New York § 163 - 163Construction and arrangement
Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 163 — 163Construction and arrangement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 163. 163Construction and arrangement
§ 163. Construction and arrangement. Garden-type maisonette dwelling projects may be erected on condition that they comply with the following provisions: 1. The dwelling units in such projects, together, or in their aggregate, do not exceed in superficial area thirty-five per centum of the area of the site or plot upon which such projects are erected. 2. The units in such projects do not exceed two stories in height. 3. Each section contains not more than two apartments in any unit. 4. Every one or two-family unit is separated from all other such units by an unpierced partition constructed of materials having a fire-resistive rating of at least one hour and such partition extends from the first floor above the basement or cellar of the dwelling to the top of the roof boards in such manner as to prevent the passage of fire, smoke or gases between units. 5. a. A project section shall not be constructed of units which, together, are of a greater area than three thousand square feet unless divided by unpierced fire walls of masonry or other materials having a fire-resistive rating of at least three hours. Such wall shall be continuous from the floor of the lowest level of the dwelling to the top of the roof boards and be fire-stopped at floors and roof in such manner as to prevent the passage of fire, smoke or gas between areas. b. Fire walls shall extend at least two feet above the level of the finished roof or, in lieu thereof, where there is a peaked or sloped roof, the ceiling of the attic of all units comprising such section shall be covered with gypsum plaster-boards three-eighths of an inch in thickness or with other materials having the same fire-resistive rating. 6. The facing of the exterior walls shall be of brick veneer not less than four inches in thickness or may be of one or a combination of other materials; and the interior facing of such walls shall be covered with one-half-inch thick plaster boards and three-eighths-inch thick sanded gypsum plaster or a combination of other materials which, when combined with the exterior materials shall have a fire-resistive rating of at least one hour. 7. Cellar ceilings throughout shall be covered with gypsum plaster boards three-eighths of an inch in thickness or with other materials having the same fire resistive rating. A heating plant located within a section shall be completely enclosed with incombustible materials having a fire resistive rating of at least three hours and all openings therefrom to other parts of the dwelling shall be equipped with fire-proof doors and assemblies with the doors self closing. 8. Concealed vertical and horizontal draft openings shall be fire-stopped with incombustible materials.
Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 163
What does New York Consolidated Laws § 163 cover?
Section 163 ("163Construction and arrangement") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New York § 163?
A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 163" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New York law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.
How does New York § 163 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.