Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in New York City, New York
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in New York City. Learn about FDNY approval process, NYS licensing, Master Electrician waiver, and inspection requirements.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in New York City, New York
Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installations in New York City require FDNY approval before installation. Plans must be submitted through the FDNY online portal with design documents prepared by a registered design professional (PE or RA). Contractors must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License, or be a Licensed Master Electrician with NYS DOS registration. All installations require FDNY inspection after completion.
When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?
NYC requires FDNY approval for all fire alarm system work:
- New fire alarm system installations
- Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
- System upgrades or replacements
- Changes affecting fire alarm coverage or functionality
- Integration with building automation systems
- Tenant improvement projects affecting fire alarm
FDNY vs DOB Jurisdiction
Per NYC Building Code Section BC 907, fire alarm system design documents must be submitted to and approved by FDNY before installation. Since Local Law No. 195 of 2018, fire alarm plans are no longer filed with the Department of Buildings for fire alarm system design review.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
NYC has specific licensing requirements for fire alarm work:
NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License
Required by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS):
- Experience: Two years (3,500 hours) installing, servicing, and/or maintaining fire alarm systems
- Education: 81 hours of approved training
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Background check: Electronic fingerprinting required
- Application fee: $200 (license without exam) or $185 (after examination)
Master Electrician Waiver
Licensed Master Electricians may obtain a Fire Alarm License with a waiver:
- No examination required
- Must register with Secretary of State
- Provide proof of electronic fingerprinting
- List jurisdictions where licensed as Master Electrician
- Waiver fee: Up to $50 every two years
- Waiver valid only in municipalities where licensed as Master Electrician
FDNY Company Recognition
Companies performing fire alarm work must be FDNY recognized:
- Submit company application for FDNY approval
- Maintain current insurance records with FDNY
- Recognition valid for one year
- Must appear on FDNY Approved List to work in NYC
For complete New York licensing requirements, see our New York Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Design Documents
Design documents must be prepared by a registered design professional (PE or RA) and include:
- Floor plans with device locations
- Riser diagrams
- Equipment specifications
- Sequence of operations
- Battery calculations
- Compliance with NYC Building Code 2014, NYC Electrical Code, and NFPA 72
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
- Proof of building occupancy (Certificate of Occupancy or Approved Schedule A from DOB)
- Design professional seal certifying code compliance
- Licensed Master Electrician and S97 Holder information
Step 3: Submit Through FDNY Portal
All applications must be filed online through FDNY Business portal (paper/email no longer accepted since 5/22/2020):
- Create account on FDNY Business portal
- Submit fire alarm application with all required documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Await FDNY review and approval
Step 4: Obtain Project Authorization
After plan approval, request Project Authorization before starting construction. This is FDNY approval to begin work specified in the approved application.
Step 5: Installation and Inspection
- Complete installation per approved plans
- Pre-test system before requesting FDNY inspection
- Prepare as-built riser diagram with Functionality Statement
- Request FDNY Fire Alarm Inspection Unit inspection
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| FDNY Customer Service | 311 or FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov |
| FDNY Business Portal | nyc.gov/fdny |
| NYS DOS Licensing | dos.ny.gov |
| NYS DOS Phone | (518) 474-4429 |
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| FDNY Plan Review | Varies by project | 2-4 weeks typical |
| FDNY Resubmission (within 6 months) | No fee | 1-2 weeks |
| FDNY Resubmission (after 6 months) | New filing fee | 2-4 weeks |
| NYS License (without exam) | $200 | Processing varies |
| NYS License (after exam) | $185 | Processing varies |
| Master Electrician Waiver | Up to $50 | Valid 2 years |
Inspection Requirements
Pre-Inspection Preparation
- System must be 100% complete
- Pre-test all devices and functions
- Prepare as-built riser diagram
- Include Functionality Statement signed by PE, RA, Licensed Electrician, or NYS authorized installer
FDNY Inspection
The Fire Alarm Inspection Unit conducts acceptance testing to demonstrate:
- Efficiency of operation of all components
- Compliance with approved plans
- Proper device placement and coverage
- Notification appliance performance
- Monitoring station connection
Code Requirements
NYC fire alarm systems must comply with:
- NYC Building Code 2014 Chapter 9
- NYC Fire Code Chapter 9
- NYC Electrical Code 2011
- NFPA 72, 2010 Edition
- DOB and FDNY rules
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Projects
- Single/two-family: typically smoke alarm requirements only
- Multi-family (3+ units): fire alarm system often required
- High-rise residential: full fire alarm with voice evacuation
- All require licensed installer
Commercial Projects
- All commercial occupancies require FDNY approval
- Assembly occupancies have specific requirements
- High-rise buildings require enhanced systems
- Cabarets and places of assembly have additional interior fire alarm requirements
Pro Tips from Contractors
- FDNY recognition first: Ensure your company is on the FDNY Approved List before bidding NYC fire alarm work
- Master Electrician route: If you hold a Master Electrician license, the waiver path is faster and cheaper than full NYS licensing
- Online only: FDNY no longer accepts paper applications - use the online portal exclusively
- Design professional required: Budget for PE or RA design services on all projects
- Pre-test thoroughly: System must be 100% complete and tested before requesting FDNY inspection
- 6-month resubmission window: Address deficiencies within 6 months to avoid new filing fees
- Insurance current: Keep FDNY insurance records updated to maintain approved status
- S97 coordination: Ensure S97 holder is involved for plan submissions
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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