A. Definitions: Unless otherwise expressly stated, definitions of terms used in this section shall be consistent with those meanings listed in the most current adopted codes of the City of Prospect Heights.
B. Automatic Sprinklers Required: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all newly constructed buildings, structures or portions thereof regardless of occupancy classification, construction, square footage, or use groups for the purpose of life safety and property preservation.
C. Exceptions: The following structures shall be exempt from the requirement of an automatic sprinkler system: 1) new commercial structures of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet, which are not an assembly use; and 2) detached garages, sheds, and accessory structures located not less than ten feet (10') from a principal structure, where the principal structure is a one- or two-family dwelling.
D. Exempted Areas: The following areas shall be exempt from the requirement of an automatic sprinkler system: structures or rooms where the work operations, manufacture process, storage of products, or hazardous materials which contain water reactive agents as determined by the products' material safety data sheet or which would otherwise pose a public safety threat if exposed to water from an automatic sprinkler system. In such cases, the Director of Building and Development may require an approved, nonwater based automatic fire suppression.
E. Additions And Alterations: The following additions or alterations shall require the installation of an approved automatic sprinkler system: 1) additions that exceed fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of an existing structure; 2) alterations to an area of a structure in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of an existing structure; 3) any addition or alteration the cost of which is in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the Cook County Assessor's opinion of value of the property; or 4) as determined by the City Director of Building and Development and the Fire Marshal of the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District.
F. Existing Buildings: Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, buildings built under, and in full compliance with the codes in force at the time of construction or alteration thereof, and that have been properly maintained and used as originally permitted, shall be exempt from this section. No change or alteration shall be made to any building or structure, whether new or existing, except in conformity with the provisions of this section, and no change of classification or occupancy, whether necessitating a physical alteration or not, shall be made in any existing building or structure, unless such building or structure is brought into conformance with the requirements of this section which apply to new buildings or the proposed new use.
G. Drainage Required: Provisions shall be made for the discharge of the overflow of water on every story of a sprinkled building. A minimum of one (1) 4-inch floor drain or other approved means shall be provided and located at least eight feet (8') away from columns and walls for every five thousand (5,000) square feet or fraction thereof. The installation of floor drains must comply with the current Plumbing Codes. (Ord. 0-19-06, 2-25-2019)