410.2.2 Definitions specific to this section.

The following term shall, for the purposes of this section, have the meaning shown herein:

   PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round stages; and similar purposes wherein, other than horizontal sliding curtains, there are no overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not more than 30 days.

410.3 Stages.

Stage construction shall comply with Sections 410.3.1 through 410.3.7.

410.3.1 Stage construction.

Stage floors shall be constructed of materials as required for floors for the type of construction of the building in which such stages are located. Where areas below the stage are used for other occupancies, such stage floor shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for separated occupancies as per Chapter 5.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Stages of Type IIB or IV construction with a nominal 2-inch (51 mm) wood deck, provided that the stage is separated from other areas in accordance with Section 410.3.4.

      2.   In all types of construction, the finished floor shall be constructed of wood or approved noncombustible materials. Openings through stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting, solid wood trap doors with approved safety locks. The room or space below the stage into which the traps or lifts open shall be completely enclosed by construction having at least the fire-resistance rating required for the stage floor, and such room or space shall not be used as a workshop or storage area. Storage shall not be deemed to include the location in this area of scenery or scenic elements used during a performance. However, no combustible material that has a flame spread rating greater than 25 or that has not been rendered flameproof in accordance with the rules of the Fire Commissioner may be stored in this location at any time.

410.3.1.1 Stage height and area.

Stage areas shall be measured to include the entire performance area and adjacent backstage and support areas not separated from the performance area by fire-resistance-rated construction. Stage height shall be measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above the stage.

410.3.2 Technical production areas: g alleries, gridirons, catwalks and pinrails.

Beams designed only for the attachment of portable or fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries and catwalks shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Floors of fly galleries and catwalks shall be constructed of noncombustible material. These areas shall not be considered to be floors, stories, mezzanines or levels in applying this code.

410.3.3 Exterior stage doors.

Where protection of openings is required, exterior exit doors shall be protected with fire door assemblies that comply with Section 716. Exterior openings that are located on the stage for means of egress or loading and unloading purposes, and that are likely to be open during occupancy of the theater, shall be constructed with vestibules to prevent air drafts into the auditorium.

410.3.4 Proscenium wall.

Where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), all portions of the stage shall be completely separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating extending continuously from the foundation to the roof.

410.3.5 Proscenium curtain.

Where a proscenium wall is required to have a fire-resistance rating, the stage opening shall be provided with one of the following:

   1.   A fire curtain complying with NFPA 80; or

   2.   An approved stage water curtain and sprinklers complying with Section 410.7 and Section 903.3.1.1 of this code, and the following:

      2.1.   A deluge valve actuated by a "rate of rise system" and "fixed temperature system" shall control the water curtain system;

      2.2.   The heat actuating devices shall be located on not more than 10-foot (3048 mm) centers around the perimeter of the sprinklered area stage or as otherwise required for the type of device used to assure operation of the system;

      2.3.   In addition to the automatic controls, manual-operating devices shall be located at the voice/alarm communication system required by Section 410.9, and adjacent to at least one exit from the stage. Such exit shall be remote from the voice/alarm communication system;

      2.4.   All valves controlling deluge and sprinkler supplies on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be provided with tamper switches wired to an annunciator panel located at the voice/alarm communication system required by Section 410.9;

      2.5.   The operation of any section of the sprinkler system on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) or the operation of the deluge system shall activate the emergency ventilating equipment required in Section 410.3.7 and shall be provided with central station supervision in addition to the required local alarm; and

      2.6.   The water flow alarm, tamper switches, the sprinkler system on stages where the stage height is greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), and deluge system equipment shall be provided with central station supervision in addition to the required local alarm.

(Am. L.L. 2023/077, 6/11/2023, eff. 6/11/2023)

Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2023/077.