2010 -- H 7198

=======

LC00560

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2010

____________

A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - THE FIRE SAFETY CODE

     Introduced By: Representatives Schadone, Edwards, Winfield, Marcello, and M Rice

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2010

     Referred To: House Corporations

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1-1

     SECTION 1. Section 23-28.1-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-28.1 entitled

1-2

"Comprehensive Fire Safety Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

1-3

     23-28.1-6. Applicability to new or existing structures. -- (a) All regulations contained

1-4

in this code apply to all structures unless specifically exempted. Prior to a building permit being

1-5

issued, all plans for buildings regulated under this code shall be submitted to the authority having

1-6

jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction shall approve or disapprove the completed set of

1-7

plans within a reasonable time not to exceed ninety (90) fifteen (15) days. When a change of use

1-8

or type of occupancy is made in an existing building, the building shall conform to the

1-9

requirements established by the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing buildings and

1-10

structures, or if the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing structures is not applicable, to

1-11

the requirements for new structures as related to the proposed use or type of occupancy.

1-12

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any completed set of plans relating to the construction or

1-13

rehabilitation of a residential dwelling occupied by one, two (2), and/or three (3) families shall be

1-14

approved or disapproved within sixty (60) days.

1-15

      (b) In existing structures, since it is not always practical or efficient to strictly apply all

1-16

of the provisions of the code, the authority having jurisdiction shall have the power to implement

1-17

and enforce the provisions of the code as provided for in the Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and

1-18

the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) with annexes, as applicable to existing structures, consistent

1-19

with such rules and regulations as may be adopted and such decisions as may be rendered by the

2-1

Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review.

2-2

      (c) Application of the code to new and existing structures shall be consistent with such

2-3

blanket variances, variances, and rules, as may be approved by the Fire Safety Code Board of

2-4

Appeal and Review, and such modifications as may be issued in writing by the authority having

2-5

jurisdiction, in accordance with NFPA 101, with annexes.

2-6

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC00560

=======

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - THE FIRE SAFETY CODE

***

3-1

     This act would reduce from ninety (90) days to fifteen (15) days the time within which

3-2

building plans must be approved or disapproved by the appropriate authority.

3-3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

=======

LC00560

=======