Section 12-H1103. FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

 

Strike Section 1103.2 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1103.2 in the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

 

1103.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings.

Existing buildings that do not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building, based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the District of Columbia at the exterior of the building, shall be equipped with such coverage according to one of the following:

 

1. Whenever an existing wired communication system cannot be repaired or is being replaced, or where not approved in accordance with Section 510.1, Exception 1; or

2. Within a time frame established by the District of Columbia Office of United Communications (OUC) and the fire code official.

Exception: Where it is determined by OUC and the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed.

Strike Section 1103.3 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1103.3 in the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

 

1103.3 Elevator operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above or below the main floor or other level of a building, and intended to serve the needs of emergency personnel for fire-fighting or rescue purposes, shall be provided with emergency operation when required by the Existing Building Code.

Strike Section 1103.6 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1103.6 in the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

 

1103.6 Standpipes. Existing buildings shall be equipped with standpipe systems installed in accordance with Section 905 where required in Sections 1103.6.1 and 1103.6.2.  The fire code official is authorized to approve the use of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe outlet.

 

Exception: Existing buildings that are equipped with existing standpipe systems are not required to upgrade the standpipe systems to comply with the installation requirements of Section 905, where approved by the fire code official.

 

1103.6.1 Existing multiple-story buildings. Existing buildings with occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access or more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with standpipes systems.

 

1103.6.2 Existing helistops and heliports. Existing buildings with a rooftop helistop or heliport located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with a standpipe system extended to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located in accordance with Section 2007.

 

Strike Sections 1103.8 and 1103.8.1 of the International Fire Code (with no change to Sections 1103.8.2 and 1103.8.3) and insert new Sections 1103.8 and 1103.8.1 in the Fire Code in their place to read as follows:

 

1103.8 Single and multiple-station smoke alarms.  Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in existing Group I-1 and R occupancies, in accordance with Sections 1103.8.1 through 1103.8.3. 

 

1103.8.1 Where required.  Existing Group I-1 and R occupancies shall be provided with single- or multiple-station smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11, except as provided in Sections 1103.8.2 and 1103.8.3.

 

Insert new Section 1103.8.4 in the Fire Code to read as follows:

 

1103.8.4 Transition period for certain occupancies. Existing Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies that contain smoke alarms in locations that comply with Section 907.2.11.2 (1) or (2) shall have a 36-month period, commencing on the date of adoption of the 2013 edition of the D.C. Construction Codes in accordance with Section 122 of the Building Code, to install smoke alarms in the additional locations specified in Section 907.2.11.2. 

 

 

authority

Section 10 of the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 (Act), effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1409 (2012 Repl.)) and Mayor’s Order 2009-22, dated February 25, 2009, as amended.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 3251 (March 28, 2014 – Part 2); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 61 DCR 5246 (May 23, 2014); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 62 DCR 103 (January 2, 2015).

EditorNote

The District of Columbia Fire Code (2013), referred to as the “Fire Code,” consists of the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code as amended by the District of Columbia Fire Code Supplement (2013) (12 DCMR H). The International Fire Code is copyrighted by the International Code Council and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ifc/2012/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2012-000003&bu2=IC-P-2012-000019.