Bill > S1518

Introduced Session

This bill, entitled the "New Townhouse Fire Safety Act," would require the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses during construction. The bill requires that a construction permit application for a new townhouse would not be declared complete without provisions for the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with the requirements of the bill. The bill defines "new townhouse" as a dwelling not previously occupied, for which a construction permit has been issued after the effective date of the bill, and which is intended for residential use by not more than two households, and constructed in a group of two or more attached units. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to modify the building subcode of the State Uniform Construction Code to require the installation of fire suppression systems in all new townhouses. This modification would require the installation of separate shut-off valves from the domestic water supply and the fire sprinkler water supply. The requirements of this bill would apply to newly constructed townhouses as of the first day of the seventh month after enactment. Accordingly, development plans and building permits approved prior to the bill's effective date would not be subject to the provisions of the bill.

AI Summary

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Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Senate Community and Urban Affairs Hearing (19:00 12/6/2021 Committee Room 1, First Floor) (on 12/06/2021)

Official Document