Based on the 2000 International Fire Code and 2001 Supplement to the International Codes, this publication has been developed by a broad-based committee of fire chiefs, fire marshals, and members of the fire service/protection industry. The Fire Code extends far beyond maintenance and contains regulations relating to the construction of buildings and facilities. Topics addressed in the code include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire-alarm systems, fire and explosion hazards safety, hazardous materials storage and use, provisions to protect and assist first responders, industrial processes, and fire-safety requirements for new and existing buildings and premises.

Based on the 2000 International Fire Code, the Fire Code for the State of New York was formally adopted by the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council on March 6, 2002.

Modifications to the International Codes were developed by the Code Council and its technical subcommittees and have been incorporated into the code, as well as results from the 2001 code development cycle of the International Code Council.

The effective date of the new code provisions was July 3, 2002. Beginning on July 3, 2002, and continuing for a period of 180 days (through December 30, 2002), building permit applications submitted for construction regulated under the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code may represent compliance with either the current provisions or newly adopted provisions of the Codes of New York State. After December 30, 2002, the Codes of New York State will formally supersede the current provisions.