13-196-204 Voice communication systems in existing buildings.

   (A)   Subject to the exceptions listed below, no later than January 1, 2015, every existing building exceeding 80 feet in height above grade shall be equipped with the following: (i) a one-way voice communication system meeting the requirements of Section 13-76-050(b); and (ii) a two-way voice communication system meeting the requirements of Section 13-76-050(a); provided, however, that a telephone or other two-way communication system connected to an approved station, and installed pursuant to and in accordance with Option 2 of Section 13-196-084(a), shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of item (ii) of this subsection.

   (B)   Neither a one-way nor a two-way voice communication system shall be required in the following buildings:

   Exception Number 1: Buildings that are classified as Class A-2, Multiple Dwellings, and are for non- transient residential use and are fully protected by automatic sprinklers.

   Exception Number 2: Institutional buildings and schools that have an approved standard fire alarm system as required by Section 15-16-110.

   (C)   A one-way voice communication system shall not be required in the following buildings:

   Exception Number 1: Non-transient residential buildings with an existing occupant notification system if a detailed description of the existing occupant notification system is submitted to and approved by the commissioner of buildings and the fire commissioner or by their designated representatives. In order to be considered for approval under this exception, and if approved under this exception, the existing occupant notification system shall meet the following criteria:

      (a)   the system must be in continuous use and must be tested on a monthly basis, or the system must have electronic supervision to indicate operational deficiencies in the system including, but not limited to, shorts, grounds and breaks in the circuit wiring; and

      (b)   the system must be audible throughout all required areas of the building, or must produce within all dwelling units a minimum sound level of 45 dBA within ten feet of any existing occupant notification system device; and

      (c)   the system must be able to transmit voice instructions without delay; and

      (d)   the system must be able to transmit voice instructions to all required areas or to all dwelling units at the same time; and

      (e)   the system must be available for fire department use from a central command location; and

      (f)   the system is subject to field testing; and

      (g)   replacement or modification of system components to meet the above criteria is limited to 50 percent of the reproduction cost of the existing occupant notification system.

   (D)   A two-way voice communication system shall not be required in the following buildings:

   Exception 1: Buildings that are classified as Class A-2, Multiple Dwellings, and are for non-transient residential use if the building does not exceed 15 stories in height and contains 60 or fewer dwelling units as defined in Section 13-4-010.

   (E)   For purposes of this section, “non-transient residential” means a residential use other than a hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfast establishment, dormitory, transitional shelter, emergency shelter or other temporary residential use.

   (F)   This section shall be enforceable against the building owner and against any subsequent owner.

(Added Coun. J. 12-15-04, p. 39962, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-18-09, p. 76565, § 1)