With these improved designs, the potential fire hazard posed by the dry cleaning equipment and
solvents is substantially reduced. Accordingly, consideration of a modification is warranted. This is
consistent with national fire safety standards. The International Fire Code, the model for the New York
City Fire Code, has since its 2012 edition required the use of these “inherently safe” equipment and
has not required that dry cleaning establishments be fully sprinklered.
Absent countervailing considerations, and subject to various terms and conditions (including those
outlined below), the Fire Department will accept the installation of sprinkler heads above the dry
cleaning equipment (“partial sprinkler installation”) to control and extinguish any fire emanating from
the equipment in lieu of fully sprinklering the dry cleaning establishment.
Modification Application Requirements
Dry cleaning establishments which are replacing pre-existing, lawfully installed perc dry cleaning
equipment may apply for modification of FC1208 to allow a partial sprinkler installation instead of fully-
sprinklering the dry cleaning establishment. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Such applications must be submitted online (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/business/all-
certifications/plan-tm.page) using the Bureau of Fire Prevention Fire Code variance application and the
following information and documentation.
1. The name, address (including block and lot) and owner of the dry cleaning establishment, including
the date of present ownership, and the owner of the building in which the dry cleaning
establishment is housed.
2. A copy of the current Certificate of Occupancy for the building. If the current Certificate of
Occupancy post-dates July 1, 2008, additionally provide a copy of the last Certificate of Occupancy
in effect on or before July 1, 2008.
3. The date that the dry cleaning establishment commenced operation at its present location.
(Include a copy of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection operating permit for the
location. The permit must pre-date July 1, 2008. If not, provide an explanation as to the
circumstances.)
4. The date of installation of the perc dry cleaning equipment being replaced. (Include a copy of the
NYC Department of Environmental Protection installation permit.)
5. The make, model and year of manufacture of the dry cleaning equipment proposed to be installed,
approved cleaning solvent (Type IIIA or IIIB solvent, as defined in FC1202.1), and all fire safety
features inherent in the design of the equipment. (This information should be documented by an
original equipment manufacturer certification and/or relevant portions of the original equipment
manufacturer’s manuals, specifications, safety data sheets and/or other materials.)
6. If the building is not owned by the applicant, a letter from building owner consenting to the
proposed installation, including the proposed partial sprinkler installation.
7. NYC Department of Buildings-approved floor plans or other documentation showing the design and
construction of the space occupied by the dry cleaning establishment, specifically including the fire
rating of the floors, walls and ceilings of the space. If such documentation is not available, a
certification from a registered architect or professional engineer attesting to such fire rating, and
stating the basis for such finding. If the dry cleaning establishment is not housed in a occupancy
with a two-hour fire-rating, as required by the 1968 and subsequent Building Codes, either the fire
rating of the floors, walls and/or ceilings must be upgraded or the dry cleaning equipment enclosed
in a one-hour fire-rated enclosure, with the ventilation required by the NYC Mechanical Code.
8. Certification from a recognized testing organization that the dry cleaning equipment complies with
National Fire Protection Association Standard 32 and any other applicable national or international
standards, such as ANSI or UL standards (indicate edition date).
9. A copy of the construction documents filed or that will be filed with DOB for the dry cleaning
equipment installation and related alterations, and the design and installation documents filed or
that will be filed with the Fire Department.
10. The required $200 modification application fee.