Press Boxes
Public school districts often construct a Press Box to provide shelter and a vantage point for score keepers, videography, and broadcast equipment. These facilities, like all other district facilities, may only be used if they have a current Certificate of Occupancy. The facility must be listed on the New York State Education Department Fire/Safety building inventory and pass annual Fire/Safety Inspections. If your building does not receive an Annual Fire Inspection Report, please call the Office of Facilities Planning at (518) 474-3906 or write to Facilities Planning, Room 1060, EBA, Albany, New York 12234. Ask for our "Approval of Use" form to apply for Commissioner's Approval of an existing building or ask to set up a construction project if you are building a new Press Box. Please provide a contact person and their phone number. Approval is based on the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Code) and Education Department requirements.
Press Boxes are considered a C-7 Miscellaneous occupancy. Buildings that also include other occupancies such as storage or concession stands must comply with the Code and Department requirements for each occupancy. Fire rated separations between occupancies must meet Code requirements and proper exiting based on Code and Regulations must be provided.
The "Construction Classification" depends on what materials are used in the construction of the building. The materials and fire protection of building components, as well as the height and fire area of the building, are governed by the Code. In addition, Press Boxes must meet the following requirements.
- Buildings having three usable floor levels, i.e., three enclosed floors with no access to, or use of the roof; or two enclosed floors and the roof level enclosed by an approved railing and toe board, must be Construction Type 1, Type 2a or Type 2b. These are noncombustible and fire rated construction types.
- Buildings limited to two usable floor levels, i.e., two enclosed floors with no access to or use of the roof; or one enclosed floor and the roof level enclosed by an approved railing and toe board, must be at minimum Construction Type 3, 4a or 5a. These construction types are Heavy Timber and Ordinary and Wood Frame. All have Code requirements for fire ratings.
- Buildings limited to one usable floor level, with no access to or use of the roof level and the area under the structure does not meet the Code requirements for a building story, may be constructed of Type 4b or 5b Construction. These construction types are Ordinary and Wood Frame and require less fire resistance ratings than the types noted above.
- The maximum occupancy on each floor level shall be determined on the basis of 15 square feet per person. Appropriate signs limiting occupancy must be posted.
- Safe remote means of egress shall be provided from each floor level. The primary exit shall be a conventional stair, a 60-degree ships ladder, or a four foot minimum diameter spiral stair. Vertical ladders are not acceptable as the primary exit. The second means of egress may be through a window or panel with a minimum clear opening area of six square feet and a minimum dimension of 24 inches. Vertical ladders or access directly to bleachers or grandstands may be used as the second means of egress. Noncombustible bleachers or grandstands may be used for primary exiting. Exit stairs need not be enclosed, however, consideration should be given to local concerns for the prevention of vandalism.
- Guardrails and toe boards are required at all openings and open sides of stairs. Handrails are required on one side of stairs and both sides of ships ladders.
- Hardware on exit doors shall be at least classroom function. Note: no dead bolts or padlock hasps are allowed on any public school owned or occupied building or space.
- Building systems, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems shall meet all applicable Uniform Code provisions.