[7-20-2020 by Ord. No.
2019-11; amended 3-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
a. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. In addition to the requirements
of CFC Section 907 (Fire Alarm and Detection systems), listed single-
and multiple-station smoke alarms shall comply with the following:
1. Any construction that is required to install an additional smoke
alarm or smoke detector under the California Fire Code, the California
Building Code, NFPA, or other codes or standards adopted by the City
of Albany shall be required to upgrade all required devices in the
building to photoelectric-only type devices in all required locations.
2. Any renovation, construction, remodel, major repair, additions, alterations,
undergoing reconstruction of any size, occupancy classification, or
tenant improvement of existing habitable space shall be required to
upgrade all required smoke alarms or smoke detectors in the building
to photoelectric-only-type devices in all required locations.
3. Property owners are responsible for testing the effectiveness of
existing smoke alarms or smoke detectors per manufacturer's instructions.
Required smoke alarms or smoke detectors that are determined to be
ineffective shall be replaced with photoelectric-only-type smoke devices.
4. All required smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be replaced upon
the expiration of the warranty period of the installed device. Replacement
devices must be photoelectric-only-type devices.
5. Dual-type smoke alarms or smoke detectors are prohibited in required
locations.
6. Nothing in this section shall prohibit or discourage the additional
use of ionization- or dual-type alarms in additional locations where
photoelectric smoke detectors are installed.
b. Fire alarm monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter,
or by the
California Building Code, shall be monitored by a UL-listed
central station service in accordance with NFPA 72 and this code.
Exception: Monitoring by a UL-listed central station is not required
for:
1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by CFC Section
907.1.11.
[Amended 3-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01.
2. Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with CFC Section
907.2.6.3.
3. Residential day-care facilities (occupancy load of 14 or less).
4. One-, two- and three-family dwellings.
5. Residential care facilities licensed by the state with an occupant
load of six or less.
6. Occupancies with a local fire alarm system that will give an audible
and visible signal at a constantly attended location, as approved
by the Fire Code Official.
c. Certification. New fire alarm systems shall be UL-certified. A certificate
of completion and other documentation as listed in NFPA 72 shall be
provided for all new fire alarm system installations. It is the responsibility
of the building owner or owner's representative to obtain and maintain
a current and valid certificate.
d. Posting of certificate. The UL certificate shall be posted in a durable
transparent cover within three feet of the fire alarm control panel
within 45 days of the final acceptance test/inspection. Testing reports
or a copy shall be retained at same location.