2020 New York State Building Code

The 2020 Building Code of New York State establishes minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs.

This 2020 edition was developed as a derivative work of the 2018 edition of the International Building Code® (IBC®), published by the International Code Council® (ICC®).

The BCNYS addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regard to new and existing buildings, facilities, and systems. This book provides the latest information about all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the Residential Code of New York State® (RCNYS®). The RCNYS is referenced for coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses as defined in the exception to Section 101.2 and the definition for “Townhouse” in Chapter 2. The BCNYS applies to all types of buildings and structures, unless exempted.

Arranged and organized to follow sequential steps that generally occur during a plan review or inspection, the chapters cover such subjects as:

• Special requirements for specific occupancies or elements
• Fire resistance and protection requirements
• Building systems, such as lighting, HVAC, plumbing fixtures, elevators, etc.
• Safeguards during construction
• Means of egress
• Smoke control

This volume also contains numerous appendices, addressing agricultural buildings, rodentproofing, patio covers, and diaper changing stations, among others.