumps in existing buildings shall be connected to an emergency power system in accordance with Sections 308.4.1 and 308.4.2. 308.4.1 Existing buildings equipped with an emergency power system. In an existing building equipped with an emergency power system, new or replacement fire pumps shall be connected to the emergency power system where Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code requires fire pumps to be connected to the emergency power system. 308.4.2 Existing buildings not equipped with an emergency generator. In an existing building that is not equipped with an emergency power system, but where fire pumps are required to be connected to an emergency power systems in accordance with Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code, a new emergency power system shall be installed to supply power to the new fire pump. Exception: A new emergency power system need not be installed where the scope of alteration does not involve a change in the main use or dominant occupancy of the building, provided that electrical power to the motor is taken ahead of the main from the street side of the house service switch, and 1. The scope of alteration does not include modifications to an existing fire pump; or 2. The scope of alteration includes the replacement of an existing fire pump with a new fire pump of the same or smaller capacity. 308.5 Parking garages and open parking lots. Where an alteration of a parking garage or an open parking lot includes an increase in the size of the main electric service that serves such parking garage or open parking lot, such alteration shall include provisions for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in accordance with Section 406 of the New York City Building Code, as applicable.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 309 Mechanical

Section EBC 309: Mechanical 309.1 General. In addition to the general requirements of Section 302.9, the installation of and work on existing mechanical systems including appliances, equipment, and components shall comply with the New York City Mechanical Code, this section, and the applicable provisions of Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this code. 309.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. In addition to the requirements of Section 302.9, the provisions of Sections 309.2.1 through 309.2.4 shall apply to prior code buildings. 309.2.1 Air duct and transfer openings. In cases where the building’s passive fire-resistance protection design, including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with prior codes, the air duct and transfer openings shall be protected based on the fire resistive rating of the assembly being penetrated, as required by prior code. Where a prior code building has been fully sprinkler protected, air duct and transfer opening protectives shall be provided in accordance with required fire-resistance ratings for assemblies as reduced in accordance with Section 303.2 of this code. Damper hour ratings and installation requirements shall comply with Section 607 of the New York City Mechanical Code. 309.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. The provisions of Sections 304.11 and 306.5 of the New York City Mechanical Code relating to guards and to permanent means of access, respectively, shall not apply where new equipment or appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. 309.2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. Where an existing cooling tower is replaced and physical limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7 of the New York City Mechanical Code, such isolators may be omitted. Such physical limitations must be verified by the registered design professional and included in construction documents, supported with field conditions, calculations and manufacturer specifications. The installations shall comply with all other requirements of the New York City Noise Control Code. 309.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. Where an existing exterior cooling tower with combustible fill, located within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2 of the New York City Mechanical Code. 309.3 Boiler identification. Where an existing boiler or burner is replaced, the appliance shall be identified with a nameplate permanently affixed to the appliance. Such nameplate(s) shall be securely attached to the front of the boiler or placed in a conspicuous location on the boiler. In no case shall these numbers or identification be removed until the boiler is permanently discontinued. No person, except a boiler inspector authorized by the department, or department inspector, shall be authorized to deface or remove any boiler identification number on a boiler.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 310 Plumbing

Section EBC 310: Plumbing 310.1 General. In addition to the general requirements of Section 302.9, alterations, additions or repairs of installations of plumbing systems shall conform to the requirements for new installations without requiring the existing installation to comply with all of the requirements of the New York City Plumbing Code, this section, and the applicable provisions of Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 11 of this code. Alterations, additions, or repairs shall not cause an existing installation to become unsafe, hazardous, or overloaded. 310.2 Plumbing fixtures. The number of existing plumbing fixtures shall be increased where the alteration work results in an occupant load increase greater than 10 percent, when calculated in accordance with Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code, and Section 403 of the New York City Plumbing Code requires the additional installation of more than 1 plumbing fixture. 310.3 Existing piping used for grounding. Existing metallic water service piping used for electrical grounding shall not be replaced with nonmetallic pipe or tubing until other approved means of grounding is provided. 310.4 Rehabilitation of piping systems. Cured in Place pipe (CIPP) and epoxy spray pipe lining systems shall not be used. 310.5 Reuse of piping. Piping that has been utilized for any purpose other than conveying potable water shall not be utilized for conveying potable water. 310.6 Abandonment of existing building sewer connections. All abandoned building sewers shall require plug permits from the Department of Environmental Protection and shall be securely sealed at a point inside the curb line and as close thereto as practicable. 310.7 Sanitary drainage. Where an alteration or addition made to an existing building affects the sanitary drainage system, such work shall comply with the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection, Chapter 7 of the New York City Plumbing Code and rules of the Department. 310.7.1 Individual private on-site sewage disposal system. Installation, alteration, and maintenance of individual private on-site sewage disposal systems serving one- and two- family dwellings and nonresidential properties receiving less than 1,000 gallons of sewage per day shall be subject to New York City Plumbing Code and rules of the Department. 310.7.1.1 Expansion of existing septic systems. Where an alteration is proposed that will result in an increase in the number of bedrooms in one- and two-family dwellings or the daily flow rate in all other properties, thereby increasing the load on the existing septic system, such alteration shall comply with rules of the Department. 310.7.1.2 Where public sewers are made available to premises with private sewage disposal system. When public sewers are made available to premises with individual on- site private disposal systems, such private sewage disposal system shall be abandoned in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, and the owner shall connect the building house sewer to the available public sewer within 6 months of the date of notification that the sewer has been accepted to receive flow by the agency or agencies having jurisdiction. 310.8 Storm drainage. Alterations of buildings proposing horizontal building enlargement or alterations that increase impervious surfaces on the tax lot shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 11 the New York City Plumbing Code and the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection. 310.8.1 Increases in existing impervious surfaces. Whenever impervious surfaces on the lot are increased, such impervious surfaces shall drain into a storm sewer system, or a combined sewer system, or to an approved place of disposal in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code and Section 106 of this code. 310.8.2 Private on-site stormwater disposal. Installation of private on-site stormwater disposal shall comply with Section 1114 of the New York City Plumbing Code. 310.9 Secondary (emergency) roof drains. Existing secondary (emergency) means of overflow shall not be removed or reduced in capacity. Where alterations are being made to existing roofs with existing storm drainage, the addition of secondary (emergency) drainage shall not be required where: 1. The alterations do not result in the addition of new perimeter construction where no such parapet or similar construction previously existed which extends above the roof in such a manner that water will be entrapped if the existing drains allow buildup for any reason; 2. The alterations do not increase the impervious area of the roof; or 3. The additional impervious area does not result in exceeding the existing flow of the storm drainage system, or portion thereof, when sized in accordance with Section 1106 of the New York City Plumbing Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 311 Fuel Gas

Section EBC 311: Fuel Gas 311.1 General. In addition to the general requirements of Section 302.9, the installation of and work on all fuel gas piping, appliances, equipment, and systems shall be governed by the applicable provisions of this code. All work not specifically addressed in this section shall be in accordance with the New York City Fuel Gas Code. The scope covered by this section includes piping systems from the point of delivery to the connections with the appliances and includes the design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation and maintenance of such piping systems in existing buildings. 311.1.1 Meters and service piping. Service piping includes the fuel-gas piping up to the point of delivery. Meters and service piping shall comply with the requirements of 16 NYCRR Part 255 and Appendix E of the New York City Fuel Gas Code. In addition, meters, regulators and service piping located within buildings shall be located in accordance with the structural integrity, firestopping, and fire protection provisions of this code. 311.1.2 Existing installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this section or elsewhere in this code, a provision in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and maintenance of existing installations of fuel gas systems lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. 311.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. Fuel gas piping work in prior code buildings shall comply with the requirements of this section. Where compliance with Sections 311.2.1 and 311.2.2 is not feasible, compliance with the New York City Fuel Gas Code is required. 311.2.1 Repair or replacement of existing fuel gas piping. For prior code buildings, the repair or replacement of existing fuel gas piping located in existing public corridors, exit enclosures, interior stairways, fire-resistance-rated construction, or spaces containing fire pumps in the same location shall be permitted where the following conditions are met: 1. The piping system must have been shut down and locked by the utility in response to an emergency condition; 2. Minor deviation from the existing location is permissible within 5 feet from the original piping location; 3. When an existing gas piping system located within a space containing a fire pump is replaced, all piping must be separated from the space by an enclosure equivalent to the fire resistance and, where applicable, impact resistance requirements of the space in which the piping is located; and 4. The existing installation must have been constructed in accordance with the code requirements in effect at the time of the installation. 311.2.2 Alterations, additions and new fuel gas piping. For prior code buildings, the alteration, addition or installation of new fuel gas piping in existing public corridors, exit enclosures, interior stairways, fire-resistance-rated construction, or spaces containing fire pumps shall be permitted where the following conditions are met: 1. New fuel gas piping located in exit enclosures, interior stairways, fire-resistance-rated construction, a space containing a fire pump, townhouses or within a public corridor above the lowest level or above the lowest residential level of a building must be separated from the space by an enclosure meeting the fire resistance rating and, where applicable, impact resistance requirements of the space in which the piping is located; 2. New fuel gas piping located in a public corridor at the lowest level or lowest residential level of a building shall not be required to be separated by an enclosure; 3. All new valves shall be accessible for maintenance and inspection; and 4. All new piping joints must be welded. 311.2.3 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. The provisions of Sections 306.5 and 306.6 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code, relating to guards and permanent means of access, respectively, shall not apply where the equipment or appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. 311.2.4 Seismic supports. For prior code buildings, the determination as to whether seismic design requirements shall apply to a repair or replacement shall be made in accordance with Section 307. 311.2.5 Wind resistance. For prior code buildings, the determination as to whether wind pressure design requirements shall apply to a repair or replacement shall be made in accordance with Section 307. 311.2.6 Drips. Existing drips on piping systems shall be permitted to remain. Exception: An existing drip shall be removed when an alteration or repair connection is made at the drip. 311.2.7 Gas piping supplying domestic cooking appliances. Existing 1/2 inch diameter piping supplying gas to a domestic cooking appliance shall be permitted to be utilized and remain, provided it has adequate capacity for all appliances served. 311.3 Gas piping in townhouses. When originally constructed in accordance with the New York City Construction Codes in effect prior to October 1, 2014, gas piping downstream of the point of delivery and extending through a townhouse unit to serve another townhouse unit shall be permitted to remain. Alterations, repairs, replacements and new piping installations of such piping shall comply with this section. 311.3.1 Minor deviations. Minor deviations from the existing installation location are permissible only to the extent of replacing existing piping within 5 feet from the original location. 311.3.2 Valves. All valves shall be accessible for maintenance and inspection. 311.3.3 Joints. All new joints located within the townhouse containing, but not served by such gas piping must be welded. Exception: For the purpose of repairs and replacements, joints shall not be required to be welded. 311.4 Gas piping installations. The installation of gas piping shall comply with Sections 311.4.1 through 311.4.3 of this code. 311.4.1 Identification. All new gas piping installed in existing buildings and existing gas piping exposed during the course of work, when subject to testing, whether or not the piping is intended to be enclosed when construction is completed, shall be identified in accordance with Chapter 4 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code. 311.4.2 Prohibited locations. Gas piping shall not be installed in locations prohibited by Section 404 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code. Exception: In prior code buildings, existing gas piping and meters lawfully constructed in accordance with the prior codes that are not in compliance with Section 404 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code, shall be permitted to be altered, provided that the following conditions are met: 1. All gas valves shall be accessible for maintenance and inspection; and 2. Gas pressure shall not exceed 1/2 psi (14 inches w.c.). 311.4.3 Inspection and testing of piping. Prior to acceptance and operation, all gas piping installations shall be inspected and pressure tested in accordance with Section 406 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code and this section to determine that the materials, design, fabrication and installation practices comply with the requirements of this section and the New York City Fuel Gas Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 312 Elevators and Conveying Systems

Section EBC 312: Elevators and Conveying Systems 312.1 General. The installation of, alterations to and work on elevators, conveying systems, and amusement rides shall be governed by Chapter 30 and referenced standards as modified by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code, rules of the Department, and this code. 312.2 Existing elevators and conveying systems. All existing and altered elevators and conveying systems shall comply with ASME A17.3, as modified by Appendix K, Chapter K3 of the New York City Building Code, and be maintained and periodically inspected and tested in accordance with Sections 118 and 119 of this code. 312.3 Change of use of an existing elevator. Where an existing elevator is subject to a change in use, such change shall comply with Section 3001.4 of the New York City Building Code. 312.4 Existing shafts. In prior code buildings, elevator cabs installed in existing shafts shall be permitted to be smaller than that required by Chapter 30 of the New York City Building Code, where necessary to fit in the existing shaft. Exception: An existing elevator shaft shall be enlarged or a new elevator shaft shall be constructed to accommodate an elevator cab in compliance with Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code where the entire building is required to be accessible pursuant to Sections 302.7, 906, 1006 or 1106 as applicable. 312.5 Signage. When an existing or new passenger elevator is being serviced, repaired, inspected, tested, or is out of service, “CAUTION” sign tapes shall be provided in accordance with Section 3011.1 of the New York City Building Code. 312.6 Additional provisions for existing buildings. Existing buildings shall also comply with Sections 312.6.1 through 312.6.6. 312.6.1 Removal of existing hoistway smoke venting. Existing hoistway smoke venting may be eliminated when all of the following conditions are met: 1. The entire building is protected with a sprinkler system in accordance with the New York City Building Code; 2. Each elevator lobby and elevator machine room is provided with smoke detection that is connected to the building fire alarm system; 3. Any elevator cars within the existing hoistway where the venting is removed shall have emergency recall in accordance with the New York City Building Code; and 4. The elimination of the venting does not impede the elevator operation. 312.6.2 New hoistways serving an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access. Where 1 or more new hoistways serving an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access are proposed in an existing building, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories penetrated by the new hoistway shall meet all the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code as a fire service access elevator. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway shall be protected in the manner described in Section 3007.8.1 of the New York City Building Code. Exceptions: 1. Where the existing building has an existing fire service access elevator meeting the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code. 2. Where new hoistways are added in floors above the alternate level for Phase I and Phase II as defined in ASME A17.1, as amended by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code, the elevators are not required to meet the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code. 312.6.3 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher. Where 1 or more new hoistways are proposed in an existing prior code building with 5 or more stories above, or 4 or more stories below grade plane, or underground buildings described in Section 405.1 of the New York City Building Code, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories that are penetrated by the new hoistway shall meet the requirements of Section 3002.4.2 of the New York City Building Code. 312.6.4 Limited Use Limited Application (LULA) elevators in prior code buildings. In prior code buildings, LULA elevators shall be limited in use as described in Section 306.2.4 with maximum rise of 25 feet (7.6 m), maximum capacity of 1400 pounds (635 Kg) and maximum speed of 30 feet/min (0.15 m/sec.). LULA elevators shall not be used for any other purpose that is not referenced in Chapter 30 of the New York City Building Code. 312.6.5 Connection to standby power. Where 1 or more new hoistways are proposed in an existing prior code building identified in Section 3002.4.1 of the New York City Building Code, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories that are penetrated by the new hoistway shall be connected to a standby power source in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003.1 of the New York City Building Code. 312.6.6 Connection with existing fire alarm. In buildings with an existing fire alarm system, when existing elevators are being upgraded and such upgrades include the installation of a new operational controller, such elevators shall be connected to the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72, as amended by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, as required by ASME A17.1, as amended by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 313 Energy Conservation

Section EBC 313: Energy Conservation 313.1 Energy efficiency. All work related to energy efficiency shall be regulated by the New York City Energy Conservation Code and this code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 314 Multiple Dwellings

Section EBC 314: Multiple Dwellings 314.1 Applicability of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL) and Appendix D. Existing buildings classified in Occupancy Groups I-1, R-1 and R-2, containing 3 dwelling units or more shall be identified as multiple dwellings, subject to the MDL and Appendix D of this code. See Sections D101.1 and D102. 314.2 Definitions. Terms unique to existing multiple dwellings as such terms are used in Appendix D shall have the meaning ascribed to them in Section D201 of this code. 314.3 Classification. Existing multiple dwellings shall be classified in accordance with Section D103 of this code based on year constructed, year converted, terms of occupancy and applicability of other laws. 314.4 Compliance. Alteration, repair, change of use or occupancy and additions to multiple dwellings shall comply with this code including Appendix D.

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/0-0-0-240971Fetched: 10/24/2026