Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-H - FIRE CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-H11 - CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
Rule 12-H1103 - FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-H1103

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Rule 12-H1103 - FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

Strike Section 1103.2 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1103.2 in the Fire Code into its place to read as follows:

1103.2

Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings.Existing buildings that do not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building, based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the District of Columbia at the exterior of the building, shall be equipped with such coverage in accordance with Section 510, within the time frame established by the District of Columbia Office of Unified Communications (OUC) and the fire code official in the following cases:

1. Where no communication system is installed and operational;
2. Where an existing wired communication system cannot be repaired;
3. Where an existing wired communication system is being replaced; or
4. Where an existing wired communication system was not approved in accordance with Section 510.1, Exception 1.

Exception: Where it is determined by the OUC and the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed.

Strike Sections 1103.3, 1103.3.1, and 1103.3.2 of the International Fire Code in their entirety and insert new Sections 1103.3, 1103.3.1 and 1103.3.2 into the Fire Code in their place to read as follows:

1103.3

Existing elevators. Existing, elevators, escalators and moving walks shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1103.3.1 and 1103.3.2.

1103.3.1

Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Existing elevators, escalators and moving walks in Group I- 2 Condition 2 occupancies shall comply with the Existing Building Code.

1103.3.2

Elevator emergency operation.Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above or below the main floor or other level of a building, and intended to serve the needs of emergency personnel for fire- fighting or rescue purposes, shall be provided with emergency operation when required by the Existing Building Code. Elimination of previously installed Phase I emergency recall or Phase II emergency in-car systems shall not be permitted.

Strike Section 1103.5 in the International Fire Code and insert a new Section 1103.5 in its place in the Fire Code to read as follows:

1103.5

Sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through 1103.5.4.

[Subsections 1103.5.1, 1103.5.2, and 1103.5.3 are unchanged].

Insert a new Section 1103.5.4 in the Fire Code to read as follows:

1103.5.4

Group A-2. Where alcoholic beverages are consumed in a Group A-2 occupancy having an occupancy load of 300 or more, the fire area containing the Group A- 2 occupancy shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

Strike Section 1103.6 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert a new Section

1103.6 into the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

1103.6

Standpipes. Existing buildings shall be equipped with standpipe systems installed in accordance with Section 905 where required in Sections 1103.6.1 and 1103.6.2. The fire code official is authorized to approve the use of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe outlet.

Exception: Existing buildings that are equipped with existing standpipe systems are not required to upgrade the standpipe systems to comply with the installation requirements of Section 905, where approved by the fire code official.

1103.6.1

Existing multiple-story buildings. Existing buildings with occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22 860mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access or more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with standpipe systems.

1103.6.2

Existing helistops and heliports. Existing buildings with a rooftop helistop or heliport located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with a standpipe system extended to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located in accordance with Section 2007.5.

Strike Section 1103.9 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 1103.9 into the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

1103.9

Carbon monoxide alarms. Existing Group I-1, I-2, I- 4 and R occupancies shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with Sections 908.7 through 908.12, except that the carbon monoxide alarms shall be allowed to be solely battery operated.

1104MEANS OF EGRESS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

Strike Section 1104.25, Egress path markings, of the International Fire Code in its entirety without replacement.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-H1103

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)