Permitting Toolbox: Fire Protection Regulations

Expand all Collapse all

• Why would the Fire Department be concerned about the use of a building?

  One of the first steps in determining fire Code compliance is to classify the use of a building. The use of a building determines the possible fire and life safety hazards present and provides an indication of the level of risk associated with a building. Hazards may consist of combustible materials, flammable liquids, dangerous or industrial processes, concentrated groups of people, or the presence of children or impaired persons. The Fire Department ensures compliance with applicable Codes to makes sure adequate protective measures are taken for various building uses.

• What Fire Codes are used in the City of Annapolis?

  The Annapolis Fire Prevention Code adopts the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code with local amendments. The Code incorporates by reference NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code, and referenced NFPA Standards.

• What are some of the responsibilities of the Fire Marshal’s Office?

  The responsibilities of the Fire Marshal’s Office include:

  • Reviewing commercial building plans, fire protection system plans and other plans for fire Code compliance;
  • Performing fire and life safety inspections, fire protection system tests, fire investigations, and fire and life safety education;
  • Enforcing fire-related Maryland State Law;
  • Analyzing response and fire data to ensure adequate standards of cover and to identify and assess target hazards.

• When is a building required to have sprinklers?

  The height and area of a building, construction type, and the use of a building determine when sprinklers are required. Sprinklers may also be used as an alternative for other fire Code requirements, particularly in existing buildings.

  All new residential construction is required to have sprinklers. New residential construction shall mean and include single-family, duplex, and multi-family residential buildings or structures, the placement of mobile or modular homes, and any existing residential building or structure that is renovated, refurbished, altered and/or an addition is made to it provided that the value of the construction exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the building or structure. Accessory or uninhabitable structures such as detached carports, garages, greenhouses, and sheds are excluded.

  All new uses, other than detached accessory or uninhabitable structures or buildings of Type I or II (non-combustible materials) construction, when height is two stories or more shall be fully sprinklered.

  All existing uses, other than detached accessory or uninhabitable structures or buildings of Type I or II (non-combustible materials) construction, when height is two stories or more that are altered and the value of construction exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the building or structure shall be fully (all levels, all spaces) sprinklered.

  All existing uses, other than detached accessory or uninhabitable structures or buildings of Type I or II (non-combustible materials) construction, when height is two stories or more that are altered and the value of construction is less than fifty percent of the market value of the building or structure may be required to be sprinklered.

  All other new buildings two stories or more unless Type I or II construction (non-combustible materials) require sprinklers.

  Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Section 17.20.010.A.7.e. 17.12.010.A.7.d. of the Code of the City of Annapolis.

• Does the city provide any programs to help fund a sprinkler system?

  Yes. The city maintains a revolving loan program titled Sprinkler Cost Assistance Program. The program is managed by the city’s Finance Department. Basically, the city will provide a loan for up to five years at one percent (1%) interest. A property owner in the city is eligible to borrow up to $35,000.00. Contact the city’s Finance Office at 410-263-7952 for further details.

• Where are smoke detectors required?

  In commercial buildings, size, use, and other factors determine when a fire alarm system is required. In residences, smoke detectors are required in the following locations:

  • On the ceiling or wall outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms;
  • In each room used for sleeping purposes;
  • In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.

  In a dwelling or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

• What kind of power source is allowed for smoke detection systems?

  Smoke detection systems shall operate on an AC primary source of electric power. Each detector shall be wired into the circuit serving the area in which it is located. No smoke detector or alternative system shall be connected directly (permanently wired) to the electrical system of the structure unless an electrical permit first has been obtained. In new multifamily dwellings which have a required manual fire alarm system, all required detectors shall be connected to the manual fire alarm system.

• What is considered a residential unit?

  Residential units include hotels, motels, apartments, dormitories, bed and breakfasts, duplexes and single family homes.

• What types of smoke detectors are required?

  Any smoke detectors installed must be electric (hard-wired) with battery back-up. For additional smoke detector coverage, depending upon the use, a newly approved ten-year battery operated smoke detector is allowed.

• Where can I find the Fire Prevention Code?

  The Fire Prevention Code is Chapter 17.20 of the Annapolis City Code.

• Who should I call if I have a question regarding fire protection and/or lifesafety issues?

  Please call the Annapolis Fire Department, Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-263-7975 or email:
  Lieutenant John Bowes, JBowes@annapolis.gov
  Firefighter Inspector Dante Jacobelli, DJJacobelli@annapolis.gov