NY S00697

Amends General Municipal Law Section 204-d to require fire officials in cities with populations over 100,000 to submit written requests with supporting documentation before permanently closing firehouses or removing/relocating firefighting units.

Required documentation must include an environmental impact statement covering current and projected response times, resource allocation and staffing levels, and distance to other firehouses in affected areas.

Closure proposals are subject to a 30-day review period by affected council members, community boards, and borough presidents, with approval requiring a simple majority vote if any support the proposal or a two-thirds majority vote if all oppose it.

If a proposed closure does not occur within four months of approval, the fire official must submit a new written request and repeat the full review procedure, with time tolled during any court restraining orders or injunctions.

Defines "permanent" closure or relocation as any closure lasting more than six months.