In October, the FDNY released a new bulletin (2022-01) regarding ARCS requirements in NYC. Generally, ARCS is required in all high-rise buildings or buildings with a total gross area exceeding 250,000 square feet (23,225.8 m2). A high-rise is defined as a building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet above lowest level of FDNY vehicle access.
However, effective immediately, a building is exempt from installing an ARC system if they meet all of the following conditions:
- The occupancy of the building is a Group R-1, R-2, or B (per NYC Building Code).
- The height of the highest roof surface is less than or equal to 150 feet (45.72 meters) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access (more on this below).
- The building has no more than one story below grade.
- The building does not exceed a total area of 250,000 square feet (23,225.8 m2).
The height requirement will depend on several factors. We recommend consulting with the architect and expeditor to confirm if your building meets this condition.
This bulletin applies to all new and existing buildings. For existing buildings that do not satisfy the conditions above, a waiver may still be submitted. The requirements for that can be found in the link below.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/codes/otmbulletin-2022-01.pdf