Fire Alarm Application
A fire alarm is a life safety system designed to detect potential smoke, fire or carbon monoxide incidents within a building.
Upon detection, it is used to notify building occupants and dispatch the Fire Department to the location via a connection to a NYC approved central station. These systems are normally comprised of smoke, heat, CO detectors and manual pull stations. In buildings which feature occupant evacuation or relocation, audible and visual notification appliances are utilized to provide a means of communication to direct occupants during an emergency. It is also interconnected to many of the buildings systems to create a safe environment during an emergency. These include HVAC systems, elevators, escalators, sprinkler systems, and many more.
The Fire Alarm system(s) must be designed to match the type of occupancy group as defined by NYC Building Code 2014 Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Fire Alarm systems shall be designed in compliance with the NYC BC 2014, NYC Electrical Code 2011 and meet the design standards set forth by NFPA 72, 2010 Edition as modified for NYC. The fire alarm system design will also be subject to compliance with Department of Buildings Bulletins, Fire Department Bulletins, along with Rules of the City of New York (the link to access such bulletins are listed in the additional resources section), where applicable.
In order to submit a Fire Alarm system design for review, a New York State registered design professional holding either a Professional Engineer License or a Registered Architects License must certify the proposed fire alarm system design plans. The design professional shall design the system based upon the code referenced in the section prior.
Required Documents: Listed below are the minimum required documents. Additional documentation (e.g. FD/DOB variance letters, Technology Management Mechanical Approvals etc.) may be requested by plan examiners. Each of the following documents must be submitted as an unlocked PDF file. Documents submitted in formats other than PDF may result in a Letter of Deficiency and may need to be refiled.
Each of the following documents that must be attached as separate PDF files for resubmission:
- Completed TM-1 application
- Copy of PW-1 application (if applicable)
- Copy of Certificate of Occupancy/Approved Schedule A
- Letter of Approval for the fire alarm system being modified (if applicable)
- Asbestos Abatement Compliance is required. Provide DEP ACP-5 form for scope of work or a Certificate of Occupancy stating building constructed pursuant to plans submitted for approval on or after April 1, 1987
- Landmark Building/Flood Hazard Area compliances (if applicable, may be a part of FA plans)
- FA plans (riser diagram, floor plans, I/O matrix) sealed and signed by the registered design professional.
- All information provided on the TM-1, FDNY Business Application information and Building Information sections for area of work, and scope of work description must be consistent.
- Scanned PDF files resolution must be legible and at least 600dpi (High Resolution)
Upon review, the applicant will receive one of the following:
- Letter of Acceptance – The application has been approved and you will receive a Letter of Acceptance, a stamped TM-1 and a set of Fire Alarm plans.
- Revision Required (Letter of Deficiency) – The application has not been approved and you will receive a Letter of Deficiency including directions on how to address outstanding deficiencies.
- Additional Information request – More documentation and/or clarification is required prior to processing/reviewing this application.
- Applications not required – The application was filed incorrectly or is not required, follow instructions indicated on the email response for additional directions.
Project Authorization is FDNY approval to commence the work specified on the approved application. Applicants must request a Project Authorization after approval of the following plan types: Fire Alarm Plan, Rangehood Plan, Engineering- Non-water Fire Suppression plan, and Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application. Project Authorizations are required for these plan types prior to construction and scheduling inspection. All other proposed jobs are permitted by Department of Buildings (DOB).
Who can file: Any authorized agent can file (Owner, contractor, licensed professional etc.)
Requirements for the Licensed Professional Section
Fire Alarm Plan: Licensed Master Electrician & S97 Holder
Rangehood Plan: Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor
Engineering Non-water Fire Suppression Plan: Licensed Contractor
Project Authorization request must be submitted on FDNY Business. Project Authorizations will no longer be granted until you file the request online.
To submit a Project Authorization Request or renewal, select the Project Authorization Request option from Design and Installation Application on FDNY Business. Note: This does not apply to applications that were not previously filed online on FDNY Business. Note: This does not apply to applications that were not previously filed online on FDNY Business.
Inspection:
After receiving the Project Authorization and completion of installation, an inspection must be conducted by Fire Alarm Inspection Unit. The system must be 100% complete and pre-tested prior to requesting an FDNY Inspection.
The as-built riser diagram must be completed and include a Functionality Statement signed by either a Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, Licensed Electrician or an authorized installer licensed by NY State. This person may be held accountable if the system operates in a manner other than what is specified in the signed Functionality Statement.
It is essential to have competent personnel on site, who are knowledgeable in the fire alarm system, able to demonstrate specific aspects and/or functionality of the fire alarm system and can represent the owner throughout the inspection. Required contractor(s) must be on site the day of the inspection to perform the tests. Required contractor can be an electrician, fire alarm vendor, sprinkler contractor, elevator mechanic, BMS personnel and any other contractors that may be needed.
Required contractor(s) must be on site the day of the inspection to perform the tests. Required contractor can be an electrician, fire alarm vendor, sprinkler contractor, elevator mechanic, BMS personnel and any other contractors that may be needed.
Initial inspections must be requested in person at 9 Metrotech Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 9am and 1pm. When requesting an inspection, be sure to have all required documents as listed in the B-45 instruction pages. All applicable documents must be neatly arranged and secured by a standard 2-hole fastener. Re-inspection requests must be submitted via email to fire.alarmschedules@fdny.nyc.gov.
For additional details please refer to Request an Inspections. Also see Tips for Successful Approval of a Fire Alarm System in NYC.
Application Fees:
- New Application: $420
- If determined during the plan examination that this application is considered a Complex Technical Analysis, you will be required to pay a "Complex Technical Analysis Fee" of $525
- Resubmission Fees: No fee required if submitted within 6 months of Letter of Deficiency. After 6 months, application will be considered abandoned, and may require a new filing fee.
- Withdrawal Fee: $585
You must make payment on FDNY Business to submit your application. To make payments for additional invoiced fees after submission use one of the following methods:
Online (preferred):
Online (preferred) Payment can be made online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted)
US Mail (check must contain FDNY Business Record ID):
NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
Bureau of Fire Prevention
9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier’s Unit (1st Floor)
Brooklyn, NY 11201