§505-01 Apartment and Guest Room Identification and Directional Markings and Signs.

Below is info about §505-01 Apartment and Guest Room Identification and Directional Markings and Signs requirements.  For more information about what is required, see the laws that are referenced and the Rules of the City of New York. This page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or as a statement of the law. You may wish to consult with an attorney.

Fire Operations Features

§505-01 Apartment and Guest Room Identification and Directional Markings and Signs.

   (a)   Scope. This section sets forth standards and requirements for the design and placement of entrance door room number markings for dwelling units (apartments, guest rooms and sleeping rooms) in Group R-1 and Group R-2 buildings and occupancies, and lobby and hallway corridor directional signs, which serve to assist emergency response personnel in locating such dwelling units.

   (b)   General Provisions.

      (1)   Applicability. The marking and sign provisions of FC505.3 and this section are operational and maintenance requirements. Pursuant to FC102.2, these requirements are applicable to all Group R-1 and Group R-2 buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.3, regardless of when such building or occupancy was constructed or established.

      (2)   Time for compliance. Pursuant to FC505.3.3, buildings and occupancies existing on May 31, 2016, shall be brought into compliance with the marking and sign requirements of FC505.3 and this section by March 30, 2017. Buildings and occupancies for which a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy is issued by the Department of Buildings on or after June 1, 2016, shall be compliant with such requirements prior to occupancy of the building or occupancy.

      (3)   Existing markings and signs. Any building or occupancy that has installed markings and signs prior to June 1, 2016, that vary from the requirements of FC505.3 and this section may retain such markings and signs, provided that such existing markings and signs are conspicuously and durably printed or posted, and communicate the same or substantially similar information required by this section. Any such existing marking or sign shall be replaced with a marking or sign that complies with the requirements of this section whenever the existing marking or sign in the building or occupancy is repainted or replaced.

      (4)   Conformance with plans. Entrance door room number and directional markings and signs must be consistent with the room numbers reflected upon any emergency preparedness plan or other plan requiring room identification prepared and/or filed in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

      (5)   Tampering. Pursuant to FC107.4.2, it is unlawful for any person to remove, deface, obscure or otherwise render illegible any marking or sign required by FC505.3 and this section.

   (c)   Dwelling Unit Entrance Door Identification.

      (1)   Where required. Pursuant to FC505.3, at least one (1) entrance door to each dwelling unit shall be marked or have a sign identifying the room number and/or letter as set forth in this section. Dwelling units having more than one (1) entrance door shall place the marking or sign on or adjacent to the main entrance door.

      (2)   Location. Pursuant to FC505.3, the entrance door marking or sign identifying the room number and/or letter shall be conspicuously and durably printed or posted on or adjacent to the entrance door, on the public corridor side of the door. The marking or sign letters and numbers shall be at least 48 inches, but not more than 60 inches, above the floor.

      (3)   Design. The entrance door markings and signs shall comply with the following design requirements:

         (A)   Letters and numbers shall be san serif, not less than one-half (1/2) inch in height, and shall use Arabic numerals and/or English alphabet capital letters.

         (B)   Character proportions and spacing, including stroke width, spacing between characters and line spacing, shall be in accordance with national and industry standards for building signage.

         (C)   Letters and numbers shall contrast with the background (whether of the door, the wall, or the sign) so as to be plainly discernible. Room number markings and signs may, but are not required to, include hyphens or other forms of punctuation.

         (4)   Method of affixing. Room number markings and signs shall be durably affixed in compliance with the following requirements:

            (A)   Painted markings shall be selected and applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

            (B)   Adhesives used to affix room number signs shall be sufficiently durable to ensure an extended useful life of the sign.

            (C)   Signs affixed to fire doors or fire-rated walls using screws or nails shall not compromise the fire rating of the door or wall.

   (d)   Building Lobby and Hallway Corridor Directional Markings or Signs.

      (1)   Where required. Pursuant to FC505.3, in a Group R-1 and Group R-2 building or occupancy with more than eight (8) dwelling units on a floor, a marking shall be placed or a sign posted in a conspicuous location in the elevator lobby or other public entry on each floor, and in the public corridor opposite each stairwell entrance, in accordance with R505-01(d)(2). The marking or sign shall identify by directional arrows and dwelling unit numbers and/or letters, the direction to each dwelling unit. Such markings or signs are not required in the public entry or opposite any stairwell entrance in any building or on any floor where the entrances to dwelling units are located in a single direction from such entry or stairwell entrance. For purposes of this section, a "single direction" means that all dwelling units are located along a single corridor. If dwelling units are located on more than one corridor, directional markings or signs shall be provided at each location where the corridor from the stairwell intersects with another corridor.

      (2)   Location. Pursuant to FC505.3, the directional markings and signs shall be conspicuously and durably printed or posted. The numbers, letters and directional arrows shall be at least 48 inches, but not more than 60 inches, above the floor. Stairwell directional markings or signs shall be located on the wall directly opposite the stairway entrance door. If there is no wall opposite such stairway entrance, or such location is not suitable for such purpose, the directional marking or sign shall be located at the nearest suitable location on the wall opposite the non-hinged side of the stairway entrance door.

      (3)   Design. The design of directional markings and signs shall be in accordance with R505-01(c)(3).

      (4)   Method of affixing. Directional markings and signs shall be affixed in accordance with R505-01(c)(4).

   (e)   Operational and Maintenance Requirements.

      (1)   Maintenance required. Markings and signs required by FC505.3 and this section shall be maintained in good repair. Markings and signs that are found to be missing, defaced, obscured, illegible, damaged or loose shall be repaired or replaced.

      (2)   Initial compliance inspection. Owners of buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.3 shall have such buildings and occupancies inspected within the time for compliance set forth in R505-01(b)(2) to confirm that such building or occupancy's markings and signs conform to the requirements of this section.

      (3)   Periodic compliance inspection. Owners of buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.3 shall have such buildings and occupancies inspected at least once per year to verify that the markings and signs are in good repair, and repair or replace any markings that are not.

   (f)   Recordkeeping.

      (1)   Compliance inspections. Records of the inspections required by R505-01(e)(2) and (3) shall be maintained in accordance with FC107.7. Dated entries shall be made with respect to the floors or other areas of the building or occupancy that have been inspected, the printed name and signature of the person who performed the inspection, and the markings or signs that require repair or replacement. Dated entries shall be made when such markings or signs are repaired and/or replaced.

      (2)   Existing markings and signs. A written record shall be made prior to March 30, 2017, of existing markings and signs retained in accordance with R505-01(b)(3). Such record shall be maintained for so long as the existing markings and signs are retained.

(Eff. 6/1/2016)

§505-02 Apartment, Guest Room and Stairwell Fire Emergency Markings.

 (a)   Scope. This section sets forth standards and requirements for the design and placement of entrance door fire emergency markings for dwelling units (apartments, guest rooms and sleeping rooms) in Group R-1 and Group R-2 buildings or occupancies, and stairwell doors, which serve to assist firefighters in locating such dwelling units and stairwells and in identifying multi-floor dwelling units.

   (b)   Definition. The following term shall, for purposes of this section, have the meaning shown herein:

      Main entrance. The main entrance is the primary means of entry to and egress from the dwelling unit. Such main entrance typically opens into an area that affords unimpeded access to the rooms and corridors of the dwelling unit.

   (c)   General Provisions.

      (1)   Applicability. The fire emergency marking provisions of FC505.4 and this section are operational and maintenance requirements. Pursuant to FC102.2, these requirements are applicable to all Group R-1 and Group R-2 buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.4, regardless of when such building or occupancy was constructed or established.

      (2)   Time for compliance. Pursuant to FC505.4.5, buildings and occupancies existing on May 31, 2016, shall be brought into compliance with the marking requirements of FC505.4 and this section by March 30, 2018, except that buildings and occupancies shall be brought into compliance with multi-floor dwelling unit fire emergency markings by March 30, 2017. Buildings and occupancies for which a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy on or after June 1. 2016, shall be compliant with such requirements prior to occupancy of the building or occupancy.

      (3)   Existing markings. Any building or occupancy that has installed multi-floor dwelling unit fire emergency markings prior to June 1, 2016, that vary from the requirements of FC505.4 and this section may retain such markings, provided that such existing markings are conspicuously and durably printed or posted, communicate the same or substantially similar information required by this section, and are constructed of photoluminescent, retroreflective or other approved material. Any such existing marking shall be replaced with a marking that complies with the requirements of this section when the existing marking in the building or occupancy is replaced.

      (4)   Conformance with plans. Entrance door room number fire emergency markings shall be consistent with the room numbers reflected upon any emergency preparedness plan or other plan requiring room identification prepared and/or filed in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

      (5)   Tampering. Pursuant to FC107.4.2, it shall be unlawful for any person to remove, deface, obscure or otherwise render illegible any fire emergency marking required by FC505.4 and this section.

   (d)   Apartment and Guest Room Identification.

      (1)   Where required. Each entrance door to each dwelling unit in a Group R-1 or R-2 building or occupancy shall be provided with fire emergency markings identifying the room number and/or letter as set forth in this section, R505-02(d). This requirement does not apply to:

         (A)   buildings and occupancies with eight (8) or fewer dwelling units on a floor;

         (B)   buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system; or

         (C)   an occupancy within a building if the building is protected throughout by a sprinkler system,

         provided, however, that compliance with fire emergency marking requirements is required for any multi-floor dwelling units within such buildings and occupancies.

         Historically, Group R-1 buildings and occupancies have been required by the Building Codeto be protected throughout by a sprinkler system. To the extent that a hotel or other Group R-1 building or occupancy is lawfully occupied without sprinkler protection, such buildings and occupancies shall comply with the provisions of R505-02(d).

      (2)   Location. Entrance door fire emergency markings shall be placed on the public corridor side of dwelling unit entrance doors, as follows:

         (A)   The markings shall be affixed to the door jamb on the hinged side of the door. See Appendix E.

         (B)   The fire emergency marking letters and/or numbers shall not be more than 12 inches above the floor. The uppermost character or symbol shall be positioned with its top edge at 12 inches above the floor with the remaining characters and symbols placed below.

      (3)   Multiple entrances. When a dwelling unit has more than one (1) entrance door, the markings for the main entrance door shall be distinct from secondary entrance doors, as set forth in R505-02(d)(3)(A) and (B).

         (A)   Star and triangle symbols.

            (1)   The main entrance door to a dwelling unit shall be marked by placing a symbol of a star immediately above the room identification number required by R505-02(d)(1). See Appendix A, Figure A2.

            (2)   Each secondary entrance door to a dwelling unit shall be marked by placing a symbol of a triangle immediately above the room identification number required by R505-02(d)(1). See Appendix A, Figure A2.

            (3)   A single main entrance shall be designated for a multi-floor dwelling unit and marked with a star symbol. All other entrances, including the entrance that may serve as the primary means of entry to the dwelling unit on a floor other than the floor upon which the main entrance is located, shall be marked as secondary entrances using the triangle symbol.

         (B)   Numbering. Where a single dwelling unit has different entrance door room numbers on a single floor, the entrance door room number of the main entrance (or the primary means of entry on the floor for a multi-floor dwelling unit) shall be used on the fire emergency marking on each entrance door. This shall be in addition to the star or triangle marking.

         (C)   Adjoining guest room doors. Guest rooms in Group R-1 hotels and motels that have doors designed to allow two (2) or more adjoining guest rooms to be combined from time to time shall be treated as separate rooms for purposes of compliance with the fire emergency marking requirements of this section.

      (4)   Design. The entrance door fire emergency marking shall comply with the following design requirements:

         (A)   Letters and numbers shall be san serif, not less than three-quarters (3/4) inch in height, and shall use Arabic numerals and/or English alphabet capital letters.

         (B)   Character proportions, including stroke width, character height and character width shall be in accordance with national and industry standards for building signage.

         (C)   Spacing between characters shall be not less than one-eighth (1/8) inch and not more than four (4) times the character stroke width.

         (D)   The dwelling unit number and/or letter designation shall be displayed vertically, arranged sequentially from top to bottom. See Appendix A, Figure A1. Entrance door fire emergency markings shall not include hyphens or other forms of punctuation.

         (E)   The markings shall contrast with the background against which the characters or symbols are viewed (whether it be the background color of the marking or, if the marking has no background color, the color of the door jamb itself) so as to be plainly discernible, and shall be of photoluminescent, retroreflective or other approved material, durable, water-resistant and securely affixed. If photoluminescent markings are used, such materials shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code for photoluminescent exit path markings, except that the photoluminescent markings used to comply with the provisions of this section do not require Department of Buildings approval.

         (F)   The design of the markings, including the type of material and the typeface, size and color of the markings, shall be consistent throughout the building.

      (5)   Method of affixing. Fire emergency markings shall be durably affixed in compliance with the following requirements:

         (A)   Adhesives used to affix fire emergency markings shall be sufficiently durable to ensure an extended useful life of the marking.

         (B)   Markings affixed to fire doors or fire-rated walls using screws or nails shall not compromise the fire rating of the door or wall.

      (6)   Directional arrows. Multi-floor dwelling units shall additionally be marked with directional arrows and other symbols in accordance with R505-02(e).

   (e)   Multi-Floor Dwelling Unit Directional Arrows and Symbols.

      (1)   Directional arrows. Pursuant to FC505.4.1, each entrance door to a multi-floor dwelling unit that opens to a public corridor or other means of egress shall be marked on the public corridor side of the door by one or more upward or downward-pointing arrows indicating the direction(s) of the other floor(s) to which the multi-floor dwelling unit is connected, and the room number and/or letter of entrances on such floors (upper floor entrance room numbers/letters above the directional arrow; lower floor entrance room numbers/letters below the directional arrow). Directional arrows shall be placed immediately below the room identification number required by R505-02(d). See Appendix B, Figures B1, B2 and B3.

      (2)   Sandwich-design apartments. A multi-floor dwelling unit, access to which is provided by means of an interior stair or passageway from another floor, which has no living space on the floor upon which the entrance door is located, shall be identified by a horizontal mark perpendicular to the directional arrow. See Appendix C, Figure C1.

      (3)   Design. The design of the multi-floor dwelling unit markings shall conform to the requirements of R505-02(d)(4), except that the minimum size of the markings shall not be less than three (3) inches in height.

   (f)   Stairwell Identification.

      (1)   Where required. Each stairwell door in any building subject to FC505.4.3 shall be identified as a stairwell door by placing the fire emergency marking required by R505-02(f) on the door jamb on the hinged side of the stairwell door in the public corridor. This requirement does not apply to:

         (A)   any building or occupancy with photoluminescent exit path markings on stairwell entrance doors in compliance with the requirements of the Building Code;

         (B)   any building protected throughout by a sprinkler system; and

         (C)   an occupancy within a building if the building is protected throughout by a sprinkler system

      (2)   Design. The stairwell door shall be marked with the word "EXIT" and the building stairwell letter designation to which the stairwell door provides access. The marking letters shall be displayed vertically, arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and shall comply with the standards and requirements set forth in R505-02(d)(4), as applicable. See Appendix D, Figure D1.

      (3)   Location and method of affixing. The location and method of affixing of the stairwell markings shall conform to the requirements of R505-02(d)(2) and (5).

   (g)   Operational and Maintenance Requirements.

      (1)   Maintenance required. Markings required by FC505.4 and this section shall be maintained in good repair. Markings that are found to be missing, defaced, obscured, illegible, damaged or loose shall be repaired or replaced.

      (2)   Initial compliance inspection. Owners of buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.4 shall have such buildings and occupancies inspected within the time for compliance set forth in R505-02(c)(2) to confirm that such building or occupancy's markings conform to the requirements of this section.

      (3)   Periodic compliance inspection. Owners of buildings and occupancies subject to FC505.4 shall cause such buildings and occupancies to be inspected not less than annually to verify that the markings are in good repair and to repair or replace any markings that are not.

   (h)   Recordkeeping.

      (1)   Compliance inspections. Records of the inspections required by R505-02(g)(2) and (3) shall be maintained in accordance with FC107.7. Dated entries shall be made with respect to the floors or other areas of the building or occupancy that have been inspected, the printed name and signature of the person who performed the inspection, and the markings that require repair or replacement. Dated entries shall be made when such markings are repaired and/or replaced.

      (2)   Existing markings. A written record shall be made prior to June 1, 2018 (June 1, 2017 for multi-floor dwelling units), of existing markings retained in accordance with R505-02(c)(3). Such record shall be maintained for so long as the existing markings are retained.

APPENDIX A
ENTRANCE DOOR FIRE EMERGENCY MARKINGS IN GROUP R-1 AND GROUP R-2 BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANCIES (EXCEPT MULTI-FLOOR DWELLING UNITS)

1. Dwelling units having only a single entrance door (except multi-floor dwelling units)

FIGURE A1

Figure A1 depicts the location and vertical configuration of the fire emergency marking for a dwelling unit designated as 12A and having a single entrance. Since the dwelling unit has only a single door, no star symbol (See Figure A2) is needed to distinguish it as the main entrance door.

2. Dwelling unit having more than one entrance door (except multi-floor dwelling units)

FIGURE A2

Figure A2 depicts the location, vertical configuration and star and triangle symbol of the fire emergency marking for a dwelling unit designated as 12A having more than one entrance door. Each entrance door is required to be marked separately.

The star and triangle symbols serve to distinguish the main entrance door from secondary entrance doors.

Marking A: The star symbol serves to identify the main entrance door to the dwelling unit.

Marking B: The triangle symbol serves to identify each secondary entrance to the dwelling unit.

APPENDIX B
ENTRANCE DOOR FIRE EMERGENCY MARKING FOR MULTI-FLOOR DWELLING UNITS IN A GROUP R-1 AND GROUP R-2 BUILDING OR OCCUPANCY

1. Entrance door to two-floor multi-floor dwelling units (except sandwich-design dwellings units) having a single entrance door.

FIGURE B1

Figure B1 depicts the location, vertical configuration, arrow symbol and arrow directions for a two-floor multi-floor dwelling unit designated 14A, having a single entrance door. The upward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit is a multi-floor dwelling unit having living space on the entry floor and on the floor above this floor.

2. Entrance doors to multi-floor dwelling units (except sandwich-design dwelling units) having a single entrance door on each floor

FIGURE B2

Figure B2, entrance door markings A and B, depict the location, vertical configuration, star and triangle symbols, arrow symbols and arrow directions for a two-floor multi-floor dwelling unit designated 14A on the lower floor and 15A on the upper floor. The room number associated with the dwelling unit entrance door on a floor above or below shall be indicated above or below the arrows, as indicated, irrespective of whether the room number designations on the other floors are the same or not. The star and triangle symbols serve to distinguish the main entrance door from secondary entrance doors.

Marking A: This marking identifies that the dwelling unit entrance door provides access to dwelling unit 14A, that it is the main entrance, and that it is a two-floor multi-floor dwelling unit. The living space for the dwelling unit is located on the entrance floor and the floor above the entrance door, as signified by the upward-pointing arrow. The horizontal "15A" marking signifies that the dwelling unit entrance door number of this unit on the upper floor is marked 15A.

Marking B: This marking identifies that the dwelling unit entrance door provides access to dwelling unit 15A, that it is a secondary entrance, and that it is a two-floor multi-floor dwelling unit. The living space for the dwelling unit is located on the entrance floor and the floor below the entrance door, as signified by the downward-pointing arrow. The horizontal "14A" marking signifies that the dwelling unit entrance door number of this unit on the lower floor is marked 14A.

Figure B2, entrance door markings C, D and E, depict the location, vertical configuration, star and triangle symbols, arrow symbols and arrow directions for a three-floor multi-floor dwelling unit designated 14A on the lower floor, 15A on the middle floor and 16A on the upper floor. The room number associated with the dwelling unit entrance door on a floor above or below is indicated above or below the arrows.

Marking C: This marking identifies that the dwelling unit entrance door provides access to dwelling unit 14A, that it is the main entrance, and that it is a three-floor multi-floor dwelling unit. The living space for the dwelling unit is located on the entrance floor and the two floors above the entrance door, as signified by the two upward-pointing arrows. The horizontal "15A" and "16A" markings signify that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the middle floor is marked 15A and the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the upper floor is marked 16A.

Marking D: This marking identifies that the dwelling unit entrance door provides access to dwelling unit 15A, that it is a secondary entrance, and that it is a three-floor multi-floor dwelling unit. The living space for the dwelling unit is located on the entrance floor; the floor above the entrance door, as signified by the upward-pointing arrow; and the floor below the entrance door, as signified by the downward-pointing arrow. The horizontal markings "16A" and "14A" signify that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the upper floor is marked 16A and the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the lower floor is marked 14A.

Marking E: This marking identifies that the dwelling unit entrance door provides access to dwelling unit 16A, that it is a secondary entrance, and that it is a three-story multi-floor dwelling unit. The living space for the dwelling unit is located on the entrance floor, and the two floors below the entrance door, as signified by the two downward-pointing arrows. The horizontal "15A" and "14A" markings signify that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the middle floor is marked 15A and the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the lower floor is marked 14A.

3. Entrance doors to two-story multi-floor dwelling units (except sandwich-design dwellings units) having two entrance doors on one floor, and one on another floor.

FIGURE B3

Figure B3 depicts the location, vertical configuration, star and triangle symbol, arrow symbol and arrow directions for a two-floor multi-floor dwelling unit designated 14A on the lower floor and 15A on the upper floor, having two entrance doors on the lower floor and one (1) entrance door on the upper floor.

Marking A: The star identifies this entrance as the main entrance providing access to dwelling unit 14A. The upward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit is a multi-floor dwelling unit having living space on the entry floor and one floor above this floor. The horizontal "15A" marking signifies that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the upper floor is marked 15A. The lack of a downward-pointed arrow indicates that this entrance is on the lowest floor of the dwelling.

Marking B: The triangle identifies this entrance as a secondary entrance providing access to dwelling unit 14A. The upward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit is a multi-floor dwelling unit having living space on the entry floor and one floor above this floor. The horizontal "15A" marking signifies that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the upper floor is marked 15A. The lack of a downward-pointed arrow indicates that this entrance is on the lowest floor of the dwelling.

Marking C: The triangle identifies this entrance as a secondary entrance providing access to dwelling unit 15A. The downward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit is a multi-floor dwelling unit having living space on the entry floor and one floor below this floor. The horizontal "14A" marking signifies that the entrance door to this dwelling unit on the lower floor is marked 14A. The lack of an upward-pointed arrow indicates that this entrance is on the highest floor of the dwelling. If there is more than one entrance door number associated with the multi-floor dwelling unit on an upper or lower floor, the marking should include both entrance door numbers.

APPENDIX C
ENTRANCE DOOR FIRE EMERGENCY MARKING FOR SANDWICH-DESIGN MULTI-FLOOR DWELLING UNITS IN A GROUP R-1 AND GROUP R-2 BUILDING OR OCCUPANCY

1. Entrance door to sandwich-design multi-floor dwelling units having only a single entrance door.

FIGURE C1

Figure C1 depicts the location, vertical configuration, modified arrow symbol (horizontal mark perpendicular to the arrow), and arrow directions for a sandwich-design multi-floor dwelling unit designated 12A accessed from a single entrance door on a lower floor. The upward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit is located on the floor above the entrance floor. The horizontal mark at the base of the upward-pointing arrow indicates that the dwelling unit has no living space on that floor.

APPENDIX D
EXIT STAIRWELL ENTRANCE DOOR MARKING IN GROUP R-1 AND R-2 BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANCIES

1. Fire emergency markings for exit stairwell entrance doors

FIGURE D1

Figure D1 depicts the fire emergency marking required to be placed on the public corridor side of the entrance doors to the exit stairwell designated as Stairwell A.

APPENDIX E
PLACEMENT OF ENTRANCE DOOR FIRE EMERGENCY MARKINGS IN GROUP R-1 AND GROUP R-2 BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANCIES

Figure E1 depicts the location where entrance door fire emergency markings required by this rule must be placed. Such markings are to be affixed to the door jamb on the hinged side of the entrance door as shown in Figure E1, and must be fully visible from the corridor side of the door when the door is in the closed position.

(Eff. 6/1/2016)

§511-01 In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems

   (a)   Scope. This section sets forth requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of in-building auxiliary radio communication systems. In-building radio communication systems that were approved for installation by the Department of Buildings and/or the Department prior to December 31, 2014, and that were designed to enhance Department communications in a manner similar to an in-building auxiliary radio communication system, shall be subject to the requirements of this section to the extent set forth in R511-01(j).

   (b)   Definitions. The following terms shall, for purposes of this section and as used elsewhere in the rules, have the meanings shown herein:

      Appendix Q. Section 24.5.2 of Appendix Q to the Building Code, as codified in Department of Buildings rule 1 RCNY 3616-04. Appendix Q amends NFPA Standard 72, a Referenced Standard to the Building Code and Fire Code.

      ARC system. An in-building auxiliary radio communication system.

      Base station. A transceiver that receives radio signals from an antenna system and retransmits them through the antenna system in an amplified and/or otherwise enhanced manner.

      Critical areas. Areas of a building within which radio communication is critical for emergency response operations.

      FCC. United States Federal Communications Commission.

      General areas. All areas of a building within which radio communication is to be made available for emergency response operations, excluding critical areas.

      In-building auxiliary radio communication system. A wireless two-way building communication system dedicated for Department use and designed in accordance with Appendix Q to propagate Department wireless radio frequencies within a building. Such a system typically consists of a radio console, base station, cabling, amplifiers and antenna system.

      Technical criteria. Technical specifications and standards for the design and operation of ARC systems established pursuant to Section 24.5.2.7 of Appendix Q. Technical criteria include but are not limited to operating frequencies; maximum time domain interference; unit ID and emergency alert signaling; dedicated radio console and other installation specifications; and testing equipment specifications.

      Testable area. Locations within a building in which an ARC system commissioning test can be conducted, including all areas designed for human occupancy. Mechanical rooms and other utility areas are testable areas if, and to the extent that, they are accessible.

   (c)   Permit. Pursuant to FC105.6, a permit shall be obtained from the Department to maintain or operate an ARC system. Application for a permit shall be made in accordance with R511-01(d)(3).

   (d)   General Provisions.

      (1)   General. ARC systems, whether required by Sections 403 or 917 of the Building Code or installed voluntarily, shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in compliance with FCC regulations, FC511, Section 917 of the Building Code, NFPA Standard 72 as amended by Appendix Q, this section and applicable technical criteria. Any potential conflicts among these requirements shall be promptly reported to the Technology Management Unit of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

      (2)   Required frequencies. An ARC system shall be designed to operate on the simplex Department frequencies designated as Channels 1 through 10 and Channel 16, or the duplex Department frequencies designated as Channels 11 and 12, as set forth in the technical criteria. Pursuant to Section 24.5.2.4.2 of Appendix Q, ARC systems shall be designed to be upgraded to accommodate changes in Department frequencies. The design, installation, operation and maintenance requirements set forth in Appendix Q, the technical criteria and this section may not be applicable to other Department communications and the frequencies on which they are propagated. Any owner seeking to install and maintain an in-building radio communication system that operates on any Department frequency other than the channels specified in this section shall first obtain Department approval in such manner and subject to such terms and conditions as the Department may prescribe.

      (3)   Application and approval process. The following Department approvals shall be obtained to install and maintain an ARC system:

         (A)   Application for system design approval. An application shall be filed by or on behalf of the owner, and include design and installation documents prepared in accordance with FC105.4 and R511-01(e) and detailing the design and intended operation of the ARC system; a written agreement executed by the owner, for use of Department frequencies, as set forth in R511-01(d)(4); and such other documentation as the Department may require.

         (B)   Plan approval. The Department will review the application for system design approval in accordance with FC105.4 and, if it determines the application to be satisfactory, will approve the documents in accordance with FC105.4.4.

         (C)   Commissioning test and application for system acceptance and permit issuance.Upon installation of an ARC system in accordance with the Department-approved documents, a commissioning test shall be conducted in accordance with FC511.2.2.1 and R511-01(f)(2). The test shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness for ARC system professional, who is employed by a business holding a Department company certificate, as set forth in R115-01. Upon successful completion of the commissioning test, the owner shall file an application with the Department requesting an acceptance test of the system and issuance of a permit. The application shall include a detailed report of the results of the commissioning test, as set forth in R511-01(e)(2) and R511-01(f)(2), and such other information and documentation as the Department may require.

         (D)   Acceptance test. The owner shall request that the Department schedule an acceptance test. The certificate of fitness holder who conducted the commissioning test shall be present at the acceptance test and demonstrate operation of the ARC system in the presence of Department representatives. The Department representatives will not conduct a second commissioning test but perform a limited test of the ARC system to confirm its operational readiness for Department use.

         (E)   Permit issuance. Upon successful completion of the acceptance test, the Department will issue a permit to maintain and operate the ARC system.

      (4)   City agreement to operate on FCC-licensed radio frequencies. ARC systems operate on radio frequencies licensed by the FCC to the City of New York. The installation of an ARC system in accordance with Building Code and Fire Code requirements does not constitute legal authority to operate on such licensed radio frequencies. The owner, prior to operating an ARC system, must obtain the consent of the City of New York to operate on such licensed radio frequencies by executing a written agreement with the City of New York in a form approved by the Department and submitting it to the Department as set forth in R511-01(d)(3)(A). The City will grant temporary consent for purposes of system installation and commissioning testing at time of plan approval, and final consent upon permit issuance.

      (5)   Prevention of interference. An ARC system shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in a manner that does not interfere with any other FCC-licensed radio frequency, including police department, fire department and other public safety agency radio communications. Immediate measures shall be taken to remedy any such interference, including interference intermodulation and spurious emissions, in accordance with FCC regulations (as set forth in 47 C.F.R. Part 90), this section and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The owner, and its contractors and agents, shall cooperate with the Department in immediately addressing interference issues, and shall repair or replace any ARC system or system component causing interference.

      (6)   Supervision. Operation of the ARC system, other than by Department personnel, including inspection and testing for the commissioning test, annual certification and five-year recertification required by R511-01(f) and (g), shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness as ARC system professional and a General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Part 90, who is employed by a company holding an ARC testing company certificate. The duties of such certificate of fitness holder include ensuring that:

         (A)   use of the ARC system is immediately discontinued if, upon testing, it is found to cause interference in violation of FCC regulations and/or other applicable laws, rules and regulations, or upon being directed to do so by a Department representative;

         (B)   the portable radios programmed with Department frequencies are used solely for purposes of ARC system testing, and for no other purpose; and

         (C)   notifications to the Department required by this section are made in accordance with this section.

      (7)   Sharing of system components. All ARC system components shall be dedicated for system use, except that system radio frequency (RF) cabling may be shared with other in-building radio communication systems if such sharing does not interfere with or otherwise impair the operation of the ARC system.

      (8)   Citywide standard key. Owners, impairment coordinators, and persons authorized to install or maintain ARC systems, may possess a citywide standard key.

   (e)   Design and Installation Requirements. An ARC system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 917 of the Building Code, the Electrical Code, FC 511, NFPA Standard 72 as amended by Appendix Q, this section and the technical criteria. ARC system design and installation documents shall set forth the information and documentation required by Section 917 of the Building Code and such other information and documentation as the Department may require, including the following documents:

      (1)   Application for system design approval. A riser diagram and floor plan showing the location of base stations, amplifiers, antennas and other ARC system components, formatted and submitted for Department review and approval in the same manner as fire alarm system installations, as set forth in R105-01(c)(1). Any sharing of system radio frequency (RF) cabling with other in-building radio communication systems shall be clearly indicated and accompanied by documentation demonstrating that such sharing will not interfere with or otherwise impair the operation of the ARC system.

      (2)   Application for system acceptance and permit issuance. A floor plan containing the information set forth in R511-01(f)(2), formatted to folio (11" x 17") size, with a copy of the plan in an approved electronic format on a compact disk.

   (f)   Commissioning and Acceptance Testing. Commissioning and acceptance testing shall be conducted in accordance with the following requirements, standards and procedures.

      (1)   Radio coverage performance standards. ARC systems shall be designed to achieve, and in operation shall achieve, the radio coverage performance standards set forth in Sections 24.5.2.2 and 24.5.2.3 of Appendix Q, as measured in the manner set forth in this section.

         (A)   Required minimum signal strength and delivered audio quality. The minimum signal strength of inbound ARC system radio signals (as received by a Department portable radio at a location remote from the dedicated radio console) and outbound ARC system radio signals (as received by the dedicated radio console from a Department portable radio) and the average delivered audio quality shall be as set forth in Sections 24.5.2.1.3 and 24.5.2.2 of Appendix Q.

         (B)   Signal strength measurements. The signal strength of radio signals received or retransmitted by the ARC system shall be measured in the following manner:

            (1)   Measurements shall be taken using:

               (a)   two (2) portable radios, lawfully programmed to transmit on Department frequencies pursuant to R115-01(d)(4), one to transmit a radio communication to the ARC system and one to receive the retransmission from the ARC system;

               (b)   a calibrated spectrum analyzer or a calibrated automatic signal level measurement recording system;

               (c)   a receiving antenna with a gain equal to the antenna on a Department portable radio; and

               (d)   a resolution bandwidth nearest the bandwidth of the channel being tested.

            (2)   Signal strength measurements shall be taken as close as possible to the center of each grid cell.

            (3)   Signal strength measurements shall be taken with the antenna held in a vertical position with a center-line between three (3) and four (4) feet above the floor.

            (4)   The delivered audio quality readings shall be assessed and documented on the floor plans.

            (5)   The gain values of any and all amplifiers shall be measured and documented.

         (C)   Critical area radio coverage. The radio coverage performance standard set forth in Appendix Q of 100 percent of floor area shall be met in the critical areas designated in Section 24.5.2.2.1 of Appendix Q, including sprinkler system control valves and standpipe system hose connections, and any other area of a building designated by the Department as a critical area based on the Department's review of the design and installation documents submitted for an ARC system in a particular building.

         (D)   General area radio coverage. The radio coverage performance standard set forth in Appendix Q of 95 percent of floor area shall be met or exceeded in all general areas.

      (2)   Commissioning test. Upon installation of an ARC system, a commissioning test of the ARC system, including a radio coverage survey and an inspection and testing of system components, shall be conducted, and the results reported to the Department, as follows:

         (A)   Radio coverage survey. The commissioning test shall be conducted in accordance with Annex O of NFPA Standard 1, this section and the technical criteria, and shall be considered successful if it confirms that the ARC system meets or exceeds the following radio coverage performance standards:

            (1)   On each floor, radio coverage meets or exceeds the standards set forth in R511-01(f)(1).

            (2)   There shall not be a failure of radio coverage in the same grid area on consecutive floors, such as a consistent failure to achieve the required radio coverage in vertically corresponding grids on multiple consecutive floors of a building.

            (3)   The dedicated radio console is functioning properly and monitoring all system components in accordance with Appendix Q.

         (B)   Inspection and testing of system components. ARC system components, including those listed on Table 1 of this section, shall be inspected and tested to confirm that the system components are in good working order and are operating as designed.

         (C)   Retesting. Any floor of a building that initially fails to meet or exceed the radio coverage standards shall be retested. The resolution of the floor grid size used for testing purposes shall be decreased by reducing the size of each grid area by at least 50 percent to facilitate precise identification of the building areas in which radio coverage is lacking. A commissioning test that fails to confirm radio coverage requirements meeting or exceeding the standards set forth in R511-01(f)(1) shall be treated as unsuccessful and shall result in a redesign of the ARC system on the floor or floors found to have failed the commissioning test.

         (D)   Submission of commissioning test results. The results of the radio coverage survey and inspection and testing of system components shall be signed by the certificate of fitness holder who personally supervised the test and submitted by the ARC system testing company that employs the certificate holder to the Department for review and acceptance. The commissioning test results shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Department and shall include the following information and documentation, and such other information and documentation as the Department may require:

            (1)   An audio recording of delivered audio quality at each grid location, with an audio description of the floor designation, marker location and the time of recording.

            (2)   A table setting forth the following information for each test location:

               (a)   Marker location;

               (b)   Received signal strength;

               (c)   Radio frequency used for test;

               (d)   The average delivered audio quality value; and

               (e)   Date of last calibration of spectrum analyzer test equipment used to conduct test.

            (3)   A floor plan for each floor, showing the building's floor area on a series of grids. Each grid shall be a maximum of five (5) percent of the total square footage of testable area on each floor, but not more than 1,600 square feet. If an irregular shaped floor plate makes this grid criteria unsatisfactory for testing purposes, an alternative testing grid may be used, subject to Department approval. The floor plan shall set forth the following information for each test location:

               (a)   Marker location, correlated with the tabular submission;

               (b)   Grid size(s);

               (c)   Critical areas;

               (d)   General areas; and

               (e)   Areas that are not testable areas, with an explanation as to why such areas are not testable areas.

            (4)   A description of the inspection and testing conducted of each of the system components.

            (5)   A summary and conclusions section. The report shall clearly summarize the test results, and shall include a statement as to whether the test results confirm that the ARC system meets or exceeds the standards required by this section, or if not, in what respects it is deficient.

   (g)   Operational and Maintenance Requirements. An ARC system shall be operated and maintained in accordance with FC511, this section and the technical criteria.

      (1)   General. An ARC system shall be maintained in good working order.

      (2)   Daily inspection. The dedicated radio console shall be inspected daily to confirm that the ARC system is operational and that there is no indication of a system malfunction. Daily inspection may, with Department approval, be conducted by means of remote monitoring.

      (3)   Annual certification. An ARC system shall be inspected and tested not less than once every 12 months to confirm that the system is in good working order, except that every fifth year a five-year recertification pursuant to R511-01(g)(4) shall be conducted in lieu of the annual certification. The inspection and testing of the ARC system shall include the system components listed in Table 1, except that a radio coverage survey is not required. Certification of such inspection and testing and satisfactory system performance shall be submitted to the Department in connection with the application for permit renewal in such form and manner as the Department may prescribe.

      (4)   Five-year recertification. An ARC system shall be recertified as properly functioning not less than once every five (5) years in the following manner.

         (A)   A radio coverage survey of the ARC system shall be conducted in the same manner as the commissioning test, and the radio coverage performance standards set forth in R511-01(f) shall apply.

         (B)   The Department shall be given reasonable advance notice of the date of each five-year certification test, which shall be conducted within a continuous 72-hour period. The Department reserves the right to require that such test be conducted in the presence of Department representatives, and to conduct its own operational readiness testing.

         (C)   The recertification test shall compare the results with those of the original commissioning test to determine whether there has been any degradation in system performance. If the ARC system fails to meet or exceed the applicable radio coverage performance standards, the system shall be repaired or upgraded to achieve such standards.

         (D)   ARC system components, including each of the components listed on Table 1, shall be inspected and tested to confirm that the system components are in good working order and are continuing to operate as designed. Any system component impairing ARC system operation or reliability shall be repaired or replaced prior to submission of recertification results.

         (E)   Successful recertification test results shall be submitted to the Department in connection with the application for permit renewal in such form and manner as the Department may prescribe.

      (5)   Department-ordered testing and demonstrations. Upon reasonable notice to the owner, the Department may order a test of an ARC system to confirm that it is in good working order or to familiarize Department personnel with use of such system.

   (h)   Out-of-service systems. The following actions shall be taken to mitigate the consequences of any ARC system that is not fully functional, whether as a result of planned removal from service for maintenance, repair or construction, or an unplanned malfunction affecting system operation.

      (1)   Impairment coordinator. The owner shall designate an impairment coordinator to take the actions required by this section when an ARC system is out of service. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner will be considered the impairment coordinator.

      (2)   Planned removal from service. The impairment coordinator shall be made aware in advance of any planned removal from service of an ARC system for maintenance, repair or construction. The impairment coordinator shall authorize the removal of the ARC system from service. Before authorizing removal of the system from service, the impairment coordinator shall:

         (A)   determine the extent and expected duration of the out-of-service condition;

         (B)   maintain the system in service until the maintenance, repair or construction work is ready to begin;

         (C)   place an impairment tag indicating the nature of the out-of-service condition at the dedicated radio console, fire command center or other approved location indicating that the ARC system is out of service; and

         (D)   notify the Department as set forth in R511-01(h)(4).

      (3)   Unplanned out-of-service condition. Any person who becomes aware that an ARC system is out of service for any reason other than a planned removal from service must, upon becoming aware of the out-of-service condition, notify the owner, the impairment coordinator or, if such persons are not known or not available, any person in charge of the premises of such condition. The owner or impairment coordinator shall promptly act to address the out-of-service condition in accordance with the procedures set forth in R511-01(h)(2)(A), (C) and (D).

      (4)   Notification of Department. Pursuant to FC107.1, ARC systems shall be continuously maintained in good working order. Notification shall be made to the Department of any condition impairing the operational readiness of the ARC system, including complete or partial system failure or loss of radio coverage in one or more areas of the building, when the system is not restored to service within 48 hours. Such notification shall be made by calling the telephone number set forth in FC401.2.2 for the borough in which the ARC system is located, and shall include the information set forth in FC901.7.5.3 as it relates to the out-of-service condition affecting the ARC system. Notification shall not be made for conditions that do not presently affect the operational readiness of the system, such as warning signals of the need for future servicing.

      (5)   Restoring system to service. When the ARC system has been repaired and restored to service, the impairment coordinator shall:

         (A)   verify that all inspections and tests required by law, rule, regulation or Referenced Standard, including Annex O of NFPA Standard 1, have been conducted to confirm that the system has been restored to good working order;

         (B)   if notification was required to be made to the Department pursuant to R511-01(h)(4), notify the Department that the system has been restored to good working order; and

         (C)   remove impairment tags.

   (i)   Recordkeeping. A logbook or other approved form of recordkeeping for the maintenance of the ARC system shall be maintained for a period of six (6) years, together with a complete copy of test results and other documentation of ARC system maintenance. The logbook shall include entries for the following maintenance requirements:

      (1)   Commissioning test results, as required by R511-01(f)(2);

      (2)   Daily inspection of the system status, as required by R511-01(g)(2);

      (3)   Annual certification test results, as required by R511-01(g)(3);

      (4)   Five-year recertification test results, as required by R511-01(g)(4);

      (5)   Planned removals from service for maintenance, repair or alteration of the ARC system, including the extent and duration of any removal and related notifications to the Department; and

      (6)   Unplanned out-of-service conditions, including a description, extent and duration of any system malfunction, corrective actions taken, and related notifications to the Department.

   (j)   Lawfully Existing In-Building Radio Communication Systems. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the operation of an in-building radio communication system that was approved for installation by the Department of Buildings and/or the Department prior to December 31, 2014, and that was designed to enhance Department communications in a manner similar to an ARC system, may be continued under the following circumstances and subject to the following requirements:

      (1)   Prior approval. Such system must have been approved for installation by the Department of Buildings and/or the Department prior to January 1, 2015.

      (2)   Applicable standards. Such system shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the design and installation documents and standards under which such system was approved, and the following requirements:

         (A)   Permit. A permit shall be obtained for such system.

         (B)   Use of City frequencies and compliance with FCC regulations. A written agreement with the City of New York for use of Department frequencies shall be executed and such system shall be operated and maintained in compliance with R511-01(d)(1), (2), (4), (5) and (6).

         (C)   Supervision. Operation of such system shall be supervised in accordance with R511-01(d)(6).

         (D)   Radio coverage. A commissioning test shall be conducted in accordance with Section R511-01(f)(2) within one (1) year from [EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION], and an ARC system company certificate holder shall submit such results to the Department. Any such system that fails to meet or exceed the radio coverage performance standards set forth in R511-01(f)(1) shall be upgraded to meet or exceed such standards, or an application made to the Department for approval of appropriate mitigation measures to address gaps or other deficiencies in radio coverage. Such measures may include signage in building lobbies and/or in areas of the building in which such gaps exist.

         (E)   Operational and maintenance requirements. Such systems shall be operated and maintained in accordance with R511-01(g), (h) and (i).

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For more information about what is required, see the laws that are referenced and the Rules of the City of New York. This page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or as a statement of the law. You may wish to consult with an attorney.

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