With respect to rooftop access and obstructions, is it the intent of FC504.4.2(1) that the roofs of bulkheads and penthouses be provided with perimeter access and clear paths just as the main roof?
Generally, no. A roof of a bulkhead or penthouse that is not accessible from the frontage space of the building or any other exposure accessible to fire apparatus access (i.e., where the roof is set well back from the perimeter of the building) generally need not comply with the requirements of FC504.4. However, there may be instances where the location and/or size of the bulkhead or penthouse are such that its roof will be treated as a separate rooftop. For example, where the bulkhead or penthouse roof is located at the perimeter of an accessible building exposure and/or occupies a substantial portion of the building rooftop, compliance will be required. The Fire Department often vents stairways and buildings from bulkhead and penthouse roofs, using portable ladders to gain access, and building owners are encouraged to maintain reasonable access for such firefighting operations even if not required by FC504.4.
Related Questions
- With respect to rooftop access and obstructions, if a building has indented light courts along the building façade accessible to fire apparatus, are the light courts counted in the perimeter distance?
- With respect to rooftop access and obstructions, is it the intent of FC504.4.2(1) that the roofs of bulkheads and penthouses be provided with perimeter access and clear paths just as the main roof?
- With respect to rooftop access and obstructions, can the clear path required by FC504.4.2(1) twist and turn if need be?
