The New York City Building Code requires the detection of smoke by means of smoke detection systems. New products have recently been introduced that use video camera and image recognition software to detect smoke. Current New York City Building Code regulations do not address such products. However, Local Law 141 of 2013, which will take effect on October 1, 2014, includes amendments to Chapter 9 of the 2008 New York City Building Code to reference NFPA 72 of 2010, which recognizes this new technology under section 17.7.7.7.

The March 18 city bulletin notes that video image smoke detection systems generally are used “in open, large spaces where it is difficult to detect smoke with conventional methods.”

Related Code/Zoning Section(s):
AC 28-113; BC 907; BC Q106