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Building Systems Installation & Modifications: Sprinkler




The New York City Building Code requires the installation of automatic sprinklers be based on several factors, such as the height and size of the building, occupancy classifications, fire areas, occupant loads, the layout of partitions, fire-rated construction, and the contents or hazards present in the building.  In general, Building Code Chapter 9 and Building Code Appendix Q, which amends references to various National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, governs the sprinkler system application, installation, and design.

Sprinkler work, which is part of the fire protection system of a building, is the new installation, maintenance, tenant fit out, modification, extension or alteration of the building sprinkler system.

Sprinkler Work

Work You Can Do on Your Own
No Sprinkler work can be performed without a permit, without hiring a Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor or a Licensed Plumber.

Work Without a Permit
No Sprinkler work can be performed without a permit.  Only a Licensed Plumber or Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor can perform initial emergency work (AC 28-105.4.1) without obtaining a permit.

Hiring Professionals

The Department encourages anyone hiring a Construction Professional to check both their disciplinary and voluntary surrender records, as well as current license status. Property owners are responsible for any work performed on their buildings and should ensure qualified and experienced professionals that will comply with all requirements of the NYC Building Code and Zoning Resolution are hired.

The Know Your Construction Professional Directory provides disciplinary and voluntary surrender records for licensed Plumbers, Professional Engineers (P.E.) and Registered Architects (R.A.), Registrants and other Skilled Trades. Search our master list of all construction professionals monitored by the Department or search by category:


Master Plumber

The NYC Administrative Code defines Limited Plumbing Alteration as a repair of a plumbing or fuel gas piping system, which can only be performed by a Licensed Plumber. If the plumbing project exceeds Limited Plumbing Alteration  work, a Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.) must submit drawings for approval by the Department to obtain a work permit.

Fire Suppression Contractor

NYC Administrative Code defines Limited Sprinkler Alteration as an alteration to a sprinkler system that is limited in scope, which can only be performed by a Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor.  If the sprinkler project exceeds Limited Sprinkler Alteration work, a Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.) must submit drawings for approval to the Department to obtain a work permit.

Registered Design Professional

If the sprinkler project exceeds the work allowed under the categories of Limited Plumbing Alteration or Limited Sprinkler Alterations, a P.E. or R.A. must submit drawings, for approval by the Department, to obtain a work permit.


Project Categories:

  1. Building Systems Installation & Modifications

  2. Renovations

  3. Construction Equipment

  4. Alterations COMING SOON!

  5. Demolition COMING SOON!

  6. New Buildings COMING SOON!


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