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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 207-08
June 3, 2008

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A NEW FIRE CODE FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law Regarding First Comprehensive Revision of Fire Code Since its Adoption in 1913

"The first of four bills before me today is Introductory Number 732-A, sponsored at the request of my Administration by Council Members Martinez, Stewart, Dickens, Weprin, Sears and Mealy. Introductory Number 732-A establishes a new Fire Code for the City of New York, the first comprehensive revision since the City's Fire Code was adopted in 1913.  The Fire Code, enforced by the Fire Department , governs emergency preparedness and planning and more specifically the permit and inspection process for the use of building safety systems such as sprinklers, fire detectors and extinguishers.

"In 2004, the Fire Department established the Fire Code Revision Committee, comprised of technical experts within the Fire Department, senior representatives of the Buildings and City Planning Departments, elected officials, engineering and architectural professionals, real estate developers, building managers, manufacturers and labor officials.  This Committee worked tirelessly for four years to build consensus around a series of reforms.  Introductory Number 732-A is a product of these efforts. 

"Enactment of a new Fire Code will promote and enhance fire safety throughout the City by adopting more modern and comprehensive fire safety regulations.  The new Code is based on an International Model Code that has been adopted in hundreds of jurisdictions around the country.  The new Fire Code is also more transparent - a result of its improved organization, adoption of national standards, and extensive cross-referencing with the new Building Code and other construction codes.  This transparency will promote Code compliance and economic development in the City by making it easier for design professionals and affected property owners, businesses and other members of the public to understand their obligations under the law.

"Introductory Number 732-A improves public and emergency responder safety by establishing new permit requirements, requiring more detailed fire and safety evacuation plans, requiring a fire safety program and manager on construction sites, clarifying the existing requirement that fire safety systems in temporarily unoccupied buildings be maintained, providing for rooftop access and elimination of rooftop obstructions, and regulating toxic and other hazardous materials.  Finally the Code requires review every three years to ensure that it is continuously updated to reflect technological advancements and improved experience. 

"The new Fire Code will ensure the safety of the people that live, work, operate, and visit all of the buildings throughout New York City as well as those that are called to protect them in the event of an emergency. 

"I would like to thank Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and his staff, the Fire Code Revision Committee and Massiel Garcia from my Office of Legislative Affairs for all of their hard work in undertaking this important task.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."







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