SB 575 Frequently Asked Questions
Is an expansion of an existing campus, such as when the School District buys an adjacent parcel of land and builds a new building or buildings on it to increase the size of the existing campus, considered a new campus requiring an automatic fire sprinkler system?
No. The expansion is considered a "modernization" assuming that the old campus continues in existence, the land is adjacent, and it serves the same grade levels.
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If the school district adds or remodels bathrooms at an existing campus and the cost exceeds $200,000, does that mean an automatic fire alarm system is required throughout the school?
No. Only, the "project" is required to have the automatic fire alarm system. However, if the remodeled space is open to adjoining areas than the area needs to be provided automatic fire alarm coverage. For example, if the bathroom is attached to an existing building but is not open to the building only the bathroom requires the system. If the bathroom is open to a locker room than the locker room would have to be protected.
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Will the addition of an automatic fire alarm system require the installation of strobes?
Yes, if the strobes would otherwise be required in the project area by CFC 9102.5 or CBC 3505.1
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If plans for either an automatic fire sprinkler system or automatic fire alarm system are deferred, can construction begin on either system before final plans are reviewed and approved?
No, construction can never begin on any system until plans are approved by DSA.
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Will DSA assist the architect and school district in obtaining local fire authority approval of site plans in cases where the signoff has been held up beyond the backcheck date because of local fire department backlog?
Contact DSA regional Fire and Life Officer staff where the project is located FLS and explain the circumstances. They will provide assistance.
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Can the requirement for either an automatic fire alarm or automatic fire sprinkler system be waived?
No. Automatic fire alarm required by SB 575 can be deferred until January 1, 2003. Automatic fire sprinklers have always been allowed to be deferred and will continue to be.
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When a project involves both maintenance and "modernization" what dollar value does DSA use to determine if the $200,000 threshold has been reached?
DSA uses the estimated construction cost of the project as shown on the application. Questions about whether a project is or should be funded as maintenance or "modernization" should be directed to The Office of Public School Construction. Maintenance is not included in the $200,000 threshold.
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Will fire alarm systems in portable classrooms require supervision?
Yes.
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Is there an example format for a letter requesting an exemption for portables?
No. Insure that the justification for the exemption is included.
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Are fire alarm control units exempt for interconnection if the building is separated from other buildings by a minimum of 20 feet and a method of communication between the classrooms and the school office is provided?
Yes, per CBC, Section 305.9a.
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