Delete Section 1103.1.1 and replace as follows:
F-1103.1.1 Historic buildings. Facilities designated as historic buildings may be required by the fire code official to develop a fire protection plan in accordance with NFPA 914. Where required such fire protection plans shall comply with the maintenance and availability provisions in Sections 404.3 and 404.4.
Add Section F-1103.1.2 as follows:
1. Wood or metal studding with 5/8-inch fire rated (Type X) gypsum wall board on each side.
2. Wood lathe and plaster.
3. Six-inch or greater hollow or solid CMU (cinder block).
4. Construction having a 1-hour listing by Underwriters Laboratories or other approved testing agency.
Delete Section 1103.2 and replace as follows:
F-1103.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings, other than Group R-3, that do not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders in the building based on existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems shall be equipped with an approved and operational wired communication system.
Exception: Buildings constructed under a Building Code in effect prior to January 1, 2010.
Delete Section 1103.3 (Retain Sections 1103.3.1 and 1103.3.2) and replace as follows:
F-1103.3 Existing elevators. In other than Group R-3, existing elevators, escalators and moving walks shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1103.3.1 through F-1103.3.4.
Add Section F-1103.3.3 as follows:
Add Section F-1103.3.4 as follows:
F-1103.3.4 Elevator keys. Keys for the elevator car doors and fire-fighter service keys shall be kept in an approved location for immediate use by the fire department. Elevator keys for emergency use for door access (shaftway door access) and override of normal operations (Phase I recall and Phase II firefighter use) shall be marked as such and readily available at the fire command center or main lobby desk for use by the fire department and other emergency personnel. In buildings without a fire command center or main lobby desk, the keys shall be stored in a break-glass container at the main entrance. There shall be at least two door access keys and at least 6 override keys available for emergency use.
Delete Section 1103.4.9 and replace as follows:
F-1103.4.9 Waste and linen chutes. Existing waste and linen chutes shall comply with Sections F-1103.4.9.1 through F-1103.4.9.5 in the following occupancies:
1. Group I-2 occupancies, and
2. High-rise buildings of Group R-2 occupancy.
F-1103.4.9.2 Chute intakes. Chute intakes shall comply with Section F-1103.4.9.2.1 or F-1103.4.9.2.2.
F-1103.4.9.2.2 Chute intake via a chute-intake room. Where the intake to chutes is accessed through a chute-intake room, the room shall be enclosed with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Opening protectives for the intake room shall be in accordance with Section 716 of the International Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. Opening protectives for the chute enclosure shall be in accordance with Section F-1103.4.9.1. In buildings where an automatic fire extinguishing system is not required throughout the building and where the chute-intake room is not used for the temporary or permanent storage of combustible materials, the automatic fire extinguishing system is not required in the chute-intake room.
F-1103.4.9.4 Chute discharge rooms. Chutes shall terminate in a dedicated chute discharge room. Such rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Opening protectives shall be in accordance with Section 716 of the International Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
Delete Section 1103.5 (Only 1103.5) and replace as follows:
F-1103.5 Sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through F-1103.5.8.2.
Delete Sections 1103.5.2 and 1103.5.3 and replace as follows:
Exception: Group I-4 child care facilities legally in existence prior to January 1, 1984, where all children less than 2-1/2 years of age are kept on the level of exit discharge.
Add Sections F-1103.5.5 through F-1103.5.8.2 as follows:
Exception: Portions of high-rise buildings occupied by Group R-2 occupancies without a change in occupancy since December 18, 1991.
F-1103.5.6.1 High-rise Group R-2 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the following areas of existing Group R-2 occupancies in the portions of the high-rise building to which the requirements of Section F-1103.5.6 do not apply:
1. Basements in accordance with Section F-1103.5.7.
2. Rooms used for storage where the floor area exceeds 120 square feet (11 m2).
3. Trash and incinerator chutes and rooms in accordance with F-1103.4.9.
Exceptions:
1. Basements containing no occupancy or storage, excluding permanently installed building service equipment, but not excluding oil cooled electrical equipment.
2. Group R-3 and Group U occupancies.
3. Basements with openings meeting one of the following conditions:
3.1. Doorway openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway or outside ramp. The door openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm) or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the linear distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm), and all portions of the basement are located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of a door opening.
3.2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling at least 20 square feet (1.86 m2) in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of the exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) and all portions of the basement are located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of an opening. The openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm).
F-1103.5.7.1 Accessible basement openings. Basement openings shall be accessible to the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that will impede fire fighting or rescue operations from the exterior. Materials permitted to be used to cover openings that will not impede fire department fire fighting and rescue are as follows:
1. Doorway openings with doors of metal or wood.
2. Doorway or other openings covered by any of the following materials:
2.1. Wood not exceeding 3/4 inches (1905 mm) in thickness.
2.2. Glass, Plexiglas, fiberglass or plastic not exceeding 1/4 inches (6 mm) in thickness.
2.3. Metal sheeting not exceeding 1/8 inches (3 mm) in thickness.
1. Basements.
2. The level of exit discharge.
Exceptions:
1. Open parking structures.
2. Occupancies in Group F-2.
3. Occupancies in Group R-2.
4. Buildings where all exterior walls have a fire separation distance of 5 feet (1524 mm) or greater.
F-1103.5.8.1 Retrofit of buildings. Buildings required by Section F-1103.5.8 to have automatic sprinkler systems installed shall complete the required installation by December 31, 2021.
1. A written description of the methods and schedule for compliance with this Section.
2. A site plan prepared by a registered design professional indicating that the fire separation distance of all exterior walls of the building are 5 feet (1524 mm) or greater and therefore the building is not subject to Section F-1103.5.8.
3. An elevation plan prepared by a registered design professional indicating that the existing building does not have one or more occupied floors located 45 feet (13 716 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
4. A statement sealed by a registered design professional indicating that the existing building meets an exception for occupancy and therefore the building is not subject to Section F-1103.5.8.
5. Proof that automatic sprinklers were previously installed in the areas required by Section F-1103.5.8 and have been certified pursuant to Section 901.
F-1103.5.8.2 Retrofit schedule. Proof of compliance with the automatic sprinkler system installation requirements of this Section shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections in the form of a certification pursuant to Section 901. The required certification shall be submitted prior to January 1, 2022.
Delete Sections 1103.6 and 1103.6.1 (Retain Section 1103.6.2) and replace as follows:
F-1103.6 Standpipes systems. Standpipes systems in existing buildings shall be in accordance with Section F-1103.6. Where standpipes in an existing building exceed the requirements of this Section, as a result of installation requirements by the current or a previous edition of the Philadelphia Building Code, the level of standpipe protection shall not be reduced, except as permitted by Section F-1103.6.3.
F-1103.6.1 Class I standpipes. Class I standpipes shall be installed in existing buildings with occupied floors located more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above or below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The standpipes shall have hose connections in each required exit stairway (stair tower, or vestibule where egress width requirements are not violated). Fire department connections shall be in accordance with Section 912. These requirements shall also apply to buildings that were granted variances prior to January 1, 2004, to omit standpipes from the required exit stairways or to have manual dry standpipes.
F-1103.6.1.1 Installation requirements. Class I standpipes required to be installed to comply with this Section shall be installed in accordance with Section 905. Class I manual dry standpipes are not permitted, except in open parking garages or by variance granted on or after January 1, 2004. The following are exceptions to the 100 pounds per square inch pressure requirement of NFPA 14 at the most remote hose connection. The exceptions do not apply to the flow requirements.
Exceptions:
1. In existing buildings having the highest occupied floors located not more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, Class I standpipe systems are permitted to be manual wet systems.
2. Standpipe systems installed prior to January 1, 1995, that provide a residual pressure of 65 psi (448 kPa) or greater at the most remote hose connection are exempt from the requirement to provide a residual pressure of 100 psi (690 kPa) at the most remote hose connection.
3. Standpipe systems with a residual pressure of less than 100 psi (690 kPa) at the most remote hose connection are permitted provided that the pressure is sufficient to fill the system and the building is in accordance with Conditions 3.1 through 3.3.
3.1. The building existed prior to January 1, 2004.
3.2. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire extinguishing system.
3.3. The floor level of the highest floor is not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
F-1103.6.1.2 Standpipe hose connection location. Existing Class I standpipe hose connections within required exit stairways (stair tower or vestibule) are permitted to be located on the floor level landing or alternate floor level landing. Existing hose connections outside of exit stairways shall be relocated to within the exit stairway.
F-1103.6.1.3 Orientation of hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall have a minimum clearance of 8 inches (2032 mm) measured from the center of the hose connection in at least one plane to permit the fire department the option of attaching a wye fitting to use two 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) hoses in lieu of one 2-1/2 inch (63 mm) hose.
Add Section F-1103.6.3 as follows:
F-1103.6.3.1 Removal of Class II hose. Removal of hose from a Class II or Class III standpipe system is permitted in buildings equipped with a manual wet or automatic or semi-automatic dry Class I standpipe system or the building is not required to have a Class I system based on Section F-1103.6.1.
F-1103.6.3.2 Removal of Class II system. Removal of a Class II standpipe system is permitted in buildings equipped with a manual wet or automatic or semi-automatic dry Class I standpipe system or the building is not required to have a Class I standpipe system based on Section F-1103.6.1 and not required to have a Class II standpipe system in the locations where they exist based on the current Philadelphia Building Code.
Delete Section 1103.7 (Retain Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.6) and replace as follows:
F-1103.7 Fire alarm systems in existing buildings. Fire alarm systems shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.6 and Sections F-1103.7.7 through F-1103.7.11. Where an existing building or structure does not have the fire alarm system required by this Section, a fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate subsection of Section 907.
Add Sections F-1103.7.7 through F-1103.7.11 as follows:
F-1103.7.7 Group A occupancies. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed throughout existing Group A-1, A-2 and A-3 occupancies with an occupant load of 300 or more and in all Special Assembly Occupancies. In Special Assembly Occupancies a shut-off (shunt trip) device shall be provided to shut off electricity to circuits controlling audio equipment in the facility upon activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system.
F-1103.7.9 Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 congregate living facilities. Existing Group R-l and R-2 congregate living facilities shall have hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms installed in accordance with Section F-1103.8. (Group R-l congregate living is more than 10 residents and Group R-2 congregate living is more than 16 residents. See Chapter 2 under Occupancy Classifications for the complete definition of Group R-1 and R-2 congregate living facilities). Existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities shall have hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms installed in accordance with F-1103.7.9.1.
F-1103.7.9.1 Hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms in existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities. In addition to the requirements of Section F-1103.8, hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections F-1103.7.9.1.1 through F-1103.7.9.1.3 and NFPA 72 on each floor, including basements, of existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
2. Buildings equipped with hard-wired smoke alarms installed in compliance with the Building Code.
F-1103.7.9.1.1 Interconnection. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-1103.7.9 shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the hard-wired alarms in the facility. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
F-1103.7.9.1.2 Power source. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-1103.7.9 shall receive their primary power from the building wiring, provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms 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.
F-1103.7.9.1.3 Retrofit of R-3 congregate living facilities. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-1103.7.9.1 shall be installed prior to December 31, 2019. Electrical permits for such installations shall be secured prior to July 1, 2019.
F-1103.7.11 Mixed residential and nonresidential use. Where a nonresidential occupancy is located below a residential occupancy, a manual and automatic (smoke detection) fire alarm system shall be installed with smoke detectors installed throughout the nonresidential occupancy, manual fire alarm boxes installed at the exits in the nonresidential areas and alarm notification appliances installed throughout the building. Smoke alarms shall be installed in the dwelling units of the residential portions of the building in accordance with Section 1103.8.
Exception: The fire alarm system is not required where an automatic sprinkler system is installed throughout the non-residential portions of the building.
Delete Sections 1103.8 through 1103.8.3 and replace as follows:
F-1103.8 Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station (single-station wired together to enable all to sound an alarm when one activates) smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group R occupancies in accordance with Sections F-1103.8.1 through F-1103.8.3.
F-1103.8.1 Location of smoke alarms. Existing Group R occupancies and dwellings shall be provided with single-station smoke alarms. Where installation is required to meet the requirements of this Section the smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.10, except as permitted in this Section.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in existing Group R-2 occupancies in high-rise buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire extinguishing system.
2. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in Group R-2 or R-3 occupancies in buildings built prior to January 1, 1988, and not classified as high-rise.
3. Where a smoke alarm installed in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms would result in its installation within 3 feet (914 mm) of a door to a bathroom or kitchen, installation beyond the immediate vicinity is permitted, provided that it does not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm) from all bedroom doors.
F-1103.8.2 Interconnection of smoke alarms. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings built prior to January 1, 1988, that are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind.
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas of buildings built prior to January 1, 1988, are not required to be interconnected where repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.
3. Pursuant to the PA Uniform Construction Code, interconnected smoke alarms are not required in one-family and two-family dwellings constructed prior to January 1, 1988 undergoing alterations, repairs or additions. Non-interconnected battery-operated smoke alarms shall be installed in these dwellings. This exception does not apply to multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses).
F-1103.8.3 Power source for smoke alarms. Single-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that 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. Smoke alarms 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.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery powered with 10-year non-removable (sealed) batteries in existing one- and two-family dwellings built prior to January 1, 1988, where no construction is taking place.
2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery powered with 10-year non-removable (sealed) batteries in one- and two-family dwellings that are not served from a commercial power source.
3. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery powered with 10-year non-removal (sealed) batteries in existing one- and two-family dwellings built prior to January 1, 1988, undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
Pursuant to the PA Uniform Construction Code, smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery powered with 10-year non-removal (sealed) batteries in existing detached and semi-detached single-family dwellings constructed prior to January 1, 1988 undergoing alterations, repairs or additions.
Add Section F-1103.8.4 as follows:
F-1103.8.4 Verification of smoke alarms upon sale of building. Upon the sale of a building containing a Group R-3 occupancy, the seller shall certify in writing to the buyer that smoke alarms required by Section F-1103.8 are installed and in proper operating condition.
Delete Section 1103.9 and replace as follows:
F-1103.9 Carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in existing dwelling units or sleeping units in accordance with Sections F-1103.9.1 through F-1103.9.3 where any of the conditions in Sections 915.1.2 through 915.1.6 exist. A carbon monoxide detection system installed in accordance with Section 915.5 shall be an acceptable alternative to carbon monoxide alarms.
Exception: Carbon monoxide alarms are not required in dwelling units and sleeping units of I-1, I-2, I-4, R-1 and R-2 occupancies constructed before April 1, 2019.
Exception: Carbon monoxide alarms installed prior to January 1, 2010, are permitted to be installed not more than 15 feet (4572 mm) from the entrance to each bedroom or each bed in sleeping areas where there is no enclosed bedroom.
Exception: Carbon monoxide alarms installed in existing Group R-3 and Group R-4 occupancies constructed prior to January 1, 2010, are permitted to be battery powered or electrical plug-in type. Such alarms are not required to be interconnected.
F-1103.9.3 Verification of carbon monoxide alarms/systems upon sale of building. Upon the sale of a building containing Group R-3 occupancy, the seller shall certify to the buyer that the carbon monoxide devices required by Section F-1103.9 or Section 915 are installed and in proper operating condition.