Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Yonkers, New York

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Yonkers require both building permits from the Department of Housing and Buildings AND alarm permits from the City Clerk's Office. Plans must be submitted to the Fire Commissioner for review before installation. Contractors must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License. All alarm permits expire December 31st annually and must be renewed.

When Are Permits Required?

Yonkers requires permits for all fire alarm systems:

Alarm Permit Required

Under Yonkers Code, no person who owns or leases real property shall operate an alarm system without a permit for each alarm system.

Building Permit Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing systems
• Systems in commercial buildings
• Multi-family residential (3+ units)

Fire Commissioner Review Required

Plans and specifications of fire-extinguishing and fire-protection equipment must be submitted to and reviewed by the Fire Commissioner before installation.

Building Requirements by Type

Institutional Buildings

• Electrically supervised, manually operated fire alarm system required
• Must be connected to local fire department

Hotels, Dormitories, Lodging Houses

• Electrically supervised, manually operated fire alarm system required

Commercial Buildings

• All business buildings must have approved automatic sprinkler or suppression system throughout
• Fire alarm system requirements based on occupancy type and size

New York State Contractor Licensing

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

Required from the New York State Department of State:

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved training
Examination	State exam required
Background Check	Required
Fee	$185-$200
Term	2 years

Penalty: Up to $10,000 for unlicensed fire alarm system installation.

Yonkers Permit Application Process

Step 1: Alarm Permit Application

1. Fill out Alarm Permit Application (PDF)
2. Send completed application to City Clerk's Office
3. Residential permits: No fee, but permit still required
4. All permits expire December 31st annually

Step 2: Building Permit and Plan Review

1. Submit two copies of original signed and sealed drawings to Building Department
2. Include manufacturer cut sheets showing fire ratings
3. Plans reviewed by Fire Commissioner
4. Refer to YFD Requirements for Fire Alarm Submission checklist

Contact Information

Office	Details
Fire Prevention Division	470 Nepperhan Ave, 2nd Floor, Yonkers, NY 10701
Phone	(914) 377-7525
Fax	(914) 377-7566
Hours	8 AM - 4 PM

Submission Requirements

When submitting fire alarm plans, include:

• Two copies of signed and sealed drawings
• Manufacturer cut sheets for all devices
• Product fire ratings documentation
• Fire alarm device specifications
• Control panel details
• Battery calculations
• Circuit information

Yonkers follows NYS code - verify all requirements before submission.

Inspections

Construction Inspections

The Fire Code Enforcement Division performs inspections on all new commercial and multi-family (3+ units) projects throughout construction.

Requesting Inspections

• All requests must be in writing using Request for Inspection form
• Forms and payment delivered to Fire Prevention or mailed to 470 Nepperhan Ave, 2nd Floor

Notification Requirements

Fire Department must be notified:

• Before tests, repairs, alterations, or additions start
• When work has been completed

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
NYS Fire Alarm Installer License	$185-$200	4-8 weeks
Yonkers Alarm Permit (Residential)	No fee	Application processing
Building Permit	Per fee schedule	Plan review required
Inspections	Per fee schedule	Throughout construction

Record-Keeping Requirements

Yonkers has specific record-keeping mandates:

• Retention: Records of all fire protection system inspections, tests, and maintenance must be kept on premises for minimum 10 years
• Reporting: Records must be copied to Yonkers Fire Department within 10 business days from inspection date
• Availability: Records must be available to code enforcement officials on request

Maintenance Requirements

Fire alarm systems must be maintained in operative condition at all times:

• Sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm systems must be operational
• Fire Department notification required before and after tests, repairs, alterations
• Regular inspection and testing per NFPA standards

Certificate of Occupancy

The Housing Code Enforcement division conducts certificate of occupancy inspections, which include fire system compliance verification:

• Enforces NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Enforces Yonkers Housing and Building Maintenance Code
• Fire alarm must pass inspection before CO issuance

Pro Tips from Experienced Installers

• Get plan review first: Fire Commissioner must approve plans before installation. Do not start work without approval.
• Use YFD checklists: Yonkers Fire Department has specific submission checklists. Follow them exactly to avoid delays.
• Include all cut sheets: Missing manufacturer documentation is a common cause of plan review delays.
• Track permit expiration: All alarm permits expire December 31. Remind clients about annual renewals.
• Keep 10-year records: Yonkers requires longer record retention than many jurisdictions. Establish proper documentation systems.
• Notify Fire Department: Required before AND after tests, repairs, and alterations. Missing notifications can cause compliance issues.

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Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Yonkers, NY
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in New York City
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Buffalo, NY
• Browse All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Yonkers - Fire Department Forms and Permit Information
• City of Yonkers - Fire Code Enforcement Division
• City of Yonkers - Alarm Permit
• City of Yonkers Code - Firesafety Requirements