Chapter 1 Administration

Chapter 2 Definitions

201 General
202 Definitions

Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas; Separation of Occupancies

Chapter 6 Types of Construction

Chapter 7 Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction

Chapter 8 Interior Finishes

Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems

Chapter 10 Means of Egress

Chapter 11 Accessibility

Chapter 12 Interior Environment

Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency

Chapter 14 Exterior Walls

Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures

Chapter 16 Structural Design

Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Special Inspections

Chapter 18 Soils and Foundations

Chapter 19 Concrete

Chapter 20 Aluminum

Chapter 21 Masonry

Chapter 22 Steel

Chapter 23 Wood

Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing

Chapter 25 Gypsum Board and Plaster

Chapter 26 Plastic

Chapter 27 Electrical

Chapter 28 Mechanical Systems

Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems

Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems

Chapter 31 Special Construction

Chapter 32 Encroachments Into the Public Right-Of-Way

Chapter 33 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition

Chapter 34 Reserved

Chapter 35 Referenced Standards [PDF]

Appendix A Reserved

Appendix B Reserved

Appendix C Reserved

Appendix D Fire Districts

Appendix E Supplementary Accessibility Requirements

Appendix F Rodent Proofing

Appendix G Flood-Resistant Construction

Appendix H Outdoor Signs

Appendix I Reserved

Appendix J Reserved

Appendix K Modified Industry Standards for Elevators and Conveying Systems

Appendix L Reserved

Appendix M Supplementary Requirements for One- And Two-Family Dwellings

Appendix O Reserved

Appendix N Assistive Listening Systems Performance Standards

Appendix P R-2 Occupancy Toilet and Bathing Facilities Requirements

Appendix Q Modified National Standards for Automatic Sprinkler, Standpipe, and Fire Alarm Systems

Appendix R Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panel Ceiling Suspension Systems

Chapter 2 Definitions

Section 201 General

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201.1 Scope

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.

201.2 Interchangeability

Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.

201.3 Terms Defined in Other Codes

Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the New York City Fuel Gas Code, New York City Fire Code, New York City Mechanical Code, New York City Electrical Code or New York City Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.

201.4 Terms Not Defined

Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

Section 202 Definitions

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*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 99 of 2013. This law has an effective date of November 19, 2013.

ACCESSIBLE. See Section 1102.1.
ADDITION. An alteration of a building in existence that increases its exterior dimensions including but not limited to an extension or increase in floor area or height (including an increase in height or area resulting from the construction of a rooftop structure for mechanical equipment) of the building. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. The Administrative Code of the City of New York.
Level 1 aerosol products. See Section 307.2.
Level 2 aerosol products. See Section 307.2.
Level 3 aerosol products. See Section 307.2.
AGRICULTURAL, BUILDING. A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.
ALLEY. See "Public way."
ALTERATION. Any construction, addition, change of use or occupancy, or renovation to a building or structure in existence. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
ALTERNATE LOAD PATH. See Section 1624.1.
ALTERNATE LOAD PATH METHOD. See Section 1624.1.
ANCHORED MASONRY VENEER. See Section 1402.1.
APPROVED. Acceptable to the commissioner. In reference to construction documents, the determination by the department after full examination that submitted construction documents comply with this code and other applicable laws and rules. In reference to materials, the determination by the commissioner that material is acceptable for its intended use. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized agency, or other qualified person, regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when approved pursuant to department rules as qualified to perform or witness identified testing or inspection services. See Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.
APPROVED INSPECTION AGENCY. An approved agency that is approved by the department as qualified to perform one or more of the inspections required by this code. See Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY. An approved agency that is approved by the department as qualified to test and evaluate the performance of one or more of the materials regulated in their use by this code. Such term shall include, when approved pursuant to department rules, a third party testing or certification agency, evaluation agency, testing laboratory, testing service or other entity concerned with product evaluation. See Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.
ARCHITECT. A person licensed and registered to practice the profession of architecture under the Education Law of the state of New York.
AREA. See Section 2102.1.
ARTICULATING BOOM CRANE. See Section 3302.1.
ASPECT RATIO. See Sections 1624.1.
ATTIC. The space between the ceiling beams of the top story and the roof rafters.
AWNING. An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight, rigid skeleton structure over which a covering is attached.
BASE (MOUNTING). See Section 3302.1.
Bearing wall system. See Section 1602.1.
Building frame system. See Section 1602.1.
Moment-resisting frame system. See Section 1602.1.
Shear wall-frame interactive system. See Section 1602.1.
BASEMENT. A story partly below the grade plane and having less than one-half its clear height (measured from finished floor to finished ceiling) below the grade plane (see "Story", "Story above grade plane" in Section 502.1).
BASEMENT (FOR FLOOD ZONE PURPOSES). See Section G201.2.
BEARER (PUTLOG). See Section 3302.1.
Medium hard rock (Class 1b). See Section 1804.2.1.
Soft rock (Class 1d). See Section 1804.2.1.
BLEACHERS. See Section 1002.1.
BOARDER (ROOMER, LODGER). See Section 310.2.
BRACED WALL LINE. See Section 2302.1.
BRACED WALL PANEL. See Section 2302.1.
BRITTLE. See Section 1613.1.
BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term shall be construed as if followed by the phrase "structure, premises, lot or part thereof" unless otherwise indicated by the text. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative code.
BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES, FLEXIBLE. See Section 1609.2.
BUILDING LINE. The line established by law, beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
BUILDING, SIMPLE DIAPHRAGM. See Section 1609.2.
CABARET. Any room, place or space in which any musical entertainment, singing, dancing or other similar amusement is permitted in connection with an eating and drinking establishment.
CABLE-RESTRAINED, AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE. See Section 3102.2.
CANOPY. An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is supported by the building to which it is attached and at the outer end by not less than one stanchion. A canopy is comprised of a rigid structure over which a covering is attached.
CANTILEVERED COLUMN SYSTEM. See Section 1602.1.
CERTIFICATE OF ON-SITE INSPECTION. See Section 3302.1.
CIRCULATION PATH. See Section 1102.1.
CITY. City of New York.
CLADDING. See "Components and cladding."
Hard (Class 4a). See Section 1804.2.1.
Stiff (Class 4b). See Section 1804.2.1.
Medium (Class 4c). See Section 1804.2.1.
Soft (Class 4d). See Section 1804.2.1.
CLEAN AGENT. See Section 902.1.
COLLECTOR. See Sections 1613.1 and 2302.1.
COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of Buildings of the City of New York or his or her duly authorized representative. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY. See Section 2102.1.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Plans and specifications and other written, graphic and pictorial documents, prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of the project necessary for obtaining a building permit. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL. A self-compacted, cementitious material used primarily as a backfill in place of compacted fill.
CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME WOOD CONSTRUCTION. See Section 2302.1.
CORROSION RESISTANCE. The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment.
COURT. An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to the sky, bounded on three or more sides by exterior building walls or other enclosing devices.
COVERED MALL BUILDING. See Section 402.2.
DEFORMED REINFORCEMENT. See Section 1902.1.
DEPARTMENT. Department of Buildings of the City of New York.
DESIGN STRENGTH. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
DIAPHRAGM. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
Specified. See Section 2102.1.
DISPLACEMENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM. See Section 1613.1
DRAG STRUT. See "Collector" at Section 2302.1.
DWELLING. A building or structure which is occupied in whole or in part as the home, residence or sleeping place of one or more families.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE. A dwelling which is either rented, leased, let or hired out, to be occupied, or is occupied, as the residence or home of three or more families living independently of each other. A multiple dwelling does not include a building used for occupancies in Groups I-2, I-3 or I-4.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY. Any building or structure designed and occupied exclusively for residence purposes on a long-term basis for more than a month at a time by not more than one family. One-family dwellings shall also be deemed to include a dwelling located in a series of one-family dwellings each of which faces or is accessible to a legal street or public thoroughfare, provided that each such dwelling unit is equipped as a separate dwelling unit with all essential services, and also provided that each such unit is arranged so that it may be approved as a legal one-family dwelling.
See Sections 310.2 and M102.1.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. Any building or structure designed and occupied exclusively for residence purposes on a long-term basis for more than a month at a time by not more than two families. Two-family dwellings shall also be deemed to include a dwelling located in a series of two-family dwellings each of which faces or is accessible to a legal street or public thoroughfare, provided that each such dwelling is equipped as a separate dwelling with all essential services, and also provided that each such dwelling is arranged so that it may be approved as a legal two-family dwelling.
See Sections 310.2 and M102.1.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit consisting of one or more habitable rooms and occupied or arranged to be occupied as a unit separate from all other units within a dwelling. See Section 310.2.
DWELLING UNIT (ACCESSIBILITY). See Section 1102.1.
ELEMENT. See Sections 1602.1 and 1624.1.
ENGINEER. A person licensed and registered to practice the profession of engineering under the Education Law of the State of New York.
EXISTING STRUCTURE. (i) A building or structure in existence prior to the effective date of this code or one for which a lawful building permit was issued for the erection of such building or structure prior to the effective date of this code. (ii) A building or structure erected in accordance with the 1968 building code under a lawful building permit issued for the erection of such building or structure after the effective date of this code in accordance with section 28-101.4.2 of the Administrative Code. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
EXISTING STRUCTURE (FOR FLOOD ZONE PURPOSES). See Section G201.2.
EXPANDED VINYL WALL COVERING. See Section 802.1.
EXPLOSION. An effect produced by the sudden violent expansion of gases, that is accompanied by a shockwave or disruption of enclosing materials or structures, or both.
EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. See Section 1402.1.
EXTERIOR WALL ENVELOPE. See Section 1402.1.
FABRICATED ITEM. Products and assemblies regulated by this code, that are custom manufactured, or built prior to their incorporation into the work at the job site. Fabricated items shall not include listed, labeled or approved products or assemblies. See Section 1702.1.
FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC. See Section 902.1.
FIRE EXIT HARDWARE. See Section 1002.1.
FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM. See Section 702.1.
FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. See Section 307.2.
FLUE LINER (LINING). See Section 2102.1.
GRADE (LUMBER). See Section 2302.1.
Dense (Class 3a). See Section 1804.2.1.
Medium (Class 3b). See Section 1804.2.1.
Loose (Class 6). See Section 1804.2.1.
GREENROOF. See Section 1502.1.
Grouted hollow-unit masonry. See Section 2102.1.
GUARD. See Sections 1002.1 and 1602.1.
GUY. See Section 3302.1.
GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER. See Section 2502.1.
HEADER (Bonder). See Section 2102.1.
HEIGHT, STORY. See Section 502.1.
HEIGHT, WALLS. See Section 2102.1.
HEREAFTER. On or after the effective date of this code.
HERETOFORE. Before the effective date of this code.
HIGH-PRESSURE BOILER. See Section 28-401.3.
INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH. See Section 802.1.
JIB. See Section 3302.1.
JUMP (JUMPING). See Section 3302.1.
LAY. See Section 3302.1.
LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type of construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or light gage steel framing members.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS. See Section 2602.1.
LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOMS. See Section 415.2.
LISTED. See Section 902.1 and Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
LOAD (WORKING). See Section 3302.1.
LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN (LRFD). See Section 1602.1.
LOT. A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
LOT LINE. A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.
LOWER LOAD BLOCK. See Section 3302.1.
MARK. See Section 1702.1.
MARQUEE. A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT. See Section 3302.1.
MEMBRANE-COVERED FRAME STRUCTURE. See Section 3102.2.
NONRESIDENTIAL (FOR FLOOD ZONE PURPOSES). See Section G201.2.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 96 of 2013. This law has an effective date of January 4, 2014.

NOTATIONS. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
OCCUPANCY. The purpose or activity for which a building or space is used or is designed, arranged or intended to be used..
OCCUPANT SENSOR. A device that detects the presence or absence of people within an area and causes lighting, equipment, or appliances to be regulated accordingly.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 47 of 2010. This law has an effective date of January 1, 2011.

ORDINARY REPAIRS. See Section 28-105.4.2.1.
OTHER STRUCTURES. See Section 1602.1.
OUTRIGGER BEAM (THRUSTOUT). See Section 3302.1.
OWNER. Any person, agent, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity having a legal or equitable interest in, or control of the premises.
OXIDIZING GAS. See Section 307.2.
PANEL (PART OF A STRUCTURE). See Section 1602.1.
*PATIENT CARE AREA (FOR FLOOD ZONE PURPOSES). See Section G201.2.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 95 of 2013. This law has an effective date of November 19, 2013.

PERFORATED SHEAR WALL SEGMENT. See Section 2302.1.
PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued by the commissioner that authorizes performance of specified work or activity.
PERSON. An individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity.
*PHOTOSENSOR. A device that detects the presence of visible light.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 47 of 2010. This law has an effective date of January 1, 2011.

Compacted Concrete Piles. See Section 1808.1.
Enlarged base piles. See Section 1808.1.
PINRAIL. See Section 410.2.
PLATFORM. See Sections 410.2 and 3302.1.
PREMISES. Land, improvements thereon, or any part thereof.
PRIMARY STRUCTURE. See Sections 1627.5.
PROJECTING SIGN. See Sections 3201.8 and H102.1.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL OF RECORD. The registered design professional who prepared or supervised the preparation of applicable construction documents filed with the department.
REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.
REQUIRED. Required by this code.
REQUIRED STRENGTH. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
RESIDENTIAL (FOR FLOOD ZONE PURPOSES). See Section G201.2.
Dense (Class 2a). See Section 1804.2.1.
Medium (Class 2b). See Section 1804.2.1.
Loose (Class 6). See Section 1804.2.1.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 99 of 2013. This law has an effective date of November 19, 2013.

SHEAR WALL. See Sections 1602.1, 1613.1 and 2102.1 and 2302.1.
Intermediate pre-stressed masonry shear wall. See Section 2102.1.
Ordinary plain pre-stressed masonry shear wall. See Section 2102.1.
Perforated shear wall segment. See Section 2302.1.
Type II shear wall segment. See Section 2202.1.
SHEAR WALL-FRAME INTERACTIVE SYSTEM. See Section 1613.1.
SIGN. See Sections 3201.8 and H102.1.
SILTS AND CLAY SLITS. See Section 1804.2.1.
Dense (Class 5a). See Section 1804.2.1.
Medium (Class 5b). See Section 1804.2.1.
Loose (Class 6). See Section 1804.2.1.
SKYLIGHT, UNIT. A factory-assembled, glazed fenestration unit, containing one panel of glazing material that allows for natural lighting through an opening in the roof assembly while preserving the weather-resistant barrier of the roof.
SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Glazing material in skylights, including unit skylights, solariums, sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls, are included in this definition.
SLEEPING UNIT (ACCESSIBILITY). See Section 1102.1.
SMOKE. See Section 909.1.1.
SPECIAL INSPECTOR. An individual having required qualifications and authorized by the department to perform or witness particular special inspections required by this code or by the rules of the department, including but not limited to a qualified registered design professional so authorized. See Section 1702.1 and Chapter 1 of title 28 of the Administrative Code.
SPECIFIED. See Section 2102.1.
START OF CONSTRUCTION. See Section G201.2.
STEEL CONSTRUCTION, COLD-FORMED. See Section 2202.1.
STEEP SLOPE. A roof slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope).
STORY. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above (also see "Basement," "Mezzanine" and Section 502.1). It is measured as the vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, except that a basement shall also be considered a story above grade plane (also see "Basement' and "Story"). See Section 502.1.
STREET FLOOR. A floor, usually the principal entrance floor, that is not more than one-half story above or below grade at the location from which egress is provided to the street.
STRENGTH, NOMINAL. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
STRENGTH, REQUIRED. See Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1.
STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, including among others: buildings, stadia, tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, tanks, trestles, open sheds, shelters, fences, and display signs. See Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
*SUN CONTROL DEVICE. An architectural projection that provides protection against solar radiation entering a building through glazed areas and is supported by the building to which it is attached. Sun control device includes, but is not limited to, a fixed, retractable or rotating sun control device. A fixed sun control device has no moving parts and is typically composed of horizontal overhangs or vertical fins. A retractable sun control device extends or retracts, and in the extended position casts a shadow on designated portions of the building. A rotating sun control device may be of fixed or adjustable length and pivots at its base. Sun control device shall not include awnings and canopies.

*Section BC 202 was amended by: Local Law 23 of 2012. This law has an effective date of July 1, 2012.

THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. See Section 702.1.
TIE-DOWN (HOLD-DOWN). See Section 2302.1.
TIE, WALL. See Section 2102.1.
TILE, STRUCTURAL CLAY. See Section 2102.1.
USE (USED). The purpose for which a building, structure, or space is occupied or utilized, unless otherwise indicated by the text. Use (used) shall be construed as if followed by the words "or is intended, arranged, or designed to be used."
VAPOR RETARDER. A vapor-resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic sheeting or insulation facing having a permeance rating of 1 perm (5.7 × 10-11 kg/Pa · s · m2) or less, when tested in accordance with the dessicant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96. Vapor retarders limit the amount of moisture vapor that passes through a material or wall assembly.
VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.
WALKWAY, PEDESTRIAN. A walkway used exclusively as a pedestrian trafficway.
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded wall. See Section 2102.1.
Masonry-bonded hollow wall. See Section 2102.1.
WALL, LOAD-BEARING. See Section 1602.1.
WEB. See Section 2102.1.
WHEEL MOUNTED CRANE (MULTIPLE CONTROL STATIONS). See Section 3302.1.
WHEEL MOUNTED CRANE (SINGLE CONTROL STATION). See Section 3302.1.
WORK NOT CONSTITUTING MINOR ALTERATIONS OR ORDINARY REPAIRS. See Section 28-105.4.2.1.
YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by
this code, on the lot on which a building is situated.
ZONING RESOLUTION. See Section 28-101.5.
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