Rooftop Access

NOTE: Each of the following documents must be submitted as an unlocked PDF file. Documents submitted in formats other than PDF may result in a Letter of Deficiency and may need to be refiled. PDFs with multiple layers must be flattened prior to submission.

Each of the following documents must be attached as separate PDF files:

Completed and signed TM-5 application

Narrative signed and sealed by the PE/RA describing the existing noncompliant conditions and the proposed scope of work.

Rooftop Plans in 11x17 format with original seal and signature. See Rooftop Bulletin on how to prepare plans and see sample plans. Plans must include:

• Be sure to leave a 3” x 5” space on every page to allow for FDNY Stamping.
• Existing rooftop conditions. Be sure to clearly call out the noncompliant condition.
• Clearly label the proposed conditions.
• Clearly label all the accessible exposures with corresponding street names street names (be sure to label parking lots and accessible side streets).
• Label the required clearances and areas with corresponding dimensions.
• Provide elevation view for each of the accessible exposures.
• Provide a separate sheet with legend, clearly detailing the location and direction of the corresponding rooftop photos.

Photos detailing the existing rooftop conditions.

• Each photo should be uniquely labeled and correspond to a location and direction callout on the plan sheet.
• All Photos should be up-to-date and taken shortly before the submission of the application. Each photo should be clearly labeled with the date it was taken.

Any relevant letters or determinations from other City Agencies.

If you are filing in response to an FDNY summons that does not already appear in your Record ID on FDNY Business, be sure to include a scanned copy of the Rooftop Summons in its entirety.

Your application will be processed by the Intake Unit and added to the Rooftop review queue. Note: applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.

The examiner will perform a full review of the plans and documents provided.

Based on the review the examiner will issue one of the following results:

Letter of Acceptance:

• If your proposed rooftop conditions are found to be acceptable a Letter of Acceptance will be issued, and the examiner will stamp the plan(s).
• You will be sent an email with the Letter of Acceptance attached, listing conditions of approval.
• To access both a copy of the Letter of Acceptance and the stamped plans you must log into your FDNY Business account.

Additional Information Required:

• If you are missing documentation or information the examiner may request that you provide it through an Additional Information Request.
• This request will allow you to log into FDNY Business and upload the documentation that has been requested.

Letter of Deficiency:

• If your proposed rooftop conditions do not meet FDNY standards for variance approval, a Letter of Deficiency will be issued.
• The Letter of Deficiency will contain a list of the issues with your application and/or proposed design.
• You will be sent an email with the Letter of Deficiency attached. You can also access the letter by logging into your FDNY Business account.

• The Rooftop Unit may still consider granting your proposal provided you:

  • resubmit an updated application that addresses and/or corrects the issues listed in the Letter of Deficiency.

  • provide the necessary revised documentation.

Letter of Denial:

• If your proposed conditions do not provide acceptable Fire Department access, a Letter of Denial will be issued. Letters of Denial are subject to Fire Chief review and approval prior to being issued.
• You will be sent an email with the Letter of Denial attached. You can also access the letter by logging into your FDNY Business account.
• A Letter of Denial will close the application and you will not be permitted to resubmit your proposal under the same application number. If you would like to resubmit, you will have to complete a new application and pay the filing fee.

Application Fees:

• New Application: $420
• If determined during the plan examination that this application is considered a Complex Technical Analysis, you will be required to pay a "Complex Technical Analysis Fee" of $525
• Resubmission Fees: No fee required if submitted within 6 months of Letter of Deficiency. After 6 months, application will be considered abandoned, and may require a new filing fee.

Apply through the FDNY Business online portal. Be sure to Select Design and Installation Application; Select Technology Management Application; Select Rooftop Variance Application Type on the FDNY Business website.

You must make payment on FDNY Business to submit your application. To make payments for additional invoiced fees after submission use one of the following methods:

Online (preferred):
Online (preferred) Payment can be made online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted)

US Mail (check must contain FDNY Business Record ID):

NYC Fire Department (FDNY)

Bureau of Fire Prevention

9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier’s Unit (1st Floor)

Brooklyn, NY 11201

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Rooftop Access Application