FDNY Violations NYC Guide: Types, Penalties & Resolution 2025

FDNY (Fire Department of New York) violations are serious fire safety and building code infractions that can result in fines of $800-$5,000+, ECB summonses, and building closures. In 2024, FDNY issued over 22,000 violations across NYC for fire code violations, ranging from blocked exits to missing sprinkler systems. Understanding FDNY violations and how to resolve them is critical for property owners, managers, and businesses. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about FDNY violations in 2025.

What Are FDNY Violations?

FDNY violations are notices of non-compliance with NYC Fire Code, issued by Fire Department inspectors during routine inspections, complaint investigations, or emergency responses. Unlike DOB violations (focused on building structure), FDNY violations address fire safety, life safety, and hazardous materials.

Legal Authority: NYC Fire Code (FC), NYC Administrative Code Title 29

Enforcement Agency: Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Bureau of Fire Prevention

Types of FDNY Violations

1. Means of Egress Violations (FC Chapter 10)

Most Common Type - 35% of all FDNY violations

Blocked exits: Obstructed doors, hallways, stairways
Locked exit doors: Exit doors must be openable from inside without key
Missing exit signs: Illuminated "EXIT" signs required
Emergency lighting failure: Battery-backup emergency lights must function
Exit obstructions: Storage, furniture, debris blocking egress paths

Typical Fine: $800-$2,500

2. Fire Protection System Violations (FC Chapter 9)

Missing/expired fire extinguishers: Must be inspected annually
Inoperable sprinkler systems: Must be tested quarterly
Fire alarm system failures: Annual testing required
Standpipe system issues: High-rise buildings must maintain
Missing fire suppression: Commercial kitchens require hood suppression

Typical Fine: $1,000-$3,500

3. Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Violations (FC 907)

Missing smoke detectors: Required in all sleeping rooms and hallways
Non-functional detectors: Must be tested regularly
Missing CO detectors: Required near sleeping areas if fuel-burning appliances present
Improper detector placement: Must meet code-specified locations

Typical Fine: $500-$1,500

4. Hazardous Material Storage Violations (FC Chapter 50)

Improper flammable liquid storage: Must be in approved containers/rooms
Compressed gas violations: Cylinders must be secured, labeled
Missing permits: Certificate of Fitness required for hazmat storage
Excessive quantities: Storage limits exceeded

Typical Fine: $1,500-$5,000

5. Fire-Rated Assembly Violations (FC 703)

Damaged fire doors: Must be self-closing, fully functional
Propped open fire doors: Cannot be wedged or blocked open
Penetrations in fire walls: Holes through fire-rated walls must be sealed
Missing fire-rated construction: Required separations between occupancies

Typical Fine: $1,000-$3,000

6. Electrical Hazard Violations (FC 605)

Extension cord misuse: Permanent wiring with extension cords prohibited
Overloaded circuits: Too many devices on single circuit
Exposed wiring: Open junction boxes, damaged insulation
Space heater violations: Must have auto shut-off, proper clearance

Typical Fine: $800-$2,000

7. Commercial Kitchen Violations (FC Chapter 6)

Grease buildup in ducts: Hood and duct cleaning required quarterly
Missing/expired hood suppression: Kitchen fire suppression system must be certified
Portable fire extinguisher missing: Class K extinguisher required
Gas shutoff valve inaccessible: Must be easily accessible

Typical Fine: $1,500-$4,000

8. Certificate of Fitness Violations (FC 113)

No Certificate of Fitness on-site: Required for certain operations (boilers, refrigeration, fire alarm systems)
Expired certificate: Must be renewed periodically
Unlicensed operation: Performing work without proper C of F

Typical Fine: $1,000-$2,500

FDNY Inspection Types

Routine Inspections

FDNY conducts periodic inspections of:

Commercial buildings: Annual or bi-annual
High-rise buildings: Annual fire safety plan review
Places of assembly: Quarterly inspections (theaters, clubs, restaurants with >74 occupants)
Hazardous occupancies: More frequent inspections (auto shops, dry cleaners, etc.)

Complaint-Based Inspections

311 complaints trigger FDNY investigations for:

Blocked exits or fire escapes
Smoke detector issues
Fire hazards
Illegal occupancy

Emergency Response Inspections

After fires, accidents, or emergencies, FDNY conducts thorough inspections and often issues multiple violations.

FDNY Violation Resolution Process

Step 1: Receive Notice of Violation

Inspector issues violation on-site or by mail. Notice includes:

Violation code and description
Correction deadline (typically 30-60 days)
Re-inspection date
Penalty amount if not corrected

Step 2: Correct the Violation

Address the fire code violation:

Remove obstructions from exits
Repair/replace fire protection equipment
Install missing smoke/CO detectors
Hire licensed contractors for corrections
Document all work with photos and invoices

Step 3: Schedule Re-Inspection

Contact FDNY to schedule re-inspection:

Call local FDNY Fire Prevention office
Provide violation number and address
Be present during re-inspection
Show evidence of correction

Step 4: Violation Dismissed or ECB Summons

If corrected: Violation dismissed, no fine

If not corrected: ECB summons issued with mandatory fines and OATH hearing

Learn more about ECB violations and the hearing process.

Penalties and Fines (2025)

Violation Type	First Offense	Repeat Offense
Blocked Exits	$800-$1,500	$2,000-$3,000
Missing Fire Extinguishers	$500-$1,000	$1,500-$2,500
Smoke Detector Issues	$500-$1,500	$1,500-$3,000
Fire System Failures	$1,000-$3,500	$3,000-$5,000
Hazmat Violations	$1,500-$5,000	$5,000-$10,000

Additional Consequences:

Business closure until violations cured
Certificate of Occupancy suspension
Property liens for unpaid fines
Criminal charges for extreme cases

Preventing FDNY Violations

1. Maintain Clear Egress Paths

Never block exits, hallways, or stairways
Keep exit doors unlocked during business hours
Maintain illuminated exit signs
Test emergency lighting monthly

2. Test Fire Protection Systems

Annual fire extinguisher inspections
Quarterly sprinkler system testing
Annual fire alarm system testing
Semi-annual kitchen hood suppression testing

3. Install and Maintain Smoke/CO Detectors

Install in all required locations
Test monthly
Replace batteries annually
Replace units every 10 years

4. Conduct Self-Inspections

Monthly walk-throughs checking for violations
Address issues before FDNY inspections
Keep maintenance logs
Document all fire safety compliance

5. Obtain Required Certificates of Fitness

Ensure staff have proper C of F for operations
Renew certificates before expiration
Keep copies on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does FDNY inspect buildings?

Commercial buildings: annually or bi-annually. Places of assembly: quarterly. High-hazard occupancies: more frequently. Residential buildings: complaint-based or post-emergency.

Can I contest an FDNY violation?

Yes, at OATH hearing if you believe violation is incorrect. However, easier to correct violation before ECB summons issued. Dismissal rate for fire code violations is low (~12%).

What if I can't correct violation by deadline?

Contact FDNY Fire Prevention office immediately to request extension. Provide evidence of good-faith efforts and timeline for correction. Extensions granted case-by-case.

Do FDNY violations appear on DOB records?

Yes. FDNY violations appear in DOB BIS and can affect property sales, refinancing, and Certificate of Occupancy.

Can FDNY close my business?

Yes. For serious fire safety violations, FDNY can order immediate closure or issue vacate orders until violations cured. Common for blocked exits, inoperable sprinklers, or extreme hazards.

Related Resources

External Resources

Last updated: November 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with fire safety professionals for your specific situation.