(a) Definitions.
Automatic fire detector: The term "automatic fire detector" shall mean an assembly designed to detect the presence of fire and initiate action.
Device: The term "device" shall include any single station alarm device or any multiple station alarm device.
Fire detection system: The term "fire detection system" shall mean any arrangement of two (2) or more automatic fire detectors connected through a separate control and shall include associated gongs, horns, bells, transformers, wiring or other components which in combination sense the presence of fire and initiate alarm action.
Multiple station alarm device: The term "multiple station alarm device" shall mean single station alarm devices, two (2) or more, which may be interconnected so that actuation of one (1) causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate. It may also consist of one (1) single station alarm device having connections for other detectors or manual stations.
Single station alarm device: The term "single station alarm device" shall mean an assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment, and the alarm sounding equipment in one (1) unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit, or obtained at the point of installation.
Automatic fire detectors shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of the Standard for Automatic Fire Detectors, NFPA #72 E, 1974 edition.
(b) Required. A person, directly or through an agent, must not sell, offer for sale, lease or install any type of fire detection system or device until the Director of Permitting Services has issued the certificate of approval or permit required by this Section.
(c) Certificate of approval for devices. Application for a certificate of approval must be in a form specified by the Director of Permitting Services. The applicant must supply complete copies of the report of any nationally recognized testing laboratories which have examined the fire detection device.
If the Director finds that the fire detection device submitted will function dependably, and that the device has been tested and approved or listed by a recognized testing laboratory, the Director must issue a certificate of approval subject to the condition that the installation of the device complies with all applicable laws.
If the Director finds that the fire detection device is not likely to operate dependably or the device has not been tested and approved or listed by a recognized testing laboratory, the Director must disapprove the application and specify the reasons for the disapproval.
(d) Permit for installation of system. Before any fire detection system is installed, the agent, contractor or installer must apply to the Director of Permitting Services for a permit. Two complete sets of drawings and specifications must accompany the permit application. This permit is in addition to any other permit required by law. A single permit may be issued for multiple dwelling units for new construction if similar household fire detection systems are being installed in more than one dwelling unit under the control of a single owner, developer or manager. Any variation in floor plan, number of detectors or model number of components must be specified on the permit application.
If the Director finds that any part of the fire detection system is not likely to function dependably or does not conform with specific requirements in this Chapter or other County laws, the Director must disapprove the application and specify the reason for the disapproval. The Director must review and approve any combination system only for fire warning purposes and not for any other function of the combination system.
(e) Permit for connection of system. When the Director of Permitting Services has issued a permit to install a fire alarm system, and if the system requires connection to a source of energy which is regulated under the County electrical code, a permit for the necessary connection must be obtained from the Department of Permitting Services. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1; 1996 L.M.C., ch. 20, § 1; 1998 L.M.C., ch. 12, § 1; 2001 L.M.C., ch. 14, § 1; 2002 L.M.C., ch. 16, § 2; 2011 L.M.C., ch. 17, § 1.)
Editor’s note—2011 L.M.C., ch. 17, §§ 2 and 3, state:
Sec. 2. Transition. This Act does not apply to any appeal to the Board of Appeals that was filed before this Act took effect.
Sec. 3. Regulations. Regulations 6-06AM and 7-06AM remain in effect, notwithstanding any amendment to the County Code in Section 1 of this Act, except for any provision of the National Fire Code that authorizes or refers to an appeal to the Board of Appeals.