Most common problems with Places of Assembly

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Emergencies requiring quick exit from a building can quickly turn catastrophic when there are many people on the premises.  As a result, the Department of Buildings holds buildings with a Place of Assembly permit to a high standard, and it’s easy to get written up.  Here are the most common problems throughout the PACO permit application process, as identified by the DOB:

Most Common Objections for Plan Exam:

  • The individual space, floor, or building does not provide the necessary egress to support the place of assembly (PA) activity.

  • The building’s Certificate of Occupancy does not reflect the correct use.

  • The travel distance between PA space and fire-rated safe area, such as a stairwell or outside, does not meet minimum Construction Codes requirements.

  • The separation between kitchen and PA space is not fire-rated according to Construction Codes requirements (only applicable for kitchens where cooking will occur).

Most Common Reasons for Failing PA Inspection:

  • Exit signs are not in the correct area (they do not comply with Construction Codes or do not match approved plans). 

  • Failure to post occupancy sign indicating the maximum number of people allowed in the space. 

  • Failure to produce Emergency Lighting Letter or TR1 Form. 

  • Improper locking devices on doors (they do not comply with Construction Codes or do not match approved plans).

Even after a PA certificate is granted, the FDNY will still conduct periodic inspections to ensure the premises remains adherent to guidelines.  If problems are found, the FDNY will issue either a Notice of Violation for problems that are not imminently dangerous, or a Violation Order for imminent safety hazards.  Below are the most common reasons for each:

The Most Common Reasons Why FDNY Issues ECB Violations (NOVs): 

  • Failure to post permits (e.g., PA, maximum occupancy sign, Certificate of Occupancy)

  • Failure to produce flame proofing affidavit

  • Valid Certificate of Fitness/Certificate of Qualification holder not on site (Only applicable for certain types of PA spaces such as banquet halls and cabarets 

  • Missing or damaged lighting or exit signs

The Most Common Reasons Why FDNY Issues Violation Orders (VOs):

  • Approved floor plans or PA not on site 

  • Plans not updated after major renovation 

  • Operating contrary to Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) 

  • Observed establishment name, owner name or use description does not match 

  • records 

  • Obstruction in travel path (path from PA space to fire-rated safe area, such as 

  • stairwell or outside) 

  • Egress blocked or locked 

  • Overcrowding (more people in space than allowed by PA)

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