Design your rooftop solar system in NYC to conform to fire codes and get permitted the first time

Conforming to NYC fire codes for rooftop solar installations continues to be a challenge for many developers. In particular, clear path requirements, for emergency access and escape routes, make designing rooftop solar systems challenging. If the system is not designed and installed to code, long and costly delays result.

NYC Fire Code Section 504.4.4 governs rooftop clear paths for flat roofs (< 9.5° pitch) and states that there must be a clear path not less than six feet wide and nine feet tall from the front to the back of the building and from side to side. Further, the clear path must provide reasonable access (three feet on three sides) to bulkheads doors, fire escapes, access ladders, cockloft vents, skylights, scuttles and shafts. Certain conduit and piping may cross the clear path, with steps or a ramp over it, while other piping like plumbing ventilation is not allowed to cross it.

NYC Fire Code Section 512.3 governs pitched roof (≥ 9.5° pitch) clear paths and clear paths for buildings that are 100 feet tall or less, except detached Group U buildings and structures. Since these roofs can be accessed via a ladder, clear path requirements are less stringent, with a 3-foot wide clear access required along the ridge of each roof slope on which solar panels are installed.

NOTE: the official code states that a pitched roof is defined as a roof with a pitch ≥ 20°, however in 2016 FDNY released an interpretation clarification guide defining a pitched roof as a roof with a pitch ≥ 9.5°. The clarification can be found in section 35, page 35 of the NYC Fire Code Guide. 

Because even an inch can foil the best laid (solar) plans, let us show you four ways to configure a system on different roof types in NYC to meet clear path code requirements:

Residential Installation / Pitched Roof (≥ 9.5° Pitch)

Residential Installation / Flat Roof (<9.5° Pitch)

Commercial Installation / Flat Roof (<9.5° Pitch)

Commercial Building / Mixed Flat (< 9.5° Pitch) and Pitched (≥ 9.5° Pitch) Roof

How can you conform your rooftop solar installation to NY fire codes?

NYC Fire codes for solar projects can be complicated. At times they are unclear and left to interpretation, and even the smallest change can negatively affect your entire project pipeline. To avoid costly delays and revisions, partner with Sologistics, the experts in NYC solar. We can help keep your solar projects running smoothly. No delays, no hassles, just happy customers.