Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application

An auxiliary radio communication system (ARCS) is a wireless two-way building communication system. It is for New York City Fire Department (FDNY) use only. It helps firefighters talk inside a building.

An ARCS includes a base station (transceiver) connected to antennas throughout the building and a radio console in the building lobby.

Firefighters' portable radios have limited range inside buildings. An ARCS helps them talk better.

Building Code requirements

Sections 403.4.4 and 907.2.13.2 of the 2014 NYC Building Code require an ARCS in all newly built high-rise buildings and existing buildings that have gone through major changes.

The design, installation, testing, operations and maintenance of an ARCS must follow FCC rules, NYC Fire Code section 511, NYC Building Code section 917, NYC Electrical Code 2011, NFPA Standard 72 (as amended by 1 RCNY 3616-04, 3 RCNY 511-01 and other technical rules).

The design of the ARCS must also follow Department of Buildings Bulletins, Fire Department Bulletins and the Rules of the City of New York.

Design submission

To submit an ARCS design for review, a New York State registered design professional must certify the design plans. The design professional must have a Professional Engineer License or a Registered Architect License. The design must follow all codes.

Filing process

Complete information, required documents for approval and filing procedures for an ARCS can be viewed on the FDNY Business "All Certifications" page. Follow the directions on the FDNY Business tab.

Note: Additional application documents may be requested if the project does not follow the code. This may include Construction Code Determination (CCD-1) or FDNY FA variances (TM-4).

Forms, plans and supporting documents for applications filed before May 22, 2020, can be scanned and submitted by email in PDF format to Plan.Intake@fdny.nyc.gov.

Applications filed after May 22, 2020, or resubmissions after six months, must be submitted via the FDNY Business Portal.

• Starting May 11, 2020, the NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will not accept paper applications. To learn how to file online, visit the FDNY Business Support Help Page.

• Choose the Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application Type on the FDNY Business website.

• You need to submit these documents and pay the plan examination fee:

  • Completed TM-1 Application for Technology Management Plan Examination/Document Review
  • Copy of DOB PW-1 Application, if needed
  • Copy of Department of Buildings Certificate of Occupancy or approved Schedule A
  • Asbestos Abatement Compliance forms (ACP5/ACP7/ACP21), if needed based on building construction before April 1, 1987, as verified by the Certificate of Occupancy/approved Schedule A
  • Landmark Building/Flood Hazard Area compliances, if needed (may be part of ARCS drawings)
  • Agreement Allowing use of In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication System on Fire Department Radio Frequencies, signed by the owner and notarized (original copy to be mailed to the Fire Department General Law Unit)
  • ARCS drawings, including a riser diagram, floor plans and a legend showing all ARCS critical parts and design criteria, sealed and signed by the registered design professional

• Note: The list above includes the minimum required documents. More documents (for example, FD/DOB variance letters, Technology Management Mechanical Approvals) may be requested by plan examiners as needed.

• Review process
  After you send in your application, you will get one of these letters:

  • Letter of Deficiency: This means some rules are not met. You have 180 days to fix the problems and send it again. If you miss this deadline, you will need to pay new application fees.
  • Letter of Acceptance: This means your application is approved. You must follow the Project Authorization instructions. After installing the system, you need to complete and file an ARCS Commissioning Test Report. More information on the ARCS Commissioning Test Report.

• Abandoned applications
  Your application will be considered abandoned if:

  • You do not answer a Letter of Deficiency within six months.
  • You do not answer a request for more information.

• Commissioning Test Report
  More information on the ARCS Commissioning Test Report. You must also perform and submit a Recertification Test every five years. This is required by 3 RCNY 511-01 section G.4.

• System changes
  If you make any changes to the ARCS, you must file a new application with the FDNY.

You need Project Authorization from FDNY to start work.

Plan types that need Project Authorization

You need Project Authorization for these plans:

• Fire Alarm Plan

• Rangehood Plan

• Engineering Non-water Fire Suppression Plan

• Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application

You need Project Authorization before building and scheduling an inspection. The Department of Buildings (DOB) permits all other jobs.

Who can file

Any authorized agent can file. This includes the owner, a contractor or a licensed professional.

Requirements for the Licensed Professional Section

• Fire Alarm Plan: Licensed Master Electrician and S97 Holder
• Rangehood Plan: Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor
• Engineering Non-water Fire Suppression Plan: Licensed Contractor

Submitting the Project Authorization Request

Submit the Project Authorization request on FDNY Business. FDNY will not grant Project Authorizations until you file the request online.

To submit or renew a Project Authorization Request, 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.

• Application fees:

  • New application fees: $585 ($420 plan review fee and $165 documentation processing fee)
  • Amendment application fees: $585 ($420 plan review fee and $165 documentation processing fee) (Note: For amendments to applications filed before June 2, 2019, before Local Law 195, the fee is $420.)
  • Resubmission fees: No fee if submitted within six months of the Letter of Deficiency. After six months, the application is considered abandoned and may need a new filing fee.

• Submit the completed application online with all supporting documents.

• You must pay on FDNY Business to submit your application. To pay for extra invoiced fees after submission, use one of these methods:

• Online (preferred):
  Pay online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted)

US Mail (check must have FDNY Business Record ID):
NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
Bureau of Fire Prevention
9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier's Unit (1st Floor)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application

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