SECTION R313 AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section R313.2 and replace as follows:

R-R313.2 Detached one- and two-family dwellings. A builder of a one-family or two-family dwelling shall, at or before the time of entering into the purchase contract, do all of the following:

   1.   Offer to a buyer the option to install or equip, at the buyer's expense, an automatic fire sprinkler system in the building or dwelling unit designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of P2904 or NFPA 13D.

   2.   Provide the buyer with information which explains the initial and ongoing cost of installing and equipping an automatic fire sprinkler system in the building or dwelling unit.

   3.   Provide the buyer with information, as made available by the State Fire Commissioner on the agency's Internet website, on the possible benefits of installing an automatic sprinkler system.

SECTION R314 SMOKE ALARMS

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section R314.4 and replace as follows:

R-R314.4 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.

Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where alterations or repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

SECTION R322 FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

Delete Section R322.2.1 and replace as follows:

   R-R322.2.1 Elevation requirements.

      1.   Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus 1-1/2 feet (457 mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.

      2.   In areas of shallow flooding (AO Zones), buildings and structures shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to a height of not less than the highest adjacent grade as the depth number specified in feet (mm) on the FIRM plus 1-1/2 feet (457 mm), or not less than 3 feet (15 mm) if a depth number is not specified.

      3.   Basement floors that are below grade on all sides shall be elevated to or above base flood elevation plus 1-1/2 feet (457 mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Enclosed areas below the design flood elevation, including basements with floors that are not below grade on all sides, shall meet the requirements of Section R-322.2.2.

      2.   Accessory structures in accordance with Section R-R322.2.1.1.

      R-R322.2.1.1 Accessory structures. Accessory structures are not required to be elevated to remain dry where they comply with all of the following requirements:

         1.   The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity;

         2.   The floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet;

         3.   The structure must have a low damage potential;

         4.   The structure must be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of flood waters;

         5.   Power lines, wiring, and outlets must be elevated to the elevation requirements of Section R-R322.2.1;

         6.   The structure shall not contain permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc.;

         7.   The structure shall not contain sanitary facilities; and

         8.   The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of floodwater for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered design professional, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:

            a.   a minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed space;

            b.   the bottom of each opening shall be no more than one (1) foot above the higher of the finished interior floor or grade level and the finished exterior grade immediately under each opening;

            c.   openings shall be installed on at least two walls of the enclosed area to allow for automatic entry and exit of floodwaters;

            d.   openings shall not be less than 3 inches in any direction in the plane of the wall;

            e.   openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.

         9.   Building materials and installation methods used for flooring and interior and exterior walls below the elevation required in R-R322.2.1 shall be flood damage-resistant materials that conform to the provisions of FEMA-TB-2.

         10.   A structure located in the coastal high-hazard area (including V Zones and Coastal A Zones, where designated), shall meet the requirements of Section R-322.3.4 and R-322.3.5. All electrical equipment and component installations to meet requirements of section R-322.1.6.

SECTION R325 MEZZANINES

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section R325.5 and replace as follows:

R-R325.5 Openness. Mezzanines shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which they are located except for walls not more than 36 inches (914 mm) in height, columns and posts.

Exception: Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which they are located, provided that the aggregate floor area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10 percent of the mezzanine area.

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section R325.6 and replace as follows:

R-R325.6 Habitable attic. A habitable attic shall not be considered a story where complying with all of the following requirements:

   1.   The occupiable floor area is not less than 70 square feet (17 m2), in accordance with Section R304.

   2.   The occupiable floor area has a ceiling height in accordance with Section R305.

   3.   The occupiable space is enclosed by the roof assembly above, knee walls (if applicable) on the sides and the floor-ceiling assembly below.