ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
fire sprinklers; existing buildings; prohibition
Purpose
Prohibits a city, town, county or fire district from adopting a code or ordinance that requires a person or entity to install fire sprinklers in existing buildings that meet certain criteria.
Background
A county board of supervisors (county BOS) for a county that has adopted zoning may adopt and enforce a building code and other related codes to regulate the quality, type of material and workmanship of all aspects of construction of buildings or structures. Additionally, a county BOS may adopt a fire prevention code in unincorporated areas of the county in which a fire district has not adopted a nationally recognized fire code.
A city, town or county can enact provisions of a code or public record by reference, without setting forth the provisions, pursuant to statutory requirements (A.R.S. 9-802). A city, town or county cannot: 1) adopt a code or ordinance that prohibits a person or entity from choosing to equip or not equip fire sprinklers in a single family detached residence or residential building that contains two or less dwelling units; or 2) impose any fine, penalty or other requirement on a person for choosing to install or not install fire sprinklers in such a residence (A.R.S. 9-807 and 11-861).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a city, town, county or fire district from adopting a uniform code or ordinance, in whole or in part, that requires a person or entity to install fire sprinklers or from imposing any fine, penalty or requirement on a person or entity for choosing not to install or equip fire sprinklers on a building:
a) in which the current occupancy classification allows 300 or more occupants;
b) that is licensed to serve alcoholic beverages; and
c) that was not required to have fire sprinklers when the building was originally constructed.
2. Allows a city, town, county or fire district to require the installation of fire sprinklers in an existing building if the owner undertakes a major renovation or remodel.
3. Exempts single-family detached residents and residential buildings that contain no more than two dwelling units.
4. Defines major renovation or remodel.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
RA 2/03/20 DPA 4-3-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/20 31-29-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 12, 2020
MH/gs