New York fire code

Which fire code applies to your building?

It all depends on your address. According to the Department of State, the state's Uniform Code governs every building and structure across New York State, with New York City as the exception. Inside the five boroughs, the NYC Fire Code stands as a city law that reaches every person and place there.

One rulebook is the exception to this split. The State Energy Code covers all buildings statewide, New York City included.

The state's 2025 fire code

This state code builds on the 2024 International Fire Code, with changes specific to New York. A national code group writes the International Fire Code as a model, and states then adopt it for themselves. The state edition took effect on December 31, 2025.

New York has had a statewide code since January 1, 1984. Before that date, it was up to each local government whether to adopt any fire prevention code. The code preface traces its legal foundation to the Executive Law: Article 18, covering sections 370 to 383.

Keeping the code current is the job of New York's State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council. The Governor appoints its members, and the State Fire Administrator sits among them. New code changes generally become effective 90 days once the state publishes its notice that they've been adopted. You can find this rule-making activity posted on the Division of Building Standards and Codes website.

Regular testing of fire protection systems is covered in Chapter 9 of the state code. These testing rules apply to fire protection systems such as alarms and sprinklers. Ask which tests your system needs, and a contractor can sort them out with you.

Who enforces the code beyond New York City?

Your local fire code office enforces the rules, often the town fire marshal. Call us and we'll help you work out who covers your address. Section 379 of the Executive Law lets a local government request the Code Council's approval to impose stricter construction rules.

One example is the Village of Saltaire. Local Law No. 4 of 2022 there requires automatic sprinklers in single-family homes.

Huntington keeps a Fire Prevention Code of its own, as the town explains. Permits for certain activities are listed in section 111-56, and fees appear in section 111-40. Burning yard debris is not allowed there, and only recreational fires are permitted.

Fire marshal inspections and violations in Huntington

When a Huntington inspection turns up a problem, it typically results in a notice of violation. You get 30 days to fix it. Severe problems or hazards can bring a summons right at the first inspection.

Any licensed contractor putting in a sprinkler, alarm, or suppression system must first secure a construction permit from Huntington's fire prevention bureau. The inspection gets scheduled by email, carried out by the contractor, with a Fire Marshal watching. Got a notice of violation? Call today to get the problem fixed in time.

The 2022 NYC Fire Code

The 2022 Fire Code came out of Local Law No. 47 of 2022, which amended the city code and took effect April 15, 2022. Its rules for design, installation, operation, and maintenance reach both new and existing buildings. Projects already underway may fall under special rules.

The city code covers preventing and reporting fires, emergency planning, hazardous materials and businesses, plus the way building systems get designed, installed, and kept up. FDNY offers a table matching the 2014 code to the 2022 code.

Permits, plans, and certificates from FDNY

The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention oversees the city's fire safety licenses, permits, and plan approvals, as FDNY lists. Its plan reviews cover fire alarms, suppression systems, and emergency action and fire safety plans. A variance means official permission to satisfy a rule through a different method, and these requests go to FDNY's Technology Management Unit.

Different kinds of companies get separate FDNY certificates:

• Companies that install, inspect, test, and service fire alarms
• Smoke detector maintenance outfits
• Central station monitoring outfits
• Portable fire extinguisher servicing firms
• Principals overseeing extinguishing systems that use dry chemical, wet chemical, or gas

Under Local Law 103 of 2019, buildings in Group R-2 within hurricane evacuation zones have to display an evacuation notice. Unsure whether that applies to your building? Call us and tell us your address.

Fire extinguisher service in New York

Only an FDNY-approved company may service portable extinguishers in New York City. Every company certificate stays valid for 1 year. Renewal paperwork must go in at least 4 weeks before expiration. Servicing companies also receive a Certificate of Approval once FDNY's Portable Fire Extinguishing Unit inspects them.

Whoever services your extinguisher must hold a W-96 Certificate of Fitness. This certificate is personal to that individual, is good throughout the city, and involves a written exam. Anyone holding it must work for an FDNY-approved company.

Every serviced extinguisher has needed a standard FDNY tag since June 1, 2018. FDNY requires this tag to document extinguisher inspection or service, and only approved companies can buy the tags.

Over in the Town of Huntington, a business licensed by Suffolk County must inspect and tag extinguishers annually. If your extinguisher is due for service, call now to find out what's required where you are.