N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 5606: Section FC 5606: Small Arms Ammunition, Powder-Actuated Tool Loads, Black Powder and Smokeless Propellants

5606.1 General.

Indoor storage and display of small arms ammunition, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder and smokeless propellants shall comply with the requirements of this section and NFPA 495.

5606.2 Storage.

The storage and display of small arms ammunition and small arms primers, black powder and smokeless propellants shall be as set forth in FC 5606.2.1 through 5606.8.

5606.2.1 Occupancy restrictions.

It shall be unlawful to store small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder and smokeless propellants in any premises, building, structure or facility, except as authorized by this section.

5606.2.2 Quantity restrictions.

It shall be unlawful to store small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder or smokeless propellants in quantities exceeding the following:

1. Three hundred thousand loaded shells containing shot for shotguns not exceeding No. 8 gauge;

2. One million cartridges for pistols and powder-actuated tool loads;

3. Five hundred thousand cartridges for rifles of a caliber not larger than 0.45 inch (11.4 mm);

4. Ten thousand cartridges for rifles of a caliber not larger than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm);

5. Five thousand cartridges for rifles of a caliber between 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) and 0.58 inch (14.7 mm);

6. Five thousand blank cartridges of a caliber not larger than 0.45 inch (11.4 mm);

7. Three million primers for centerfire ammunition;

8. Six million percussion caps, or primers, without anvils;

9. Fifty pounds (23 kg) aggregate of black powder or smokeless propellant;

10. Any storage in excess of the amounts authorized by permit.

5606.2.3 Flammable and combustible liquid.

It shall be unlawful to store small arms ammunition and small arms primers, black powder and smokeless propellant in any premises, building or structure wherein flammable or combustible liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing materials, or other flammable materials are manufactured, stored, handled or used.

5606.2.4 Small arms ammunition and small arms primers.

It shall be unlawful to store small arms ammunition and small arms primers with Division 1.1, Division 1.2 or Division 1.3 explosives, unless approved.

5606.3 Packaging and repackaging.

It shall be unlawful to package or repackage small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder and smokeless propellants, except as approved by the department.

5606.4 Storage in Group R-3 occupancies.

Where small arms ammunition and small arms primers are stored together in Group R-3 occupancies, it shall be unlawful to store a combined quantity of more than 200, counting each round of ammunition and each primer separately.

5606.5 Storage and display in Group M occupancies.

The storage and display of small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder and smokeless propellants in Group M occupancies shall be in accordance with FC 5606.5.1 and 5606.5.2.

5606.5.1 Display.

The display of small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder or smokeless propellants in Group M occupancies shall comply with the requirements of FC 5606.5.1.1 through 5606.5.1.4

5606.5.1.1 Smokeless propellant.

It shall be unlawful to display smokeless propellant.

5606.5.1.2 Black powder.

It shall be unlawful to display black powder.

5606.5.1.3 Small arms ammunition and small arms primers.

Where small arms ammunition and small arms primers are displayed together in areas accessible to the public, a combined quantity of not more than 10,000 may be displayed, counting each round of ammunition and each primer separately. Such ammunition and primers shall be secured from direct access from the public.

5606.5.1.4 Powder-actuated tool loads.

No more than ten thousand powder-actuated tool loads may be displayed. Powder-actuated tool loads shall be located in an area that is secured from direct access from the public, such as by placement in a locked glass showcase or metal cabinet.

5606.5.2 Storage.

The storage of small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder and smokeless propellant shall comply with the requirements of FC 5606.5.2.1 through 5606.5.2.4.

5606.5.2.1 Smokeless propellant.

It shall be unlawful to store smokeless propellants in quantities exceeding 250 pounds (113 kg). Smokeless propellants in smaller amounts may be stored only if approved. Such storage shall be as follows:

1. Smokeless propellant in quantities not exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg), shall be stored in a Type 2 or Type 4 magazine.

2. Smokeless propellant in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg), shall be stored in a Type 1 magazine.

3. Storage of any quantity indoors shall be in areas not accessible to the public.

5606.5.2.2 Black powder.

It shall be unlawful to store black powder in quantities exceeding 250 pounds (113 kg). Black powder may be stored in smaller amounts only if approved. Black powder in quantities less than 50 pounds (23 kg), when such storage is approved, shall be stored in a Type 2 or Type 4 indoor or outdoor magazine. Black powder in quantities of 50 pounds (23 kg) or greater, when such storage is approved, shall be stored in an outdoor Type 1 or Type 2 magazine. When black powder is stored with smokeless propellants in the same magazine, the total quantity shall not exceed that allowed for black powder.

5606.5.2.3 Small arms ammunition and small arms primers.

Small arms ammunition and small arms primers shall be stored as follows.

1. Reserved.

2. Where small arms ammunition and small arms primers are stored in a building, a combined quantity of not more than 100,000 may be stored, counting each round of ammunition and each primer separately. Such storage shall be in compliance with the following requirements.

2.1. The storage shall be in areas not accessible to the public.

2.2. Small arms ammunition and small arms primers shall be stored in nonportable storage cabinets having walls at least 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness.

2.3. Shelves in cabinets shall have vertical separation of at least 2 feet (610 mm).

2.4. Cabinets shall be located against a building exterior wall with not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) between cabinets.

2.5. The minimum required separation between cabinets may be reduced to 20 feet (6096 mm) provided that barricades twice the height of the cabinets are attached to the wall, midway between each cabinet. The barricades shall be firmly attached to the wall, and shall be constructed of steel not less than 0.25 inch thick (6.4 mm), 2-inch (51-mm) nominal thickness wood, brick, or concrete block.

5606.5.2.4 Powder-actuated tool loads.

No more than 100,000 powder-actuated tool loads may be stored and displayed in a building. Quantities in excess of those authorized for display as set forth in FC 5606.5.1.4 shall be stored in accordance with FC 5606.5.2.3.

5606.6 Blanks for salute cannon.

Blank shells or cartridges may be stored for use in salute cannons only as approved.

5606.7 Sprinkler protection.

Any building or structure in which small arms ammunition and small arms primers, powder-actuated tool loads, black powder or smokeless propellant are stored in quantities requiring a permit shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system.

5606.8 Powder-actuated tool loads at construction sites.

Small arms ammunition shall be stored, handled and used for powder-actuated tool loads at a construction site, as follows:

1. The main store of powder-actuated tool loads shall be kept in an approved locked metal box.

2. The powder-actuated tool load storage box shall be kept away from heat and shall not be stored in the same storage area or storage facility containing compressed gases or flammable liquids.

3. The storage area or storage facility in which the locked metal powder-actuated tool load box is stored shall bear a permanent sign bearing the words "DANGER – AMMUNITION" in 2-inch (51-mm) white letters on a red background.

4. Powder-actuated tools shall not be used in an explosive atmosphere.

5. The certificate of fitness holder shall establish a safe zone behind a work area in which powder-actuated tools are to be used by evacuating the area or placing a barrier constructed of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) steel plate.

6. At least one portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2-A rating shall be provided in the area where powder-actuated tool loads are stored.

7. Storage of powder-actuated tool loads shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 495. Storage shall be limited to not more than seven hundred fifty thousand powder-actuated tool loads per premises unless larger quantities are authorized by the department.