What Is Local Law 26 Of 2004?

Effective October 22, 2004, Local Law 26 of 2004,  mandates retroactive requirements for fire sprinkler systems. In short: Office buildings 100 feet or more in height must install sprinklers throughout the building and submit a certificate of compliance prepared by an architect or engineer to the Department of Buildings by July 1, 2019.

If you own an office building 100 ft or more in height that already has sprinklers throughout, that’s great! You’re almost off the hook (we’ll get to that in a bit). But for those of you who have not already complied, certain interim reports and a final report are required until you are in full compliance with the law.

Not sure if your property qualifies as an office building?  The local law defines it as “a building constructed pursuant to the code in effect prior to December 6, 1968, in which the main use or dominant occupancy is offices or a building classified in occupancy group E.”

Here’s what you need to know, as per NYC Buildings.

Affidavit of Acknowledgment of Sprinkler Requirements:

• An affidavit acknowledging that sprinklers are required and indicating the owner’s intention to comply with the Law must be submitted by July 1, 2005.
• For buildings that already have sprinklers installed throughout the building, a letter must be submitted by the owner by July 1, 2005, stating that sprinklers are installed, along with a copy of the final Certificate of Occupancy (front and back) showing the marked checkbox for “automatic sprinkler system”.

Seven Year Sprinkler Report:

• A seven- year report must be filed no later than July 1, 2011.
• The report must indicate the percentage of work done and provide an implementation plan telling how the remaining portion of the building will be made fully compliant.
• The form must be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer or architect and submitted to the Local Law Enforcement Unit.

Fourteen Year Sprinkler Report:

• Similar to the seven-year report must be filed no earlier than January 1, 2018, and no later than July 1, 2018.

The Final Report:

• Contains a certification by an architect or engineer that the building is fully compliant.

Failure to file timely affidavits and reports will jeopardize the ability of the owner (or the owner’s successor) to claim a hardship extension of time to comply with the July 1, 2019, deadline.

Please keep in mind this article only discusses the Law as it pertains to fire sprinklers. To learn about the other requirements for Local Law 26, you can read the summary of provisions provided by NYC Buildings.

Learn more about Local Law 26 from Fox 5 News.

Need help with a fire sprinkler violation? Get a free estimate from Capitol Fire Sprinkler today.

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