Outdoor air intakes: ≥ 10 ft from any hazardous/noxious source (vents, chimneys, parking)
2025 RCNYS §R325.4.1 Outdoor air intake separationDescription
Mechanical and gravity outdoor air intakes must be at least 10 ft from any hazardous or noxious contaminant — plumbing vents, chimneys, flue vents, streets, alleys, parking lots, and loading docks. Dwelling-unit toilet/bath/kitchen exhausts are NOT considered hazardous for this rule. Exception: 10 ft not required where the intake is 3 ft below the contaminant source.
Why this exists
Outdoor air intakes that pull from near a plumbing stack or fuel vent recirculate contaminants. The 10-ft horizontal separation is the simplest design check. Architects should locate the fresh-air intake on the floor plan during mechanical layout, not after rough-in.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
horizontalSep | min | 10 | ft | Horizontal separation from contaminant source |
verticalAlt | min | 3 | ft | Below-contaminant alternative |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Natural light in habitable rooms · IRC R303.1
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.