New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08992

Introduced
8/13/25  

Caption

Requires certain large buildings in the city of New York to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems that are compliant with the NY state uniform fire prevention and building code.

Impact

The bill necessitates a compliance plan to be submitted to local code enforcement authorities within two years, with full installation required within five years. Extensions may be granted for hardship cases, subject to evaluation by the enforcement authority. Failure to comply with the requirements can result in civil penalties of up to one thousand dollars per day of noncompliance. Over time, this legislation is expected to significantly increase the safety of both residents and occupants in large buildings by minimizing fire hazards through mandatory sprinkler systems.

Summary

Bill A08992, known as the 'Fire Safety Retrofit Act of 2025,' mandates that certain large buildings in New York City be retrofitted with compliant sprinkler systems according to the New York State uniform fire prevention and building code. The bill defines 'large buildings' as those taller than seventy-five feet or exceeding five thousand square feet with an existing standpipe system, thereby extending its scope to critical structures such as school districts. This legislation aims to enhance fire safety in densely populated urban environments.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving public safety, it may be met with resistance from building owners concerned about the financial burden of retrofitting their properties. Critics may argue that the imposition of strict penalties for noncompliance may disproportionately affect businesses and smaller property owners, potentially leading to pushback regarding the cost implications of such extensive renovations. Additionally, historical and landmark buildings are exempt from this stipulation, which may fuel debates on preservation versus safety in urban planning.

Companion Bills

NY S08005

Same As Requires certain large buildings in the city of New York to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems that are compliant with the NY state uniform fire prevention and building code.

Previously Filed As

NY S05347

Requires the boards of trustees of SUNY and CUNY authorities to adopt rules to require the installing and retrofitting of dormitory buildings with sprinkler systems on or before March first, two thousand twenty-six.

NY S06573

Requires the state fire prevention and building code council to study and adopt uniform fire prevention and building code standards to promote fire safety and accessibility in single-exit, single stairway multi-unit residential buildings above 3 stories and up to at least 6 stories, based on a study of building codes existing in the city of New York and in other cities and jurisdictions that have adopted such buildings into their building codes.

NY A07322

Requires the state fire prevention and building code council to study and adopt uniform fire prevention and building code standards to promote fire safety and accessibility in single-exit, single stairway multi-unit residential buildings above 3 stories and up to at least 6 stories, based on a study of building codes existing in the city of New York and in other cities and jurisdictions that have adopted such buildings into their building codes.

NY A04963

Requires that when a complaint is made to local code enforcement of a violation of the uniform fire prevention and building code which results in the issuance of a compliance order, the complainant shall also be provided a copy of such order.

NY A00625

Exempts hot tubs or spas with safety covers from certain standards of the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code.

NY S01347

Exempts hot tubs or spas with safety covers from certain standards of the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code.

NY S00333

Requires the inspection of non-fireproof buildings every three years; requires compliance with the New York city housing maintenance code and the New York city construction codes; requires those dwellings not in compliance with such code at the time of inspection to make repairs or improvements necessary to comply with such standards within six months of such inspection, or a lien shall be placed upon the dwelling.

NY A05415

Requires the inspection of non-fireproof buildings every three years; requires compliance with the New York city housing maintenance code and the New York city construction codes; requires those dwellings not in compliance with such code at the time of inspection to make repairs or improvements necessary to comply with such standards within six months of such inspection, or a lien shall be placed upon the dwelling.

NY A05593

Requires all commercial buildings be retrofitted with motion detectors for controlling lighting.

NY S00622

Relates to application of the state uniform fire prevention and building code and relevant local building and fire regulations; directs OGS to implement a phase-in of compliance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.