NYC Elevator and Stair Signage Code Summary – 1 RCNY §27-01 pdf file ( 1RCNY 27-01 )

NYC Code: 1 RCNY §27-01 – Stair and Elevator Signs in Buildings with At Least One Elevator, based on the PDF you uploaded:

Applicability

• Applies to all buildings with at least one elevator, including:

  • Office buildings with >100 people above/below street level

  • Buildings with >500 total occupants

  • Any building subject to §27-390 (Local Law 16 of 1984)

? Required Signs at Elevator Landings

• Fire Warning Sign (on every floor except the main entrance):

  • Must read: "IN CASE OF FIRE, USE STAIRS UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED"

• Floor Diagram Sign:

  • Must show current location, stairs, and elevator banks

  • May be omitted in residential (J-2) buildings if:

    • Stair is within line of sight

    • Stair is within 20 feet

    • Only one stair, two scissors stairs, or fire escape serving one apartment

? Sign Placement

• Above the elevator call button

• Top of sign: no higher than 6 feet from the floor

• If space is limited:

  • Place on wall nearby or elevator door (exceptions apply)

Floor Numbering Signs

• Must be installed inside stair enclosures on each floor

• Must be on the stair side of the door, or nearby wall if no door

Stair & Elevator Identification

• Each stair and elevator bank must have a letter label

• Signs placed:

  • At elevator landing

  • On both occupancy and stair sides of stair doors

? Stair Re-entry Signs

• For large occupancy buildings (Group E, >500 people):

  • Signs required at each stair door showing re-entry policy

  • Options include:

    • “NO RE-ENTRY FROM THIS STAIR”

    • “NO RE-ENTRY EXCEPT DURING FIRE OR EMERGENCY”

    • “RE-ENTRY ON THIS FLOOR”

    • “NO RE-ENTRY, NEAREST RE-ENTRY ON THE _ AND _ FLOORS”

? Size Requirements

• Elevator landing sign: 2.5” × 10”

• Floor diagram sign: 8” × 12”

• Combined sign: 10” × 12”

? Lettering & Color

• Bold, high-contrast lettering

• Minimum letter/numeral sizes:

  • Regular signs: ½ inch

  • Floor numbers & elevator ID: 3 inches

? Materials & Attachment

• Must use metal or durable materials

• Fire-resistant vinyl decals allowed if printed on reverse

• Must be securely attached

? Older Buildings & Compliance

• Existing signs (pre-March 27, 1984) may be accepted if functional

• Modifications allowed if standard placement causes hardship

• All signs must be installed by October 1, 1985

• Owners must file a compliance report with the Department of Buildings