Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

April 17, 2003
Re: Non-required partial fire detection system
19 NYCRR 1225.1, FCNYS 2002, 901.4.2

This letter is in response to your inquiry regarding whether or not the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code(Uniform Code) allows for the installation of a partial fire detection system when it is not required by the Uniform Code. It is our opinion that these installation are permitted by Uniform Code.

The Fire Code of New York State, 2002 edition (FCNYS) Section 901.4.2 states that buildings or portions thereof not requiring a fire protection system are allowed to be protected with a partial or complete system in accordance with the FCNYS and the Building Code of New York State, 2002 (BCNYS). If the building owner chooses to install a non-required fire detection system, they would be required to follow the installation requirements as if it was a required system but are permitted to only provide coverage where they choose. A more prescriptive desciption of the levels of protection are stated in the installation standard, NFPA 72, 1999 edition.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Nichols
Fire Protection Engineer I
Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
Al03-080

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526