FDNY S-38: SUPERVISING ROOF
GARDENING, LANDSCAPING, AND
GREEN ROOFS. QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS JUST RELEASED
1. Who is required to possess an S-38 Certificate of Fitness for a building with a green roof
area exceeding 10,000 square feet?
A. The building owner only
B. The building’s fire safety director
C. Any licensed landscaper
D. A person designated by the owner to supervise maintenance
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: New York City Fire Code requires that maintenance of large-
scale green roofs be supervised by an individual holding an S-38 Certificate of Fitness.
2. According to the NYC Fire Code, what is the minimum clear width required for rooftop
access pathways on a green roof?
A. 3 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 4 feet
,D. 10 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A minimum 6-foot clear perimeter and access pathway is
generally required to allow firefighters to operate safely and access the roof.
3. What is the maximum allowable area for a single section of a green roof before a fire break
is required?
A. 5,000 square feet
B. 10,000 square feet
C. 20,000 square feet
D. 15,625 square feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fire Code Section 317 specifies that green roof sections must not
exceed 15,625 square feet without a fire break.
4. Which of the following must be maintained at a minimum distance of 3 feet from any
green roof vegetation?
A. All of the above
B. Standpipe connections
C. Ventilation shafts
D. Roof drains and scuppers
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Proper clearance (usually 3 feet) must be maintained around
drains, standpipes, and vents to ensure operational functionality and safety.
5. How often must a person with an S-38 CoF inspect the rooftop garden or green roof for fire
safety compliance?
A. Semi-annually
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Annually
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Fire Code requires an inspection of the green roof for fire
safety at least semi-annually (twice a year).
6. What must be done with dead or dying vegetation on a green roof to remain compliant
with fire safety regulations?
A. It must be removed from the roof immediately
B. It can be left for composting
C. It must be buried under 2 inches of soil
D. It only needs removal if it exceeds 50% of the plant area
Answer: A
GARDENING, LANDSCAPING, AND
GREEN ROOFS. QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS JUST RELEASED
1. Who is required to possess an S-38 Certificate of Fitness for a building with a green roof
area exceeding 10,000 square feet?
A. The building owner only
B. The building’s fire safety director
C. Any licensed landscaper
D. A person designated by the owner to supervise maintenance
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: New York City Fire Code requires that maintenance of large-
scale green roofs be supervised by an individual holding an S-38 Certificate of Fitness.
2. According to the NYC Fire Code, what is the minimum clear width required for rooftop
access pathways on a green roof?
A. 3 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 4 feet
,D. 10 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A minimum 6-foot clear perimeter and access pathway is
generally required to allow firefighters to operate safely and access the roof.
3. What is the maximum allowable area for a single section of a green roof before a fire break
is required?
A. 5,000 square feet
B. 10,000 square feet
C. 20,000 square feet
D. 15,625 square feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fire Code Section 317 specifies that green roof sections must not
exceed 15,625 square feet without a fire break.
4. Which of the following must be maintained at a minimum distance of 3 feet from any
green roof vegetation?
A. All of the above
B. Standpipe connections
C. Ventilation shafts
D. Roof drains and scuppers
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Proper clearance (usually 3 feet) must be maintained around
drains, standpipes, and vents to ensure operational functionality and safety.
5. How often must a person with an S-38 CoF inspect the rooftop garden or green roof for fire
safety compliance?
A. Semi-annually
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Annually
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Fire Code requires an inspection of the green roof for fire
safety at least semi-annually (twice a year).
6. What must be done with dead or dying vegetation on a green roof to remain compliant
with fire safety regulations?
A. It must be removed from the roof immediately
B. It can be left for composting
C. It must be buried under 2 inches of soil
D. It only needs removal if it exceeds 50% of the plant area
Answer: A
