N.Y. Multiple Residence Law § 134

§ 134. Cellar entrance. There shall be a direct entrance to the\ncellar, or to the lowest story if there be no cellar, from the outside\nof every multiple dwelling, except that any stair leading to such cellar\nor lowest story may be located inside the dwelling provided it is\nenclosed in fireproof walls and fireproof doors and assemblies, with the\ndoors self-closing, at both the level of such cellar or lowest story and\nthat of the story above.\n