New York City Code Update

Our New York City Fire Alarm Code Update keeps you informed on the most current Department of Buildings and New York City Fire Department information. Fire Alarm Code is constantly evolving, and missing even one minor change can negatively impact a client: either with respect to deadlines/time constraints, or legal requirements. As a recipient of our code update memorandums, you’ll receive these changes to your inbox monthly, or when changes are applied. We also maintain an archive of past code updates here on our website for you to view at your convenience. Remaining up to date on code requirements is crucial for construction projects, and we make it easy for you to access this information at any time, online.*

*Although we strive to keep our code update page as accurate and current as possible, we make no claim to its entirety and should always be used in conjunction with NYC DOB/FDNY codes and bulletins.

General Forms
General Building Codes
Fire Alarm Inspection Unit Bulletins
Department of Buildings Bulletins
Technology Management Bulletins
Long Island Code Updates

General Building Codes

This rule provides details regarding the design and installation of fire service annunciators associated with fire service access elevators (“FSAE”) to assist in compliance with the code requirements.
Local Law 191 requires amendments to DOB’s rules regarding the locations of carbon monoxide detectors. The local law added a requirement for carbon monoxide detectors in additional occupancy types and created retroactive requirements for existing buildings.
This document is a copy of Chapter 9 of the 2014 New York City Building Code, which relates to Fire Protection Systems.
This document is an update of the local laws of the City of the City of New York for 2018, No. 195 which relates to amending the administrative code of the city of New York, the New York city building code, the New York city mechanical code and the New York city fire code, in relation to alternative automatic fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems, emergency alarm systems, fire department in-building auxiliary radio communication systems and fire protection plans.
This document is a copy of Local Law 141 which amended section 908.7.2 of the New York City Building Code, which relates to Carbon Monoxide detection. Local Law 141 specifies where these detectors should be installed in the applicable occupancies, among other CO detection requirements.
This document is a copy of Chapter 9 of the 2008 New York City Building Code, which relates to Fire Protection Systems. The full text of Chapter 9 of the 2008 New York City Building Code.
This document is a copy of Chapter 3 of the 2008 New York City Building Code, which details Use and Occupancy classifications. The full text of Chapter 3 of the 2008 New York City Building Code.

Fire Alarm Inspection Unit Bulletins

Fire Alarm Unit Bulletin # 12-11-2023 provides guidance for submission of as-built riser diagrams for fire alarm, auxiliary radio communication (ARCS), and emergency alarm systems.
Fire Prevention Bulletin 2023‐01 clarifies NYC Fire Department’s procedures to remove an installed Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS) that is not required.
Information Bulletin 12-12-16 details the new inspection scheduling procedures for Fire Alarm inspections.
Information Bulletin 06-01-15 is to identify impending changes in operational procedures regarding the Fire Alarm Project Information System, reconsiderations and technical inquiries.
Information Bulletin 03-15-15 clarifies the legalization requirements for existing sprinkler alarm and supervisory monitoring systems.
Information Bulletin 12-01-12 details the expedited Letter of Approval process put in place for buildings affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Information Bulletin 08-03-12 provides clarification regarding changes in administration of Fire Alarm monitoring services. The full text of this bulletin released by the FDNY.
Information Bulletin 08-02-12 details the mounting heights for Fire Alarm equipment. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
Information Bulletin 08-01-12 details and supersedes the previous update relating to the application of stand-alone sprinkler and automatic fire suppression subsystems in multi-hazard locations. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
Information Bulletin 09-03-11 clarifies installation requirements for notification appliance circuit power extenders. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
Information Bulletin 08-02-11 details the application of stand-alone sprinkler and automatic fire suppression subsystems in multi-hazard locations. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
SOP 06-02-11 details the Standard Operating Procedure for acceptance/reacceptance testing of fire alarm, emergency and automatic extinguishing systems. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
Information Bulletin 08-01-11 details the new format for the FDNY Letter of Approval. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
This document details the guidelines for minimum requirements and acceptable number of system/equipment defects in new construction projects and existing buildings. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.
This update suspends the self-certification of Letter of Defect program. The full text of the bulletin released by the FDNY.

Department of Buildings Bulletins

Buildings Bulletin 2024-001 While superseding BB 2015-025, this Bulletin clarifies the types of work involving an existing fire alarm system, designed, and approved under the 2014 Building Code or prior codes which are subject to the 2022 Construction Codes.
Buildings Bulletin 2023-010 This Bulletin clarifies the construction requirements for Fire Service Access Elevators.
Buildings Bulletin 2018-003 establishes acceptance criteria for fire resistive duct assemblies as approved alternative protection in the NYC Construction Codes released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2017-012 allows alternative systems to replace existing approved Standpipe Fireline Telephone and Signaling System (SFTSS) installed in prior code buildings released by the Department of Buildings.
This document clarifies the protection requirements for enclosing wiring used in smoke control systems. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
This document clarifies requirements for standpipe and sprinkler systems in existing buildings undergoing alterations, including compartmentation requirements and FDNY notifications. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
This document clarifies 2008 Building Code and 1968 Building Code requirements with regard to fire alarm equipment and panels, data gathering panels, terminal transmission boxes and all associated wiring in stair enclosures. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2016-010 revises the established operational procedures for the Professional Certification Program, which allows a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA), as an applicant, to certify the job’s compliance with the New York City Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution and all applicable laws and rules on related application(s). The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2015-025 clarifies the types of work involving an existing fire alarm system, designed and approved under the 2008 building code or prior codes. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2014-015 clarifies when to apply the 2008 Construction Codes or the 2014 Construction Codes to new buildings, alterations, partial demolitions, and full demolitions, including the applicable provisions of Chapter BC 33 (Safeguards During Construction or Demolition). The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2014-004 clarifies when a redundant smoke detector required by section MC 607.3.2.1, Item 1, may be omitted. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2013-012 clarifies 2008 Code and 1968 Code requirements with regard to fire alarm equipment and panels, data gathering panels, terminal transmission boxes and all associated wiring in stair enclosures. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2011-013 refers to the Fire Department Technology Management Bulletin of 2011, which provides the performance and filing requirements for an in-building radio communication system that is installed pursuant to Exception 1 of section BC 907.2.12.3. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2011-012 clarifies the protection requirements for wiring used in smoke control systems. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2009-023 clarifies the exception provided for smoke detectors in elevator lobbies and elevator machine rooms in buildings in Occupancy Group R-2. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.
Buildings Bulletin 2009-022 clarifies the types of work involving an existing fire alarm system, designed and approved under the 1968 building code or prior codes, which are subject to the 2008 NYC Construction Codes. The full text of the bulletin released by the Department of Buildings.

Technology Management Bulletins

The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #02-09/2020 Revision 1 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin establishing a procedure in which applicants can request an expedited review based on outstanding objections after the initial review of fire alarm plans.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #2021-03 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin provides guidelines when utilizing an approved fire alarm system for a mass notification system in a single or interconnected campus wide buildings.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #2021-01 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin to clarify how applicants can request a letter of No Objection from the New York City Fire Department Technology Management Unit to requirements not found in the New York City Fire Code.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #01-09/2020 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin that provides optional guidelines for designing Fire Alarm Systems in high rise buildings defined by 2014 NYC Building Code 907.2.13 where the dominant occupancy is classified as group B office.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #12-01/2013 revised in February of 2020 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin that provides guidelines for design and installation of a Secondary Fire Command Center as to Comply with NYC Building Code Appendix G – Flood Resistant Construction.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #03-01/2019 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory bulletin that provides guidelines for acceptable locations of Fire Command Centers (FCC) in buildings in which an FCC is required by New York City Building Code (BC) or the New York City Fire Code (FC).
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #01-01/2019 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory explaining how to legalize an existing Sprinkler Alarm and Supervisory Monitoring System that has been installed pursuant to the 1968 NYC Building Code or prior codes.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #12-1/2015 is an FDNY Technology Management NYC Building Industry-wide Advisory to foster and promote design of fire alarm systems for the type of High rise/Large Area Mixed Use Occupancy in which stairs, elevators and Building Service Systems are Shared, Separated and/or Combined.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #10-02/2009 (rev. 7-2015) describes the clarification of Fire Department and Department of Buildings Consultative Determination regarding replacement of control equipment and/or fire command stations of existing prior approved or new replacements of entire Advisory Class “E” fire alarm systems.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #12-01/2013 describes the guidelines for the design and installation of a Secondary Fire Command Center.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #07-01/2013 is a Clarification of Fire Department Policy Regarding Fire Alarm Maintenance, Testing and Inspections Computerized Records in accordance with 2008 NYC Fire Code § 901.6.2.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #05-3/2013 clarifies the Fire Department’s filing procedures when submitting an application for impairment of an existing sprinkler or standpipe system. An application for modification (variance) “BFP-MOD (10/9)” shall be required when an existing standpipe system is placed out of service or when a sprinkler system is impaired on more than five (5) contiguous floors.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #11/2012 provides general guidance and establishes appropriate emergency procedures for restoring damaged fire alarm systems in buildings affected by Sandy.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #3/2012R states the guidelines for legalization of existing building fire alarm systems.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #3-1/2010 provides guidance for submission of the fire alarm as-built drawings. The as-built drawings are an official record of the project at the time of construction completion and must be submitted to the FA Inspection Unit either prior to or at the time of inspection. The final as-built drawings must include modifications during construction, field requested changes and shop drawing modifications.
The Office of Technology Management Bulletin #10-2/2009 clarifies FDNY and DOB consultative determination regarding replacement of control equipment and/or Fire Command Stations of existing prior approved Advisory Class ‘E’ fire alarm systems or new replacements of entire systems of the Advisory Class E fire alarm systems.

Long Island Code Updates

This document provides information about the Carbon Monoxide detection equipment shortage. The full text of the bulletin released by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.
This advisory is to provide information regarding the requirements for testing, and if needed, the installation of equipment to ensure adequate coverage of emergency responder radios pursuant to Section 510 of the 2020 edition of the Fire Code of New York State.
This recently approved Nassau County Fire Prevention Ordinance sets forth the minimum requirements for design drawings for Fire Alarm (and other) systems. The full text of the bulletin released by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.
This document is an addition to Article VIII of the Nassau County Fire Prevention Ordinance clarifying the law for the life safety requirement of carbon monoxide detection in all new and existing commercial buildings within the County of Nassau. The full text of the bulletin released by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.
This document is an update of the recently approved addition to Article VIII of the Nassau County Fire Prevention Ordinance dealing with the requirement for carbon monoxide detection in all new and existing commercial buildings. The full text of the bulletin released by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.
This document is an explanation of the recently approved addition to Article VIII of the Nassau County Fire Prevention Ordinance dealing with the requirement for carbon monoxide detection in all new and existing commercial buildings. The full text of the bulletin released by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.

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