503.2.4 Buildings set back from street.

Where the main front entrance to a building is set back more than 40 feet (12 192 mm) from the curb line, a fire apparatus access road with the unobstructed roadway width required by FC 503.2.3 shall be provided to the frontage space of the building, except as otherwise provided in FC 503.2.4.1 through 503.2.4.3.

503.2.4.1 Group R-3 occupancies set back 100 feet or less.

Editor's note: this section has been amended by L.L. 2024/127, 12/18/2024, eff. 6/16/2025.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 40 feet (12192 mm) but not more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) may be designed and constructed in compliance with the requirements of the Building Code for driveways where:

   1.   The driveway is designed and is used exclusively to provide access only to a single Group R-3 building, and to no other buildings; and

   2.   The height of the Group R-3 building does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the grade plane (with the terms "building height" and "grade plane" having the meanings set forth in Section BC 502.1 of the Building Code); and

   3.   The driveway provides access to the frontage space of each occupancy, except as otherwise provided in FC 504.1.2; and

   4.   The dwelling units are equipped with interconnected smoke alarms, in accordance with Section 907.2.10* of the Building Code.

* Editor's note: correct reference should be Section 907.2.11 of the Building Code.

503.2.4.2 Group R-3 occupancies set back more than 100-150 feet.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) but not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) shall be designed and constructed with an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in accordance with FC 503.2.2 where:

   1.   The fire apparatus access road is designed and is used exclusively to provide access only to a single Group R-3 building, and to no other buildings; and

   2.   The height of the Group R-3 building does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the grade plane (with the terms "building height" and "grade plane" having the meanings set forth in Section 502.1 of the Building Code); and

   3.   The fire apparatus access road provides access to the frontage space of each occupancy, except as otherwise provided in FC 504.1.2; and

   4.   The dwelling units are equipped with interconnected smoke alarms, in accordance with Section 907.2.10* of the Building Code; and

* Editor's note: correct reference should be Section 907.2.11 of the Building Code.

   5.   The dwelling units are protected throughout by a sprinkler system; and

   6.   At least two off-street parking spaces for a one-family dwelling, and at least three such spaces for a two-family dwelling are provided on the premises separate from the fire apparatus access road; and

   7.   Parking is prohibited on the fire apparatus access road, and a "No Parking" sign conforming to the requirements of FC 503.2.7.2 is conspicuously posted at the entrance to the access road.

503.2.4.3 Group R-3 occupancies set back more than 150 feet.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 150 feet (45720 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) shall be designed and constructed in compliance with FC 503.2.2, except as approved by the commissioner and subject to such conditions as the commissioner may require.

503.2.5 Obstruction.

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner that impedes vehicular access, except for lawful parking and approved traffic calming devices. The minimum widths and clearances required by FC 503.2.3 shall be maintained at all times, except with prior department approval.

503.2.5.1. Traffic calming device signage.

Traffic calming devices shall be identified by approved signage or roadway markings.

503.2.6 Secondary fire apparatus access.

The commissioner may require more than one fire apparatus access road to one or more buildings where fire apparatus access is impeded to or on the primary access road as a result of substandard width public streets, substandard width fire apparatus access roads, traffic patterns, traffic calming devices, railroad crossings, and other conditions that would significantly delay an emergency response.