What can one do on fire escapes? (New York, Ridge: apartment, tenants)

[urbanintllctl]

With summer upon us, I'm curious. Are there rules about what one can do on the fire escapes that are commonly found on facades of apartment buildings in New York. Specifically, can one lounge on it to catch the breeze, as if it were a terrace? Even as I type this, I already suspect that there's some regulation against that.

[DoomDan515]

I use to hang around my fire escape all the time when I was a kid back in East New York, but that was back in like 1995.

[mc33433]

It's illegal to hang out on it, although sometimes people do. Also you cannot put plants, grills, etc out on it either.

[modsquad81]

If you're discreet about it and don't leave stuff out there when you're not there you'll likely get away with it. There is no fine associated with a violation of this type as long as it is corrected in 30 days. More likely a landlord's isurance company would take notice first and require him to police the tenants. That too would be a remote possibility.

[Jaydata]

Originally Posted by DoomDan515

I use to hang around my fire escape all the time when I was a kid back in East New York, but that was back in like 1995.

I did that a few times during the summer when I was a kid back
in Ridgewood too. I would take a small radio with headphone and
just lying on the fire escapes listen to the Mets when it's really
hot inside. But after a few mosquito bit plus gangs doing target
practice on the near playground puts an end to it.

I don't recommend adults stay on the fire escapes though, your
neighbors will worry what's this guy is up to if they see you out
there. Also you can't put things there that might block the fire
escapes in case of fire. My neighbor got a warning for putting
some plants outside, but then I saw people from across the street
putting their bicycle on the fire escapes for years and no problem.

[zeppacoustic]

what about putting an air-conditioner in the fire escape window? impossible?

[modsquad81]

Originally Posted by zeppacoustic

what about putting an air-conditioner in the fire escape window? impossible?

If the AC does not protrude beyond the window sill and more importantly, you'll need another window from that same room that leads to the fire escape.

[StuddedLeather]

It depends. I don't think it'll be a hazard or anything if you're on the top/final level.

If so, you can read, take your laptop out there, etc. No limits really but please don't blast music out there that's so annoying and inconsiderate. But yeah I think if you want to read and work on your laptop or whatever that shouldn't be a problem.

[jcoltrane]

One thing to realize is that a fire escape is NOT a terrace nor balcony.

So, your neighbors may not appreciate any noise disturbance you may create!

I had a Transplant neighbor once, who in order to speak privately on the phone and/or not to disturb his roommates, would step out onto the fire escape at 3am! He did this repeatedly. Idiot!

[30STM]

Originally Posted by zeppacoustic

what about putting an air-conditioner in the fire escape window? impossible?

it's illegal -- btw its caled a fire escape for a reason......so you can ESCAPE in case of a FIRE... its not a balcony or a terrace. police may also assume that you are up to no good. Iam sure your neighborhs will complain