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Project Categories: Building Systems Installation & Modifications: Standpipe
The New York City Building and Fire Codes require installation of a standpipe system in a building based on occupancy group, height, size of the building, fire area, and occupant load. Standpipe system requirements are also impacted by other factors such as: fire-rated construction, and the hazard of the building contents. As a critical life safety installation in buildings, Standpipe systems are required by the New York City Building Code for certain buildings/structures. In general, Standpipe system application and installation guidelines, and its design guidelines, are provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, NFPA 14 (2007 edition), NFPA 20 (2007 edition) and NFPA 25 (2011 edition), as modified by BC Appendix Q.
Standpipe Work
Standpipe work is the new installation, maintenance, tenant fit outs, modification, repair, extension or alteration of an existing building standpipe system.
Work Without a Permit
No standpipe 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:
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New York State-Licensed Professional Engineers – use the links below to contact the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) or the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC) to find a New York State-licensed Professional Engineer:
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New York State-Registered Architects – use the link below to find contact information for your local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter to find a New York State Registered Architect:
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 Standpipe Alteration as an alteration to a standpipe system that is limited in scope, which can only be performed by a Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor. If the standpipe project exceeds Limited Standpipe 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 standpipe project exceeds the work allowed under the categories of Limited Plumbing Alteration or Limited Standpipe Alterations, a P.E. or R.A. must submit drawings, for approval by the Department, to obtain a work permit.