City Fire Department

A Certificate of Approval (COA) is a letter from the Fire Commissioner. It confirms that a product, tool or system has been tested and approved for a specific use. This ensures it meets the rules in the New York City Construction Codes, Fire Code and Fire Department Rules.

When you need a Certificate of Approval

Section 901.4.5 of the 2014 Fire Code says you need a COA for these fire protection devices and systems:

• Pre-engineered fire extinguishing systems that do not use water (especially for commercial kitchens)
• Prefabricated hoods and grease filters used in commercial cooking
• Fire Department connections, standpipe hose outlets and pressure-reducing valves
• Fire alarm control units
• Control panels for medical gas, toxic, highly toxic and flammable gas detection systems

These items may have been approved by the Department of Buildings or the Board of Standards and Appeals before this rule. But the Fire Commissioner can change or cancel those older approvals.

Spray rooms and booths

Section 1501.5 of the 2014 Fire Code requires a COA for pre-manufactured spray rooms and booths that circulate heated air. These may have been approved before, but the Commissioner can update or cancel those approvals.

Hydrogen storage systems

Section 3507.3.1 of the 2014 Fire Code requires a COA for metal hydride hydrogen storage systems. These systems must be listed for their specific use.

LPG storage

Fire Department Rule 3 RCNY Section 3809-01(g)(1)(C) requires a COA for lockable ventilated metal lockers (cages) used to store LPG. LPG can also be stored in metal fenced enclosures that are at least six feet tall and have a locked gate that opens outward.

Manufacturer requirements

Section 112.1 of the 2014 Fire Code says manufacturers must get a COA for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of any item, tool or device used in any facility or with any material or process.

Certificate of Approval Categories

You must file on FDNY Business:

You must file a COA for these items:

• Bars, grills, grates or devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes
• Fire Department Connections (FDC)
• Fire alarm control panels and gas detection system control panels
• Flame retardant chemicals
• Grease filters for commercial kitchen hoods
• Hinged mechanisms or other devices for solar panel installations
• Lockable ventilated metal lockers (cages) for LPG storage
• Metal hydride hydrogen storage systems
• Piped natural gas boosters
• Pre-engineered non-water fire extinguishing systems for commercial cooking
• Pre-fabricated commercial kitchen hoods
• Pre-manufactured spray booths
• Pre-manufactured spray rooms
• Pressure-reducing valves
• Standpipe hose outlets
• Stationary battery energy storage systems

• Online only: As of May 11, 2020, the NYC Fire Department no longer accepts paper applications. To apply online, visit the FDNY Business Support Help Page.
• Complete the TM-2 application form.
• Submit required documents as unlocked PDF files. Use a simple format and include a digital signature if needed. Files with layers or missing signatures will be returned for corrections, which may delay your review process. Submitting documents in formats other than PDF may result in a Letter of Deficiency and require resubmission.

Required documents include:

• Testing reports
• User manuals
• Authorization letter (if you are not an officer of the manufacturer)
• Floor plans (including sprinkler/standpipe riser diagrams and site plot) for site-specific applications
• A letter from an officer confirming no changes to the product since the last approval
• A copy of the expired Certificate of Approval

Additional information: Follow all guidelines and provide all information as required in Chapter 1 of the 2008 Fire Code and Fire Department Rule 3 RCNY.

You will get one of the following responses:

• Proposed draft Certificate of Approval (COA)
  This is sent after your application is reviewed and all documents are submitted. If you agree with the conditions, sign and upload the draft to FDNY Business.
• The COA
  This is issued after FDNY receives your signed proposed draft.
• Site-specific COA
  If a Citywide COA is not approved, you can apply for a site-specific COA.
• COA not required
  This means your article, equipment or device does not need a COA under the New York City Fire Code.

If your application is inactive
If you do not respond to a request for more information within 180 calendar days from the date you filed, your application will be considered abandoned.

• The Certificate of Approval (COA) number must be clearly and permanently marked on each product by the manufacturer or applicant.
• The Fire Department's conditions for approval must be shared with all buyers, users and installers in New York City.
• All installations may be inspected by the Fire Department. These inspections may lead to additional requirements.
• COAs must be renewed every three years unless stated otherwise.

• Application fees:

  • New application: $625
  • Amended application: $625
  • Change of ownership: $625
  • Change in manufacturing process, chemical composition or design: $625
  • Renewal: $50

• Submit your completed application online with all supporting documents.

  • Create an account on FDNY Business and click Apply.

• Select Begin Application â†' Design and Installation â†' Technology Management Application.

• Choose your application type: New, Renewal or Amendment.

• Make your payment on FDNY Business to complete your submission.

  • Online (preferred):
    Pay by credit card, debit card or e-check.
  • By US Mail: Send a check with your FDNY Business Record ID to:
    NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
    Bureau of Fire Prevention
    9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier's Unit (1st Floor)
    Brooklyn, NY 11201