Performance Based Design Document

Performance-based design documents are needed for special fire safety checks. These checks use computer programs. The programs study how fire and smoke move in a building. They help predict if a building can handle a fire. They also show if people can leave safely. The program used is called computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or other similar methods.

Performance-based design documents include

• Fire exposure checks for cantilevered buildings. This follows Section 705.12 of the 2014 NYC Building Code and Buildings Bulletin 2017-014.
• Safety checks for train overbuilds. This follows NFPA 130 and other rules.

Required documents for fire safety checks of cantilevered buildings

• An approved and stamped CCD1 and ZRD1 form: from the NYC Department of Buildings. This form must state that a submission to FDNY is needed for Rooftop Access compliance.
• All input and output files: from the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Smokeview (SMV) if used. Explain any spikes in temperature or heat flux.
• A Peer Review signed by a New York State Registered Design Professional (PE or RA): this is required by Buildings Bulletin 2017-014.
• A description of all fire and life safety systems for both the proposed and existing buildings.
• A description of the construction types and occupancies of both the proposed and existing buildings.
• A description of the cantilevered parts of the building: include how far out the cantilever extends and what floors it starts on.
• A detailed rooftop plan of the existing building: show any mechanical equipment, skylights, bulkheads, etc.
• Any other information required by Buildings Bulletin 2017-014 or Section 705.12 of the 2014 NYC Building Code.

• Effective May 11, 2020: The NYC Fire Department will not accept new paper applications. To file online, check the FDNY Business Support Help Page.

• Submit a TM-1 application:

  • Describe what you are submitting.
  • Include the code sections or rules your application follows.
  • Attach a fire engineering report. This report must be signed and stamped by a NYS Registered Design Professional (PE or RA). The report should explain the analysis, show it follows the rules and give the results. Include all details.

• Submit the simulation files:

  • If you used Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), submit all input and output files.
  • If you used another CFD program, submit videos of the simulation. Show as much of the structure or subject of analysis as possible.

• Filing an amendment:

  • Access old FDNY records by giving your reference account number (FPIMS #) and premises ZIP code.
  • Link your old record at the start of the application. This is highly recommended.

• FDNY will review your application: They might contact you to talk about your plan.

• After looking at your application, FDNY will send one of these:

  • Letter of No Objection: FDNY has no objections. The letter will tell you what to do next.
  • Letter of Deficiency: FDNY has some objections or questions.

• Application fees:

  • New Application Fees: $945 (Plan Examination FC 105.4 + New Technology/Technical Analysis including FC102.8 and FC104.9)
  • Amended Application Fees: $945 (Plan Examination FC 105.4 + New Technology/Technical Analysis including FC102.8 and FC104.9)
  • Resubmission Fees: No fee if submitted within six months of Letter of Deficiency. After six months, the application is considered abandoned and may need a new fee.

• Submit the completed application online:

  • Include all supporting documents.

• Make payment on FDNY Business:

  • Online (preferred): Pay online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted).
  • US mail (check must have FDNY Business Record ID):
    
    NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
    Bureau of Fire Prevention
    9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier's Unit (1st Floor)
    Brooklyn, NY 11201