Evolution of New York City Building Codes

Building codes evolved as a result of disastrous fires and other catastrophic events.  For example, fire destroyed the heart of New York City in 1776, 1835 and 1845.  There were epidemics such as yellow fever and cholera outbreaks that also prompted minimum standards for light, air and human health.  The City has learned a great deal from such disasters.  As the image captured from Oasis shows, lower Manhattan has endured many disasters and each time it has come back stronger and safer.  

The 2008 construction code places a great deal of emphasis on automatic sprinkler systems as a way to combat fires.  The trend began with the 1968 code, but it has gathered momentum in the current code.  According to an article on NYC code history, “The 1968 Building Code expanded the requirements for automatic sprinkler systems to high hazard storage, mercantile spaces, showrooms, and hotels – but most significantly, high-rise office buildings, nightclubs, and residential buildings were exempted.  Over the coming decades, tragedies in all three classes of these buildings would force a change.” 

Link for historical maps of lower Manhattan:   Oasis
 

Related Posts:

History of NYC Construction Codes
 

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