High-Piled Combustible Storage

NYC Admin. Code tit. 29, ch. 2, ch. 32

in effect

NYC Fire Code § FC 3201 General

Section FC 3201: General 3201.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern high-piled combustible storage, and the design, installation, operation and maintenance of any building, structure or premises used for such purpose. 3201.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 3201.3 Permit application. Applications for permits for high-piled combustible storage shall include design and installation documents that contain the following information, and such other information and documentation as the commissioner may prescribe: 1. Floor plan of the building showing locations and dimensions of high-piled storage areas. 2. Usable storage height for each storage area. 3. Number of tiers within each rack, if applicable. 4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement. 5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array. 6. Maximum pile volume for each storage array. 7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with FC 3203. 8. Location of commodities that are banded or encapsulated. 9. Location of required fire department access doors. 10. Type of fire extinguishing and fire detection systems. 11. Location of valves controlling the water supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers. 12. Type, location and specifications of smoke removal and curtain board systems. 13. Dimension and location of transverse and longitudinal flue spaces. 14. Such other information, regarding design features, commodities, storage arrangement and fire protection features within the high-piled storage area, as may be required by the commissioner to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. 3201.3.1 Records. A copy of the permit application documents shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any department representative. 3201.4 Egress plan. Where the area of the high-piled combustible storage requires a permit, the owner shall prepare and familiarize employees with an egress plan that indicates the location and width of aisles, exits, exit access doors, exit signs, height of storage and location of hazardous materials. Such plan shall be maintained in an approved location and shall be made available for inspection by any representative of the department. Exception: Any high-piled combustible storage facility or area required to have an emergency preparedness plan pursuant to FC Chapter 4. 3201.5 General. All buildings, structures and premises that contain high-piled combustible storage shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this chapter. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the following material-specific requirements shall apply: 1. Aerosols shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 51. 2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 57. 3. Hazardous materials shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 50. 4. Storage of combustible paper records shall be in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 5. Storage of combustible fibers shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 37. 6. Storage of miscellaneous combustible material shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 3.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3202 Definitions

Section FC 3202: Definitions 3202.1 Definitions. The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC 202. ARRAY. ARRAY, CLOSED. AUTOMATED RACK STORAGE. BIN BOX. COMMODITY. DRAFT CURTAIN. EARLY SUPPRESSION FAST-RESPONSE (ESFR) SPRINKLER. ENCAPSULATION. EXPANDED PLASTIC. EXTRA-HIGH-RACK COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE. FLUE SPACE, LONGITUDINAL. FLUE SPACE, TRANSVERSE. HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE. HIGH-PILED STORAGE AREA. MANUAL STOCKING METHODS. MECHANICAL STOCKING METHODS. RACK STORAGE. SHELF STORAGE. SOLID SHELVING.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3203 Commodity Classification

Section FC 3203: Commodity Classification 3203.1 Classification of commodities. Commodities shall be classified as Class I, II, III, IV or high hazard in accordance with this section. Materials listed within each commodity classification are assumed to be unmodified for improved combustibility characteristics. Use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could change the classification. Group A, B and C plastic commodities are classified in FC 3203.7 and plastic shelving and pallets are addressed in FC 3208.2.1. 3203.2 Class I commodities. Class I commodities are essentially noncombustible products on wooden pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without pallets. Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with FC 3203.7.4. Examples of Class I commodities include the following: Alcoholic beverages not more than 20-percent alcohol Cement in bags Ceramics Dairy products in nonwax-coated containers (excluding bottles) Dry insecticides Electrical appliances, noncombustible Foods in noncombustible containers Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers Frozen foods Glass Glycol in metal cans Gypsum board Inert materials, bagged Insulation, noncombustible Liquids, noncombustible, in plastic containers having less than a 5-gallon (19 L) capacity Metal products, noncombustible 3203.3 Class II commodities. Class II commodities are Class I products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets. Class II commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with FC 3203.7.4. Examples of Class II commodities include the following: Alcoholic beverages not more than 20-percent alcohol, in combustible containers Foods in combustible containers Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs in cartons Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in cartons 3203.4 Class III commodities. Class III commodities are commodities of wood, paper, natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products thereof, with or without pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles, pedals, seats and tires. Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with FC 3203.7.4. Examples of Class III commodities include the following: Aerosol, Level 1 (see FC Chapter 51) Combustible fiberboard Cork, baled Feed, bagged Fertilizers, bagged Food in plastic containers Furniture: wood, natural fiber, upholstered, nonplastic, wood or metal with plastic-padded and covered arm rests Glycol in combustible containers not more than 25 percent Liquids, noncombustible, in plastic containers having a capacity of more than 5 gallons (19 L) Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal cans Lumber Mattresses, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics Paints, oil base, in metal cans Paper, waste, baled Paper and pulp, horizontal storage, or vertical storage that is banded or protected with approved wrap Paper in cardboard boxes Pillows, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics Plastic-coated paper food containers Plywood Rags, baled Rugs, without foam backing Sugar, bagged Wood, baled Wood doors, frames and cabinets Yarns of natural fiber and viscose 3203.5 Class IV commodities. Class IV commodities are Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons and Class I, II and III products, with Group A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics are also included in this class. The total amount of nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be in accordance with FC 3203.7.4. Examples of Class IV commodities include the following: Aerosol, Level 2 (see FC Chapter 51) Alcoholic beverages, more than 20-percent but less than 80-percent alcohol, in cans or bottles in cartons Clothing, synthetic or nonviscose Combustible metal products (solid) Furniture, plastic upholstered Furniture, wood or metal with plastic covering and padding Glycol in combustible containers (more than 25 percent and less than 50 percent) Linoleum products Paints, oil base in combustible containers Pharmaceutical, alcoholic elixirs, tonics, etc. Rugs, foam back Shingles, asphalt Thread or yarn, synthetic or nonviscose 3203.6 High-hazard commodities. High-hazard commodities are high-hazard products presenting special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III or IV. Group A plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class. Examples of high-hazard commodities include the following: Aerosol, Level 3 (see FC Chapter 51) Alcoholic beverages, more than 80-percent alcohol, in bottles or cartons Commodities of any class in plastic containers in carousel storage Flammable solids (except solid combustible metals) Glycol in combustible containers (50 percent or more) Lacquers, which dry by solvent evaporation, in metal cans or cartons Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in plastic containers Mattresses, foam rubber or foam plastics Pallets and flats which are idle combustible Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal storage Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical storage Paper and pulp, rolled, in vertical storage which is unbanded or not protected with an approved wrap Pillows, foam rubber and foam plastics Pyroxylin Rubber tires Vegetable oil and butter in plastic containers 3203.7 Classification of plastics. Plastics shall be designated as Group A, B or C in accordance with this section. 3203.7.1 Group A plastics. Group A plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion that is much higher than that of ordinary combustibles, and a burning rate higher than that of Group B plastics. Examples of Group A plastics include the following: ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) Acetal (polyformaldehyde) Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) Butyl rubber EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester) Natural rubber (expanded) Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) Polybutadiene Polycarbonate Polyester elastomer Polyethylene Polypropylene Polystyrene (expanded and unexpanded) Polyurethane (expanded and unexpanded) PVC (polyvinyl chloride more than 15 percent plasticized, e.g., coated fabric unsupported film) SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) 3203.7.2 Group B plastics. Group B plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate higher than that of ordinary combustibles, but not as high as those of Group A plastics. Examples of Group B plastics include the following: Cellulosics (cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose) Chloroprene rubber Fluoroplastics (ECTFE, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer; ETFE, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer; FEP, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer) Natural rubber (nonexpanded) Nylon (Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6) PVC (polyvinyl chloride more than 5-percent, but not more than 15-percent plasticized) Silicone rubber 3203.7.3 Group C plastics. Group C plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate similar to those of ordinary combustibles. Examples of Group C plastics include the following: Fluoroplastics (PCTFE, polychlorotrifluoroethylene; PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene) Melamine (melamine formaldehyde) Phenol PVC (polyvinyl chloride, rigid or plasticized less than 5 percent, e.g., pipe, pipe fittings) PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) Urea (urea formaldehyde) 3203.7.4 Limited quantities of Group A plastics in mixed commodities. FC Figure 3203.7.4 shall be used to determine the quantity of Group A plastics allowed to be stored in a package or carton or on a pallet without increasing the commodity classification. FC Figure 3203.7.4 Mixed Commodities a, b Figure: FCFig3203-7-4

a. This figure is intended to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity in a package, carton or on a pallet where plastics are involved. b. The following is an example of how to apply the figure: A package containing a Class III commodity has 12-percent Group A expanded plastic by volume. The weight of the unexpanded Group A plastic is 10 percent. This commodity is classified as a Class IV commodity. If the weight of the unexpanded plastic is increased to 14 percent, the classification changes to a high-hazard commodity. c. Percent by volume = Volume of plastic in pallet load Total volume of plastic load, including pallet d. Percent by weight = Weight of plastic in pallet load Total weight of plastic load, including pallet

NYC Fire Code § FC 3204 Designation of High-piled Storage Areas

Section FC 3204: Designation of High-piled Storage Areas 3204.1 General. High-piled storage areas, and portions of high-piled storage areas for storage of a commodity class different from adjacent areas, shall be designed and specifically designated to contain Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV or high-hazard commodities. The designation of a high-piled combustible storage area, or portion thereof intended for storage of a different commodity class, shall be based on the highest hazard commodity class stored except as provided in FC 3204.2. 3204.2 Designation based on engineering analysis. The designation of a high-piled combustible storage area, or portion thereof, is allowed to be based on a lower hazard class than that of the highest class of commodity stored when a limited quantity of the higher hazard commodity has been demonstrated by engineering analysis to be adequately protected by the sprinkler system provided. The engineering analysis shall consider the ability of the sprinkler system to deliver the higher density required by the higher hazard commodity. The higher density shall be based on the actual storage height of the pile or rack and the minimum allowable design area for sprinkler operation as set forth in the density/area figures provided in NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. The contiguous area occupied by the higher hazard commodity shall not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2), and additional areas of higher hazard commodity shall be separated from other such areas by 25 feet (7620 mm) or more. The sprinkler system shall be capable of delivering the higher density over a minimum area of 900 square feet (84 m2) for wet pipe systems and 1,200 square feet (111 m2) for dry pipe systems. The shape of the design area shall be in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3205 Housekeeping and Maintenance

Section FC 3205: Housekeeping and Maintenance 3205.1 Rack structures. The structural integrity of racks shall be maintained. 3205.2 Ignition sources. Clearance from ignition sources shall be provided in accordance with FC 305. 3205.3 Smoking. Smoking is prohibited in high-piled storage areas. "No Smoking" signs complying with the requirements of FC 310 shall be conspicuously posted in such areas. 3205.4 Aisle maintenance. When restocking is not being conducted, aisles shall be kept clear of stored or waste material. Fire department access doors, aisles and exit doors shall not be obstructed. During restocking operations using manual stocking methods, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained in 48-inch (1219-mm) or smaller aisles, and a minimum unobstructed aisle width of one-half of the required aisle width shall be maintained in aisles greater than 48 inches (1219 mm). During mechanical stocking operations, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be maintained in accordance with FC 3206.9. 3205.5 Pile dimension and height limitations. Pile dimensions and height limitations shall comply with the requirements of FC 3207.3. 3205.6 Arrays. Arrays shall comply with the requirements of FC 3207.4. 3205.7 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall comply with the requirements of FC 3208.3.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3206 General Fire Protection and Life Safety Features

Section FC 3206: General Fire Protection and Life Safety Features 3206.1 General. Fire protection and life safety features for high-piled storage areas shall be in accordance with this section. 3206.2 Extent and type of protection. Where required by FC Table 3206.2, fire detection systems, smoke and heat removal, draft curtains and sprinkler design densities shall extend the lesser of 15 feet (4572 mm) beyond the high-piled storage area or to a permanent partition. Where portions of high-piled storage areas have different fire protection requirements because of commodity, method of storage or storage height, the fire protection features required by FC Table 3206.2 within this area shall be based on the most restrictive design requirements. 3206.3 Separation of high-piled storage areas. High-piled storage areas shall be separated from other portions of the building where required by FC 3206.3.1 through 3206.3.2.2. 3206.3.1 Separation from other uses. Mixed occupancies shall be separated in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. 3206.3.2 Multiple high-piled storage areas. Multiple high-piled storage areas shall be designed and installed in accordance with FC 3206.3.2.1 or 3206.3.2.2. 3206.3.2.1 Aggregate area. The aggregate of all high-piled storage areas within a building shall be used for application of FC Table 3206.2 unless such areas are separated from each other by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barrier walls constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having a 1-hour fire protection rating. 3206.3.2.2 Multiclass high-piled storage areas. High-piled storage areas classified as Class I through Class IV not separated from high-piled storage areas classified as high hazard shall utilize the aggregate of all high-piled storage areas as high hazard for purposes of application of FC Table 3206.2. To be considered as separated, 1-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barrier walls shall be constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having a 1-hour fire protection rating. Exception: As provided for in FC 3204.2. FC Table 3206.2 General Fire Protection and Life Safety Requirements Commodity Class Size of High-Piled Storage Area a (square feet) (see FC 3206.2 and 3206.4) All Storage Areas (See FC 3206, 3207 and 3208) b Solid-Piled Storage, Shelf Storage and Palletized Storage (see FC 3207.3) Automatic fire- extinguishing system (see FC 3206.4) Fire detection system (see FC 3206.5) Building Access (see FC 3206.6) Smoke and heat removal (see FC 3206.7) Draft curtains (see FC 3206.7) Maximum pile dimension c (feet) Maximum permissible storage height d (feet) Maximum pile volume (cubic feet) I-IV 0 - 500 Not Required a Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required Not Required Not Required Not Required 501 - 2,500 Not Required a Yes i Not Required e Not Required Not Required 100 40 100,000 2,501 - 12,000 Public accessible Yes Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required 100 40 400,000 2,501 - 12,000 Nonpublic accessible (Option 1) Yes Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required 100 40 400,000 2,501 - 12,000 Nonpublic accessible (Option 2) Not Required a Yes Yes Yes j Yes j 100 30 f 200,000 12,001 - 20,000 Yes Not Required Yes Yes j Not Required 100 40 400,000 20,001 - 500,000 Yes Not Required Yes Yes j Not Required 100 40 400,000 Greater than 500,000 g Yes Not Required Yes Yes j Not Required 100 40 400,000 High hazard 0 - 500 Not Required a Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required 50 Not Required Not Required 501 - 2,500 Public accessible Yes Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required 50 30 75,000 501 - 2,500 Nonpublic accessible (Option 1) Yes Not Required Not Required e Not Required Not Required 50 30 75,000 501 - 2,500 Nonpublic accessible (Option 2) Not Required a Yes Yes Yes j Yes j 50 20 50,000 2,501 - 300,000 Yes Not Required Yes Yes j Not Required 50 30 75,000 300,001 - 500,000 g, h Yes Not Required Yes Yes j Not Required 50 30 75,000 For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2. a. When sprinkler systems are required for reasons other than those in FC Chapter 32, the portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage area shall be designed and installed in accordance with FC 3207 and 3208. b. For aisles, see FC 3206.9. c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with the requirements of FC 3206.9. d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note g when required by the commissioner. See also FC Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids. e. FC 503 shall apply for fire apparatus access. f. For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used. g. Special fire protection provisions including fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or additional fire department hose connections shall be provided when required by the commissioner. h. High-piled storage areas shall not exceed 500,000 square feet. A 2-hour fire wall constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code shall be used to divide high-piled storage exceeding 500,000 square feet in area. i. Not required when a fire extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled storage area in accordance with FC 3207 and 3208. j. Not required when storage areas are protected throughout by early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 3206.4 Sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with FC 3207, 3208 and 3209. 3206.5 Fire detection. Where fire detection is required by FC Table 3206.2, an approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the high-piled storage area. The system shall be monitored and be in accordance with FC 907. 3206.6 Building access. Where building access is required by FC Table 3206.2, fire apparatus access roads in accordance with FC 503 shall be provided within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the exterior walls of buildings used for high-piled storage. Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of topography, railways, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, the commissioner may require additional fire protection. 3206.6.1 Access doors. Where building access is required by FC Table 3206.2, fire department access doors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Access doors shall be accessible without the use of a ladder. 3206.6.1.1 Number of doors required. A minimum of one access door shall be provided in each 100 lineal feet (30 480 mm), or fraction thereof, of the exterior walls which face required fire apparatus access roads. The required access doors shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent access doors does not exceed 100 feet (30480 mm). 3206.6.1.2 Door size and type. Access doors shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height. Roll-up doors shall not be used unless approved. 3206.6.1.3 Locking devices. Only approved locking devices shall be used. 3206.7 Smoke and heat removal. Where smoke and heat removal are required by FC Table 3206.2, smoke and heat vents shall be provided in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. Where draft curtains are required by FC Table 3206.2, they shall be provided in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. 3206.8 Fire department hose connections. Where exit passageways are required by the construction codes, including the Building Code for egress, a Class I standpipe system shall be provided in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. 3206.9 Aisles. Aisles providing access to exits and fire department access doors shall be provided in high-piled storage areas exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2), in accordance with FC 3206.9.1 through 3206.9.3. Aisles separating storage piles or racks shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. Aisles shall also comply with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code. Exception: Where aisles are precluded by rack storage systems, alternate methods of access and protection are allowed when approved. 3206.9.1 Width. Aisle width shall be in accordance with FC 3206.9.1.1 and 3206.9.1.2. Exceptions: 1. Aisles crossing rack structures or storage piles, which are used only for employee access between aisles shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) wide. 2. Aisles separating shelves classified as shelf storage shall be a minimum of 30 inches (762 mm) wide. 3206.9.1.1 Sprinklered buildings. Aisles in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system shall be a minimum of 44 inches (1118 mm) wide. Aisles shall be a minimum of 96 inches (2438 mm) wide in high-piled storage areas that exceed 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area, and that are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities. Exception: Aisles in high-piled storage areas exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area, that are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities, and that are protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed for multiple-row racks of high-hazard commodities, shall be a minimum of 44 inches (1118 mm) wide. Aisles shall be a minimum of 96 inches (2438 mm) wide in areas accessible to the public where mechanical stocking methods are used. 3206.9.1.2 Nonsprinklered buildings. Aisles in buildings not protected throughout by a sprinkler system shall be a minimum of 96 inches (2438 mm) wide. 3206.9.2 Clear height. The required aisle width shall extend from floor to ceiling. Rack structural supports and catwalks are allowed to cross aisles at a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor level, provided that such supports do not interfere with fire department hose stream trajectory. 3206.9.3 Dead ends. Dead-end aisles shall be in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. 3206.10 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with FC 906.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3207 Solid-Piled and Shelf Storage

Section FC 3207: Solid-Piled and Shelf Storage 3207.1 General. Shelf storage and storage in solid piles, solid piles on pallets and bin box storage in bin boxes not exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension, shall be designed and maintained in accordance with FC 3206 and this section. 3207.2 Fire protection. Where sprinkler systems are required for solid-piled and shelf storage pursuant to FC Table 3206.2, a sprinkler system shall be provided in any area containing such storage that is enclosed in 1-hour fire-rated walls in accordance with the Building Code, or, if such storage is not enclosed within such fire-rated walls, throughout the building. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having 1-hour fire protection ratings. The design and installation of the sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with this code, the construction codes, including the Building Code, and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 3207.2.1 Shelf storage. Shelf storage greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) but less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in height shall be in accordance with the fire protection requirements set forth in NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. Shelf storage 15 feet (4572 mm) or more in height shall be protected in an approved manner with special fire protection, such as in-rack sprinklers. 3207.3 Pile dimension and height limitations. Pile dimensions, the maximum permissible storage height and pile volume shall be in accordance with FC Table 3206.2. 3207.4 Array. Where a sprinkler system design utilizes protection based on a closed array, array clearances shall be provided and maintained as specified by the standard used.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3208 Rack Storage

Section FC 3208: Rack Storage 3208.1 General. Rack storage shall be designed and maintained in accordance with FC 3206 and this section. Bin boxes exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension shall be regulated as rack storage. 3208.2 Fire protection. Where a sprinkler system is required for rack storage pursuant to FC Table 3206.2, a sprinkler system shall be provided in any area containing such storage that is enclosed in 1-hour fire-rated walls in accordance with the Building Code, or, if such storage is not enclosed within such fire-rated walls, throughout the building. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having 1-hour fire protection ratings. The design and installation of the sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with this code, the construction codes, including the Building Code, and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 3208.2.1 Plastic pallets and shelves. Storage on plastic pallets or plastic shelves shall be protected by approved specially-engineered fire protection systems, except that plastic pallets listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996 shall be treated as wood pallets for determining required sprinkler protection. 3208.2.2 Racks with solid shelving. Racks with solid shelving having an area greater than 32 square feet (3 m2), measured between approved flue spaces at all four edges of the shelf, shall be in accordance with this section. Exceptions: 1. Racks with mesh, grated, slatted or similar shelves having uniform openings not more than 6 inches (152 mm) apart, comprising at least 50 percent of overall shelf area, and with approved flue spaces, are allowed to be treated as racks without solid shelves. 2. Racks used for the storage of combustible paper records, with solid shelving, shall be in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 3208.2.2.1 Fire protection. Fire protection for racks with solid shelving shall be in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. FC Table 3208.3 Required Flue Spaces for Rack Storage Rack Configuration Sprinkler Protection Sprinkler at the Ceiling with or Without Minimumin-Rack Sprinklers In-Rack Sprinklers at Every Tier Non- sprinklered 25 feet > 25 feet Any height Any height Storage Height Option 1 Option 2 Single-row rack Transverse flue space Size b 3 inches Not Applicable 3 inches Not Required Not Required Vertically aligned Not Required Not Applicable Yes Not Applicable Not Required Longitudinal flue space Not Required Not Applicable Not Required Not Required Not Required Double-row rack Transverse flue space Size b 6 inches a 3 inches 3 inches Not Required Not Required Vertically aligned Not Required Not Required Yes Not Applicable Not Required Longitudinal flue space Not Required 6 inches 6 inches Not Required Not Required Multi-row rack Transverse flue space Size b 6 inches Not Applicable 6 inches Not Required Not Required Vertically aligned Not Required Not Applicable Yes Not Applicable Not Required Longitudinal flue space Not Required Not Applicable Not Required Not Required Not Required For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Three-inch transverse flue spaces shall be provided at least every 10 feet where ESFR sprinkler protection is provided. b. Random variations are allowed, provided that the configuration does not obstruct water penetration. 3208.3 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall be provided in accordance with FC Table 3208.3. Required flue spaces shall be maintained. When the flue spaces are not being maintained, the department may require the installation of approved devices to protect the flue spaces by preventing the placement or storage of obstructing materials in such spaces. Such protective devices shall not be removed or modified without department approval. 3208.4 Column protection. Steel building columns shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. 3208.5 Extra-high-rack storage systems. Approval of the commissioner shall be obtained prior to installing extra-high-rack combustible storage. 3208.5.1 Fire protection. Buildings with extra-high-rack combustible storage shall be protected with a specially engineered sprinkler system. Extra-high-rack combustible storage shall be provided with additional special fire protection, such as separation from other buildings and additional built-in fire protection features and fire department access, when required by the commissioner.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3209 Automated Storage

Section FC 3209: Automated Storage 3209.1 General. Automated storage shall be designed and maintained in accordance with this section. 3209.2 Sprinkler systems. Where a sprinkler system is required by FC Table 3206.2, a sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building. The design and installation of such system shall be in accordance with this code and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 3209.3 Carousel storage. High-piled storage areas having greater than 500 square feet (46 m2) of carousel storage shall be provided with automatic shutdown in accordance with one of the following: 1. An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code, with coverage extending 15 feet (4572 mm) in all directions beyond unenclosed carousel storage systems and which sounds a local alarm at the operator's station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector. 2. An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code and within enclosed carousel storage systems, that sounds a local alarm at the operator's station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector. 3. A single dead-man-type control switch that allows the operation of the carousel storage system only when the operator is present. The switch shall be in the same room as the carousel storage system and located to allow for observation of the carousel system. 3209.4 Automated rack storage. High-piled storage areas with automated rack storage shall be provided with a manually activated emergency shutdown switch for use by firefighters and other emergency response personnel. The switch shall be clearly marked and shall be located at the fire command center. In buildings without a fire command center, such switch shall be located in a conspicuous, readily accessible location near the entrance to the building, occupancy or area containing the automated rack storage, or other approved location.

NYC Fire Code § FC 3210 Record Storage

Section FC 3210: Record Storage 3210.1 General. Records storage facilities used for the rack or shelf storage of combustible paper records greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC 3206 and 3208 and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. Palletized storage of records shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC 3207.

Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-147178Fetched: 10/24/2026