Cal. Civ. Code § 239
Tower fire-escapes and supplemental stairs
Operative Text
§ 239. Tower fire-escapes and supplemental stairs. In fireproof tenements tower fire-escapes or stairs which are supplemental to the stairs required by law may be installed providing such tower fire-escapes or stairs shall be shut off from all other parts of the dwelling by brick walls or partitions of terra cotta blocks at least four inches thick, or hollow cement blocks at least four inches thick which have successfully withstood a three-hour standard fire test and been approved by the department, and have fireproof doors and assemblies with the doors self-closing at all openings. Whenever such supplementary stairs are provided they shall be constructed in accordance with such supplementary regulations as may be adopted by the department. Such tower fire-escapes or stairs shall not be used as service stairs and shall be kept adequately lighted at all times and free from encumbrance.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 239 permits fireproof tenements to install tower fire-escapes or supplemental stairs beyond what the law otherwise mandates, but only when those structures are enclosed by sufficiently thick fire-resistant walls or partitions and equipped with self-closing fireproof doors at every opening. Any supplementary stairs must be built in compliance with additional regulations the relevant department may adopt. Once installed, these features must remain continuously lit, kept clear of obstructions, and may not be repurposed as service stairs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 239, operators of fireproof tenements who choose to install tower fire-escapes or supplemental stairs generally ensure that the enclosing walls or partitions meet the specified material and thickness requirements—brick, approved hollow cement block, or terra cotta at least four inches thick with a passed three-hour fire test—and that all openings are fitted with self-closing fireproof door assemblies. Compliant operators also follow any supplementary construction regulations the department has adopted for such stairs. Ongoing maintenance obligations under § 239 include keeping these structures free of encumbrances and adequately lit at all times, and ensuring they are never used as service stairs.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 239 establishes that tower fire-escapes and supplemental stairs in fireproof tenements must be properly enclosed, equipped with self-closing fireproof doors, kept lit, and free from obstruction at all times. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to conflict with these requirements—such as blocked passageways, inadequate lighting, or damaged door assemblies—may report concerns to the New York City Department of Buildings or the relevant local housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how § 239 conditions relate to broader housing maintenance obligations and what complaint or enforcement avenues may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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