Milrose Insights on NYC
Fire Code Compliance
BY MILROSE CONSULTANTS, INC.
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction | 1
FDNY Acronym Reference Guide | 2
Gaining Approval of Your Fire Alarm Systems | 3
Extinguishing Systems & Laws | 4
Local Law 26/2004 | 4
Temporary Core Sprinkler Protection (TCSP) | 5
Standpipes | 7
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System | 7
Fire Hydrants | 7
Filing for Common FDNY Permits | 8
Fire Protection Plan (FPP) | 9
Temporary Places of Assembly (TPA) | 9
Fire Safety Plans (FSP) | 10
Emergency Action Plans (EAP) | 10
Fire Safety Managers (FSM) | 11
Fire Alarm Application Required Letter Types | 11
Filing for Ansul Fire Suppression Systems | 12
Regulations for Flammable/Combustible Materials at
Construction Sites | 13
FDNY Certificates of Fitness | 14
About Milrose Consultants, Inc. | 15
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Introduction
The beautifully complex and intricate metropolis of New York City is governed by
laws and regulations designed to protect and provide security to all persons and
places within the city. With hundreds of thousands of buildings and millions of
people in close proximity, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) has
established a code wherein all commercial and residential buildings must comply.
As stated in the New York City Fire Code Guide:
The New York City Fire Code is a City law that establishes fire safety requirements
for a wide range of activities in New York City. These requirements govern such
matters as emergency preparedness; the prevention and reporting of fires; the
manufacture, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials
and combustible materials; the conduct of various businesses and activities that
pose fire hazards; and the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the
buildings and premises that house such materials, businesses and activities.
The Fire Code applies to all persons and places in New York City. Everyone must
comply with its prohibitions and fire safety requirements. Persons and
businesses that conduct or supervise the activities regulated by the Fire Code
may also be required to obtain permits and certificates that authorize them to
engage in those activities.
The following eBook offers New York based developers, engineers, contractors,
facility managers, architects, and project managers a resourceful guide to most of
the required FDNY permits and regulations. In the following pages, you will find:
• An acronym reference guide to help you understand the language and many
acronyms used within the FDNY;
• Common FDNY objections to fire alarm permits to avoid and receive approval
quicker;
• Extinguishing systems law, filing for permits, and an explanation of the type
required for your building;
• A detailed look at the most common FDNY permits and certificates of fitness
required for fire safety.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
2
1
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
FDNY ACRONYMS GUIDE
AHJ
Ansul
BIS
CDA
CFG
CO
CoF
DEP
DOB
EAP
FDNY
FPP
FSM
FSP
LNO
LOA
LOD
LoN
LOR
PAA
RCNY
SSC
SSM
TCO
TCSP
TPA
Authority Having Jurisdiction
Anhydrous Sulfur Dioxide
Buildings Information System
Construction, Demolition, and Abatement
Certified Fire Guard
Certificate of Occupancy
Certificate of Fitness
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Buildings
Emergency Action Plan
Fire Department of the City of New York
Fire Protection Plan
Fire Safety Manager
Fire Safety Plans
Letter of No Objection
Letter of Approval
Letter of Defect
Letter of Notification
Letter of Recommendation
Post-Approval Amendment
Rules of the City of New York
Site Safety Coordinator
Site Safety Manager
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Temporary Core Sprinkler Protection
Temporary Place of Assembly
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
3
2
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Gaining Approval of Your Fire Alarm System
All code required and voluntary fire alarms systems, must go
through a lengthy approval process that involves 2 separate units (Fire Alarm Plan
Examination Unit and Fire Alarm Inspection Unit) at FDNY. Prior to installation of
any system, professionally designed fire alarm plans, along with other pertinent
building documents, must be filed with the FDNY Fire Alarm Plan Examination
Unit for official review. These plans are specific in nature to the fire alarm system
only and have special requirements that the FDNY examiners are looking for.
Standard review time is 4-6 weeks. Due to the complexity of these systems, official
objections to initial submissions are often issued that need to be addressed prior
to resubmission for approval.
Below are samples of the most common objections issued
by the FDNY on Fire Alarm Applications:
• Provide base building letter of approval (LOA) for existing
fire alarm system.
• Provide valid Certificate of Occupancy, Schedule A, or
DOB Letter of No Objection.
• Include quantity of devices for the entire tenant space
in your floor plans and riser diagram.
• Provide area smoke detectors in electrical and
mechanical rooms.
• Identify all abbreviation and symbols used on plans.
• Reference 2008 and/or 2014 NYC construction codes compliance in your notes
when applicable.
• Indicate the use of all respective rooms in the entire tenant space.
• Enlarge floor plans in the drawing to make them more readable on 11X17 for
FDNY record keeping and scanning purposes.
• Show water flow switch for pre-action sprinkler system.
• Install strobe units in all respective restrooms in the proposed tenant space.
• Install manual pull stations at all means of egress of the proposed tenant space.
• Floor designations shall match the Designation on C of O or approved Schedule
“A”.
• Address on title block must match paperwork submitted.
Once plans are corrected and resubmitted, there is an additional 3-5 week review
period. It is not uncommon for plans to be objected to several times. Unfortunately,
this waste valuable time and makes an already lengthy process, unnecessarily
longer. Milrose, having done thousands of these submissions, can offer expert
advice that can significantly reduce the time factor for plan approval.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
4
3
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Once plans are approved, the fire alarm system can be installed as per the plans.
Upon completion of the installation, an inspection of the entire system by the Fire
Alarm Inspection Unit is required prior to final approval and occupancy of the
space. An appointment for this inspection must be obtained in person at FDNY
HQs with all required documentation (approved plans, as-builts plans, multiple
forms such as B-45, A-433 B, TB-60 etc). The inspection process is also lengthy and
complex. Appointments typically take 6 weeks. FDNY inspectors are extremely
thorough and most times issue a Letter of Defect (LOD) , which requires additional
inspections until all defects are corrected, at which point a Letter of Approval (LOA)
will be issued, officially approving the installation and allowing the space to be
occupied. Milrose has scheduled and attended numerous inspections. With our
expertise, we can save considerable time and resources in guiding you to final
approval.
It is extremely important to safeguard any FDNY approval documents (FA plans,
LOAs, etc) as they are the only proof that the system is fully approved. The originals
should be kept in a secure location and copies should be readily available at the
building for examination by inspectors as required by code. Additionally, the
original approved fire alarm plans are required when filing a Post-Approval
Amendment—yet another reason why it is important to maintain building
documentation.
Extinguishing Systems & Laws
One of the most famous architects of all time, Leonardo da Vinci, invented a fire
sprinkler system in the 15th century. Da Vinci automated his patron's kitchen with
a super-oven and a system of conveyor belts. During a well-attended banquet, a
fire broke out, and it’s said the sprinkler system worked all too well, causing a flood
that washed away all the food and a good part of the kitchen.
Nearly 400+ years later, the world’s first modern recognizable sprinkler system was
installed in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the United Kingdom. This system
closely resembled what we see used in commercial and residential buildings
around the world today. This application has evolved to become a critical
component of development and requires highly regulated approval and
supervision. This section will inform you about FDNY laws and extinguishing system
types required for different building codes.
Local Law 26/2004
In October 2004, the City of New York enacted Local Law 26, which governed
retroactive compliance with sprinkler, exit signs and photo-luminescent lighting in
high-rise office buildings. All upgrades are required to be complete, including submission of a final report, by July 1, 2019.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
4
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
The provisions of the law indicate upgrades that would be required for buildings
that meet certain criteria, including minor upgrades that required compliance by
2004. This refresher addresses the major sprinkler changes mandated by this law.
Full sprinklers required (occupied or not)
Local Law 26/2004 requires a full sprinkler system in any
high-rise office building that exceeds 100 feet in height.
The only exceptions are interior landmark buildings and
those buildings that make the upgrade infeasible due to
structural conditions.
Aside from these exceptions, all commercial buildings
exceeding 100 feet in height must have sprinklers filed,
permitted, installed and certified by the 2019 deadline.
Missing this deadline will subject a building to New York
City Department of Buildings (DOB) violations until these
requirements are fulfilled.
Buildings must be fitted with sprinklers to the extent required by the Building
Code. This requirement is not limited to occupied spaces, but applies to all fire
areas of the building. If a space is currently unoccupied, the entire floor must still
comply with sprinkler installation requirements.
As of December 31, 2016 and outlined in section 903.2.2.2 of Local Law 78 of 2015,
owners of ambulatory health care facilities and animal service facilities were
required to install sprinkler systems in these properties.
This law is retroactive and is applicable to all specified facilities after December 31,
2016. For more information about the DOB sprinkler requirements, contact
Milrose Consultants.
Hardships and Exceptions
Any hardships or issues that may prevent a building owner from meeting the
required final reports must be approved by the commissioner by a waiver.
More information on exceptions to the retroactive sprinkler requirements may be
found in How to meet the Compliance Deadline for Sprinkler Systems under
Local Law 26/04 .
Temporary Core Sprinkler Protection (TCSP)
If you have questions about Temporary Core Sprinkler Protection (TCSP) and when
it’s required for construction and alteration projects, you’re not alone. Now known
as TCSP, temporary sprinkler loop should only be installed if there is intent within
the year to complete renovations and install a full sprinkler system.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
5
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
TCSP installations are required anytime a building area is undergoing alterations
that will require the sprinkler system to be temporarily disabled for an extended
period of time. If the scope of work for any sprinkler system involves more than five
contiguous floors, DOB requires a Letter of No Objection (LNO) from the FDNY—not
to be confused with the Letter of Notification.
The LNO confirms in writing that the FDNY has no objection to the work as long as
all applicable codes, rules and laws are followed. Based on the scope of work,
additional safeguards, specific to the particular job, may be called for in the LNO.
Once the FDNY issues the LNO, it must be uploaded to DOB virtual job folder.
The Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) Technology Management Bulletin
05-2013, Planned Impairment of Sprinklers & Standpipes: Filing Procedures at
FDNY explains the mandatory procedures applicable whenever a sprinkler or
standpipe is impaired.
FDNY defines “impairment” as any fire protection system (sprinkler, standpipe, fire
alarm, etc.) that is not fully functional. FDNY has strict rules governing the
impairment of fire protection systems, and if these rules are not followed to the
letter, the result could be a commissioner’s order to vacate the entire premises.
The FDNY bulletin outlines both sprinkler and standpipe impairments, as both are
essential to fire protection (DOB now also addresses alteration of standpipe
systems in their newly revised bulletin regarding TCSP -BB2017-009). For this
reason, sprinklers and standpipes are frequently combined into one system. Any
time one of these systems is impaired, the building owner must notify the FDNY in
writing of several items as called for in the Fire Code:
• Dates and duration of impairment
• Notification of building occupants, the central monitoring station, and the
insurance carrier regarding the impairment
• Temporary fire protection measures to be used, which may involve either a TCSP
loop and/or a fire watch by certified fire guards
• The Letter of Notification (LoN) from the building owner must be noted on the
floor plans and a copy sent to DOB before permit issuance.
Filing for a TCSP
The FDNY requires payment of $200 to file for permission to alter a fire protection
system and install a TCSP. Additionally, applicants must submit an Application for
Modification form “BFP-MOD,” completed and signed by a registered design
professional, to the Construction, Demolition and Abatement (CDA) Unit.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
6
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Obtaining approval for filing a TCSP application typically takes six to eight weeks
and involves both the FDNY and the DOB.
Standpipes
A standpipe is a type of rigid water piping built into multi-story buildings in a
vertical position or bridges in a horizontal position, to which fire hoses can be
connected. When used in a building, a standpipe serves the same purpose as a fire
hydrant. FDNY requires a standpipe to be installed and accessible in buildings over
75 feet tall, large area buildings, buildings of unusual configuration or certain
occupancies.
All standpipe modifications have to be submitted to the FDNY. Once you alter an
existing standpipe, you must submit the modifications to FDNY for approval.
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System
Buildings that store sensitive materials—such as data equipment, intellectual
property and art—would benefit from installing a Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
System. This particular type of extinguishing system is naturally non-conductive
and non-corrosive, leaving no residue behind.
The filing process for a Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System is complicated and
involves multiple agencies. Typical approval time ranges from two to four months.
For more information on the filing guidelines, refer to DOB Bulletin # 05-2/2013.
Fire Hydrants
In use since the 1700s, fire hydrants remain a critical fire
protection measure. Yet despite their importance to public
safety, fire hydrants are often overlooked in the
construction plan approval process.
Prior to the start of any new construction project, a detailed
drawing indicating the location of all fire hydrants to be
installed, must be submitted and approved by the New
York City Fire Department (FDNY), as well as with the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). To speed
up the process, these filings can be submitted
simultaneously. In the case of temporary fire hydrant installations, only DEP
approval is necessary; FDNY approval is not required.
If you have a construction project that mandates the installation of a new fire
hydrant or the relocation of an existing fire hydrant, follow the additional tips
below on how to expedite the hydrant filing process and avoid job delays.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
7
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Public Hydrants
FDNY applications should be filed with a “simple sketch” electronic copy, signed
and sealed with a directional North Arrow, demonstrating:
• Each Siamese installation on a building is within 100 feet of a hydrant.
• A hydrant is located within 250 feet of the front entrance.
• The size dimensions of the water main.
• Identification of the four street corners closest to the hydrant.
• Distances to other surrounding hydrants.
DEP applications should be filed with:
• A cover letter seeking approval for private/internal hydrant installation,
relocation and water main installation/relocation (if applicable).
• The water main and hydrants indicated on plans.
Private Hydrants
FDNY applications should be filed with a simple sketch electronic copy, signed and
sealed with a directional North Arrow, demonstrating:
• Each Siamese installation on a building is within 100 feet of a hydrant.
• A hydrant is located within 250 feet of the front entrance.
• The size dimensions of the water main.
DEP applications should be filed with:
• A cover letter seeking approval for private/internal hydrant installation,
relocation and water main installation/relocation (if applicable).
• The water main and hydrants indicated on plans.
Note: The distance between the hydrants and Siamese installations/front entrances
should be depicted on the plans with scaled radius circles with the appropriate
dimensions.
Filing for Common FDNY Permits
Depending on the work being filed, gaining approval can sometimes be a long
process. If a mistake is made and your permit is declined, the process can become
inconvenient and slow down development of your project. It’s important to
educated yourself on common FDNY permits and avoid the pain points to keep
your project deliverables on time and within budget.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
8
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Fire Protection Plan (FPP)
Commercial buildings consisting of six or more stories or that are at least 75 feet in
height require a Fire Protection Plan (FPP) to secure a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy (TCO) or to renew an existing one. As of January 1, 2016, the FDNY
requires a $420 FPP application fee, accompanied by a TM-1 form and a check
payable to the “Fire Department City of New York.”
FPPs, while detailed and complex, are designed basically to show the Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that all requirements regarding fire protection and life
safety are properly in place. A Fire Protection Plan is required for:
• All high-rise buildings (exceeding 75 feet in height)
• Public assembly spaces with an occupant load of 300 persons or more
• Hotels (more than two stories and 30 rooms)
• Residential buildings with more than 30 dwelling units and 10,000 square feet
of mercantile, assembly, education or institutional use
• Large (more than 20,000 square feet) spaces that are used for business,
mercantile, factory, high hazard or storage use
• This is pursuant to §27-228.1, as well as further publications/memoranda from
DOB.
FPPs are filed and reviewed by both the DOB and FDNY.
Temporary Places of Assembly (TPA)
Temporary Places of Assembly (TPAs) are assembly spaces that exceed 75 persons
indoors or 200 persons outdoors, where there will be a temporary gathering or
event for religious, recreational, educational, political or social purposes, or to
consume food or drink. TPAs are intended for periods of 30 days or less. Typically,
TPA permits are used when spaces within a building are temporarily changed
from an office to an assembly for a special event, a function that is unique to the
TPA. This type of permit is also used to temporarily allow food and drink
consumption at an event where serving would otherwise not be allowed.
For a more in-depth refresher on TPA requirements, check out this article.
Certified Fire Guard (CFG)
Once a TPA plan has been approved and a permit issued, one of the basic
requirements is the CFG. A CFG is any person who has passed the CFG examination
requirements of the FDNY. The role of a CFG in a TPA is to facilitate egress in case
of emergency due to an excessive occupancy load for the space.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
9
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
The plan examiner who reviews the TPA will determine the required number of
fire guards. Typically, there should be one per every 100 occupants/attendees.
In some cases, the TPA is issued for a 30-day period; however, the occupancy of the
space may only occur during business days. A common misconception is that the
fire guards are still required to be on-site during the TPA hours, regardless of
occupancy. The FDNY has clarified that this is not the case: the fire guards must be
on-site only during that use or event.
Fire Safety Plans (FSP)
A Fire Safety Plan is required for:
• Any public assembly space (with certain exceptions)
FIRE SAFETY PLAN
• Office buildings occupied by a total of 500 persons or
more, or by more than 100 persons on one or more
floors
• Educational facilities
• High-hazard occupancies
• Institutional facilities
• Buildings with an atrium containing assembly,
educational or mercantile use
• Covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet
• Buildings greater than six stories or 75 feet in height (except residential)
• Underground buildings occupied by more than 100 persons.
FSP plans are filed and reviewed only at the FDNY. The approval of the FSP is
required for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy (TCO).
Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
While not a complete list, an Emergency Action Plan is required for office
buildings:
• Over six stories or 75 feet in height
• Occupied by a total of 500 persons or more, including street level, or by more
than 100 persons on one or more floors
• Equipped with a Class B or M fire alarm system.
The combined filings for an FSP and EAP were required as of June 1, 2011, based on
various FDNY rules, including FC404.2.1 and RCNY 404-01. The EAP, along with
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
10
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
representative floor plans and a Building Information Card must be located at the
fire command station. The filings include detailed information that includes
building owner information, building height, lawful use and occupancy, and the
location of the fire command station, among other requirements. In addition,
fillings must name a Fire Safety/EAP director, as well as a deputy director.
EAP plans are filed and reviewed only at the FDNY. The approval of the EAP is
required for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy (TCO).
Fire Safety Managers (FSM)
Due to several fire-related construction accidents within the City of New York,
Construction Site Fire Safety Managers now play an increasingly important role in
the construction process.
Per the Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) 1408.1, Construction Site Fire Safety
Managers are required alongside Site Safety Managers or Site Safety Coordinators.
The FSM is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Fire
Code and FDNY Rules, and also conducts inspections of the construction site and
all fire safety measures at least once per day.
Additionally, FSMs must log all inspections and make those records available to
FDNY representatives. When fire watch service is required, the FSM is responsible
for the general supervision of fire guards.
Site Safety Managers/Coordinators are allowed to simultaneously serve as the Fire
Safety Manager, but only with certification from the FDNY. To obtain a Certificate of
Fitness to become a Construction Site Fire Safety Manager, applicants must
complete a 20-hour Construction Site Fire Safety Manager course at a school
certified by the FDNY. To be eligible, applicants must meet several prerequisites,
which are available at the FDNY’s website.
Fire Alarm Application Required Letter Types
The fire alarm application process with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY)
typically involves three types of letters. Once plans are approved and permitted
and all work is finished, the electrician will schedule an FDNY inspection. An
inspector will visit the property to determine if the work complies with current
code requirements, and will then issue one of the following letter types:
Letter of Defect (LOD)
An inspector who identifies any deficiencies with the documentation or work itself
will issue a Letter of Defect (LOD) to record these issues.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
11
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
The inspector will issue a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) at the time of
inspection to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied. If an LOD was
previously issued, the LOR confirms correction of the previous defects.
Letter of Approval (LOA)
Once the LOR is processed, the FDNY issues a Letter of
Approval (LOA) to verify that the inspection passed. The
LOA confirms that all required documentation has been
submitted and that all fire alarm work has been
completed in compliance with approved plans. The LOA is
e-filed with the (DOB), and an official copy is sent to the
building owner via the U.S. Postal Service. Failure to
procure an LOA can result in hefty fines and penalties.
Filing for Ansul Fire Suppression Systems
The term “Ansul” has become generic for non-water fire suppression systems. Ansul
is actually the name of a company that produces these types of systems. The name
Ansul comes from the first syllables of the chemical product anhydrous sulfur
dioxide, which was originally used as a preservative and refrigerant before its use as
a fire suppression agent.
Some of the most common non-water-based fire suppression systems are carbon
dioxide, dry chemical, aerosol, various foam types, various clean agents, and halon
(now prohibited). The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) requires review,
inspection and testing of all fire suppression systems prior to approval, and the
process is among the more complicated filings.
The process for these systems requires two separate and distinct filings, at both the
DOB and the FDNY, along with the associated fees. This is because two different
entities at the FDNY review these submissions:
• One application is a suppression filing (commonly referred to as the mechanical
portion).
• The second is a fire alarm filing (the electrical portion).
The process starts by submitting the Alteration Type II (Alt-2) applications to the
DOB. Once the DOB issues job numbers, the submission to FDNY may begin. A
registered design professional must sign the completed Application for Plan
Examination/Document Review (TM-1) forms, which are submitted to the
appropriate departments within FDNY.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
12
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
Fire Suppression (FP) Filing
The fire suppression application requires stamped plans that include hydraulic
calculations, along with any other supporting information. If approved, the
Applicant of Record receives an official Letter of Approval, as well as approved
plans. Otherwise, the FDNY issues a Letter of Objection, with instructions regarding
what necessary changes or information is still required for approval.
Fire Alarm Filing
The fire alarm filing also requires stamped plans in addition to all pertinent
supporting documentation. If the application is approved, the job status of the
application on the DOB Buildings Information System (BIS) is updated to “PERMIT
ENTIRE.” If rejected, the job status will be updated to “P/E DISAPPROVED.” As
mentioned on pages 11, and 12, if a Letter of Defect is issued stating the necessary
changes or additional requirements for approval will be issued and included in the
original packet. Either way, the applicant must track the application and pick up
the package at FDNY Headquarters.
Schedule an Inspection
After receiving approvals for both filings, and then completing the installation of
the system as per plans, applicants must schedule FDNY inspection of the installed
equipment. Applicants are required to attend the inspection with certain specific
documentation (approved plans, forms B-45, A-433 B, TB-60, etc) and the required
manpower necessary to assist the inspector in the performance of the inspection.
Regulations for Flammable/Combustible Materials at Construction Sites
Construction sites can be hazardous for many reasons, including the presence of
flammable/combustible materials such as motor fuel. The Fire Code and the FDNY
rules have provisions related to hazardous materials at construction sites, including
specific rules for handling and using flammable/combustible liquids.
Sections 1405 and 3406.2 of the Fire Code list the specific regulations related to
flammable/combustible liquids at construction sites. The following is an overview
of these regulations:
• Containers for aboveground flammable/combustible liquid storage must be
marked with the name of the product and this text: FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE
AND FLAME AWAY. KEEP 50 FEET FROM BUILDINGS.
• Flammable and combustible liquid may be stored only in metal containers.
• Temporary tanks for flammable/combustible liquids may not exceed 660
gallons and must be made of steel. Fill openings require a locking closure
device. Tanks shall have normal and emergency venting. These tanks must be at
least 50 feet from buildings.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
13
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
• Ventilation is required for operations involving flammable solvents.
• Flammable/combustible liquid storage areas must not be located near
vegetation or combustible waste.
• Sources of ignition are not permitted near flammable/combustible liquid
storage areas; as such, “No Smoking” signs must be posted.
• Class I and II liquids must be stored in approved safety containers.
• Leaking containers must be immediately repaired or removed. Spills must be
cleaned up immediately. All liquid and waste materials must be disposed of
lawfully.
FDNY Certificates of Fitness
Certificates of Fitness (COF) are special certifications issued by the Fire Department
of New York City (FDNY) under the New York City Fire Code.
These Certificates are issued after individuals display that they have completed the
requisite training programs and tests to satisfy the FDNY’s standards for each type
of Certificate of Fitness. These Certificates can be required for various construction
activities and may be required for certain operations within your building. Below
we summarize the most common types of Certificates of Fitness that we come
across at Milrose Consultants.
1. Certificate of Fitness F-01-Citywide Fire Guard for Impairment:
Someone with this CoF must be on-site whenever a fire protection system is out of
service for an extended period of time.
2.Certificate of Fitness F-03-Indoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel:
An individual responsible for assisting in maintaining fire safety at an approved
place of assembly (PA) or temporary place of assembly (TPA) at a specific location is
required to hold a Certificate of Fitness.
3. Certificate of Fitness F-04-Temporary Indoor/Outdoor Place of Assembly Safety
Personnel:
An individual responsible for assisting in maintaining fire safety at temporary place
of assembly events at different locations is required to hold a Certificate of Fitness.
This is vital if you have frequent temporary place of assemblies (TPAs) within your
building or space.
4.Certificate of Fitness F-58-Fire Safety Director:
Any building classified as Group E (1968 Code) or Group B (2008 Code) by the NYC
Department of Buildings, which has an occupancy of 100 people or more must
have a Fire Safety Director on site during regular business hours. This includes office
buildings, public or civil services buildings, and hotels.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
14
FDNY PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS
5. Certificate of Fitness F-59-Emergency Action Plan Director:
An Emergency Action Plan Director is responsible to implement a fire safety and
emergency action plan, training emergency action personnel and other duties
related to emergency action plan. An EAP Director is required for any commercial
building classified as Group B and mixed occupancies by the NYC Department of
Buildings during regular business hours.
6. S-56 Construction Site Fire Safety Manager:
This C of F is required at most major construction sites.
7. Certificate of Fitness S-95-Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other Related
Systems:
Any FDNY approved fire alarm must be supervised by a Cof F holder. This can
sometimes be the FSD or an S-95 holder.
8. Certificate of Fitness B-29: Supervision of Battery Systems and Other Related
Equipment:
This one is becoming more popular and important, as more uninterruptible power
supply systems are in demand. These systems provide power to ensure the
ongoing operation of critical systems (e.g. those used in hospitals, banks, hotels,
etc.).
About Milrose Consultants, Inc.
Milrose Consultants, Inc. is a leader in the field of building code consulting and
municipal permit filing with headquarters in New York City and offices in New
Jersey, Long Island, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. As code
consultants and filing representatives, they are responsible for coordinating all
areas of municipal compliance to deliver compressed construction schedules and
accelerated occupancy for their clients.
Stay up to date on industry best
practices with insights from our experts.
SUBSCRIBE TO MILROSE INSIGHTS
Milrose Consultants, Inc. | www.milrose.com
Have a question?
Get an expert opinion.
CONTACT MILROSE CONSULTANTS
15