N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 511: Section FC 511: High-Rise Megastructure Fire Operations

511.1 General.

High-rise megastructures shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section to facilitate firefighting operations.

511.2 Supervision.

A person holding a certificate of fitness for emergency announcements shall be present on the premises at all times when the building is occupied except in a high-rise megastructure required to be staffed by an FLS director. In a mixed-occupancy high-rise megastructure, each occupancy with its own voice communication capability shall be staffed with such a certificate of fitness holder or FLS director.

511.3 Building information card.

A building information card complying with FC 401.3.4 shall be prepared and maintained at the fire command center or other approved location in all high-rise megastructures, including apartment buildings and other Group R-2 occupancies.

511.4 Emergency preparedness.

Emergency preparedness plans shall be prepared when required by FC Chapter 4, provided, however, that a fire and emergency preparedness (Level 2) plan shall be prepared for Group R-2 occupancies in a high-rise megastructure. All emergency preparedness plans in a mixed-occupancy high-rise megastructure shall be coordinated in accordance with FC 416.

511.5 Fire command center.

The fire alarm system control panel shall be installed in accordance with fire command center requirements, as set forth in FC 907.4.

511.6 Standpipe elevation markings.

The elevation above grade of each floor level shall be conspicuously marked in accordance with FC 905 on or adjacent to the standpipe hose outlets on each floor of a high-rise megastructure.

511.7 Storage space for pre-positioned department equipment.*

Space shall be provided in a storage room, mechanical room or other approved, enclosed, secure storage location in a high-rise megastructure for the sole purpose of storing department equipment, in accordance with the following requirements:

1. A storage space shall be provided for every 150 feet (45 720 mm) in elevation more than 420 feet (128 016 mm) above the lowest level of fire apparatus access, at a location near the fire service access elevator or a stairwell.

2. Each such storage space shall be not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) in length, 8 feet (2438 mm) in width, and 8 feet (2438 mm) in height, and openable only by fire department standard key or as otherwise approved by the department. Upon reasonable notice to the 

department, the owner shall be afforded access to such storage spaces for inspection, building maintenance or other legitimate business purpose.

3. Each such storage space shall be protected by a sprinkler system, except as otherwise approved by the department.

4. Each storage space shall be identified by a sign or marking in accordance with the rules identifying it as a department equipment room.

5. This constitutes an operational requirement of this code; however, in a building constructed prior to the effective date of this section that lacks storage spaces in compliance with this section, suitable storage spaces (including spaces not protected by a sprinkler system) may be provided at alternative locations, as approved by the department.

511.8 Access to elevator shafts.

The department, in coordination with the Department of Buildings, may adopt rules requiring additional access to elevator cabs, installation of elevator location technology, or other design, installation or operational measures designed to facilitate rescue operations in blind hoistways 36 feet (10 973 mm) or more in height in high-rise megastructures.