Collier County Fire Prevention and Protection Code POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

ARTICLE NUMBER:  FAL02-01

EFFECTIVE DATE:  January 1, 2002

SUBJECT:  Audible and Visible Signal Notification in Unoccupied Areas of a Shell Building

OBJECTIVE:  To provide relief from strict adherence to complete coverage requirements of notification devices in unfinished areas of a building when these areas are normally locked and not accessible to occupants.

BACKGROUND:

The question has been raised regarding the need for complete coverage of audible and visible devices in areas of a shell building that are unfinished, not occupied and not accessible to the public.

In deliberating the issue, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) expressed several concerns.  The foremost concern is that the notification appliances installed in unfinished areas provide, at a minimum, adequate coverage so as to provide notification to both authorized and unauthorized occupant(s) and in no way jeopardize life safety.  Another concern is that the capacity of the fire alarm panel for the building be able to accommodate all potential tenant build outs.  The final concern involves the definition of an “unfinished area” of a building.

POLICY/PROCEDURE:

It has been determined by the authority having jurisdiction that complete coverage requirements of notification devices shall not be required in areas of a shell building that are unfinished, not occupied and not accessible to the public, providing the following conditions are met:

·        The “unfinished area” of the building shall be defined as an area where no ceiling or wallboard has been installed as yet; where the interior of the space cannot support occupancy by a tenant.

·        Documentation shall be provided verifying that the parameters and capacity of the fire alarm panel are such that they can accommodate additional devices as will be required with potential tenant build outs.

·        Audible and visible appliances shall be installed and so located in an unfinished area that a minimum of one (1) horn/strobe can be seen and heard from every point within the unfinished area.  Furthermore, on a four-sided stair enclosure or elevator enclosure within an unfinished area, a minimum of one (1) appliance shall be installed on each side of the enclosure.

CODE REFERENCES:

(Updated 08/08/02) NFPA 101 (2000 ed.) 9.6.3.6, NFPA 72 (1999 ed.) 1-5.5.2.1 & Chapter 5

ATTACHMENTS:

None.

DISTRIBUTION: Big Corkscrew Island Fire District; East Naples Fire District; Golden Gate Fire District; Immokalee Fire District; Isle of Capri Fire District; North Naples Fire District; Ochopee Fire District; City of Marco Island Fire Department; Building Director, Collier County Community Development; Chief Inspectors, Collier County Community Development; Collier County Community Development Records; Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA); Subscribers

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