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PLACE OF ASSEMBLY

WHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD KNOW

THE BASICS

New York City Department of Buildings requires a Place of Assembly or PA permit for all premises where the Certificate of Occupancy Indicates that either :

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  • 75 or more members of the public may gather indoors 

  • 200 or more members may gather outdoors for group activities such as religious, recreational, educational, political or social purposes. 

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This requirement is to ensure the continuous safety and well being of the public in large groups which is achieved through such elements as proper egress and emergency lighting. 

PROCESS

A Place of Assembly Application is required for:

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  • New Buildings that will require a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation

  • An Alteration Type 1 in which either:

    • the use or occupancy (number of people allowed in the space) of an existing property changes)

    • the building's egress (the way people leave the building) changes

Once it is determined that a Place of Assembly (PA Application is needed the following process will take place:

STEP 1

Submit initial PA Application and documents for Standard Plan Examination

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Submit initial PA Application and documents for Professional Certification

STEP 2

Department of Buildings performs their inspection

STEP 3

DOB Issues a PA Certificate of Operation

REQUIREMENTS

Outlined below is a list of documents and information that must be submitted with a PA application prior to inspection:

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  • PA-1 Form

  • Proposed Plans

  • Filing Fee Receipt

  • Copy of the C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)

  • POC-1

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) inspector will be looking for general compliance with the Construction Code, which includes:

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  • Adequate Egress

  •  Lighting

  • Exit Signs

  • Complete Set of DOB Approved 

  • Place of Assembly Plans

  • Emergency Lighting Letter

  • Maximum Occupancy Sign

  • Flame Spread Letter

COMPLIANCE

Your PA Certificate of Operation does not expire but each year after the initial issuance, The FDNY will inspect your Establishment & provide you with a Place of Assembly permit based on the results of that inspection.  Non-conformance will result in FDNY violations. 

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Quick Facts to Remember:

  • New York City Department of Buildings is the issuance agency of the PA permit and enforces adherence to the NYC Construction Codes.

  • The Fire Department of New York is responsible for annual PA permit inspections and assures compliance with the Fire Code. 

 

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