Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
Impact
The legislation aims to significantly improve fire safety measures in residential buildings by requiring that fire partitions extend from the foundation to the attic and that fire walls maintain moisture resistance and pass necessary testing. The bill also restricts the height and number of stories of buildings based on whether their light framing is protected, facilitating a safer construction practice by enforcing clear guidelines.
Summary
Senate Bill S262 establishes stringent fire safety standards for new residential structures built with light frame construction. The bill stipulates that such buildings, which include any residential unit with over two sleeping units, must be equipped with a fully installed automatic sprinkler system compliant with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Additionally, it mandates that the fire partitions and horizontal separations within these structures must meet specific fire-resistance ratings, ensuring enhanced safety against fire hazards.
Contention
Notably, S262 introduces the requirement for a fire watch warden during the non-working hours of any construction project involving light frame structures. The warden is responsible for monitoring the site and alerting emergency services in case of fire or hazards. This mandate has drawn attention regarding the additional costs and logistical requirements it imposes on developers and project managers, raising debates about the balance between safety and construction affordability.
Same As
Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
Carry Over
Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
Prohibits certain light frame residential construction in densely populated census tracts; establishes construction requirements for certain light frame residential construction in other census tracts.
Prohibits certain light frame residential construction in densely populated census tracts; establishes construction requirements for certain light frame residential construction in other census tracts.