Fire Alarm Application

A fire alarm keeps people safe by detecting smoke, fire or carbon monoxide. When it does, it warns people and calls the Fire Department.

Fire alarms have parts like smoke detectors and heat detectors. They also have pull stations. Some alarms make noise and flash lights. This helps people know what to do in an emergency. These systems work with heating, elevators and sprinklers to keep everyone safe.

The fire alarm must match the building. It needs to follow the NYC Building Code 2014, NYC Electrical Code 2011 and NFPA 72, 2010 Edition. The design must also follow rules from the Department of Buildings and the Fire Department.

A New York State registered design professional must approve the fire alarm plans. This can be a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. They will make sure the design follows all of the rules.

• Select the Fire Alarm category
  Choose the Fire Alarm category on the FDNY Business website.

• Gather required documents
  You need proof of building occupancy from the NYC Department of Buildings. This includes either a Certificate of Occupancy or an Approved Schedule A. You also need to submit:

  • Floor plans that match the occupancy listed
  • A riser diagram
  • An operating sequence in matrix format
  • Any asbestos abatement compliance (if needed)
  • Landmark or flood hazard compliance documents (if needed)
    
    You can find training on how to file at the FDNY website.

• Additional documents
  If your project is not code-compliant, the examiner may ask for more documents. These could include:

  • Construction Code Determination (CCD-1)
  • FDNY FA variances (TM-4)

• Submitting documents for applications filed before May 22, 2020
  Scan and email forms, plans and supporting documents in PDF format to Plan.Intake@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Submitting documents for applications filed after May 22, 2020
  Submit your application online if it was filed after May 22, 2020 or if the resubmission period has exceeded six months.

• Required documents
  You need to submit the following documents as unlocked PDF files:

  • Completed TM-1 application
  • Copy of PW-1 application (if applicable)
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy/Approved Schedule A
  • Letter of Approval for the fire alarm system being modified (if applicable)
  • Asbestos Abatement Compliance (DEP ACP-5 form or Certificate of Occupancy for buildings constructed on or after April 1, 1987)
  • Landmark Building/Flood Hazard Area compliances (if applicable)
  • FA plans (riser diagram, floor plans, I/O matrix) sealed and signed by the registered design professional
  • Consistent information on the TM-1, FDNY Business Application and Building Information sections
  • Scanned PDF files must be legible and at least 600dpi (high resolution)

• Withdrawals
  You can ask to withdraw your Fire Alarm application. Select Technology Management Withdrawal Request under Design and Installation Application. See Withdrawal instructions for more details.

• Refund requests
  If you need a refund, you can ask for it on FDNY Business. You can also track your refund request there. See Online Payment and Refund instructions for more details.

• Application review
  After review, you will get one of the following:

  • Letter of Acceptance
    Your application is approved. You will get a Letter of Acceptance, a stamped TM-1 and a set of Fire Alarm plans.
  • Revision Required (Letter of Deficiency)
    Your application is not approved. You will get a Letter of Deficiency with directions on how to fix the issues.
  • Additional Information Request
    More documents or details are needed before processing your application.
  • Applications Not Required
    Your application was filed incorrectly or is not needed. Follow the instructions in the email response for more directions.

• Project Authorization
  Project Authorization is FDNY approval to start the work specified in the approved application. You must request a Project Authorization after approval of the following plan types:

  • Fire Alarm Plan
  • Rangehood Plan
  • Engineering Non-water Fire Suppression Plan
  • Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application

• Project Authorizations are required for these plan types before construction and scheduling inspection. All other jobs are permitted by the Department of Buildings (DOB).

Who can file

Any authorized agent can file (owner, contractor, licensed professional, etc.).

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

You must submit the Project Authorization request on FDNY Business. Project Authorizations will not be granted until you file the request online. This does not apply to applications that were not previously filed online on FDNY Business.

Inspection

After receiving the Project Authorization and completing the installation, the Fire Alarm Inspection Unit must conduct an inspection. The system must be 100% complete and pre-tested before requesting an FDNY Inspection.

The as-built riser diagram must be completed and include a Functionality Statement signed by a Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, Licensed Electrician or authorized installer licensed by NY State. This person may be held accountable if the system operates differently than specified in the signed Functionality Statement.

It is essential to have knowledgeable personnel on-site who can demonstrate the fire alarm system and represent the owner during the inspection. Required contractors must be on-site the day of the inspection to perform the tests. Required contractors can include:

• Electrician
• Fire alarm vendor
• Sprinkler contractor
• Elevator mechanic
• BMS personnel
• Any other needed contractors

Initial inspections must be requested in person at 9 Metrotech Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. When requesting an inspection, have all required documents as listed in the B-45 instruction pages. All documents must be neatly arranged and secured by a standard two-hole fastener. Re-inspection requests must be submitted via email to fire.alarmschedules@fdny.nyc.gov.

For more details, refer to Request an Inspection. Also, see Tips for Successful Approval of a Fire Alarm System in NYC.

Questions or assistance

Contact the FDNY Customer Service Center by dialing 311 or through email at FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Application fees

  • New Application: $420
  • Complex Technical Analysis Fee: $525 (if required)
  • Resubmission Fees: No fee if submitted within six months of Letter of Deficiency. After six months, a new filing fee may be required.
  • Withdrawal Fee: $585

• Submit your application
  Complete the application online with all supporting documents.

• Make payment
  You must pay on FDNY Business to submit your application. For additional invoiced fees, you can pay:
  
  Online (preferred):
  Pay online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted)

  US mail:
  Send a check with the 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