CHAPTER 8 (b) All inner courts shall be connected to a street or

yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width

LIGHT AND VENTILATION
of 1.20 meters or by a door through a room or
SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light rooms.
and Ventilation
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the
(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial
Philippines on Easements of Light and View, and to
ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less than
the provisions of this part of the Code, every
2.40 meters measured from the floor to the ceiling;
building shall be designed, constructed, and
Provided that for buildings of more than one-storey,
equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.
the minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall
(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or be 2.70 meters and that for the second storey 2.40
a private street which has been duly approved. meters and succeeding storeys shall have an
unobstructed typical head-room clearance of not
(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor.
to reduce the size of any room or the relative area Above stated rooms with a natural ventilation shall
of windows to less than that provided for buildings have ceiling heights not less than 2.70 meters.
under this Code, or to create an additional room,
unless such additional room conforms to the (b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height
requirements of this Code. not less than 1.80 meters above and below it.

(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
dimensions of the required court or yard would be
Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal
less than that prescribed for such building.
dimensions shall be as follows:
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site
1. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 square
Occupancy
meters with a least dimension of 2.00 meters;
(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot
2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters with a least
occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and
dimension of 1.50 meters;
shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.
3. Bath and toilet – 1.20 square meters with a least
(b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured
dimension of 0.90 meter.
clear of all projections from the walls enclosing such
wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in
wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not Determining the Size of Rooms
exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy
1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00
(a) Minimum site occupancy shall be governed by square meter of floor area per person;
the use, type of construction, and height of the
2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cubic
building and the use, area, nature, and location of
meters of air space per person;
the site; and subject to the provisions of the local
zoning requirements and in accordance with the 3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters of air space
rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary. per person.
SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts SECTION 808. Window Openings
(a) Minimum size of courts and their least Every room intended for any use, not provided with
dimensions shall be governed by the use, type of artificial ventilation system as herein specified in this
construction, and height of the building as provided Code, shall be provided with a window or windows
in the rules and regulations promulgated by the with a total free area of openings and equal to at
Secretary, provided that the minimum horizontal least ten percent of the floor area of room, and such
dimension of court shall be not less than 2.00 window shall open directly to a court, yard, public
meters. street or alley, or open water courses.
SECTION 809. Vent Shafts 3. For auditorium and other rooms used for
assembly purposes, with seats or other
(a) Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal
accommodations – not less than 0.30 cubic meter of
cross-sectional area of not less than 0.10 square
air per minute shall be supplied for each person.
meter for every meter of height of shaft but in no
case shall the area be less than 1.00 square meter. 4. For wards and dormitories of institutional
No vent shaft shall have its least dimension less than buildings – not less than 0.45 cubic meter of air per
600 millimeters. minute shall be supplied for each person
accommodated.
(b) Skylights – Unless open to the outer air at the
top for its full area, vent shaft shall be covered by a 5. For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered
skylight having a net free area or fixed louver under this Section of the Code, applicable provisions
openings equal to the maximum required shaft area. of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, shall
be followed.
(c) Air ducts shall open to a street or court by a
horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest
window opening. Such duct or intake shall have a
CHAPTER 9
minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not
less than 0.30 square meter with a minimum SANITATION
dimension of 300 millimeters. The openings to the
duct or intake shall be not less than 300 millimeters SECTION 901. General Requirements
above the bottom of the shaft and the street surface Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code
or level of court, at the respective ends of the duct of the Philippines on Property, Ownership, and its
or intake. Modification, all buildings hereafter erected, altered,
SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights remodeled, relocated or repaired for human
habitation shall be provided with adequate and
Skylights shall have a glass area not less than that potable water supply, plumbing installation, and
required for the windows that are replaced. They suitable wastewater treatment or disposal system,
shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers storm water drainage, pest and vermin control,
with an aggregate net free area not less than that noise abatement device, and such other measures
required for openable parts in the window that are required for the protection and promotion of health
replaced or provided with approved artificial of persons occupying the premises and others living
ventilation of equivalent effectiveness. nearby.
SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation SECTION 902. Water Supply System
(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating (a) Whenever available, the potable water
equipment shall be provided with artificial means of requirements for a building used for human
ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot habitation shall be supplied from existing municipal
and/or polluted air. or city waterworks system.
(b) Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the (b) The quality of drinking water from meteoric,
equipment shall be designed and constructed to surface or underground sources shall conform to the
meet the following minimum requirements in air criteria set in the latest approved National Standards
changes: for Drinking Water.
1. For rooms entirely above grade and used for (c) The design, construction and operation of deep
office, clerical, or administrative purposes, or as wells for the abstraction of groundwater shall be
stores, sales rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, subject to the provisions of the Water Code of the
workshops, or machinery rooms, not less than three Philippines.
changes of air per hour shall be provided.
(d) The design, construction and operation of
2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as independent waterworks systems private housing
bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens, laundries subdivisions or industrial estates shall be governed
other than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms by existing laws relating to local waterworks system.
– not less than ten changes of air per hour shall be
provided.
(e) The water piping installations inside buildings CHAPTER 10
and premises shall conform to the provisions of the
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC
National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
STREETS
SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System
SECTION 1001. General Requirements
(a) Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized
(a) No part of any building or structure or any of its
or pre-treated industrial wastewater shall be
appendages shall project beyond the property line
discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary
of the building site, except as provided in this Code.
sewer main of existing municipal or city sanitary
sewerage system in accordance with the criteria set (b) The projection of any structure or appendage
by the Code on Sanitation and the National Pollution over a public property shall be the distance
Control Commission. measured horizontally from the property line to the
uttermost point of the projection.
(b) All buildings located in areas where there are no
available sanitary sewerage system shall dispose SECTION 1002. Projection into Alleys or
their sewage “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface Streets
absorption field.
(a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall
(c) Sanitary and industrial plumbing installations project into any alley or street, national road or
inside buildings and premises shall conform to the public highway except as provided in this Code.
provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
(b) Footings located at least 2.40 meters below
SECTION 904. Storm Drainage System grade along national roads or public highway may
project not more than 300 millimeters beyond the
(a) Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the
property line.
sanitary sewer system.
(c) Foundations may be permitted to encroach into
(b) Adequate provisions shall be made to drain low
public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500
areas in buildings and their premises.
millimeters; provided, that the top of the said
SECTION 905. Pest and Vermin Control foundations is not less than 600 millimeters below
the established grade; and provided further, that
(a) All buildings with hollow and/or wood
said projection does not obstruct any existing utility
construction shall be provided with rat proofing.
such as power, communication, gas, water, or sewer
(b) Garbage bins and receptacles shall be provided lines, unless the owner concerned shall pay the
with ready means for cleaning and with positive corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts
protection against entry of pest and vermins. of the affected utilities.

(c) Dining rooms for public use without artificial SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and
ventilation shall be properly screened. Appendages Over Streets

SECTION 906. Noise Pollution Control (a) The extent of any projection over an alley or
street shall be uniform within a block and shall
Industrial establishments shall be provided with conform to the limitations set forth in Table 1003-A;
positive noise abatement devices to tone down the Projection of Balconies and Appendages (Annex B-
noise level of equipment and machineries to 2).
acceptable limits set down by the Department of
Labor and the National Pollution Control (b) The clearance between the established grade of
Commission. the street and/or sidewalk and the lowest under
surface of any part of the balcony shall not be less
SECTION 907. Pipe Materials than 3.00 meters.
All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall SECTION 1004. Arcades
conform to the Standard Specifications of the
Philippine Standard Council. (a) Whenever required by existing building and
zoning regulations, arcades shall be constructed on
sidewalks of streets. The width of the arcade and its
height shall be uniform throughout the street
provided, that in no case, shall an arcade be less be truncated at the corner. The face of the triangle
than 3.00 meters above the established sidewalk so formed shall be at right angles to the bisector of
grade. the angle of the intersection of the street lines;
provided, that in no case, the Secretary shall
SECTION 1005. Canopies (Marquees)
determine the size and form of the chaflan.
(a) Definition: A canopy or marquee is a permanent
(b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is required
roofed structure above a door attached to and
notwithstanding the width of the public street or
supported by the building and projecting over a wall
alley, less than 12.00 meters.
or sidewalk. This includes any object or decoration
attached thereto. CHAPTER 11

(b) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING

clearance between the outermost edge of the CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
marquee and the curb line shall be not less than 300
SECTION 1101. General Requirements
millimeters. The vertical clearance between the
pavement or ground line and the undersurface of (a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley or
any part the marquee shall not be less than 3.00 public sidewalk for the performance of work covered
meters. by a building permit except in accordance with the
provisions of this Chapter.
(c) Construction. A marquee shall be constructed of
incombustible material or materials of not less than (b) No person shall perform any work on any
two-hours fire-resistive construction. It shall be building or structure adjacent to a public way in
provided with necessary drainage facility. general use for pedestrian travel, unless the
pedestrians are protected as specified in this
(d) Location. Every marquee shall be so located as
Chapter.
not to interfere with the operation of any exterior
standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear (c) Any material or structure temporarily occupying
passage from stairway exits from the building or the public property, including fence, canopies, and
installation or maintenance of electroliers. walkways, shall be adequately lighted, between
sunset and sunrise.
SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods
SECTION 1102. Storage in Public Property
(a) Definition. An awning is a movable shelter
supported entirely from an exterior wall of a building Materials and equipment necessary for work to be
and of a type which can be retracted, folded, or done under a permit when placed or stored on public
collapsed against the face of a supporting building. property shall not obstruct free and convenient
approach to and use of any fire hydrant, fire or
(b) Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the
police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole
awning and the curb line shall not be less than 300
and shall not interfere with any drainage of any
millimeters. The vertical clearance between the
street or alley gutter.
undermost surface of the awning and the pavement
or ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters. SECTION 1103. Mixing Mortar on Public
Collapsible awnings shall be so designated that they Property
shall not block a required exit when collapsed or
folded. The mixing of mortar, concrete, or similar materials
on public streets shall not be allowed.
SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like
SECTION 1104. Protection of Utilities
Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40 meters
above the pavement or groundline shall not, when All public or private utilities above or below the
fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the ground shall be protected from any damage by any
property line except fire exit doors. work being done under the permit. The protection
shall be maintained while such work is being done
SECTION 1008. Corner Buildings with and shall not obstruct the normal functioning of any
Chaflans such utility.
(a) Every corner building or solid fence on a public
street or alley less than 3.60 meters in width shall
 (b) Removal. Every protective fence or canopy shall
be removed within 30 days after such protection is
SECTION 1105. Walkway
no longer required as determined by the Building
(a) When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk Official.
to be fenced or closed, or in case there is no
SECTION 1108. Demolition
sidewalk in front of the building site during
construction or demolition, a temporary walkway of (a) The work of demolishing any building shall not
not less than 1.20 meters wide shall be provided. be commenced until all the necessary pedestrian
protective structures are in place.
(b) The walkway shall be capable of supporting a
uniform live load of 650 kilograms per square meter. (b) The Building Official may require the permittee
A durable wearing surface shall be provided to submit plans, specifications and complete
throughout the construction period. schedule of demolition. When so required, no work
shall be done until such plans, specifications and
SECTION 1106. Pedestrian Protection
schedule are approved by the Building Official.
(a) Protection Required. Pedestrian traffic shall be
protected by a railing on the street side when the
walkway extends into the roadway, by a railing CHAPTER 12
when adjacent to excavations, and by such as set
GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
forth in Table 1106-A: Type of Protection Required
REQUIREMENTS
for Pedestrians (Annex B-2).
SECTION 1201. General Requirements
(b) Railings. Adequate railings when required shall
be built substantially strong and should be at least Buildings proposed for construction shall comply
1.00 meter in height. with all the regulations and specifications herein set
forth governing quality, characteristics and
(c) Fences. Fences shall be built of an approved
properties of materials, methods of design and
material, not less than 2.40 meters in height above
construction, type of occupancy and classification.
grade, and be placed on the side of the walkway
nearest to the building site. Fences shall enclose All other matters relative to the structural design of
entirely the building site. Openings in such fences all buildings and other structures not provided for in
shall be provided with doors which shall be kept this Chapter shall conform with the provisions of the
closed at all times. National Structural Code of Buildings, as adopted
and promulgated by the Board of Civil Engineering
(d) Canopies. The protective canopy shall have a
pursuant to Republic Act Number 544, as amended,
clear height of 2.40 meters above the railway, and
otherwise known as the “Civil Engineering Law”.
shall be structurally safe. Every canopy shall have a
solid fence built along its entire length on the SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and
construction side. If materials are stored or work is Retaining Walls
done on top of the canopy, the edge along the street
shall be protected by a tight curb board not less than (a) Subject to the provisions of Articles 684 to 686
300 millimeters high and a railing not less than 1.00 of the Civil Code of the Philippines on lateral and
meter high shall be provided. The entire structure subjacent support, the design and quality of
shall be designed to carry the loads imposed upon materials used structurally in excavation, footings,
it: Provided, that the live load shall be not less than and in foundations shall conform to accepted
600 kilograms per square meter. engineering practice.

SECTION 1107. Maintenance and Removal of (b) Excavation and Fills

Protective Devices (1) Excavation or fills for buildings or structures shall
(a) Maintenance. All protective devices shall be be so constructed or protected that they do not
properly maintained in place and kept in good order endanger life or property.
for the entire length of time pedestrians may be (2) Whenever the depth of excavation for any
endangered. construction is such that the lateral and subjacent
support of the adjoining property or existing
structure thereon would be affected in a manner by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, and
that the stability or safety of the same is deflection.
endangered, the person undertaking or causing the
(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be
excavation to be undertaken shall be responsible for
designed to have a bond to the supporting elements
the expense of underpinning or extending the
sufficient to withstand shearing stresses due to their
foundation or footings of the aforementioned
weights including seismic effects on the total
property or structure.
assemblage.
(3) Excavation and other similar disturbances made
(5) Anchored veneer and its attachment shall be
on public property shall, unless otherwise excluded
designed to resist horizontal forces equal to twice
by the Building Official, be restored immediately to
the weight of the veneer.
its former condition within 48 hours from the start
of such excavation and disturbances by whosoever (6) Anchors supports and ties shall be non-
caused such excavation or disturbance. combustible and corrosion-resistant.
(c) Footings, Foundations, and Retaining Walls SECTION 1204. Enclosure of Vertical
Openings
(1) Footings and foundations shall be of the
appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity in (a) General. Vertical openings shall be enclosed
order to safely sustain the superimposed loads depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of a
under seismic or any condition of external forces particular type of construction as set forth in this
that may affect the safety or stability of the Code.
structure. It shall be the responsibility of the
architect and/or engineer to adopt the type and (b) Elevator Enclosures. Walls and partitions
design of the same in accordance with the standards enclosing elevators and escalators shall be of not
set forth by the Secretary. less than the fire-resistive construction required
under the Types of Construction. Enclosing walls of
(2) Whenever or wherever there exist in the site of elevator shafts may consist of wire glass set in metal
the construction an abrupt change in the ground frames on the entrance side only. Elevator shafts
levels or level of the foundation such that instability extending through more than two storeys shall be
of the soil could result, retaining walls shall be equipped with an approved means of adequate
provided and such shall be of adequate design and ventilations to and through the main roof of the
type of construction as prescribed by the Secretary. building: Provided, that in those buildings housing
Groups F and G
SECTION 1203. Veneer
Occupancies equipped with automatic fire-
(a) Definition. Veneer is a nonstructural facing of
extinguishing systems throughout, enclosures shall
brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other
not be required for escalators: Provided, further that
similar approved materials attached to a backing or
the top of the escalator opening at each storey shall
structural components of the building for the
be provided with a draft curtain. Such draft curtain
purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure
shall enclose the perimeter of the unenclosed
that may be adhered, integrated, or anchored either
opening and shall extend from the ceiling downward
on the interior or exterior of the building or
at least 300 millimeters on all sides. Automatic
structure.
sprinklers shall be provided around the perimeter of
(b) Design Requirements. The design of all veneer the opening and within a 600 millimeters of the draft
shall comply with the following: curtain. The distance between the sprinkles shall not
exceed 1.80 meters center-to-center.
(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own
weight and the vertical dead load of veneer (c) Other Vertical Openings. All shafts, ducts,
immediately above. chutes, and other vertical openings not covered in
paragraph (b) above shall have enclosing walls
(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be
conforming to the requirements specified under the
designed to support the additional vertical and
type of construction of the building in which they are
lateral loads imposed by the veneer.
located. In other than Group A Occupancies rubbish
(3) Consideration shall be given to differential and linen chutes shall terminate in rooms separated
movements of the supports including those caused from the remainder of the building by a One-Hour
Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation. Openings into square or 600 millimeters in diameter. The minimum
the chutes shall not be located in required exit clear headroom of 800 millimeters shall be provided
corridors or stairways. above the access opening. For ladder requirements,
refer to the Philippine Mechanical Engineering code.
(d) Air Ducts. Air ducts passing through a floor shall
be enclosed in a shaft. The shaft shall be as required (2) Area Separation. Enclosed attic spaces of
in this Code for vertical openings. Dampers shall be combustible construction shall be divided into
installed where ducts pierce the shaft enclosure horizontal areas not exceeding 250 square meters
walls. Air ducts in Group A Occupancies need not be by fire-resistive partitions extending from the ceiling
enclosed in a shaft if conforming to the mechanical to the roof. Except, that where the entire attic is
provisions of this Code. equipped with approved automatic fire-
extinguishing system, the attic space may be divided
SECTION 1205. Floor Construction
into areas not to exceed 750 square meters.
(a) Floors shall be of such materials and construction Openings in the partitions shall be protected by self-
as specified under Chapter 5 Fire Zones and Fire- closing doors.
Resistive Standards and under Chapter 6 – Types of
(3) Draft Stops. Regardless of the type of
Construction.
construction, draft stops shall be installed in trusses
(b) All floors shall be so framed and secured into the roofs, between roof and bottom chords or trusses,
framework and supporting walls as to form an in all buildings exceeding 2000 square meters. Draft
integral part of the whole building. stops shall be constructed as for attic area
separations.
(c) The types of floor construction used shall provide
means to keep the beam and girders from lateral (4) Ventilation. Enclosed attics including rafter
buckling. spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to
the underside or roof rafters, shall be provided with
SECTION 1206. Roof Construction and adequate ventilation protected against the entrance
Covering of rain.
(a) Roof Covering. Roof covering for all buildings (d) Roof Drainage System
shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending
upon the fire-resistive requirements of the particular (1) Roof Drains. Roof drains shall be installed at low
type of construction. The use of combustible roof points of the roof and shall be adequate in size to
insulation shall be permitted in all types of discharge all tributary waters.
construction provided it is covered with approved
(2) Overflow Drains and Scuppers. Where roof
roof covering applied directly thereto.
drains are required, adequate overflow drains shall
(b) Roof Trusses. All roofs shall be so framed and be provided.
tied into the framework and supporting walls so as
(3) Concealed Piping. Roof drains and overflow
to form an integral part of the whole building. Roof
drains, when concealed within the construction of
trusses shall have all joints well fitted and shall have
the building, shall be installed in accordance with the
all tension members well tightened before any load
provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
is placed in the truss. Diagonal and sway bracing
shall be used to brace all roof trusses. The allowable (4) Over Public Property. Roof drainage water from
working stresses of materials in trusses shall a building shall not be permitted to flow over public
conform to this Code. Camber shall be provided to property, except for Group A and J Occupancies.
prevent sagging.
(e) Flashing. Flashing and counterflashing shall be
(c) Attics. provided at the juncture of the roof and vertical
surfaces.
(1) Access. An attic access opening shall be provided
in the ceiling of the top floor of buildings with a SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant
combustible ceiling or roof construction. The Loads
opening shall be located in a corridor or hallway of
(a) General. The construction of stairs and exits shall
buildings of three or more storeys in height , and
conform to the occupant load requirements of
readily accessible in buildings of any height. An
opening shall not be less than 600 millimeters
buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and Section basement or cellars and occupied roofs shall
grandstands. be provided with exits as required for storeys. Floors
above the second storey, basements and cellars
(1) Determination of Occupant Loads. The occupant
used for other than service of the building shall have
load permitted in any building or portion thereof
not less than two exits.
shall be determined by dividing the floor area
assigned to that use by the unit area allowed per (2) Width. The total width of exits in meters shall
occupant as determined by the Secretary. not be less than the total occupant load served
divided by 165. Such width of exits shall be divided
(2) Exit Requirements. Exist requirements of a
approximately equally among the separate exits.
building or portion thereof used for different
The total exit width required from any storey of a
purposes shall be determined by the occupant load
building shall be determined by using the occupant
which gives the largest number of persons. No
load of that storey plus the percentage of the
obstruction shall be placed in the required width of
occupant loads of floors which exits through the
an exit except projections permitted by this Code.
level under consideration as follows: fifty (50)
(3) Posting of Room Capacity. Any room having an percent of the occupant load in the first adjacent
occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats are storey above (and the first adjacent storey below
not installed, and which is used for classroom, when a storey below exits through the level under
assembly, or similar purpose shall have the capacity consideration) and twenty five percent of the
of the room posted in a conspicuous place near the occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the
main exit from the room. first adjacent storey. The maximum exit width from
any storey of a building shall be maintained.
(4) Changes in Elevation. Except in Group A
Occupancies, changes in floor elevations (3) Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are
required they shall be placed a distance apart to not
of less than 300 millimeters along any exit serving a less than one-fifth of the perimeter of the area
tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall be by served measured in a straight line between exits.
means of ramps: Where three or more exits are required they shall be
(b) Exits arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one
becomes blocked, the others will be available.
(1) Number of Exits. Every building or usable portion
thereof shall have at lease one exit. In all (4) Distance to Exists. No point in a building without
occupancies, floors above the first storey having an a sprinkler system shall be more than 45.00 meters
occupant load of more than 10 shall not have less from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit
than two exits. Each mezzanine floor used for other passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured
than storage purposes, if greater in area than 185 along the line of travel. In a building equipped with
square meters or more than 18.00 meters in any a complete automatic fire extinguishing system the
dimension, shall have at least two stairways to an distance from exits may be increased to 60.00
adjacent floor. Every storey or portion thereof, meters.
having an occupant load of 500 to 999 shall have at (c) Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to every
least three exits. Every storey or portion thereof exit door serving an area having an occupant load
having an occupant load of 1000 or more shall have of more than 10, or serving hazardous rooms or
at least four (4) exits. The number of exits required areas.
from any storey of a building shall be determined by
using the occupant loads of floors which exit (1) Swing. Exit door shall swing in the direction of
through the level under consideration as follows: 50 exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or
percent of the occupant load in the first adjacent when serving an occupant load of 50 or more.
storey above (and the first adjacent storey below, Double acting doors shall not be used as exits
when a storey below exits through the level under serving a tributary occupant load of more than 100;
consideration) and 25 percent of the occupant load nor shall they be used as a part of fire assembly, nor
in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door
storey. The maximum number of exits required for shall be provided with a view panel of not less than
any storey shall be maintained until egress is 1,300 square centimeters.
provided from the structures. For purposes of this
(2) Type of Lock or Latch. Exit door shall be in occupancies where exits are required to be
openable from the inside without the use of a key or equipped with panic hardware or at least one
any special knowledge or effort: Except, that this conforming exit door is located adjacent to each
requirement shall not apply to exterior exit doors in revolving doors installed in a building and the
a group E or F Occupancy if there is a conspicuous, revolving door shall not be considered to provide
readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the nay exit width.
door, stating that the door is to remain unlocked
(d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. The
during business hours. The locking device must be
provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and
of a type that will readily be distinguishable as
exterior exit balcony serving as a required exit for
locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.
an occupant load of more than ten.
(3) Width and Height. Every required exit doorway
(1) Width. Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be
shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a
less than 1.10 meters in width.
door not less than 900 millimeters in width and not
less than 2.00 meters in height. When installed in (2) Projections. The required width of corridors and
exit doorways, exit doors shall be capable of exterior exit balconies shall be unobstructed.
opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted Except, that trim handrails, and doors when fully
that the clear width of the exitway is not less than opened shall not reduce the required width by more
700 millimeters. In computing the required exit than 200 millimeters. Doors in any position shall not
width the net dimension of the exitway shall be reduce the required width of the corridor by more
used. than one-half.
(4) Door Leaf Width. No leaf of an exit door shall (3) Access to Exits. When more than one exit is
exceed 1.20 meters in width. required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to
either direction from any point in the corridor or
(5) Special Doors. Revolving, sliding, and overhead
exterior exit balcony to a separate exit, except for
doors shall not be used as required exits.
dead ends permitted by this Code.
(6) Egress from Door. Every required exit door shall
(4) Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit balconies
give immediate access to an approved means of
with dead ends are permitted when the dead end
egress from the building.
does not exceed 6.00 meters in length.
(7) Change in Floor Level at Doors. Regardless of
(5) Construction. Walls and ceilings of corridors shall
the occupant load there shall be a floor or landing
not be less than one-hour fireresistive construction.
on each side of an exit door. The floor or landing
Provided, that this requirement shall not apply to
shall be leveled with, or not more than 50
exterior exit balconies, railings, and corridors of one-
millimeters lower than the threshold of the doorway:
storey building housing a Group E and F Occupancy
Except, that in Group A and B Occupancies, a door
occupied by one tenant only and which serves an
may open on the top step of a flight of stairs or an
occupant load of 30 or less, nor to corridors, formed
exterior landing provided the door does not swing
by temporary partitions. Exterior exit balconies shall
over the top step or exterior landing and the landing
not project into an area where protected openings
is not more than 200 millimeters below the floor
are required.
level.
(6) Openings. Where corridor wall are required to be
(8) Door Identification. Glass doors shall conform to
one-hour fire-resistive construction, every interior
the requirements in Section 1805. Other exit doors
door opening shall be protected as set forth in
shall be so marked that they are readily
generally recognized and accepted requirements for
distinguishable from the adjacent construction.
dual purpose fire exit doors. Other interior openings
(9) Additional Doors. When additional doors are except ventilation louvers equipped with approved
provided for egress purposes, they shall conform to automatic fire shutters shall be 7 millimeters thick
all provisions in the following cases: Approved fixed wire glass set in steel frames. The total area of
revolving doors having leaves which will collapse all openings other than doors, in any portion of an
under opposing pressures may be used in exit interior corridor wall shall not exceed twenty-five
situations; provided; that such doors have a percent of the area of the corridor wall of the room
minimum width of 2.00 meters or they are not used being separated from the corridor.
(e) Stairways. Except stairs or ladders used only to (8) Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on
access equipment, every stairway serving any each side and every stairway required to be more
building or portion thereof shall conform to the than 3.00 meters in width shall be provided with not
following requirements: less than one intermediate handrail for each 3.00
meters of required width. Intermediate handrails
(1) Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of
shall be spaced approximately equal within the
more than 50 shall not be less than 1.10 meters.
entire width of the stairway. Handrails shall be
Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 or less may
placed not less than 800 millimeters nor more than
be 900 millimeters wide. Private stairways serving
900 millimeters above the nosing of treads, and
an occupant load of less than 10 may be 750
ends of handrails shall be returned or shall terminate
millimeters. Trim and handrails shall not reduce the
in newel posts or safety terminals: Except, in the
required width by more than 100 millimeters.
following cases: Stairways 1.10 meters or less in
(2) Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a stairway width and stairways serving one individual dwelling
shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the run shall unit in Group A or B Occupancies may have one
not be less than 250 millimeters. The maximum handrail, except that such stairway, open on one or
variations in the height of risers and the width of both, sides shall have handrails provided on the
treads in any one flight shall be 5 millimeters: open side or sides: or stairways having less than
Except, in case of private stairways serving an four risers need not have handrails.
occupant load of less than 10, the rise may be 200
(9) Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in the
millimeters and the run may be 250 millimeters,
exterior wall below or within 3.00 meters, measured
except as provided in sub-paragraph (3) below.
horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway serving a
(3) Winding Stairways. In Group A Occupancy and building over two storeys in height shall be
in private stairways in Group B Occupancies, protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a
winders may be used if the required width of run is three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating: Except, that
provided at a point not more than 300 millimeters openings may be unprotected when two separated
from the side of the stairway where the treads are exterior stairways serve an exterior exit balcony.
narrower but in no case shall any width of run be
(10a) Stairways Construction - Interior. Interior
less than 150 millimeters at any point.
stairways shall be constructed as specified in this
(4) Circular Stairways. Circular stairs may be used Code. Where there is enclosed usable space under
as an exit provided the minimum width of run is not the stairs the walls and soffits of the enclosed space
less than 250 millimeters. All treads in any one flight shall be protected on the enclosed side as required
between landings shall have identical dimensions for one-hour fire resistive construction.
within a 5 millimeter tolerance.
(10b) Stairway Construction - Exterior. Exterior
(5) Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension stairways shall be of incombustible material: Except,
measured in the direction of travel equal to the that on Type III buildings which do not exceed two
width of the stairway. Such dimension need not storeys in height, which are located in less fire-
exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has a straight restrictive Fire Zones, as well as on Type I buildings
run. Landings when provided shall not be reduced which may be of wood not less than 50 millimeters
in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door in nominal thickness. Exterior stairs shall be
when fully open. protected as required for exterior walls due to
location on property as specified in this Code.
(6) Basement Stairways. Where a basement Exterior stairways shall not project into an area
stairway and a stairway to an upper storey where openings are required to be protected. Where
terminate in the same exit enclosure, an approved there is enclosed usable space under stairs, the
barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from walls and soffits of the enclosed space shall hour
continuing on to the basements. Directional exit fire-resistive construction.
signs shall be provided as specified in this Code.
(11) Stairway to Roof. In every building four or more
(7) Distance Between Landings. There shall be not storeys in height, one stairway shall extend to the
more than 3.60 meters vertical distance between roof unless the roof has C slope greater than 1 in 3.
landings.
(12) Headroom. Every required stairway shall have
a headroom clearance of not less than 2.00 meters.
Such clearance shall be established by measuring A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a vestibule
vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the and a continuous stairway enclosed from the highest
stairway tread nosing to the soffit above all points. point to the lowest point by walls of two-hour fire-
resistive construction. In buildings five storeys or
(f) Ramps. A ramp conforming to the provisions of
more in height, one of the required exits shall be a
this Code may be used as an exit. The width of
smokeproof enclosure.
ramps shall be as required for corridors.
(1) Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of
(g) Horizontal Exit. If conforming to the provisions
incombustible construction.
of this Code, a horizontal exit may be considered as
the required exit. All openings in a separation wall (2) There shall be no openings in smokeproof
shall be protected by a fire assembly having a fire- enclosures, except exit doorways and openings in
resistive rating of not less than one hour. A exterior walls. There shall be no openings directly
horizontal exit shall not lead into a floor area having into the interior of the building. Access shall be
a capacity for an occupant load not less than the through a vestibule with one wall at least fifty
occupant load served by such exit. The capacity percent open to the exterior and having an exit door
shall be determined by allowing 0.30 square meter from the interior of the building and an exit door
of net floor area per ambulatory occupant and 1.90 leading to the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of a
square meters per non-ambulatory occupant. The vestibule, access may be by way of an open exterior
dispersal area into which the horizontal exit leads balcony of incombustible materials.
shall be provided with exits as required by this Code.
(3) The opening from the building to the vestibule
(h) Exit Enclosure. Every interior stairway, ramp, or or balcony shall be protected with a self-closing fire
escalator shall be enclosed as specified in this Code: assembly having one-hour fire-resistive rating. The
Except, that in other than Group D Occupancies, an opening from the vestibule or balcony to the stair
enclosure will not be required for stairway, ramp, or tower shall be protected by a self-closing fire
escalator serving only one adjacent floor and not assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.
connected with corridors or stairways serving other
(4) A smokeproof enclosure shall exit into a public
floors. Stairs in Group A Occupancies need not be
way or into an exit passageway leading to a public
enclosed.
way. The exit passageway shall be without other
(1) Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour openings and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of
fire-resistive construction. There shall be no two-hour fire-resistance.
openings into exit enclosures except exit doorways
(5) A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not
and openings in exterior walls. All exit doors in an
continue below the grade level exit unless an
exit enclosure shall be appropriately protected.
approved barrier is provided at a ground floor level
(2) Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include to prevent persons from accidentally walking into
landings and parts of floors connecting stairway the basement.
flights and shall include a corridor on the ground
(j) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways
floor leading from the stairway to the exterior of the
building. Enclosed corridors or passageways are not Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit
required for unenclosed stairways. court, or exit passageway. Every exit court shall
discharge into a public way or an exit passageway.
(3) A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not continue
Passageways shall be without openings other than
below the grade level exit unless an approved
required exits and shall have walls, floors, and
barrier is provided at the ground floor level to
ceilings of the same period of fire-resistance as the
prevent persons from accidentally continuing into
walls, floors and ceilings of the building but shall not
the basement.
be less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(4) There shall be no enclosed usable space under
(1) Width. Every exit court and exit passageways
stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open
shall be at least as wide as the required total width
space under such stairways be used for any
of the tributary exits, such required width being
purpose.
based on the occupant load served. The required
(i) Smokeproof Enclosures width of exit courts or exit passageways shall be
unobstructed except as permitted in corridors. At
any point where the width of an exit court is reduced provided along each side aisle of the row of seats at
from any cause, the reduction in width shall be the rate of one pair of exit doors for every five rows
affected gradually by a guardrail at least 900 of seats, provided further that the distance between
millimeters in height. The guardrail shall make an seats back to back is at least one meter. Such exit
angle of not more than 30 degrees with the axis of doors shall provide a minimum clear width of 1.70
the exit court. meters.

(2) Slope. The slope of exit courts shall not exceed (3) Cross aisles. Aisles shall terminate in a cross
1 in 10. The slope of exit passageway shall not aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of the cross aisle shall
exceed 1 in 8. be not less than the sum of the required width of
the widest aisle plus fifty percent of the total
(3) Number of Exits. Every exit court shall be
required width of the remaining aisle leading
provided with exits as required in this Code.
thereto. In Groups C, H and E Occupancies, aisles
(4) Openings. All openings into an exit court less shall not be provided a dead end greater than 6.00
than 3.00 meters wide shall be protected by fire meters in length.
assemblies having not less than three-fourth hour
(4) Vomitories. Vomitories connecting the foyer or
fire-resistive rating. Except, that openings more
main exit with the cross aisles shall have a total
than 3.00 meters above the floor of the exit court
width not less than the sum of the required width of
may be unprotected.
the widest aisles leading thereto plus fifty percent of
(k) Exit Signs and Illuminations the total required width of the remaining aisles
leading thereto.
Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is
occupied with lights having an intensity of not less (5) Slope. The slope portion of aisles shall not
than 10.7 lux at floor level: Except, that for Group A exceed a fall of 1 in 8.
Occupancies, the exit illumination shall be provided
(m) Seats
with separate circuits or separated sources of power
(but not necessarily separate from exit signs when (1) Seat Spacing. With standard seating, the spacing
these are required for exit sign illumination) of rows of seats from back-to-back shall be not less
than 840 millimeters. With continental seating, the
(l) Aisles
spacing of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a
Every portion or every building in which are installed clear width measured horizontally, as follows: 450
seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or similar millimeters clear for rows of 18 seats or less; 500
materials shall be provided with aisles leading to an millimeters clear for rows of 35 seats or less; 525
exit. millimeters clear for rows of 45 seats or less; and
550 millimeters clear for rows of 46 seats or more.
(1) Width. Every aisle shall be not less than 800
millimeters wide if serving only one side, and not (2) Width. The width of any seat shall be not less
less than 1 meter wide if serving both sides. Such than 450 millimeters.
minimum width shall be measured at the point
(n) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers
farthest from an exit, cross aisle, or foyer and shall
be increased by 30 millimeters for every meter in (1) Height of Stands. Stands made of combustible
length towards the exit, cross aisle or foyer. framing shall be limited to 11 rows

Side aisles shall not be less than 1.10 meters in or 2.70 meters in height.
width.
(2) Design Requirements. The minimum unit live
(2) Exit Distance. In areas occupied by seats and in load for reviewing stands, grandstands, and
Groups H and I Occupancies without seats, the line bleachers shall be 500 kilograms per square meter
of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall be not more of horizontal projection for the structure as a whole.
than 45.00 meters. With standard spacing, as Seat and footboards shall be 180 kilograms per
specified in this Code, aisles shall be so located that linear meter. The sway force, applied to seats, shall
there will be not more than seven seats between the be 35 kilograms per linear meter parallel to the seats
wall and an aisle and not more than fourteen seats and 15 kilograms per linear meter perpendicular to
between aisles. The number of seats between aisles the seats. Sway forces need not be applied
may be increased to 30 where exits doors are simultaneously with other lateral forces.
(3) Spacing of Seats (5.1) Stair Rise and Run. The maximum rise of
treads shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the
(3.1) Row Spacing. The minimum spacing of rows of
minimum width of the run shall be 280 millimeters.
seats measured from back-toback shall be: 600
The maximum variation in the width of treads in any
millimeters for seats without backrests in open air
one flight shall not be more than 5 millimeters and
stands; 750 millimeters for seats with backrests; and
themaximum variation in one height of two adjacent
850 millimeters for chair seating. There shall be a
rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters.
space of not less than 300 millimeters between the
back of each seat and the front of the seat (5.2) Ramp Slope. The slope of a ramp shall not
immediately behind it. exceed 1 in 8. Ramps shall be roughened or shall be
of approved nonslip material.
(3.2) Rise Between Rows. The maximum rise from
one row of seats to the next shall not exceed 400 (5.3) Handrails. A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in
millimeters. 10 shall have handrails. Stairs for stands shall have
handrails. Handrails shall conform to the
(3.3) Seating Capacity. For determining the seating
requirements of this Code.
capacity of a stand, the width of any seat shall not
be less than 450 millimeters nor more than 480 (6) Guardrails
millimeters.
(6.1) Guardrails shall be required in all locations
(3.4) Number of Seats Between Aisles. The number where the top of a seat plank is more than 1.20
of seats between any seat and an aisle shall not be meters above the grade and at the front of stands
greater than 15 for open air stands with seats elevated more than 600 millimeters above grade.
without backrests, a far open air stands with seats Where only sections of stands are used, guardrails
having backrests and seats without backrests within shall be provided as required in this Code.
buildings and 6 for seats with backrests in buildings.
(6.2) Railings shall be 1.10 meters above the rear of
(4) Aisles a seat plank or 1.10 meters above the rear of the
steps in an aisle when the guardrail is parallel and
(4.1) Aisles Required. Aisles shall be provided in all
adjacent to the aisle: Except, that the height may be
stands; Except, that aisles may be omitted when all
reduced to 900 millimeters for guardrails located in
the following conditions exist: Seats are without
front of the grandstand.
backrests; the rise from row to row does not exceed
300 millimeters per row; the number of rows does (6.3) A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat
not exceed 11 in height; the top seating board is not to limit the open distance above the top of any part
over 3.00 meters above grade; and the first seating of a seat to 250 millimeters where the seat is at the
board is not more than 500 millimeters above grade. extreme end or at the extreme rear of the bleachers
or grandstand. The intervening space shall have one
(4.2) Obstructions. No obstruction shall be placed in
additional rail midway in the opening: Except, that
the required width of any aisle or exitway.
railings may be omitted when stands are placed
(4.3) Stairs Required. When an aisle is elevated directly against a wall or fence giving equivalent
more than 200 millimeters above grade, the aisle protection; stairs and ramps shall be provided with
shall be provided with a stairway or ramp whose guardrails. Handrails at the front of stands and
width is not less than the width of the aisle. adjacent to an aisle shall be designed to resist a load
of 75 kilograms per linear meter applied at the top
(4.4) Dead End. No vertical aisle shall have a dead rail. Other handrails shall be designed to resist a
end more than 16 rows in depth regardless of the load of 40 kilograms per linear meter.
number of exits required.
(7) Foot Boards
(4.5) Width. Aisles shall have a minimum width of
1.10 meters. Footboards shall be provided for all rows of seats
above the third row or beginning at such point
(5) Stairs and Ramps where the seating plank is more than 600
The requirements in this Code shall apply to all stairs millimeters above grade.
and ramps except for portions that pass through the (8) Exits
seating area.
(8.1) Distance to Exit. The line of travel to an exit used upon a single raised platform the fastening of
shall not be more than 45.00 meters. For stands seats to the platform may be omitted. When more
with seats without backseats this distance may be than 500 loose chairs are used in connection with
measured by direct line from a seat to the exit from athletic events, chairs shall be fastened together in
the stand. groups of not less than three, and shall be tied or
staked to the ground.
(8.2) Aisle Used as Exit. An aisle may be considered
as only one exit unless it is continuous at both ends (10) Safe Dispersal AreaEach safe dispersal area
to a legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area. shall have at least two exits. If more than 6000
persons are to be accommodated within such an
(8.3) Two Exits Required. A stand with the first
area, there shall be a minimum of three exits, and
seating board not more than 500 millimeters above
for more than 9000 persons there shall be a
grade of floor may be considered to have two exits
minimum of four exits. The aggregate clear width of
when the bottom of the stand is open at both ends.
exits from a safe dispersal area shall be determined
Every stand or section of a stand within a building
on the basis of not less than one exit unit of 600
shall have at least two means of egress when the
millimeters for each 500 persons to be
stand accommodates more than 50 persons. Every
accommodated and no exit shall be less than
open air stand having seats without backrests shall
have at least two means of egress when the stand 1.10 meters in width, a reasonable distance apart
accommodates more than 300 persons. but shall be spaced not less than one-fifth of the
perimeter of the area apart from each other.
(8.4) Three Exits Required. Three exits shall be
required for stands within a building when there are (o) Special Hazards
more than 300 occupants within a stand and for
(1) Boiler Rooms. Except in Group A Occupancies,
open air stands with seats without backrests where
every boiler room and every room containing an
a stand or section of a stand accommodates more
incinerator or liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel-
than 1000 occupants.
fired equipment shall be provided with at least two
(8.5) Four Exits Required. Four exits shall be means of egress, one of which may be a ladder. All
required when a stand or section of a stand interior openings shall be protected as provided for
accommodates more than 1000 occupants: Except, in this Code.
that for an open air stand with seats without
(2) Cellulose Nitrate Handling. Film laboratories,
backrest four exits need not be provided unless
projection rooms, and nitro-cellulose processing
there are accommodations formore than 3000
rooms shall have not less than two exits.
occupants.
SECTION 1208. Skylights
(8.6) Width. The total width of exits in meters shall
not be less than the total occupant load served (a) All skylights shall be constructed with metal
divided by 165: Except, that for open air stands with frames except those for Groups A and J
seats without backrest the total width of exits in Occupancies. Frames of skylights shall be designed
meters shall be not less than the total occupant load to carry loads required for roofs. All skylights, the
served divided by 500 when exiting by stairs, and glass of which is set at an angle of less than 45
divided by 650 when exiting by ramps or degrees from the horizontal, if located above the
horizontally. When both horizontal and stair exits first storey, shall be set at least 100 millimeters
are used, the total width of exits shall be determined above the roof. Curbs on which the skylights rest
by using both figures as applicable. No exit shall be shall be constructed of incombustible materials
less than 1.10 meters in width. Exits shall be located except for Types I or II Construction.
at a reasonable distance apart. When only two exits
are provided, they shall be spaced not less than one- (b) Spacing between supports in one direction for
fifth of the perimeter apart. flat wired glass in skylights shall not exceed 625
millimeters. Corrugated wired glass may have
(9) Securing of Chairs supports 1.50 meters apart in the direction of the
corrugation. All glass in skylights shall be wired
Chairs and benches used on raised stands shall be
glass: Except, that skylights over vertical shafts
secured to the platforms upon which they are
extending through two or more storeys shall be
placed: Except, that when less than 25 chairs are
glazed with plain glass as specified in this Code:
Provided, that wired glass may be used in ventilation (a) Height
equal to not less than one-eight the cross-sectional
No penthouse or other projection above the roof in
area of the shaft but never less than 1.20 meters
structures of other than Type V construction shall
provided at the top of such shaft. Any glass not
exceed 8.40 meters above the roof when used as an
wired glass shall be protected above and below with
enclosure for tanks or for elevators which run to the
a screen constructed of wire not smaller than 2.5
roof and in all other cases shall not extend more
millimeters in diameter with a mesh not larger than
than 3.60 meters in height with the roof.
25 millimeters. The screen shall be substantially
supported below the glass. (b) Area
(c) Skylights installed for the use of photographers The aggregate area of all penthouses and other roof
may be constructed of metal frames and plate glass structures shall not exceed one third of the area of
without wire netting. the supporting roof.
(d) Ordinary glass may be used in the roof and (c) Prohibited Uses
skylights for greenhouses, Provided, that height of
the greenhouses at the ridge does not exceed 6.00 No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar
meters above the grade. The use of wood in the projection above the roof shall be used for purposes
frames of skylights will be permitted in greenhouses other than shelter of mechanical equipment or
outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones if the height shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. A
of the skylight does not exceed 6.00 meters above penthouse or bulkhead used for purposes other than
the grade, but in other cases metal frames and that allowed by this Section shall conform to the
metal sash bars shall be used. requirements of this Code for an additional storey.

(e) Glass used for the transmission of light, if placed (d) Construction
in floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metal Roof structures shall be constructed with walls,
or reinforced concrete frames, and such glass shall floors, and roof as required for the main portion of
not be less than 12.5 millimeters in thickness. Any the building except in the following cases:
such glass over 100 square centimeters in area shall
have wire mesh embedded in the same or shall be (1) On Types III and IV constructions, the exterior
provided with a wire screen underneath as specified walls and roofs of penthouses which are 1.50 meters
for skylights in this Code. All portions of the floor or more from an adjacent property line may be of
lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the same one-hour fire-resistive incombustible construction.
strength as required for floor or sidewalk (2) Walls not less than 1.50 meters from an exterior
construction, except in cases where the floor is wall of a Type IV construction may be of one-hour
surrounded by a railing not less 1.10 meters in fire-resistive incombustible construction.
height, in which case the construction shall be
calculated for not less than roof loads. The above restrictions shall not prohibit the placing
of wood flagpoles or similar structures on the roof
SECTION 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies of any building.
(a) Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall (e) Towers and Spires
conform to the construction allowed for exterior
walls and floors of the type of construction of the Towers and spires when enclosed shall have exterior
building to which they are attached. The roof walls as required for the building to which they are
covering of a bay or oriel window shall conform to attached. Towers not enclosed and which extend
the requirements of the roofing of the main roof. more than 20.00 meters above the grade shall have
Exterior balconies attached to or supported by wall their framework constructed of iron, steel, or
required to be of masonry, shall have brackets or reinforced concrete. No tower or spire shall occupy
beams constructed of incombustible materials. more than one-fourth of the street frontage of any
Railings shall be provided for balconies, landings, or building to which it is attached and in no case shall
porches which are more than 750 millimeters above the base area exceed 150 square meters unless it
grade. conforms entirely to the type of construction
requirements of the building to which it is attached
SECTION 1210. Penthouses and Roof and is limited in height as a main part of the
Structures building. If the area of the tower and spire exceeds
10.00 square meters on any horizontal cross section, The chimney liner shall be in accordance with this
its supporting frames shall extend directly to the Code.
ground. The roof covering of the spires shall be as
(2.3) Masonry Chimneys for Medium-Heat
required for the main room of the rest of the
Appliances. Masonry chimneys for medium-heat
structure. Skeleton towers used as radio masts,
appliances shall be constructed of solid masonry
neon signs, or advertisement frames and placed on
units of reinforced concrete not less than 200
the roof of any building shall be constructed entirely
millimeters thick, Except, that stone masonry shall
of incombustible materials when more than 7.50
be not less than 300 millimeters thick and, in
meters in height, and shall be directly supported on
addition shall be lined with not less than 100
an incombustible framework to the ground. No such
millimeters of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay
skeleton towers shall be supported on roofs of
mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints,
combustible framings. They shall be designed to
starting not less than 600 millimeters below the
withstand a wind load from any direction in addition
chimney connector entrance. Chimneys extending
to any other loads.
7.50 meters or less above the chimney connector
SECTION 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and shall be lined to the top.
Barbecues
(2.4) Masonry Chimneys for High-Heat Appliances.
(a) Chimneys Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliances shall be
constructed with double walls of solid masonry units
(1) Structural Design. Chimneys shall be designed,
or reinforced concrete not less than 200 millimeters
anchored, supported, reinforced, constructed, and
in thickness, with an air space of not less than 50
installed in accordance with generally accepted
millimeters between walls. The inside of the interior
principles of engineering. Every chimney shall be
walls shall be of firebrick not less than 100
capable of producing a draft at the appliance not
millimeters in thickness laid in a solid bed of fire clay
less than that required for the safe operation of the
mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints.
appliance connected thereto. No chimney shall
support any structural load other than its own (2.5) Masonry Chimneys for incinerators installed in
weight unless it is designed to act as a supporting Multi-Storey Buildings (Apartment-Type
member. Chimneys in a wood-framed building shall Incinerators). Chimneys for incinerators installed in
be anchored laterally at the ceiling line and at each multi-storey buildings using the chimney
floor line which is more than 1.80 meters above passageway as a refuse chute where the horizontal
grade, except when entirely within the framework or grate area of combustion chamber does not exceed
when designed to be free standing. 0.80 square meter shall have walls of solid masonry
or reinforced concrete, not less than 100 millimeters
(2) Walls. Every masonry chimney shall have walls
thick with a chimney lining as specified in this Code.
of masonry units, bricks, stones, listed masonry
If the grate area of such an incinerator exceeds 0.80
chimney units, reinforced concrete or equivalent
square, meter, the walls shall not be less than 100
solid thickness of hollow masonry and lined with
millimeters of firebrick except that higher than 9.00
suitable liners in accordance with the following
meters above the roof of the combustion chamber,
requirements:
common brick alone 200 millimeters in thickness
(2.1) Masonry Chimneys for Residential Type may be used.
Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed
(2.6) Masonry Chimneys for Commercial and
of masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls
Industrial Type Incinerators.
not less than 100 millimeters thick; or of rubble
stone masonry not less than 300 millimeters thick. Masonry chimneys for commercial and industrial
The chimney liner shall be in accordance with this type incinerators of a size designed for not more
Code. than 110 kilograms of refuse per hour and having a
horizontal grate area not exceeding 0.50 square
(2.2) Masonry Chimneys for Low Heat Appliances.
meter shall have walls of solid masonry or reinforced
Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry
concrete not less than 100 millimeters thick with
units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than
lining of not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick,
200 millimeters thick: Except, that rubble stone
which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00
masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick.
meters above the roof of the combustion chamber.
If the design capacity of grate area of such an
incinerator exceeds 110 kilograms per hour and 0.80 (10) Clearance. Combustible materials shall not be
square meter respectively, walls shall not be less placed within 50 millimeters of smoke chamber or
than 200 millimeters thick, lined with not les than masonry chimney walls when built within a
100 millimeters of firebrick extending the full height structure, or within 25 millimeters when the chimney
of the chimney. is built entirely outside the structure.

(3) Linings. Fire clay chimney lining shall not be less (11) Termination. An incinerator chimney shall
than 15 millimeters thick. The lining shall extend terminate in a substantially constructed spark
from 200 millimeters below the lowest inlet or, in the arrester having a mesh not exceeding 20
case of fireplace, from the throat of the fireplace to millimeters.
a point above enclosing masonry walls. Fire clay
(12) Cleanouts. Cleanout openings shall be provided
chimney linings shall be installed ahead of the
at the base of every masonry chimney.
construction of the chimney as it is carried up,
carefully bedded one on the other in fire clay mortar, (b) Fireplaces and Barbecues
with close-fitting joints left smooth on the inside.
Firebrick not less than 500 millimeters thick may be Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers, and
used in place of fire clay chimney. fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or
reinforced concrete and shall conform to the
(4) Area. No chimney passageway shall be smaller minimum requirements specified in this Code.
in area than the vent connection of the appliance
attached thereto. (1) Fireplace Walls. Walls of fireplaces shall not be
less than 200 millimeters in thickness. Walls of
(5) Height. Every masonry chimney shall extend at fireboxes shall not be less than 250 millimeters in
least 600 millimeters above the part of the roof thickness: Except, that where a lining of firebrick is
through which it passes and at least 600 millimeters used, such walls shall not be less than 200
above the highest elevation of any part of a building millimeters in thickness. The firebox shall not be less
within 3.00 meters to the chimney. than 500 millimeters in depth. The maximum
thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 10 millimeters.
(6) Corbeling. No masonry chimney shall be
corbeled from a wall more than 150 millimeters nor (2) Hoods. Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace
shall a masonry chimney be corbelled from a wall or barbecue shall be not less than No. 18 gauge
which is less than 300 millimeters in thickness unless copper, galvanized iron, or other equivalent
it projects equally on each side of the wall. In the corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all seams and
second storey of a two-storey building of Group A connections of smokeproof unsoldered construction.
Occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees
exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the wall or les from the vertical and shall extend horizontally
thickness. In every case the corbeling shall not at least 150 millimeters beyond the limits of the
exceed 25 millimeters projection for each course of firebox. Metal hoods shall be kept a minimum of 400
brick. millimeters from combustible materials.
(7) Change in size or Shape. No change in the size (3) Circulators. Approved metal heat circulators may
or shape of a masonry chimney shall be made within be installed in fireplaces.
a distance of 150 millimeters above or below the
roof joints or rafters where the chimney passes (4) Smoke Chamber. Front and side walls shall not
through the roof. be less than 200 millimeters in thickness. Smoke
chamber back walls shall not be less than 150
(8) Separation. When more than one passageway is millimeters in thickness.
contained in the same chimney, masonry separation
at least 100 millimeters thick bonded into the (5) Fireplace Chimneys. Walls of chimneys without
masonry wall of the chimney shall be provided to flue lining shall not be less than 200 millimeters in
separate passageways. thickness. Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall
not be less than 100 millimeters in thickness and
(9) Inlets. Every inlet to any masonry chimney shall shall be constructed in accordance with the
enter the side thereof and shall be of not less than requirements of this Code.
3 millimeters thick metal or 16 millimeters refractory
material. (6) Clearance to Combustible Materials. Combustible
materials shall not be placed within 50 millimeters
of fireplace, smoke chamber, or chimney walls when rooms are more than 30.00 meters from the nearest
built entirely within a structure, or within 25 safe fire dispersal area of the building or opening to
millimeters when the chimney is built entirely an exit court or street.
outside the structure. Combustible materials shall
(3) In all rooms used for storage or handling of
not be placed within 150 millimeters of the fireplace
photographic x-ray nitrocellulose films and other
opening. No such combustible material within 300
inflammable articles.
millimeters of the fireplace opening shall project
more than 3 millimeters for each 25 millimeters (b) Dry Standpipes – Every building four or more
clearance from such opening. No part of metal storeys in height shall be equipped with one or more
hoods used as part of a fireplace, barbecue or dry standpipes.
heating stoves shall be less than 400 millimeters
from combustible material. This clearance may be (1) Construction and Tests – Dry standpipes shall be
reduced to the minimum requirements set forth in of wrought iron or galvanized steel and together
this Code. with fittings and connections shall be of sufficient
strength to withstand 20 kilograms per square
(7) Area of Flues, Throats, and Dampers. The net centimeter of water pressure when ready for
cross-sectional area of the flue and of the throat service, without leaking at the joints, valves, or
between the firebox and the smoke chamber of a fittings. Tests shall be conducted by the owner or
fireplace shall not be less than the requirements to the building contractor in the presence of a
be set forth by the Secretary. Where dampers are representative of the Building Official whenever
used, they shall be of not less than No. 12 gauge deemed necessary for the purpose of certification of
metal. When fully opened, damper opening shall be its proper function.
not less than ninety percent of the required flue
area. When fully open, damper blades shall not (2) Size – Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to
extend beyond the line of the inner face of the flue. be capable of delivering 900 liters or water per
minute from each of any three outlets
(8) Lintel – Masonry over the fireplace opening shall simultaneously under the pressure created by one
be supported by a non-combustible lintel. fire engine or pumper based on the standard
equipment available.
(9) Hearth – Every fireplace shall be provided with a
brick, concrete, stone, or other approved (3) Number Required – Every building four or more
noncombustible hearth slab at least 300 millimeters storeys in height where the area of any floor above
wider on each side then the fireplace opening and the third floor is 950 square meters or less, shall be
projecting at least 450 millimeters therefrom. This equipped with at least one dry standpipe and an
slab shall not be less than 100 millimeters thick and additional standpipe shall be installed for each
shall be supported by a noncombustible material or additional 950 square meters or fraction thereof.
reinforced to carry its own weight and all imposed
loads. (4) Location – Standpipes shall be located within
enclosed stairway landings or near such stairways
SECTION 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems as possible or immediately inside of an exterior wall
and within 300 millimeters of an opening in a
(a) Fire-Extinguishing Systems – Where required,
stairway enclosure of the balcony or vestibule of a
standard automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall
smokeproof tower or an outside exit stairway.
be installed in the following places, and in the
manner provided in this Code. (5) Siamese Connections – Subject to the provisions
of subparagraph (2) all 100 millimeters dry
(1) In every storey, basement or cellar with an area
standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way
of 200 square meters or more which is used for
Siamese fire department connection. All 125
habitation, recreation, dining, study, or work, and
millimeters dry standpipes shall be equipped with a
which has an occupant load of more than 20.
three-way Siamese fire department connection and
(2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, 150 millimeters dry standpipes shall be equipped
workshops or factories, and other rooms with an with a four-way Siamese fire department
occupant load of more than 10 or assembly halls connections. All Siamese inlet connections shall be
under Group H and I occupancies with occupant located on a street-front of the building and not less
load of more than 500, and if the next doors of said than 300 millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters
above the grade and shall be equipped with a (3) Number required – The number of wet
clapper-checks and substantial plugs. All Siamese standpipes when required in this Code shall be so
inlet connections shall be recessed in the wall or determined that all portions of the building are
otherwise substantially protected. within 6.00 meters of a nozzle attached to a hose
23.00 meters in length.
(6) Outlets – All dry standpipes shall extend from
the ground floor to and over the roof and shall be (4) Location – In Group H and I Occupancies, outlets
equipped with a 63 millimeters outlet nor more than shall be located as follows: one on each side of the
1.20 meters above the floor level at each storey. All stage, one at the rear of the auditorium, and one at
dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way 63 the rear of the balcony. Where occupant loads are
millimeters outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be less than 500 the above requirements may be
equipped with gate valves. waived: Provided, that portable fire-extinguishers of
appropriate capacity and type are installed within
(7) Signs – An iron or bronze sign with raised letters
easy access from the said locations. In Group B, C,
at least 25 millimeters high shall be rigidly attached
D, E, F and G Occupancies, the location of all interior
to the building adjacent to all Siamese connections
wet standpipes shall be in accordance with the
and such signs shall read:
requirement for dry standpipes: Provided, that at
“CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE”. least one standpipe is installed to cover not more
than 650 square meters.
(c) Wet Standpipes – Every Group H and I
Occupancy of any height, and every Group C (5) Outlets. All interior wet standpipes shall be
Occupancy of two more storeys in height, and every equipped with a 38 millimeter valve in each storey,
Group B, D, E, F and G Occupancy of three or more including the basement or cellar of the building, and
storeys in height and every Group G and E located not less than 300 millimeters nor more than
Occupancy over 1800 square meters in area shall be 1.20 meters above the floor.
equipped with one or more interior wet standpipes
(6) Threads. All those threads used in connection
extending from the cellar or basement into the
with the installation of such standpipes, including
topmost storey: Provided, that Group H buildings
valves and reducing fittings shall be uniform with
having no stage and having a seating capacity of
that prescribed by the Secretary.
less than 500 need not be equipped with interior wet
standpipes. (7) Water Supply. All interior wet standpipes shall be
connected to a street main not less than 100
(1) Construction – Interior wet standpipes shall be
millimeters in diameter, or when the water pressure
constructed of the same materials as those required
is insufficient, to a water tank of sufficient size as
for dry standpipes.
provided in subparagraph (8). When more than one
(2) Size interior wet standpipe is required in the building,
such standpipe shall be connected at their bases or
(2.1) Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal at their tops by pipes of equal size.
diameter sufficient to deliver 190 liters of water per
minute under 2.0 kilograms per square centimeter (8) Pressure and Gravity Tanks – Tanks shall have a
pressure at the hose connections. Buildings of Group capacity sufficient to furnish at least 1,500 liters per
H and I Occupancy shall have wet standpipes minute for a period of not less than 10 minutes.
systems capable of delivering the required quantity Such tanks shall be located so as to provide not less
and pressure from any two outlets simultaneously; than 2 kilograms per square centimeter pressure at
for all other occupancies only one outlet need be the topmost base outlet for its entire supply.
figured to be opened at one time. In no case shall Discharge pipes from pressure tanks shall extend 50
the internal diameter of a wet standpipe be less than millimeters into and above the bottom of such tanks.
50 millimeters, except when the standpipe is All tanks shall be tested in place after installation
attached to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. and proved tight at a hydrostatic pressure fifty
percent in excess of the working pressure required.
(2.2) Any approved formula which determine pipe Where such tanks are used for domestic purposes
sizes on a pressure drop basis may be used to the supply pipe for such purposes shall be located
determine pipe size for wet standpipe systems. The at or above the center line of such tanks.
Building Official may require discharge capacity and Incombustible supports shall be provided for all such
pressure tests on completed wet standpipe systems. supply tanks and not less than a 900 millimeters
clearance shall be maintained over the top and standpipes, automatic chemical extinguishers,
under the bottom of all pressure tanks. basement pipe inlets, and the appurtenances
thereto shall meet the approval of the Fire
(9) Fire pumps. Fire pumps shall have a capacity of
Department as to installation and location and shall
not less than 1,000 liters per minute with a pressure
be subject to such periodic tests as it may require.
not less than 2 kilograms per square centimeter at
the topmost hose outlet. SECTION 1213. Stages and Platform

The source of supply for such pump shall be a street (a) Stage Ventilators – There shall be one or more
water main of not less than 100 millimeters diameter ventilators constructed of metal or other
or a well or cistern containing a one-hour supply.
incombustible material near the center and above
Such pumps shall be supplied with an adequate
the highest part of any working stage raised above
source of power and shall be automatic in operation.
the stage roof and having a total ventilation area
(10) Hose and Hose Reels – Each hose outlet of all equal to at least five percent of the floor area within
interior wet standpipes shall be supplied with a hose the stage walls. The entire equipment shall conform
not less than 38 millimeters in diameter. Such hose to the following requirements:
shall be equipped with a suitable brass or bronze
(1) Opening Action – Ventilators shall open by spring
nozzle and shall be not over 23.00 meters in length.
action or force of gravity sufficientto overcome the
An approved standard form of wall hose reel or rack
effects of neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat or
shall be provided for the hose and shall be located
warping of the framework.
so as to make the hose readily accessible at all times
and shall be recessed in the walls or protected by (2) Glass – Glass, if used in ventilators, must be
suitable cabinets. protected against falling on the stage. A wire screen,
if used under the glass, must be so placed that if
(d) Basement Pipe Inlets – Basement pipe inlets
clogged it cannot reduce the required ventilating
shall be installed in the first floor of every store,
area or interfere with the operating mechanism or
warehouse, or factory where there are cellars or
obstruct the distribution of water from the automatic
basements under same: Except, where in such
fire extinguishing systems.
cellars or basements there is installed a fire-
extinguishing system as specified in this Code or (3) Design – Ventilators, penthouses, and
where such cellars or basements are used for supporting framework shall be designed in
banking purposes, safe deposit vaults, or similar accordance with this Code.
uses.
(4) Spring Actuation – Springs, when employed to
(1) Material – All basement pipe inlets shall be of actuate ventilator doors, shall be capable of
cast iron, steel, brass, or bronze with lids of cast maintaining full required tension indefinitely.
brass or bronze and shall consist of a sleeve not less Springs shall not be stressed more than fifty percent
than 200 millimeters in diameter through the floor of their rated capacity and shall not be located
extending to and flush with the ceiling below and directly in the air stream, nor exposed to elements.
with a top flange, recessed with an inside shoulder,
to receive the lid and flush with the finished floor (5) Location of Fusible Links – A fusible link shall be
surface. The lid shall be a solid casting and shall placed in the cable control system on the underside
have a ring lift recessed on the top thereof, so as to of the ventilator at or above the roof line or as
be flushed. The lid shall have the words “FOR FIRE approved by the Building Official, and shall be so
DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO NOT COVER UP” cast on located as not to be affected by the operation of fire-
the top thereof. The lid shall be installed in such a extinguishing systems.
manner as to permit its removal readily from the (6) Control – Remote, manual or electrical control
inlet. shall provide for both opening and closing of the
(2) Location. Basement pipe inlets shall be ventilator doors for periodic testing and shall be
strategically located and kept readily accessible at located at a point on the stage designated by the
all times to the Fire Department. Building Official. When remote control of ventilator
is electrical, power failure shall not affect its instant
(e) Approval – All fire-extinguishing systems, operation in the event of fire. Hand winches may be
including automatic sprinklers, wet and dry
employed to facilitate operation of manually kilograms per square meters. Openings through
controlled ventilators. stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting trap
doors of wood of not less than 50 millimeters
(b) Gridirons –
nominal thickness.
(1) Gridirons fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be
(f) Platforms – The type of construction for
constructed of incombustible materials and fire
platforms shall depend upon the requirements
protection of steel and iron may be omitted.
based on the Type of Occupancy and corresponding
Gridirons and fly galleries shall be designed to
fire-resistive requirements. Enclosed platforms shall
support a live load of not less than 367 kilograms
be provided with one or more ventilators conforming
per square meter. Each loft block well shall be
to the requirements of stage ventilators: Except,
designed to support 373 kilograms per linear meter
that the total area shall be equal to five percent of
and the head block well shall be designed to support
the area of the platform. When more than one
the aggregate weight of all the loft block wells
ventilator is provided, they shall be so spaced as to
served. The head block well must be provided with
provide proper exhaust ventilation. Ventilators shall
an adequate strongback or lateral brace to offset
not be required for enclosed platforms having a floor
torque.
area of 45.00 square meters or less.
(2) The main counterweight sheave beam shall be
(g) Stage Exits – At least one exit not less than 900
designed to support a horizontal and vertical
millimeters wide shall be provided from each side of
uniformly distributed live load sufficient to
the stage opening directly or by means of a
accommodate the weight imposed by the total
passageway not less than 900 millimeters in width
number of loft blocks in the gridiron. The sheave
to a street or exit court. An exit stair not less than
blocks shall be designed to accommodate the
750 millimeters wide shall be provided for egress
maximum load for the loft or head blocks served
from each fly gallery. Each tier of dressing rooms
with a safety factor of five.
shall be provided with at least two means of egress
(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage – In a building having each not less than 750 millimeters wide and all such
a stage, the dressing room sections, workshops, and stairs shall be constructed in accordance with the
storerooms shall be located on the stage side of the requirement specified in this Code. The stairs
proscenium wall and shall be separated from each required in this Sub-section need not be enclosed.
other and from the stage by not less than a One-
SECTION 1214. Motion Picture Projection
Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation.
Rooms
(d) Proscenium Walls – A stage shall be completely
(a) General Requirements – The provisions of this
separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall
Section shall apply only where ribbon type motion
of not less than two-hour incombustible
picture films in excess of 22-millimeter width and
construction. The proscenium wall shall extend not
electric projection equipment are used. Every
less than 1.20 meters above the roof over the
motion picture machine using ribbon type film in
auditorium. Proscenium walls may have, in addition
excess of 22 millimeter width and electric arc
to the main proscenium openings, one opening at
projections equipment, together with all electrical
the orchestra pit level and not more than two
devices, rheostats, machines, and all such films
openings at the stage floor level, each of which shall
present in any Group C, I, or H Occupancy, shall be
be not more than 2.00 square meters in area. All
enclosed in a projection room large enough to
openings in the proscenium wall of stage shall be
permit the operator to walk freely on either side and
protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-
back of the machine.
half-hour fire-resistive rating. The proscenium
opening, which shall be the main opening for (b) Construction – Every projection room shall be of
viewing performances, shall be provided with a self not les than one-hour fire-resistive construction
closing fire-resistive curtain as specified in this Code. throughout and the walls and ceiling shall be
finished with incombustible materials. The ceiling
(e) Stage Floor – The type of construction for stage
shall be not less than 2.40 meters from the finished
floors shall depend upon the requirements based on
floor. The room shall have a floor area of not less
the type of Occupancy and the corresponding fire-
than 7.00 square meters and 3.50 square meters for
resistive requirements. All parts of the stage floor
each additional machine.
shall be designed to support not less than 620
(c) Exit – Every projection room shall have at least (1) Inlet – A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of the
two doorways separated by not less than one-third building not less than 900 square centimeters and
the perimeter of the room, each at least 750 protected with wire netting, shall be installed within
millimeters wide and 2.00 meters high. All entrances 50 millimeters of the floor in every projection room,
to a projection room shall be protected by a self- the source of which shall be remote from other
closing fire assembly having a three-fourths hour outside vents or flues.
fire-resistive rating. Such doors shall open outward
(2) Outlets – Ventilation shall be provided by one or
and lead to proper exits as required in this Code and
more mechanical exhaust systems which shall draw
shall not be equipped with any latch. The maximum
air from each arc lamp housing to out-doors either
width of such door shall be 750 millimeters.
directly or through an incombustible flue used for no
(d) Ports and Openings – Ports in projection room other purpose. Exhaust capacity shall not be less
walls shall be of three kinds: projection ports; than 0.50 cubic meter nor more than 1.40 cubic
observation ports; and combination ports used for meter per minute for each arc lamp plus 5.60 cubic
both observation and for stereopticon, spot or meters for the room itself. Systems shall be
floodlight machines. controlled from within the enclosure and shall have
pilot lights to indicate operation. The exhaust
(1) Ports Required – There shall be provided for
systems serving the projection room may be
each motion picture projector not more than one
extended to cover rooms associated therewith such
projection port, which shall be limited in area to 750
as rewind rooms. No dampers shall be installed in
square centimeters, and not more than one
such exhaust systems. Ventilation of these rooms
observation port, which shall be limited in area to
shall not be connected in any way with ventilating
1,300 square centimeters. There shall be not more
or air-conditioning systems serving other portions of
than three combination ports, each of which shall
the building. Exhaust ducts shall be of incombustible
not exceed 750 millimeters by 600 millimeters. Each
material and shall either be kept 25 millimeters from
port opening shall be completely covered with a
combustible material or covered with 10 millimeters
pane of glass: Except, that when acetate safety film
of incombustible heat-insulating material.
is used, projection ports may be increased in size to
an area not to exceed 4,500 square centimeters. (f) Regulation of Equipment – All shelves, fixtures,
and fixed equipment in a projection room shall be
(2) Shutters – Each port and every other opening in
constructed of incombustible materials. All films not
projection room walls, including, any fresh-air inlets
in actual use shall be stored in metal cabinets having
but excluding exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be
individual compartments for reels or shall be in
provided with a shutter of not less than 2.4
generally accepted shipping containers. No solder
millimeters thick sheet metal or its equivalent large
shall be used in the construction of such cabinets.
enough to overlap at least 25 millimeters on all sides
of such openings. Shutters shall be arranged to slide SECTION 1215. Lathing, Plastering, and
without binding in guides constructed of material Installation of Wall Boards
equal to the shutters in strength and fire-resistance.
The installation of lath, plaster and gypsum wall
Each shutter shall be equipped with a 74- fusible
board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating
link, which when fused by heat will cause closure of
requirements and the type of construction of
the shutter by gravity. Shutters of a size greater
building.
than 1,300 square centimeters shall be equipped
with a counter-balance. There shall also be a fusible
link located over the upper magazine of each
projector, which upon operating, will close all the
shutters. In addition, there shall be provided
suitable means for manually closing all shutters
simultaneously from any projector head and from a
point within the projection room near each exit door.
Shutters on openings not in use shall be kept closed:
Except, that shutters may be omitted when only
acetate safety film is used.

(e) Ventilation –