The provisions of Section 907 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 907.1.1 to read:
"907.1.1 Construction documents.
Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the Chicago Electrical Code and the Chicago Fire Prevention Code."
2. Revise Section 907.1.2 to read:
"907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings.
Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 72 and submitted for a separate permit prior to system installation."
3. Revise Section 907.1.3 by deleting "and approved."
4. Add a new Section 907.1.3.1 to read:
"907.1.3.1 Notification appliances.
Occupant notification appliances shall be red. Where approved by the fire code official, occupant notification appliances may be concealed until activated."
5. Revise Section 907.2 to read:
"907.2 Where required-new buildings and structures.
A fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box at each exit on the level of exit discharge shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of manual fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed at each exit on the level of exit discharge.
Exception: The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service."
6. Revise Section 907.2.1 and its subsections to read:
"907.2.1 Group A.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group A occupancies where the occupant load due to the assembly occupancy is 300 or more. Group A occupancies not separated from one another in accordance with Section 707.3.10 shall be considered as a single occupancy for the purposes of applying this section. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate in accordance with Section 907.5 upon sprinkler water flow."
7. Revise Section 907.2.2 by replacing "500" with "300."
8. Revise the exception to Section 907.2.2 to read:
"Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate in accordance with Section 907.5 upon sprinkler water flow."
9. Delete the exception to 907.2.2.1.
10. Revise Section 907.2.3, including the exceptions, to read:
"907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. Where automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system."
11. Revise the exception to Section 907.2.4 to read:
"Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate in accordance with Section 907.5 upon sprinkler water flow."
12. Revise Section 907.2.5 by deleting "Chapters 60, 62 and 62, respectively, of."
13. Revise the exceptions to Section 907.2.6 to read:
"Exception: Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private operating mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is permitted by the fire code official and staff evacuation responsibilities are included in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by the Chicago Fire Prevention Code."
14. Revise Section 907.2.6.1.1 by replacing "smoke alarms" with "smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors" in both the heading and body.
15. Revise Section 907.2.6.3.1 to read:
"907.2.6.3.1 System initiation.
Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, automatic sprinkler system, a manual fire alarm box or a fire detector shall initiate a private operating mode fire alarm signal that automatically notifies staff throughout the facility."
16. Revise Section 907.2.6.3.2 to read:
"907.2.6.3.2 Manual fire alarm boxes.
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be located in accordance with Section 907.4.2 where manual fire alarm boxes are provided at staff-attended locations having direct supervision over areas where manual fire alarm boxes have been omitted."
17. Revise the exceptions to Section 907.2.7 to read:
"Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate in accordance with Section 907.5 upon sprinkler water flow."
18. Delete Section 907.2.7.1.
19. Delete exception 2 (and subitems) to Section 907.2.8.1.
19.1. Revise Section 907.2.8.3 by replacing "smoke alarms" with "smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors" in both the heading and body.
20. Revise Section 907.2.9.1 to read:
"907.2.9.1 Manual fire alarm system.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies where the building contains more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units."
21. Revise exception 2 to Section 907.2.9.1 to read:
"2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the occupant notification appliances will activate in accordance with Section 907.5 upon a sprinkler water flow."
22. Revise exception 3 to Section 907.2.9.1 by deleting "approved."
22.1. Revise Section 907.2.9.2 by replacing "smoke alarms" with "smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors" in both the heading and body.
23. Delete Section 907.2.9.3.
24. Add a new item 4 to Section 907.2.10.1 to read:
"4. At the uppermost ceiling of each interior exit stairway."
25. Revise Section 907.2.10 by inserting the following at the end: "Listed heat detectors complying with UL 521 or heat alarms complying with UL 539 shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.10. and 907.2.10.8 and NFPA 72."
25.1. Revise Section 907.2.10.2 to read:
"907.2.10.2 Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and I-1.
Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and I-1 regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:
1. On the ceiling or wall outside of and within 15 feet (4572 mm) of each room used for sleeping purposes.
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
4. At the uppermost ceiling of each interior exit stairway."
25.2. Revise Section 907.2.10.6 to read:
"907.2.10.6 Power source.
In new construction, required smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system in accordance with Section 2702. Smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exception: Smoke alarms, heat alarms and heat detectors are not required to be equipped with battery backup where they are connected to an emergency electrical system that complies with Section 2702."
25.3. Insert a new Section 907.2.10.8 to read:
"907.2.10.8 Heat alarms and heat detectors.
A heat detector or heat alarm shall be installed in a private garage that is attached to or directly below a dwelling unit or sleeping unit and shall comply with the following:
1. The heat alarm or heat detector shall be rated for the ambient environment.
2. The heat alarm or heat detector shall either be interconnected with the smoke alarms within the attached dwelling unit or sleeping unit or the heat detector shall be connected to an audible occupant notification device located within the dwelling unit or sleeping unit and within 20 feet of the door nearest to the private garage and additional audible occupant notification devices, as necessary, so that occupant notification is clearly audible in all sleeping rooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. Audible occupant notification is not required within the private garage.
3. Heat alarms and heat detectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions."
26. Revise items 3 and 4 in Section 907.2.11.2 to read:
"3. Activate directional exit markings that will become apparent in an emergency.
4. Alarm signals shall produce a sound that is distinctive from other sounds used during normal operation."
27. Delete Section 907.2.11.3.
28. Revise Section 907.2.12 to read:
"907.2.12 High-rise buildings.
High-rise buildings shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1 and voice communication systems in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
Exceptions:
1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Sections 412 and 907.2.21.
2. Parking facilities in accordance with Section 406.9.
3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.
4. Low-hazard special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
5. [Reserved.]
6. In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and private mode signaling shall be broadcast throughout the facility."
29. Revise Section 907.2.12.1.1 to read:
"907.2.12.1.1 Area smoke detection.
Area smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation of any detector required by this section shall activate the occupant notification appliances in accordance with Section 907.5. In addition to smoke detectors required by Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.9, smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room that is not provided with sprinkler protection.
2. In each elevator machine room, machinery space, control room and control space and in elevator lobbies.
3. Where enclosed elevator lobbies are not provided, in corridors adjoining elevators."
30. Delete Section 907.2.12.1.2.
31. Revise Section 907.2.12.2 to read:
"907.2.12.2 Voice communication systems.
Voice communication systems shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.12.2.1 through 907.2.12.2.3.
907.2.12.2.1 Fire department two-way communication system.
A two-way fire department communication system shall be provided to operate between a fire command center complying with Section 911 and emergency two-way stations located at not less than every fifth level and every landing for a level numbered with a multiple of 5 and the uppermost landing within every interior exit stairway.
907.2.12.2.2 Selective one-way communication system.
A selective (multiple-channel) one-way communication system shall be provided to operate between a fire command center complying with Section 911 and the following areas:
1. Elevators cars.
2. Elevator lobbies.
3. Within interior exit stairways at every fifth level and every landing for a level numbered with a multiple of 5.
4. Office areas exceeding 5,000 square feet (465
m2).
5. Corridors, at intervals not exceeding 75 feet (22.9 m).
6. Outside of doors leading to exit stairways.
7. Inside the main entrance of each dwelling unit and sleeping unit.
8. Parking garages exceeding 5,000 square feet (465
m2).
907.2.12.2.3 Combined system.
The two-way fire department communication system may be combined with the one-way system where approved by the fire code official."
32. Delete Section 907.2.12.3.
33. Delete Section 907.2.13.
34. Revise Section 907.2.14 by deleting "Section 3206.5 of."
35. Revise Section 907.2.15 by replacing "an approved" with "a."
36. Revise Section 907.2.18 to read:
"907.2.18 Deep underground buildings.
Where the lowest occupiable space is more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge, the structure shall be equipped throughout with a manual fire alarm system."
37. Delete Section 907.2.19.
38. Delete Section 907.2.20.
39. Revise the exceptions to Section 907.3.1 to read:
"Exception: In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, actuation of a smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in a prominent location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal in a prominent location and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble."
40. Revise Section 907.4.2.1 by replacing "200 feet (60 960 mm)" with "100 feet (30.5 m)."
41. Revise Section 907.4.2.4 by replacing "an approved" with "a."
42. Revise Section 907.4.3 by deleting "approved."
43. Revise Section 907.4.3.1 by replacing "approved" with "accepted."
44. Delete the exception to Section 907.5.
45. Revise Section 907.5.1 to read:
"907.5.1 Presignal feature.
Fire alarm systems in the following buildings shall be provided with a presignal feature:
1. Group I occupancies where the floor area of any story exceeds 8,000 square feet (743 m
2
).
2. Group I occupancies in buildings with more than three stories.
3. High-rise buildings.
A presignal feature shall not be installed in other building types unless approved by the fire code official. Where a presignal feature is provided, a signal shall be annunciated at a constantly attended location acceptable to the fire code official so that occupant notification can be activated in the event of fire or other emergency."
46. Delete Section 907.5.2.2 and its subsections.
47. Revise Section 907.5.2.3.1, including its exception, to read:
"907.5.2.3.1 Public use areas, common use areas and employee work areas.
Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in public use areas and common use areas. Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, visible alarms shall be provided at time of initial installation."
48. Revise Table 907.5.2.3.2 by replacing "6 to 25" with "2 to 25."
49. Revise Section 907.5.2.3.3 by adding the following at the end:
"Visible alarm notification appliances, arranged so the flashing light beam is visible in all occupiable spaces within the unit, shall be installed by the owner within dwelling units and sleeping units on an as-needed basis at the request of an occupant with a disability."
50. Revise Section 907.6.3.1 to read:
"907.6.3.1 Annunciation.
The initiating device status shall be annunciated at an on-site location acceptable to the fire code official."
51. Revise Section 907.6.4 by replacing "300 feet (91 440 mm)" with "200 feet (61 m)."
52. Revise Section 907.6.4.1 by replacing "an approved location" with "a location acceptable to the fire code official."
53. Revise Section 907.6.6 by deleting "approved."
54. Revise exception 3 to Section 907.6.6 by replacing "one- and two-family dwellings" with "Group R-5 occupancies."
55. Revise Section 907.6.6.1 by deleting "unless approved by the fire chief."
56. Revise Section 907.6.6.2 to read:
"907.6.6.2 Termination of monitoring service.
Termination of fire alarm monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 901.6."
57. Revise Section 907.7.2 to read:
"907.7.2 Record of completion.
A record of completion in accordance with NFPA 72 verifying that the system has been installed and tested in accordance with the permit shall be provided to the fire code official."
58. Revise Section 907.7.3 to read:
"907.7.3 Instructions.
Operating, testing and maintenance instructions and record drawings ("as-builts") and equipment specifications shall be provided on site or at an approved off-site location."
59. Revise Section 907.8 by deleting "Section 907.8 of."
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 33; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. II, § 16; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 12-14-22, p. 58278, Art. III, § 2)