New York Consolidated Laws, Multiple Dwelling Law - MDW § 163. Construction and arrangement

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.

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.