Section 26I: Multiple dwelling units; new construction; automatic sprinkler systems

Questions and Answers

Which type of residential building is specifically excluded from Section 26I?

Single-family homes (correct)

Hotels

Group residences

Motels

What type of buildings does Section 26I apply to?

Commercial and industrial

Used solely for business purposes

Occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes (correct)

Less than four dwelling units

What is meant by 'substantially rehabilitated' in the context of Section 26I?

Minor repairs to the building

Landscaping improvements

Major renovations equating to new construction (correct)

Painting and decorating

What benefit might a building owner receive for complying with Section 26I?

Rate reduction on fire insurance Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring alternative fire suppressant systems are installed when automatic sprinklers are infeasible?

Head of the fire department Signup and view all the answers

Which types of buildings are required to have automatic sprinkler systems under Section 26I?

Buildings with not less than four dwelling units occupied for residential purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of building that must comply with Section 26I?

Office buildings Signup and view all the answers

Under Section 26I, when must a building be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems?

If it is newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative to installing automatic sprinklers if an adequate water supply is not available?

Use of other fire suppressant systems as prescribed by the state building code Signup and view all the answers

Who permits the installation of alternative fire suppressant systems if water supply is inadequate?

The head of the fire department Signup and view all the answers

Owners of buildings with approved and properly maintained sprinkler systems may be eligible for what benefit?

Rate reduction on fire insurance Signup and view all the answers

Section 26I applies to buildings in which areas?

Cities, towns, or districts that accept the provisions of this section Signup and view all the answers

What must the automatic sprinkler systems comply with?

State building code provisions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Overview

Automatic sprinkler systems are mandatory for buildings with not less than four dwelling units occupied for residential purposes.
Residential buildings required to comply include lodging houses, fraternity houses, and condominiums, excluding single-family homes.

Compliance Requirements

Installation of automatic sprinklers is required for newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated buildings, emphasizing both new builds and extensive renovations.

Alternative Systems

In cases with inadequate water supply, other prescribed fire suppressant systems can be utilized as an alternative to automatic sprinklers.
The head of the fire department is responsible for permitting these alternative systems.

Benefits for Compliance

Owners of buildings with maintained sprinkler systems may receive a reduction on their fire insurance rates.

Applicability of Section 26I

Section 26I is applicable in cities, towns, or districts that accept its provisions, not limited to urban areas.
The automatic sprinkler systems must comply with state building code provisions.

Definitions and Terms

"Substantially rehabilitated" is defined as major renovations that equate to new construction, rather than minor repairs or cosmetic updates.

Types of Residential Buildings

Section 26I covers various types of residential buildings, such as hotels, motels, dormitories, and boarding houses, while excluding single-family homes.

Responsibilities and Oversight

The head of the fire department also ensures that alternative fire suppressant systems are installed when automatic sprinklers are not feasible, indicating the need for compliance oversight.

Description

This quiz covers the key aspects of automatic sprinkler systems required for residential buildings. It includes details on compliance requirements, alternative systems for inadequate water supply, and potential benefits for building owners. Learn about the regulations and advantages of maintaining these systems for fire safety.