N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law Section 188
Bulkheads and scuttles

Except as provided in paragraph g of subdivision three of section one hundred seventy-one, bulkheads and scuttles shall conform to the following provisions:

1.

Every required bulkhead to and through the roof shall be fireproof or constructed of wood covered with metal on the outside and fire-retarded on the inside, and shall have a fire-retarded door and assembly with the door self-closing. Every stair extending through a bulkhead shall have a hand rail.

2.

Every scuttle shall be at least twenty-one inches in width and twenty-eight inches in length, covered on the outside with metal and provided with a stair or a stationary iron ladder leading thereto and easily accessible to all occupants of the dwelling. Every scuttle shall be located in the ceiling of the stair hall on the top story and access to the roof through the scuttle shall be direct and uninterrupted. It shall be unlawful to enclose in any manner the ladder or stair leading to a scuttle.

3.

Every bulkhead door or scuttle shall not be self-locking and shall be fastened on the inside with movable bolts, hooks, or a lock which does not require a key to open from the inside of the dwelling.

4.

Where a dwelling has a peak roof with a pitch of more than fifteen degrees, no bulkhead or scuttle, or stair or ladder leading thereto, shall be required.

Source: Section 188 — Bulkheads and scuttles, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/MDW/188 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 188. Bulkheads & scuttles's source at nysenate​.gov

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