Engineering applications and amendments are for installing new technology; changing existing technology; storing, manufacturing or selling flammable materials; and getting permits defined by FC 105.1

These applications cover different plan types, detailed in FC 105.4. If a City agency asks for a decision from the Fire Department on matters not in the NYC Fire Code, you need to submit a TM-1 application. This falls under the Engineering plan type, with subcategory: document review. After review, you will get a Letter of No Objection with conditions.

For more details, check the Office of Technology Management Bulletin # 2021-01.

Required documents

• All site, floor, building, sprinkler and engineering drawings must be signed and sealed by a licensed professional.
• The scope-of-work narrative must be signed and dated on official letterhead.
• Clear calculations for a specific plan type, if needed.
• Manufacturer specifications and manual for the proposed technology.
• Test reports from a nationally recognized and accredited lab.
• Simulations using a nationally recognized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program.
• Safety Data Sheet from the chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer.

Stationary storage systems

You may also need:

• A narrative detailing the battery chemistry, system size, battery manufacturer and cabinet housing the battery.
• 9540A Test result from a nationally recognized and accredited lab and analysis, if applicable, based on 3RCNY 608-01.

• Choose Engineering and the right category on the FDNY business website.

• Starting May 11, 2020: the NYC Fire Department only takes new applications online.

• Fill out the TM-1 form: this form tells what you are submitting and the code sections or governing documents it follows.

• Fill out the PW-1 form (if needed).

• Include site, floor, building, sprinkler and engineering drawings signed and sealed by a design professional (if needed).

• Write a description of the work (if needed).

• Include the equipment specs and manual (if needed).

• Provide an engineering or hazard analysis signed and sealed by a design professional (if needed).

• Include the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) (if needed).

• Provide calculations (if needed).

• Include test reports from a recognized lab (if needed).

• Submit simulation files:

  • If you used Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), include all input and output files.
  • If you used another Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program, include videos of the conducted simulation showing as much of the structure as possible.

• For amendments not previously filed on FDNY Business: provide your reference account number (FPIMS #) and premises ZIP code to access previous FDNY records. Linking your previous record at the start of the application is highly recommended.

When you submit your application, you will get one or more of these:

• Letter of Acceptance, Letter of Approval or Conditional Letter of Acceptance: This means you met all the requirements.
• Letter of Deficiency: This means you did not meet some requirements. You must fix the issues and submit them within six months. If you submit after six months, you will have to pay resubmission fees.
• Letter of No Objection: This means you met the requirements, but the FDNY is not the main authority.
• Site Visit Request: This is needed if a site visit is necessary for approval.
• Site-specific, Citywide or Transportation Permit: This means you met all requirements. You must keep the permit on-site and available for FDNY inspection.

Project Authorization requests

Project Authorization is the FDNY's approval to start the work specified in the approved application.

You must request a Project Authorization after approval of these plans:

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

Project Authorizations are needed before construction and inspection scheduling. Other proposed jobs are permitted by the Department of Buildings (DOB).

Who can file: Any authorized agent (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. You cannot get 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.

Required document

For all plan types, you need a Certificate of Insurance for the Licensed Contractor.

Note: This does not apply to applications not filed online on FDNY Business.

For questions or assistance

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

Inspection

The FDNY letter (Letter of Acceptance, Letter of No Objection or other acceptance letter) will detail inspection conditions if needed. You must contact the inspection unit to request and schedule an inspection.

• Post permits: You need to post permits where everyone can see them. They should be easy to spot for any FDNY representative.
• Permits are not transferable: You cannot transfer your permits to someone else. If there is a change in who uses the space, you need a new permit.
• Permit duration: Permits are good for up to two years. They expire at the end of that time.
• Follow approval rules: After you get a Letter of Approval, you must follow its requirements. If you do not, you can lose your permit.

• Application fees:

  • New application fees: $420
  • Amended application fees: $420
  • Complex tech and technical analysis fee: $525 (if needed based on plan type)
  • Applications related to non-water fire extinguishing systems: $165
  • Resubmission fees: same as initial filing
  • No charge if resubmission is within six months of the previous FDNY objection (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.

• Make payment on FDNY Business to submit your application. For extra invoiced fees after submission, use one of the following methods:

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