Hi Insylvia,
Take a quick look at the below link (Point 9 from the NY Gov webpage):
http://www.dos.ny.gov/cnsl/lg03.htm
It seems that every building whether business or residential with a public area of assembly and an occupancy of above 2 must be inspected by the Fire department in NY on an annual basis.
If it helps - over here, when shops (non-restaurants) are opened after a refit, they will normally have to pass a Building Compliance regulations inspection by the local council - this will include aspects of fire safety ie - is there more than 24m from the staff place of work to the fire exit, any obstructions, integrated or stand alone fire alarm etc.
Once this is done, there won't necessarily be an annual inspection - However, the Landlord may have a big say in this. Check your lease contract - Is there a clause in there from your landlord to state that you must have an annual fire inspection? I suspect there will be as part of the deal.
I hope this makes sense and helps a little.
Cheers