Article 04: Fire Alarm Systems

68-31.  Scope

31.1     To tailor the State’s fire alarm requirements to the specific needs of the community, and as described in the current adopted edition of NFPA 72.

68-32.  Definitions

32.1     This Article shall be known as the “Durham Fire Alarm Ordinance” and may be cited as such and may be referred to herein as “this Article” or “the Article”.

32.1     Whenever the term “Authority Having Jurisdiction” or the abbreviation “AHJ” is used in the this Article, it shall be held to mean the Chief of the Durham Fire Department or his designated agent.

68-33.  Adoption of Standards

33.1     This Code recognizes the New Hampshire Fire Code as adopted by the State of New Hampshire pursuant to RSA 153:4-a and 153:5. The same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein. Whenever the New Hampshire Fire Code as referenced herein and this Fire Prevention Code address an identical issue, the more stringent fire protection provision shall apply, when applicable.

68-34.  Additions and Amendments

34.1     All new and existing NFPA 72-required fire alarm systems must communicate to an approved monitoring agency that will relay alarm information to the Durham Fire Department’s dispatching agency.

34.2     Exterior audio/visual devices shall be installed outside all exterior doors and shall be designed and installed so that they continue to sound and flash upon pressing the fire alarm control panel’s ‘silence’ button. This is designed to discourage people from entering the building prior to the fire department verifying that no fire or hazards exist within the building.

68-35.  Conflict with other provisions

35.1      Referenced standards. Where differences occur between this Article and referenced standards, the provisions of this Article shall prevail.

35.2     Other regulations. When regulations herein conflict with other regulations, the requirement yielding a higher level of safety shall apply.

68-36.  Permits and Approvals

36.1     Requirements for permitting and approval of automatic fire sprinkler systems covered under this Article are located under Chapter 68, Article I.

68-37.  Enforcement

27.1     The provisions of this Article shall be enforced by Authority Having Jurisdiction as outlined by the State of NH RSA’s and the requirements within this Article.

27.2     The Authority Having Jurisdiction is hereby authorized to request the assistance of the State Fire Marshal in the interpretation and enforcement of the State Fire Code.

68-38.  Violations and penalties

38.1     Violations of or failure to meet any provisions under this Article are subject to fines and penalties as set forth under the Town’s Master Fee Schedule as established by the Town Administrator with the advice and consent of the Town Council. This includes failure to schedule and satisfactorily complete a required inspection prior to the expiration of the issued permit, and multiple inspection failures.

68-39.  Appeals

39.1     Any party aggrieved by a provision of these requirements or wishes to challenge the decision of an inspector enforcing these requirements may appeal to the Fire Chief in writing within thirty days of enforcement action.

68-40.  Updates

40.1     The Town Council will consider updates and amendments to this Article as necessary.