New York City is known for many things, but our excellent fire department is a proper spot of pride for New Yorkers. These brave men and women help protect the greatest city on earth from destructive, raging fires and other related emergencies. And while the FDNY will always have our backs, it’s important that certain buildings have the proper fire prevention solutions in place. Here are some ways to know whether you are required to install a fire sprinkler system in your building or not.
Understanding Building Occupancies
As you already know, New York City is full of many different buildings, each with its own primary purpose. Some house hundreds of families, while others support local businesses. The city classifies buildings by occupancy groups, which help describe what actions are mainly conducted within their walls. The following occupancy groups are classifications that may be required to include an automatic sprinkler system:
- Occupancy B–Businesses
- Occupancy E–Educational Institutions
- Occupancy F–Factories (including auto shops)
- Occupancy G–High Hazard Environments
- Occupancy I–Institutional
- Occupancy M–Mercantile
- Occupancy R–Residential
- Occupancy S–Storage
NYC Automatic Sprinkler System Requirements
So, which of the above-listed occupancy group classifications are legally required to have automatic sprinkler systems? Thanks to New York City Local Law 26, any of those occupancy groups in a building taller than 100 feet must have a comprehensive fire prevention system that covers all fire areas.
However, groups like occupancy B, E, G, F, and R typically require automatic sprinkler systems regardless of building height. Occupancy R buildings such as detached one or two-family dwellings or townhouses are sometimes exempt from this regulation, provided the building is under three stories and each unit has an independent method of egress. Sprinkler systems for these types of residences must feature an NFPA 13D fire-safe design.
How To Ensure Your Building Is Fire Safe
Along with providing a building with a comprehensive fire sprinkler system, there are other steps you can take to increase fire prevention. For instance, it’s essential that a fire-safety drill is implemented for the building and that all occupants are aware of it.
Providing a building with additional fire-safety equipment, such as extinguishers, can help slow the path of a raging fire. When facilities are not fire-safe, it’s recommended you seek a NOC from your local fire department.
Knowing when you are required to install a fire sprinkler system in your building is essential for keeping the community safe and protected. If you need help meeting the city’s regulations, contact us at Harris Main today for more information and help with NYC fire sprinkler installation!
