Unless otherwise expressly stated, as used in this article,
the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A display on a screen or other device of pictures or objects
in motion or rapidly changing scenery, whether or not such display
shall be accompanied by a lecture, recitation or vocal or instrumental
music.
Any public hall or room in which motion pictures are displayed,
in which the seating capacity does not exceed 600 persons and in which
there is no stage or scenery.
Any public place or space in the open air in which motion
pictures are exhibited and in which there is no stage or scenery.
Before the erection, construction or alteration of a building or part thereof to be used as a motion-picture theater, there must be filed with the Superintendent of Buildings the detailed statement of the specifications therefor required by § 265-2B of this chapter. The plans must show clearly and fully the location and width of all aisles, passageways, exits, stairways and fire escapes; the arrangement of seats; the size of floor beams, walls and supports; the location and construction of the enclosure for the motion-picture machinery and other apparatus; a diagram of the lot or plot upon which the theater is to be erected or constructed, showing the outlets from all exits; and such other statements, plans and details as may be required by the Superintendent of Buildings having jurisdiction.
No motion-picture theater as defined aforesaid shall be constructed
in a frame building nor in a hotel, multiple dwelling or lodging house,
nor in a factory or workshop, except where the theater is separated
from the rest of the building by unpierced firewalls and floors, and
in no case shall such a theater be constructed or operated above or
below the ground floor of any building.
In all motion-picture theaters as defined aforesaid, to be hereafter
constructed, the following requirements shall be complied with:
A.
Ceilings. The ceilings of all theaters and of all rooms used in connection
therewith shall be plastered with three coats of first-class plaster
on wire mesh or metal lath or covered with 5/8-inch plaster boards,
and plastered or covered with metal or equivalent in accordance with
state codes. If there is a basement or cellar, the ceiling under the
floor of the theater must be plastered with three coats of first-class
plaster or wire mesh or expanded metal lath, or may be covered with
metal on 5/8-inch plaster boards or equivalent in accordance with
state codes.
B.
Floor loads. The flooring of that portion of the building devoted
to the uses or accommodation of the public must be of sufficient strength
to bear safely a live load in accordance with state codes.
C.
Galleries and stairways. A gallery may be permitted, except in a
theater constructed on a lot less than 20 feet in width, but it shall
not include more than 25% of the total seating capacity of the theater.
Entrance to an exit from the gallery shall in no case lead to the
main floor of the theater, and the gallery shall be provided with
a stairway or stairways equipped with handrails on both sides. Stairways
over five feet wide shall be provided with center handrails. The risers
of the stairways shall not exceed seven inches, and the treads, excluding
noses, shall not be less than 11 inches. There shall be no circular
or winding stairways. The total width of the stairways shall not be
less than what is in accordance with the state codes. Stairways shall
be constructed of fireproof material, and such material and the bearing
capacity of such stairways shall be approved by the Superintendent
of Buildings.
D.
Gradients. To overcome any difference of level between corridors,
lobbies and aisles in a theater, gradients of not over one foot in
10 feet, or steps having a rise not over seven inches and a width
of not less than 11 inches, shall be used.
E.
Walls. If the walls of the theater contain wooden studs, they shall
be covered either with expanded metal lath or wire mesh and plastered
with three coats of first-class plaster, or with metal on 5/8-inch
plaster boards, or code-approved equal, and all joints shall be properly
filled with mortar/spackle.
A.
Aisles. All aisles in a motion-picture theater or in a gallery thereof
must be at least three feet eight inches in the clear.
B.
Chair space. All chairs in such theater, except those contained in
the boxes, must not be less than in accordance with state codes from
back to back and must be firmly secured to the floor; no seat shall
have more than in accordance with the state code intervening between
it and an aisle, and the space occupied by each person shall be separated
from the adjoining space by means of an arm or other suitable device.
C.
Exits. A building to be erected or to be altered for use as a motion-picture
theater must be provided with exits in accordance with the New York
State Building and Fire Codes.
D.
Exit passageway to street. In any such building, if an unobstructed
exit to a street cannot be provided at the rear thereof as herein
specified, either an open court or a fireproof passageway or corridor
must be provided, extending from the rear exit to the street front
in accordance with the New York State Building and Fire Codes.
E.
Fire escapes. Galleries must also be provided with exits in accordance
with the New York State Building and Fire Codes.
A.
Apparatus for projecting motion pictures shall be contained in a
fireproof booth or enclosure constructed as required by law. The booth
in which the picture machine is operated shall be provided with an
opening, in its roof or in the upper part of its side walls, leading
to the outdoor air, and with a vent flue which shall have a minimum
cross-sectional area of 50 square inches and shall be fireproof. When
the booth is in use, there shall be a constant current of air passing
outward through said opening or vent flue at the rate of not less
than state code requirements. The requirements of this section shall
apply to portable booths and booths in open-air theaters, as well
as to motion-picture theaters.
B.
Booths will not be required in small auditoriums or meeting rooms
where noninflammable films and type of machines are used for projecting
pictures.
A.
All the provisions in this article shall apply to existing places
of entertainment where motion pictures are exhibited.
B.
An existing place of entertainment seating 300 persons or less, where motion pictures are exhibited in conjunction with any other form of entertainment, must comply before a reissuance of its license, with the provisions of §§ 265-95 and 265-96 of this chapter related to theaters seating more than 300 persons. But, if such existing place of entertainment shall discontinue all other forms of entertainment except the exhibition of motion pictures, it may be licensed in accordance with the provisions of Subsection A and the New York State Building Code.
The seating capacity of each open-air motion-picture theater
as hereinbefore defined in this article shall be such as shall be
prescribed by the Village Board. All such theaters shall conform to
the following requirements:
A.
Aisles. The number and width of all aisles shall be as prescribed
by the Village Board, but no aisle shall be less than state code requirements.
B.
Exits. All exits shall be in accordance with state code requirements.
C.
Seats. Seats must be stationary, with backs in accordance with the
codes a distance apart and so arranged that no seat shall have more
than what is in accordance with the code between it and an aisle.
Chairs must be either securely fastened to a wood or concrete floor
or all chairs in a row must be fastened together, and at least four
rows must be securely fastened to one frame; except that where refreshments
are served, tables and unattached chairs or benches used with them
may be permitted.
D.
Floors. The floor must be constructed either of wood with sleepers
or concrete.
