Sprinklers & Standpipes Requirements

Construction Document & Shop Drawing Requirements

When installing sprinkler or standpipe systems, minimum requirements for construction documents and shop drawings are outlined in the NYC Building Code (BC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards.

Sprinkler System Installations

2008 BC 903.1.2 lists the minimum requirements for sprinkler system construction documents – for all room/space occupancies and building types – to be submitted to the Department for plan examination and approval.

Sprinkler system installation, however, requires more comprehensive Working Plans. Depending on the room/space occupancy and building type, please see:

  • 2002 NFPA 13 Section 14.1, as amended by BC Appendix Q (Q102)
  • 2002 NFPA 13R Section 6.1, as amended by BC Q104
  • 2002 NFPA 13D Chapter 8, as amended by BC Q103, which outlines a detailed sprinkler design in lieu of Working Plans

Before beginning any sprinkler system installation, a complete set of shop drawings (Working Plans in compliance with NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or a sprinkler design in compliance with NFPA 13D) – sealed by a registered design professional or stamped as approved by the applicant of record – must be on the job site for use by special inspectors (BC Chapter 17) and Department inspectors. These shop drawings must be available on-site until the job is signed off and, after sign-off, available upon request from the applicant of record for six years.

Standpipe System Installation

Standpipe system installations must follow a similar protocol. Submitted construction documents for plan examination and approval shall be in accordance with BC 905.1.1, while shop drawings (Working Plans in compliance with 2003 NFPA 14 Section 8.1, as amended by BC Q105) – sealed by a registered design professional or stamped as approved by the applicant of record – must be maintained on the job site prior to the commencement of the standpipe system installation, and available to special inspectors and Department inspectors at all times.

If the constructed condition varies substantially from the approved construction documents, a PAA must be filed with the Department.

Painting Requirements

All buildings must have their Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems painted. Painting requirements are outlined in Local Law 58 of 2009 and BC 903.6 and 905.11.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings with standpipes and sprinklers must meet the painting requirements. After painting is complete, the Certification of Compliance with Color Coding Form must be certified by one of the following:

  • Licensed Master Plumber
  • Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor
  • Professional Engineer
  • Registered Architect
  • Holder of a Fire Department Certificate of Fitness

The completed form must be kept on the premises at all times and made available upon request. Failure to provide the certification will results in a violation.

New Buildings & Alterations Permitted On or After March 2, 2010

On jobs subject to sprinkler and standpipe special inspections*, the Special Inspector must verify that the required painting has been completed before certifying the Sprinkler System and/or Standpipe System items on the TR1.

  • The Special Inspector is responsible for painting that is only within their scope of work
  • Painting must be completed prior to any hydrostatic pressure testing of the sprinklers or standpipes

Once the project is completed, the building owner is responsible for completing the Certification of Compliance with Color Coding Form. Failure to provide the certification form will result in a violation.

New Buildings & Alterations Permitted Before March 2, 2010

Standpipe and/or sprinkler systems must be painted in accordance with all requirements. Once the project is completed, the building owner is responsible for completing the Certification of Compliance with Color Coding Form. Failure to provide the certification will result in a violation.

Alteration Jobs Permitted On or After March 2, 2010

On Alteration (ALT) jobs that are subject to sprinkler and standpipe special inspections, the Special Inspector must verify that the required painting has been completed before certifying the Sprinkler System and/or Standpipe System items on the TR1.

  • The Special Inspector is responsible for painting that is only within their scope of work
  • Painting must be completed prior to any hydrostatic pressure testing of the sprinklers or standpipes

The building owner is still responsible for painting of the standpipe and sprinkler systems in the sections of the building that did not undergo work, and completing a Certification of Compliance with Color Coding Form and having the Form on site. Failure to provide the certification form will result in a violation.

Alteration Jobs Permitted Before March 2, 2010

Sprinkler and standpipe systems must be painted in accordance with all requirements. The building owner is responsible for completing a Certification of Compliance with Color Coding Form for the entire building and having the form on site. Failure to provide the certification form will result in a violation.

Helpful Links