Fire Alarm Variance

The City Fire Department needs fire alarm systems and auxiliary radio communication systems (ARCS) in buildings. These systems must follow the NYC Building Code, NYC Electrical Code, and NFPA 72 standard.

You need a Fire Alarm Variance Application to ask the Fire Department for help or to change any Fire Code rule. This is according to NYC Fire Code Section FC 104.7.2.

When you apply, the Fire Department will consider many factors. They will see if your request is needed, if it keeps people safe and if it follows their policies.

Types of fire alarm variance applications

You can apply for different types of variances, such as:

• Technical help for fire alarm system and ARCS design
• Mixed-use building fire alarm systems
• Phased installations and inspections
• Fire Command Center locations
• Secondary Fire Command Centers
• Dual Fire Command Centers
• Networking of fire alarm systems
• Phased upgrades
• Campus-wide fire alarm systems and campus loops
• Fire alarm legalization
• Complex pre-signal system design
• Smoke detector bypass
• Studio on-air bypass for notification devices
• Mass notification systems
• Sequence of operation modification
• Vivarium alarm notification modifications
• ARCS waivers
• ARCS fire protection alternatives
• FDNY agreement with DOB CCD1's for fire alarm and radio systems

• Select the fire alarm variance category
  Choose the Fire Alarm Variance category on FDNY Business.

• Submit required forms and documents
  A registered design professional, licensed electrical contractor or FDNY-listed Fire Alarm Company must submit:

  • TM-4 Form
  • A letter describing the circumstances and premises
  • Any extra documents and plans for the fire alarm or radio communication system design
  • Indicate if specific NYC fire alarm regulations, rules, codes, bulletins or policies are to be affected in the fire alarm system concept, design, installation, method, materials or plan review and field inspection procedures or submissions
  • Proof of building occupancy from the NYC Department of Buildings (Certificate of Occupancy or approved Schedule A)

• Filing procedure
  The filing procedure depends on the type and time of the application. Training on how to file can be found at the FDNY website.

• Submitting forms and documents

  • For applications filed before May 22, 2020, scan and email PDF documents to plan.intake@fdny.nyc.gov
  • For applications filed after May 22, 2020, submit online.

• Required documents
  Submit the following documents as unlocked PDF files:

  • Completed TM-4 Form - Technology Management Fire Alarm Technical Assistance Form
  • Letter describing the circumstances and premises
  • Fire alarm and/or architectural drawings (if needed)
  • Site plans, 3D renderings, photographs and/or other visual representations (if needed)
  • Any extra documents to describe the proposed design
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy or DOB-approved Schedule A
  • Letter of Approval for the fire alarm system being changed (if needed)
  • Any relevant letters or decisions from other City agencies
  • Ensure all information on the TM-4, FDNY Business Application and Building Information sections are the same
  • Scanned PDF files must be clear and at least 600dpi (high resolution)

• Your application will be processed: The Intake Unit will add it to the Fire Alarm Variance queue.

• Note: Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

• The examiner will review your application: They will check all your documents. After the review, you will get one of these:

  • Letter of Acceptance - Your application is approved.
  • Conditional Letter of Acceptance - Your application is approved with conditions.
  • Letter of No Objection - The Department has no objection to your request.
  • Letter of Denial - Your application is denied.
  • Revision Required (Letter of Deficiency) - Your application is not approved. You will get directions on how to fix the issues.
  • Additional Information Request - More documents or clarification are needed.
  • Applications Not Required - Your application was filed incorrectly or is not needed. Follow the instructions in the email response for more directions.

• Depending on the type of variance requested: You may need to complete an inspection or plan examination after your variance is approved.

• If your application needs approval from the Department of Buildings: The letter you get will include directions on how to file with them.

Withdrawals

• You can submit Fire Alarm Variance Withdrawal requests by selecting Technology Management Withdrawal Request under Design and Installation Application. See Withdrawal instructions for details.

Refund requests

• You can submit and track refund requests directly from FDNY Business. See Online Payment and Refund instructions for details.

Fire alarm and ARCS plan examination

• If your Fire Alarm Variance Application needs the filing of a Fire Alarm Application or a revision of an existing Fire Alarm Application, see Fire Alarm Application for details.
• If it needs the filing of an Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS) Application, see Auxiliary Radio Communication System Application for details.

Fire alarm and ARCS inspection

• If the associated Fire Alarm Application or ARCS Application is approved and the system is ready for inspection, contact the Fire Alarm Inspection Unit to schedule an inspection. See Request an Inspection for details.

Contact information

• For questions or help with FDNY Business, contact the FDNY Customer Service Center by dialing 311 or via email at fdny.businesssupport@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Application fees

  • New Application Fees: $420
  • Amendment Application Fees: $420
  • Resubmission Fees: No fee if submitted within six months of Letter of Deficiency or Additional Information Requested. After six months, a new filing fee may be required.

• Submit application online
  Submit the completed application online with all supporting documents.

• Make payment
  You must 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