DELAWARE STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
701 Administration and Enforcement
The Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission, pursuant to 16 Del. C. § 6604(1), proposes to revise regulation 701. This is an update to a regulation that has existed for many years. Some of the changes clean up exceptions and notes that have now been incorporated into the regulation as subsections. The update also cleans up order of events through the regulation.
The Commission will accept written comments, which should be sent to Sherry Lambertson, Executive Director for the Delaware Fire Prevention Commission, Delaware Fire Service Center, 1463 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, DE 19904. Written comments may also be sent by email to the following email address: fire.commission@delaware.gov. The Public Comment period will end on June 6, 2025. The Commission will also hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Delaware Fire Service Center, 1463 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, DE 19904 at 9:00am.
701 Administration and Enforcement
Chapter 1 Adoption and Administration of Regulations
1.1 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6604(1), the State Fire Prevention Commission hereby promulgates these Regulations which shall have the force and effect of law in the counties, cities, and political sub-divisions of this State.
1.2 Whenever the provisions of any county, city, or local regulation or ordinance are more stringent or impose higher standards than are required by these Regulations, the provisions of such county, city, or local regulation or ordinance shall govern, provided they are not inconsistent with these Regulations and are not contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices.
These Regulations will become effective 10 days after being published as a final regulation.
3.1 Application.
3.1.3 The provisions of these Regulations do not apply to one- and two-family dwellings in the normal use or maintenance thereof, except to the extent that specific sections require application of these Regulations to one- and two-family dwellings.
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Note: Exceptions No. 1 and 2: The main body of the sub-section precludes the application of the Regulations to one- and two-family dwellings in the normal maintenance and use thereof. There are occasions in the investigation of fires and explosions, and in the enforcement of life safety or property conservation, that conditions are found that are violations of the Regulations and have led to a fire incident. The exceptions provide a mechanism for the State Fire Marshal to obtain corrective action for such violations of the Regulations that have been identified in the investigative process as being a cause or circumstance in the origin of a fire incident; or that if the violation identified were left uncorrected, a negative impact on life safety or property may come about.
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3.1.4 Qualified Historic Buildings. The provisions of these Regulations relating to the construction, repair, alteration, enlargement, restoration and moving of buildings or structures shall meet the provisions of these Regulations and National Fire Protection Association codes and standards as adopted or modified by these Regulations for building rehabilitation of existing buildings.
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Note: It is the intent of this subsection that buildings such as Buena Vista, Belmont Hall, and Woodburn need not have requirements imposed on their conversion or modification, so as to destroy their nature or character.
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3.1.5 Nothing in these Regulations is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by these Regulations, provided technical documentation is submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency and the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose.
3.2 Existing Law Continued.
3.2.1 The provisions of these Regulations, as far as they are substantially the same as existing provisions of law relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof and not as new enactments.
3.2.2 The adoption of these Regulations shall not be construed to alter any time limit imposed by any prior existing law, regulation, or order of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal except to the extent that it imposes an obligation directly contrary to or irreconcilably inconsistent with the obligations imposed by these Regulations.
3.5.1 Technical details regarding processes, methods, specifications, equipment testing and maintenance, design standards, performance, installation, or other pertinent criteria as contained in those standards and codes published by the National Fire Protection Association shall be considered a part of these Regulations.
3.5.2 Applicable provisions of standards, laws, manuals, guides and recommended practices may be used by the State Fire Marshal as appropriate criteria for meeting the intent of these Regulations when specific provisions do not exist within these Regulations or other nationally recognized codes, standards, or laws.
3.5.3 Copies of the adopted codes and standards shall be kept on file at each of the offices of the State Fire Marshal and shall be available for public reference.
3.5.4 Updated Standards. Nothing in these Regulations shall restrict or prohibit the State Fire Marshal from accepting, when voluntarily submitted as "state of the art" technology, standards and specifications from an updated standard or practice published by the National Fire Protection Association if that particular standard or practice has been promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, as an earlier edition and is part of the current Fire Prevention Regulations, in effect; and that the updated standard or practice will most probably become a part of the next revision of these Regulations.
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Note: It is the intent of this subsection that the State Fire Marshal may utilize the standards, specifications, and Tentative Interim Amendments from the National Fire Protection Association subsequent to a promulgation of the Fire Prevention Regulations.
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3.5.5 Tentative Interim Amendments. Nothing in these Regulations shall restrict or prohibit the State Fire Marshal from utilizing a Tentative Interim Amendment, when voluntarily submitted as "state of the art" technology, published by the National Fire Protection Association in the application of these Regulations.
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Note: It is the intent of this subsection that the State Fire Marshal may utilize the standards, specifications, and Tentative Interim Amendments from the National Fire Protection Association subsequent to a promulgation of the Fire Prevention Regulations.
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3.5.6 Conflicting Provisions. When any provision of these Regulations is found to be in conflict with any other provisions of these Regulations, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the safety and welfare of the public shall prevail.
3.5.7 Conflict With Codes and Standards Listed and any regulations promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission. When there is a conflict with the Codes and Standards of the National Fire Protection Association, and any regulation promulgated specifically by the State Fire Prevention Commission, and such conflict has not been identified in these Regulations as an addition, deletion, or change to those Codes and Standards, then the regulation, as promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, shall be the applicable standard.
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Note: Notwithstanding the adopted codes and standards, when the Fire Prevention Commission promulgates a regulation, it is the intent that the regulation be applied to the full extent of the scope and application of the regulation. For example, the Fire Prevention Commission has promulgated a regulation that requires all buildings in excess of 10,000 sq. ft. to be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system (unless one of the exceptions, as specified in the regulation, can be met). It is not the intent of the Fire Prevention Commission to identify and modify each and every conflict in the adopted codes and standards.
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4.1 It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal to review these Regulations on an annual basis and report his findings to the State Fire Prevention Commission at its October meeting.
4.2 It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal to make any recommended changes to these Regulations every three years to the State Fire Prevention Commission at the October meeting. The three year revision schedule shall begin in 1997.
5.1 Administration and Enforcement.
5.1.1 These Regulations shall be administered and enforced by the State Fire Marshal throughout the State of Delaware pursuant to 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
5.1.2 Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Regulations, the State Fire Marshal in the enforcement of these Regulations may:
5.1.2.1 Establish a priority for inspections of selected occupancies on a schedule commensurate, in his opinion, with the resources available to conduct such inspections.
5.1.2.2 Establish a response program to any and all complaints, inquiries, etc. regarding the remaining occupancies, operations, etc. not covered in subsection 5.1.2.1 of Chapter 1 of this regulation. This response program shall be commensurate, in his opinion, with the resources available to handle such complaints, inquiries, etc.
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Note: It is the intent of subsection 5.1.2 to provide the State Fire Marshal with a methodology for enforcement of these Regulations to separate proactive inspections of a priority nature from responses to complaints or inquires made, with the resources available to carry out the enforcement aspects of these Regulations
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5.2 Alternatives.
5.2.1 The State Fire Marshal may accept alternatives to specific systems, conditions, arrangements, materials, or equipment required by these Regulations. Such alternatives shall afford an equivalent level of fire safety, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal. An alternative provided for by this Section does not constitute a variance, waiver, or special exception to these Regulations. (See Section 7.0.).
5.2.2 Application for Alternatives. Each request for an alternative shall be filed with the State Fire Marshal and shall be accompanied by such evidence, letters, statements, results of tests, or other supporting information as may be required to justify the request. The State Fire Marshal shall keep a record of his actions on such applications and a signed copy of his decision shall be provided to the State Fire Prevention Commission and the applicant.
5.3 Right of Entry.
5.3.1 To the full extent permitted by law, the State Fire Marshal is authorized at all reasonable times to enter and examine any building, marine vessel, vehicle, or premises for the purposes of making fire safety inspections. Before entering a private building or dwelling, the State Fire Marshal shall obtain the consent of the occupant thereof or obtain a search warrant authorizing his entry for the purpose of inspection except in those instances where an emergency exists. As used in this section, "emergency" means circumstances which the State Fire Marshal knows, or has reason to believe exist, and which reasonably may constitute immediate and grave danger to life or property.
5.3.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the State Fire Marshal while he is carrying out any duties or functions prescribed by these Regulations.
5.3.3 It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to use an official badge, uniform, or other credentials so as to impersonate the State Fire Marshal.
5.4 Implied Consent.
5.4.1 Any application for, or acceptance of, any license or permit requested or issued pursuant to these Regulations constitutes agreement and consent by the person making the application or accepting the license or permit to allow the State Fire Marshal to enter the premises at any reasonable time to conduct such inspections as required by these Regulations or deemed necessary by the State Fire Marshal to determine compliance with the requirements for such license or permit.
5.5 Authority to Investigate Fires and Explosions.
5.5.1 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire or explosion occurring within the State of Delaware. The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to take custody of all physical evidence relating to the cause of the fire or explosion and to continue the investigation to conclusion. Proprietary information, which may relate to trade secrets or processes, shall not be made part of the public record except as may be directed by a court of law.
6.1 Responsibility for Enforcement.
6.1.1 Administration and Enforcement. The State Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of these Regulations pursuant to 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
6.2 Issuance of Code Related Documents.
6.2.1 The State Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, notices and approvals or orders pertaining to fire control and fire hazards, as provided for in these Regulations.
6.3 Hazard Abatement Procedures.
6.3.1 Summary Abatement. The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to summarily abate any condition which is in violation of any provision of these Regulations, and which presents immediate danger to life.
6.3.2 Written Notice. Except as provided in subsection 6.3.1 of these Regulations, whenever the State Fire Marshal shall find any violation of these Regulations he shall report and discuss such violations with the owner, operator, occupant, or other responsible person to determine a schedule and procedure for corrective action. He shall also issue written notices to confirm such findings and discussions as may be necessary to secure compliance with these Regulations. Every notice shall set forth a time limit for compliance at the State Fire Marshal's discretion. Such time limit may be correlated to the degree of hazard created by the violation and availability of means of abatement.
6.4 Serving of Notices.
6.4.1 Any order or notice issued pursuant to these Regulations shall be served upon the owner, operator, occupant, or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service, or by delivering the same to, and leaving it with, a person of responsibility upon the premises. For unattended or abandoned locations a copy of such order or notice shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises and the order or notice shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the last known address of the owner, occupant, or both.
6.5 Revocation, Suspension or Denial of Licenses, Permits, Approvals, or Certificates.
6.5.1 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to revoke, suspend, or deny any license, permit, approval, or certificate required by these Regulations for noncompliance with the provisions of such a license, permit, approval, certificate, or failure to meet the provisions of these Regulations for the issuance of such license, permit, certificate, or approval.
7.1 Filing of Appeals.
7.1.1 All appeals shall be made in such form as is designated by the State Fire Prevention Commission. Forms for appeal are available at the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
7.1.2 An appeal shall not be considered filed until it has been received by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
7.1.3 All appeals that originate from enforcement action by one of the Assistant State Fire Marshals, from the jurisdictions as defined 16 Del.C. §6612(c), shall be reviewed by the State Fire Marshal with the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, to determine if, in fact, the State Fire Prevention Regulations appear to have been appropriately interpreted and applied to the case in question.
7.1.3.1 It shall be the responsibility of the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, who initiated the enforcement action resulting in the filing of the appeal, to contact the State Fire Marshal and arrange for this review.
7.1.3.2 The State Fire Marshal shall make a report to the State Fire Prevention Commission of his findings with respect to his review of the enforcement action. The report shall be limited to an opinion from the State Fire Marshal that the State Fire Prevention Regulations appear to have been interpreted and applied correctly by the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal; this information may be considered as part of their deliberation by the State Fire Prevention Commission as to the validity of the need for an appeal hearing.
7.1.3.3 If the State Fire Prevention Commission finds that the State Fire Prevention Regulations have not been correctly interpreted or applied by the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, then the Commission may remand the issue back to the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal for appropriate application of the State Fire Prevention Regulations.
7.2 Time within which appeals may be made.
7.2.1 Any person alleging that there is error in an order or decision of the State Fire Marshal may appeal to the State Fire Prevention Commission within 45 days after such order or decision is made.
7.2.2 Any person seeking a variance, special exception, interpretation, or decision upon some other special question may appeal to the State Fire Prevention Commission at any time.
7.3 Operation of Appeal as a Stay.
7.3.1 The filing of an appeal shall not automatically stay the operation of the order or decision of the State Fire Marshal on which the appeal is made.
7.3.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission may, however, upon petition, grant a stay pending the outcome of an appeal where it is found that a stay will not cause immediate detriment to the public safety. The burden of proof shall be upon the party requesting the stay.
7.4 Time of Hearing; Notice.
7.4.1 All appeals, unless dismissed by the State Fire Prevention Commission as unfounded, shall, if reasonably possible, be heard by the Commission within three (3) months after they are filed. The time and place of the hearing shall be fixed by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
7.4.2 Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be personally served, or sent by registered mail to the address provided on the appeal or request, with return receipt requested, to the appellant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date fixed for the hearing.
7.4.3 Prior to any hearing, the Chairperson may designate a member of the State Fire Prevention Commission to serve as the hearing officer.
7.5 Request for Continuance; Failure to Appear.
7.5.1 Requests for continuances must be made in writing to the Chairperson of the State Fire Prevention Commission at least one week prior to the date of the hearing. Such requests may be granted upon the showing of good cause thereof.
7.5.2 Requests made less than one week prior to the hearing will not be granted except upon a showing of dire emergency.
7.5.3 In the event a party fails to request a continuance in a timely manner, and fails to appear, the Commission may, at its discretion, after twenty (20) minutes consider that the appeal has been withdrawn and summarily affirm the decision of the State Fire Marshal.
7.6 Hearing Procedure.
7.6.1 All testimony shall be recorded by an electronic recording device and such record shall be preserved for at least sixty (60) days following the hearing. The party initiating the appeal or the party seeking the variance, special exception, interpretation, or other decision upon some other specific question may elect to have the proceedings transcribed by a court reporter and shall be responsible for the following:
7.6.1.1 Making the necessary arrangements to have the court reporter in attendance for the proceedings; and
7.6.1.2 Assuming all costs associated with the court reporter being in attendance and all costs for all transcripts and any copies thereof; and
7.6.1.3 Providing the State Fire Prevention Commission with one original copy and one copy of the transcript.
7.6.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission shall keep a permanent written record of all hearings in the form of official minutes.
7.6.3 Appearances shall be noted in the official minutes.
7.6.4 All testimony shall be taken under oath.
7.6.5 Evidence:
7.6.5.1 All evidence which the State Fire Prevention Commission determines to be relevant, reliable, and not unduly repetitious shall be admissible.
7.6.5.2 Objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall be brief and shall state the grounds for objection.
7.6.5.3 Any offer of proof made in connection with an objection taken to any admission or exclusion of evidence shall consist of a statement of that which the offerer contends would be adduced by such testimony or document. Where the offer concerns a document, a copy of same shall be marked for identification.
7.6.6 Appellant shall appear personally and may be represented by counsel. If appellant is a corporation, it shall be represented by counsel.
7.6.7 The State Fire Prevention Commission shall open the hearing with a brief statement of the purpose of the hearing.
7.6.8 Appellant shall then testify in his behalf and shall be subject to examination by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
7.6.9 Appellant may follow his testimony with the production of additional evidence in support of his position.
7.6.10 Following appellant's presentation, opposing evidence may be presented by the State Fire Marshal.
7.6.11 Any documentary evidence, which the appellant may elect to present at the hearing, may be returned to him, upon receipt of written request for the return of such documents, within sixty (60) days of the date of the hearing. Otherwise, the State Fire Prevention Commission may dispose of such evidence at its discretion.
8.1 When a request for a variance or a special exception to the State Fire Prevention Regulations is put before the State Fire Prevention Commission, and the State Fire Marshal is in agreement with the granting of the variance or special exception, then the following procedure will take place:
8.1.1 The State Fire Marshal will submit a statement of support for the variance or the special exception to the State Fire Prevention Commission, providing the basis of the opinion of the State Fire Marshal for such support.
8.1.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission may accept the recommendation of the State Fire Marshal and grant the variance or special exception without the requesting party having to appear before the Commission.
8.2 If the State Fire Prevention Commission decides that additional information or testimony is required in order to render a decision, then the provisions of Chapter 1, Section 7.0, Procedures of Appeal, shall be applied.
Chapter 2 Definitions
Words and phrases defined in this Chapter are intended for use with all sections of these Regulations. Definitions set forth in any document referenced by these Regulations shall be the acceptable definition for use in that document as well as any other document or Chapter referenced. Words and phrases not specifically defined in these Regulations or other referenced documents, shall be read with their context and shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the English language. Technical words and phrases not defined herein which have acquired a particular and appropriate meaning in the industry shall be construed and understood according to the appropriate meaning.
“Accepted Engineering Practice”. That which conforms to accepted principles, tests, or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.
“Addition” Any extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
“Alterations” As applied to a building or structure, means any change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the means of egress; or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the moving from one location or position to another. Also, as applied to systems, means any change or rearrangement of any wiring, piping, part or other component, whether by extending the system; or the moving from one location or position to another.
“Alternative” A system, condition, arrangement, material, or equipment submitted to the State Fire Marshal as a substitute for a requirement of these Regulations.
“Approved” Acceptable to the State Fire Marshal. In determining the acceptability of installations or procedures, equipment or materials, the State Fire Marshal may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, he may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The State Fire Marshal may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of nationally recognized testing laboratories, inspection agencies, or other organizations concerned with product evaluations which are in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of listed items, and the satisfactory performance of such equipment or materials in actual usage.
“Approved Wasteburner” A noncombustible container in which a fire is built with no openings greater than 1/4 inch.
“Assembly Occupancy” An occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, regardless of occupant load. Assembly Occupancy is broken down into three (3) classes as defined below:
“Class A” Capacity of greater than 1,000 persons.
“Class B” Capacity of greater than 300 persons but not greater than 1,000 persons.
“Class C” Capacity of 50 or more but not greater than 300 persons.
Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than fifty (50) persons in a building of other occupancy shall be classified as part of the other occupancy for purposes of review under these Regulations.
“Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)” "The authority having jurisdiction" is the organization, office, or individual responsible for "approving" equipment, an installation, or a procedure. In this context, it shall mean the State Fire Marshal.
“Automatic” As applied to fire protection devices, is a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of rise of temperature, or increase in the level of combustion products.
“Automatic Fixed Fire Protection System” Any system which is designed and installed to detect a fire and to subsequently discharge an extinguishing agent without human activation or direction. (Excluding automatic sprinkler systems).
“Automatic Sprinkler System” For fire protection purposes, an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The installation includes one or more automatic water supplies. The portion of the sprinkler system aboveground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure, or area, generally overhead, and to which sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern. The valve controlling each system riser is located in the system riser or its supply piping. Each sprinkler system riser includes a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
“Basement” Any area that is more than 50% below the highest grade level.
“Building” Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term "building" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or portions thereof".
“Business Occupancy” All buildings used for the transaction of business (other than that covered under mercantile) for the keeping of accounts and records and similar purposes.
“Capable Of Self Preservation” As defined for use within these Regulations and in conjunction with the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, three items must be met in order to meet this definition:
1. Individuals must be capable of recognizing a fire or other life threatening emergency;
and
2. Individuals must be capable of activating an alarm to alert others to the emergency; and
3. Individuals must be capable of exiting a building under normal conditions without any
assistance from others using approved fire exits only (not elevators).
“Certificate” A written document issued by authority of the State Fire Marshal to any person to engage in any operation or act for which certification is required.
“Chairperson” The presiding officer of the Commission, selected from among its members, pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6603(a).
“Combustible” Capable of undergoing combustion. A material which cannot be classified as noncombustible in accordance with that definition.
“Combustible Fiber” Any material in fibrous or shredded form which will readily ignite when heat sources are present.
“Combustible Liquids” Any liquid having a flash point at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit shall be known as Class II or III liquids. Combustible liquids shall be divided into the following classifications:
“Class II” Liquids having flash points at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Class IIIA” Liquids having flash points at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and below 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Class IIIB” Liquids having flash points at or above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Combustible Refuse” All combustible or flammable loose rubbish, litter, or waste materials generated by an occupancy which are refused, rejected, or considered worthless and are disposed of by incineration on the premises where generated or periodically transported from the premises.
“Combustible Waste” Combustible or flammable loose waste materials which are generated by an establishment or process, and being salvageable, are retained for scrap for reprocessing on the premises where generated or transported to a plant for processing, including but not limited to, all combustible fibers, hay, straw, hair, feathers, down, wood shavings, turnings, all types of paper products, soiled cloth trimmings and cuttings, rubber trimmings and buffings, metal fines, and any mixture of the above items, or any other salvageable combustible or flammable waste material.
“Combustion” A chemical process that involves oxidation sufficient to produce light or heat.
“Commission” The State Fire Prevention Commission as duly appointed and authorized 16 Del.C. Ch. 66
“Condominium” An apartment building or housing area in which the living units are individually owned.
“Design Professional” An Architect, Engineer, or Land Surveyor as defined by the statutory requirements of the Professional Registration Laws of the State of Delaware and registered to practice in the State of Delaware.
“Detention and Correctional Occupancy” An occupancy used to house one or more persons under varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants are mostly incapable of self preservation because of security measures not under the occupants' control.
“Duration” That period of time during which the required fire flow shall be maintained.
“Dwelling” A single unit providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
“Educational Occupancy” An occupancy used for educational purposes through the twelfth grade by six or more persons for 4 or more hours per day or more than 12 hours per week.
“Elevator” A hoisting and lowering mechanism, equipped with a car or platform, which moves in guide rails and serves two or more landings and is classified by the following types:
“Construction Elevator” An elevator being used temporarily, only for construction purposes.
“Freight Elevator” An elevator used primarily for carrying freight and on which only the operator and the persons necessary for unloading and loading the freight are permitted to ride.
“Observation Elevator“ An elevator designed to permit exterior viewing by passengers while the car is traveling.
“One- and Two-Family Elevator“ A passenger elevator which is limited in size, capacity, rise, and speed, and is installed in a one- and two-family dwelling as a means of access.
“Passenger Elevator“ An elevator used primarily to carry persons other than the operator and persons necessary for loading and unloading.
“Existing Condition” Any situation, circumstances, or physical make-up of any structure, premise, or process which was ongoing or in effect prior to the effective date of these Regulations as amended.
“Explosive” A chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion; that contains any oxidizing and combustible units, or other ingredients, in such proportions, quantities, or packing, that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion, or by detonator, of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or destroying life and limb.
“Explosive Materials” Explosives, blasting agents, water gels (slurries), and detonators (see Explosive Materials Code, NFPA 495, for a full set of definitions).
“Exposure Hazard” The condition in which a property or structure is endangered by a fire in another property or structure.
“Fire Alarm Signaling System” Any system which is designed to detect the existence of fire, and any system which is either automatically or manually activated to either audibly or visually notify anyone either on or off the property or within or without the structure of a fire condition. It shall not include systems or devices which are primarily designed to suppress or extinguish a fire.
“Fire Barrier” A continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall or floor assembly, that is designed and constructed with a specific fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire and which will also restrict the movement of smoke.
“Fire Department Connection” A connection for pumping into an automatic sprinkler system or standpipe to provide additional water supply and suitable pressure.
“Fire Door” A tested, listed, or approved door and door assembly constructed and installed for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire through openings in walls, partitions, or other horizontal or vertical construction. (See Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, NFPA 80).
“Fire Hazard” Those buildings which have been damaged by fire, wind, explosion, or other causes so as to increase the risk of personal injury or property damage; or those buildings having inadequate facilities for egress in case of fire or panic, or those having insufficient features of fire protection. Also, any thing or act which increases or may cause an increase of the risk or menace of fire to a greater degree than that customarily recognized by persons regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire; or which may obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.
“Fire Hydrant” A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets and which is used to supply hose and fire department pumpers with water.
“Fire Marshal” Shall include the Delaware State Fire Marshal, his Deputies and duly authorized representatives, as well as any Assistant State Fire Marshals appointed pursuant 16 Del.C. §6612.
“Fire Protection System” Any fire alarm device or system or fire extinguishing device or system, or their combination, which is designed and installed for detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire, or otherwise alerting occupants or the fire department, that a fire has occurred.
“Fire Resistance Rating” The time in hours or fractions thereof that materials or their assemblies will resist fire exposure as determined by the fire test specified in these Regulations.
“Fire Retardants” Liquids, solids, or gases which tend to inhibit combustion when applied on, mixed in, or combined with combustible materials.
“Fire Suppression System” Consists of an automatic or manual system designed to protect the interior or exterior of a building or structure from fire. Such systems include, but are not limited to, water systems, water spray systems, foam-water systems, foam-water spray systems, CO2 systems, foam extinguishing systems, dry chemical systems, halon and other chemical systems used for fire protection. Such systems also include the overhead and fire mains, standpipes and hose connections to systems, tank heaters, air lines, thermal systems used in connection with sprinklers, tanks, and pumps connected thereto.
“Fireworks Display” The use of fireworks in a manner to provide audio and visual entertainment.
“Flamespread Rating” The comparative performance of fire travel over the surface of a material when tested in accordance with the provisions of Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, NFPA 255.
“Flammable Liquids” Any liquid having a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi at one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Flammable liquids shall be known as Class 1 liquids and be divided into the following classifications:
“Class IA” Liquids having flash points below 73 degrees Fahrenheit and having a boiling point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Class IB” Liquids having flash points below 73 degrees Fahrenheit and having a boiling point at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Class IC” Liquids having flash points at or above 73 degrees and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Floor Area, Gross” Gross floor area shall be the floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building under consideration with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior walls, columns, or other features.
“Floor Area, Net” Net floor area shall be the actual occupied area, not including accessory unoccupied areas or thickness of walls.
“GPM” The abbreviation for gallons per minute, a unit of measurement.
“Garage” A building or a portion of a building in which one or more self-propelled vehicles carrying volatile flammable liquid for fuel or power are kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstrating purposes, and all that portion of a building that is on or below the floor or floors in which such vehicles are kept and that is not separated as required elsewhere by the Regulation.
“Grade” The reference plane representing the elevation of finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
“Ground Kettle” A container which may or may not be mounted on wheels and is used for heating tar, asphalt or similar substances.
“Hazard of Contents” For determining classification of hazard as it pertains to occupancy as referenced in the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101.
“High Hazard” High hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or from which explosions are likely.
“Low Hazard” Low hazard contents shall be classified as those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can occur.
“Ordinary Hazard” Ordinary hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a considerable volume of smoke.
“Hazard of Contents” For determining classification of sprinkler systems as referenced in Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13.
“Light Hazard” Occupancies or portions of other occupancies where the quantity and/or combustibility of contents is low, and fires with relatively low rates of heat release are expected.
“Ordinary Hazard, Group 1” Occupancies or portions of other occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed eight feet (8’), and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected.
“Ordinary Hazard, Group 2” Occupancies or portions of other occupancies where quantity and combustibility of contents is moderate to high, stockpiles do not exceed twelve feet (12’), and fires with moderate to high rates of heat release are expected.
“Extra Hazard” Occupancies or portions of other occupancies where quantity and combustibility of contents is very high and flammable and combustible liquids, dust, lint, or other materials are present, introducing the probability of rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release.
“Height” For purposes of determining building height, measurements shall be measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the floor of the highest occupiable story.
“High Rise Building” Any building that exceeds 75 feet in height.
“HVAC” Systems or components which provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to a building or structure.
“Incidental Use” Where the use is supplemental to the main use of the building and the area devoted to such use does not occupy more than ten percent of the area of any floor, the building shall be classified according to the main use. Additionally, where the incidental use is a higher hazard than the main use, it shall be constructed and separated by fire resistance rated construction as required in this code.
“Inclined Wheel Chair Lift” A powered hoisting and lowering mechanism to transport mobility-impaired persons on a guided platform that travels on an incline.
“Industrial Occupancy” An occupancy in which products are manufactured or in which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating or repair operations are conducted.
“General Industrial Occupancy” An industrial occupancy in which ordinary and low hazard industrial operations are conducted in buildings of conventional design suitable for various types of industrial processes
“High Hazard Industrial Occupancy” An industrial occupancy in which industrial operations that include high hazard materials, processes, or contents are conducted.
“Special-Purpose Industrial Occupancy” An industrial occupancy in which ordinary and low hazard industrial operations are conducted in buildings designed for, and suitable only for, particular types of operations, characterized by a relatively low density of employee population, with much of the area occupied by machinery or equipment.
“Inimicable Hazard” A condition or practice in an occupancy or structure that poses a danger that could reasonably be expected to cause death, serious physical harm, or serious property loss.
“Institutional Occupancy” All buildings used for purposes such as medical or other treatment or care of persons suffering from physical or mental illness, disease or infirmity; for the care of infants, convalescents or aged persons; and for penal or corrective purposes. Institutional buildings provide sleeping facilities for the occupants and are occupied by persons who are mostly incapable of self preservation because of age, physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not under the occupants' control.
“Internal Fire Separation” A wall, floor or wall/floor assembly constructed to meet specific standards for resisting the spread of fire and smoke.
“Large Area Building” Any building that exceeds one-hundred thousand (100,000) square feet gross floor area on any one floor.
“License” An official document issued by the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of authorizing performance of an activity on an annual basis.
“Listed” Equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the State Fire Marshal and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
“Loose House” A separate detached building in which unbaled combustible fibers are stored.
“Marine Vessel” Every description of water craft or other artificial contrivance used as a means of transportation in or on the water.
“Mercantile Occupancy” An occupancy used for the display and sale of merchandise. Mercantile occupancies shall be subclassified as follows:
“Class A” all mercantile occupancies having an aggregate gross area of more than 30,000 ft2 or occupying more than three stories for sales purposes.
“Class B” as follows:
(a) All mercantile occupancies of more than 3000 ft2, but not more than 30,000 ft2, aggregate gross area and occupying not more than three stories for sales purposes.
(b) All mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 ft2 gross area and occupying two or three stories for sales purposes.
“Class C” all mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 ft2 gross area and used for sales purposes occupying one story only
“Mid Rise Building” Any building within the following occupancy classification that exceeds 50 feet in height and up to 75 feet in height.
Health Care Occupancies
Ambulatory Health Care
Detention and Correction Occupancies
Residential to include Hotels, Dormitories, Lodging and Rooming Houses,
Apartments/Condominiums, Residential Board and Care
“Mixed Occupancies” Two or more classes of occupancy occurring in the same building.
“Mini-Storage Building” A storage occupancy partitioned into areas that are rented or leased for the purposes of storing personal or business items where all of the following apply: (1) the storage areas are separated from each other by less than a 1-hour fire resistance rated barrier, (2) the owner of the facility does not have unrestricted access, and (3) the items being stored are concealed from view from outside the unit.
“Notice” A written statement which gives an order, information, or warning.
“Occupancy” The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be used.
“Occupancy Change” An alteration by change of use (as defined and determined under the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, Chapter 4) in an existing building to a new occupancy classification which imposes other provisions of law governing building construction, features of fire protection, and means of egress.
“Occupancy Classification” The various classes of occupancy as listed and defined under the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, as adopted in Annex A of these Regulations.
“Occupied” A building is occupied at any time it is open or accessible to the public or at any time it is occupied by more than ten (10) persons.
“Owner” Any person who alone, or jointly or severally with others, shall have legal title to any building, structure, or premise with or without accompanying actual possession thereof and shall include the duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser devisee, fiduciary, and any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property in question.
“Patch Kettle” Any pot or container with a capacity of less than six (6) gallons, used for preheating tar, asphalt, pitch, or similar substances for the repair of roofs, streets, floors, pipes, or similar objects.
“Permit” An official document issued by the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of authorizing performance of a specified activity.
“Person” Includes an individual, a corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization and any other group acting as a unit. It shall also include an executor, administrator, trustee, receiver, or other legal representative appointed according to law. Whenever the word "person" is used in any section of these Regulations prescribing a penalty or fine as to partnerships or associations, the word shall include the partners or members thereof named in the violation notice, and as to corporations, shall include the officer, agents or members thereof named in the violation notice.
“Private Dwelling” The same as one-and two-family dwelling.
“Process” The manufacturing, handling, blending, conversion, purification, recovery, separation, synthesis or use, or any combination of any commodity or material regulated by these Regulations.
“Property Line” A line separating land or structures which defines the boundaries of ownership or responsibility.
“PSI” The abbreviation for pounds per square inch. A unit of measurement used to measure the amount of force exerted on a 1 inch square area.
“Public Accommodations” Include all occupancies available to the public for lease, hire or rental, in which there are provided sleeping accommodations, for four (4) or more persons and known as hotels; motels; rooming, lodging or boarding houses; Bed and Breakfasts, country inns, guest houses; residential board and care facilities; or such occupancies known by any other name.
“Residential Occupancy” An occupancy that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health care or detention and correctional. Includes all buildings/occupancies as listed below:
“Apartment Building” A building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units with independent cooking and bathroom facilities.
“Dormitory” A building or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities.
“Hotel” A building or groups of buildings under the same management in which there are sleeping accommodations for more than 16 persons and primarily used by transients for lodging with or without meals.
“Lodging or Rooming House” A building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one- or two-family dwelling, that provides sleeping accommodations for a total of 16 or fewer people on a transient or permanent basis, without personal care services, with or without meals, but without separate cooking facilities for individual occupants.
“One- and Two-Family Dwellings” Includes buildings containing not more than two dwelling units in which each dwelling unit is occupied by members of a single family with not more than three outsiders, if any, accommodated in rented rooms.
For the purposes of these Regulations, a one- and two family dwelling or a single family dwelling is defined as:
“Townhouse” A single-family unit in a row of attached units (3 or more) in which each unit extends from foundation to roof, separated by walls, between units, constructed as a Two Hour Rated (Class C) Fire Barrier Walls, separated by property lines, and with open space on at least two sides. Additionally, each unit of a townhouse shall be served by an exit directly to the exterior at grade level. When the specifications for fire rated assemblies as called for in the classification of TOWNHOUSE, ROWHOUSE, etc. are not met, then the occupancy shall be classified as a MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL or APARTMENT occupancy and shall meet all the specifications for that occupancy.
“Residual Pressure” For fire flow purposes, is that portion of normal operating pressure that is remaining in the water system while water is flowing for normal consumption demands and for either test purposes or for fire fighting.
“Restaurant” Shall include those facilities which, at all times, are primarily engaged in the serving of meals with or without entertainment. NOTE: The primary intent of this definition is to exclude as restaurants those facilities devoted entirely or in part to the serving of alcoholic beverages and providing of entertainment such as a lounge.
“Required Flow” As used in this Regulation, shall mean the necessary and/or required rate of water flow which shall be delivered to the area of need at a rate and pressure as prescribed herein. Normally expressed in gpm.
“Roofing Kettle” Any container in excess of fifteen (15) gallons capacity used for preheating tar, asphalt, pitch or similar substances for waterproofing.
“Rubbish” Shall include any solids which are highly flammable, combustible or explosive, including but not limited to rags, clothes, excelsior, leather, rubber, carpets, paper, ashes, furniture, tree clippings, grasses, leaves, vegetation, tires, and any other materials which freely burn and which have been discarded.
“SFPR” Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
“Site Plan” A drawing illustrating a proposed development, change, and/or revision of a property or properties. When required by the Fire Marshal, or other sections of this Regulation, the site plan shall be prepared in accordance with the specifications of Chapter 4, Section 4.0 of this Regulation.
“Smoking” Lighting, igniting, holding, or possessing any lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe; or carrying, throwing, or depositing any lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette or pipe.
“Smoking Area” A designated area where smoking is permitted within premises where smoking is generally prohibited.
“Standpipe” A wet or dry fire pipe line equipped with valves, hose outlets and possibly hose extending from the lowest to the topmost story of a building or structure and designed for the specific purpose of conveying water to various parts of a building for fire fighting purposes.
“State Fire Marshal” The State Fire Marshal, his deputies and duly authorized representatives, as well as Assistant State Fire Marshals, appointed pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6612.
“State Fire Prevention Commission” The legal body duly appointed and authorized to act pursuant 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
“Storage Occupancy.” An occupancy used primarily for the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, or vehicles.
“Story” That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and lower surface of the floor or roof next above.
“Strip Shopping and/or Office Centers” Includes one-story buildings in which several tenants occupy portions of the building. All tenants have their own separate entrances from the outside, with all outside entrances on one or more “front” sides. Occupancies include, but are not limited to Business and Mercantile.
“Subdivision” The division or re-division of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means including by means of a plan or plot or a description by metes and bounds, into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, of the transfer of ownership or building development; provided, however, that the division of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of ten acres or more and not involving any new streets or easements of access, divisions of property by testamentary or interstate provisions, or divisions of property upon court order, shall be exempt.
“Major” A residential or industrial subdivision plan depicting the subdivision of land into two or more parcels or lots, and involving a proposed street; a plan of a materials excavation pit, multi-family subdivision, mobile dwelling park subdivision; or of a commercial subdivision containing more than three thousand five hundred square feet of gross leasable floor area and involving the development of one or more parcels or lots.
“Minor” A residential development depicting the subdivision of land into two or more parcels or lots, but not involving a new street; a plan of a commercial subdivision involving the development of one or more parcels or lots, but not containing more than three thousand five hundred nor less than one thousand square feet of gross leasable floor area; a plan of an industrial subdivision involving the development of more than one parcel or lot, but not involving a new street; a plan of an industrial or institutional subdivision involving the development of not more than one parcel or lot, but not containing less than five thousand square feet of gross floor area.
“Summarily Abate” To immediately judge a condition to be a life hazard and to order immediate correction of such condition.
“System” Several items of equipment assembled, grouped or otherwise interconnected for the accomplishment of a purpose or function.
“These Regulations” The currently adopted edition of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations and National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards as incorporated by reference as identified under Regulation 701, Annex A.
“Vertical Platform Lift” A powered hoisting and lowering mechanism designed to transport mobility-impaired persons on a guided platform that travels vertically.
“Water Capacity”. The volumetric measure of the amount of water a container can hold.
“Water Distribution Systems” Shall include all water mains and associated equipment, both public and private, serving fire hydrants or fire protection water distribution systems.
“Water Supplier” Shall include but not be limited to all persons or companies, both public and private, owning, operating, maintaining and/or having control over fire protection water distribution systems.
“Written Notice” A notification in writing delivered in person to the individual or parties intended, or delivered at, or sent by, certified or registered mail to the last known residential or business address.
Chapter 3 Licenses and Permits Required
1.1 It shall be unlawful to maintain, store, use or handle materials or to conduct processes which could produce conditions hazardous to life or property or to install equipment used in connection with such activities without first obtaining a license or permit to conduct said processes or install such equipment.
1.2 For the purposes of this Regulation, a Registered Delaware Professional Engineer shall be recognized as a license or permit holder without further qualification, with respect to the preparation and submission of technical documents relating to fire suppression and fire alarm signaling systems.
1.3 The State Fire Marshal shall issue a license or permit upon satisfactory proof of compliance with the requirements of this Regulation. No license or permit issued under this Regulation shall take the place of any other license or permit required by other codes or laws of the State of Delaware.
1.4 A license or permit issued under this Regulation shall continue until revoked, suspended, or for the period of time designated therein at the time of the issuance of the license. The license or permit shall be issued to one person or business only and for the location or purpose described in the license or permit. Any change which affects any of the conditions of the license or permit shall require a new license or permit.
1.5 Before issuance of a license or permit the State Fire Marshal may inspect the building, hazard, occupancy, premises, process, structure, system or vehicle to be utilized.
1.6 All applications for a license or permit required by this Regulation shall be made to the State Fire Marshal in such form and detail as he shall prescribe. Applications for licenses or permits shall be accompanied by such plans as required by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
1.7 Licenses and permits shall at all times be kept on the premises designated therein, and shall at all times be subject to inspection by any representative of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
1.8 One license or permit only shall be required by establishments dealing in, or using, two or more flammable, combustible, or explosive materials to be kept in the establishment at any one time, but each of the materials shall be listed in the license or permit.
1.9 The State Fire Marshal may revoke, suspend, or deny any license or permit issued under these Regulations, for any violation of these regulations that is not corrected; or for a false statement or misrepresentation as to a material fact in the application or plans on which the license or permit was issued.
2.1 An annual license shall be obtained from the State Fire Marshal to engage in any of the following businesses, operations or services:
2.1.1 Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (Sprinklers & Special Hazards). Prepare Technical Documents; Install; Service; Maintain; Test.
2.1.2 LP-Gas. Retail Dispensing (any size storage tank), and/or Tank Installations (at consumer sites, tanks with an aggregate water capacity of 1000 gallons or more).
2.1.3 Explosives. Transport; Sale; Storage; and/or Blaster's (Individual).
2.1.4 Fireworks Shooters.
2.1.5 Flammable/Combustible Liquids. Service Stations; and/or Tank Installations/Fuel Dispensing.
2.1.6 Fire Extinguishers. Service; Repair; and/or Test.
2.1.7 Fixed Fire Suppression Systems (Hood Systems). Prepare Technical Documents; Install; Service; Maintain; and/or Test.
2.1.8 Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (Sprinklers). Prepare Technical Documents; Install; Service; Maintain; and/or Test.
2.1.9 Fire Alarm Signaling Systems. Prepare Technical Documents; Install; Service; Maintain; and/or Test.
2.1.10 Public Accommodations.
2.1.10.1 Hotels/Motels, except individually owned tenant spaces, such as condominiums that may be rented.
2.1.10.2 Bed and Breakfasts, Country Inns, Guest Houses or such occupancies by any other name.
2.1.10.3 Rooming, Lodging and Boarding Houses with four persons or more as residents.
2.1.11 Places of Assembly. License issued for specific use pursuant to the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101; State Fire Marshal review and approval process.
2.1.12 Covered Malls. License in addition to permit for each show, display, sidewalk sale, etc.
2.1.13 Fun Houses. Permanent.
3.1 A permit shall be obtained from the State Fire Marshal to engage in any of the following businesses, operations or services when limited to a specific date(s) or event:
3.1.1 Burning. Pursuant to the authority vested in the State Fire Marshal in Regulation 705, Chapter 1, subsection 1.5, permit is required for special burning when all outdoor fires are prohibited.
3.1.2 Explosives. Use permit each job site.
3.1.3 Special Amusement Attractions. Haunted Houses.
3.1.4 Fireworks. Transportation, and/or Public Displays
3.1.5 Places of Assembly. Circuses, carnivals, festivals or any other activities where 50 or more persons may congregate within one tent, canopy or other structure as defined in the Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures, NFPA 102.
3.1.6 Places of Assembly, Class A and Class B *
Special Events - any single event that increases the occupant load or creates a higher level fuel load for a building that is beyond the scope of the building’s intended use.
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Note: Places of Assembly, Class A and Class B - Any specific building, room or area that is designated as a Class A or B Place of Assembly. An example would be a gymnasium that is used by the school for spectator school athletics. But some promoter wants to use the gymnasium for a boxing event or a wrestling event with paying customers. This changes the nature of a gymnasium and will allow more people. This is a typical “special event”.
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3.1.7 Fumigation. Reserved.
3.1.8 Amusement Rides.
3.1.9 Impairment Fire Protection.
3.1.10 Bowling Lanes. Refinishing of lanes or pins.
4.1 In the issuing of a license, the State Fire Marshal may issue such license, setting forth specific and individual requirements under which the license or permit is issued.
4.1.1 Such license or permit issued under these Regulations shall be posted in a place within the occupancy that is readily visible to the public.
4.2 In the event that the specific or individual requirements under which such license or permit is issued, are not complied with, then the State Fire Marshal will institute such action to suspend, revoke or deny such license or permit, as will be found in Chapter 3, Section 1.0 of this Regulation.
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Note: It is the intent of this Section to authorize the State Fire Marshal, when issuing a license or permit to a specific occupancy, to set such specifications and requirements that would limit the specific use of that occupancy.
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Chapter 4 Submittal of Plans
1.1 Building Plans.
1.1.1 Site plans and building plans providing all information outlined under Section 4.0 and Section 5.0 of this Chapter shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for review and approval prior to actual construction with respect to the following:
1.1.1.1 For all new buildings and additions, and;
1.1.1.2 For any building undergoing a change in occupancy, and;
1.1.1.3 For any part of a building suffering damage from fire, explosion or any other cause; and
1.1.1.4 For all dwelling units when attached in units of three or more, to verify the fire rated design of the required separation wall between units.
1.1.2 Plans must be submitted for any building undergoing alteration, renovation, or remodeling which does not meet the above criteria. In this case plans will be reviewed for maintaining proper means of egress and features of fire protection only.
1.2 Subdivision Plans.
1.2.1 Any subdivision plan defined as a major or minor subdivision by any political subdivision's rule or regulations shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for approval.
1.2.2 Subdivision plans shall provide all information outlined under Section 4.0 of this Chapter.
1.3 Installations Requiring Plan Submittal.
1.3.1 Plans, specifications, and any other construction documents requested by the State Fire Marshal shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for review and approval prior to any construction taking place for the following:
1.3.1.1 Protective signaling systems;
1.3.1.2 All fire suppression and extinguishing systems;
1.3.1.3 Standpipe systems;
1.3.1.4 Fire pumps;
1.3.1.5 Water supplies and distribution systems for fire fighting purposes;
1.3.1.6 Emergency and exit lighting systems;
1.3.1.7 Egress/exiting systems (including but not limited to elevators and escalators);
1.3.1.8 Smoke removal and smoke control systems;
1.3.1.9 Fire lanes;
1.3.1.10 Flammable and combustible liquid installations;
1.3.1.11 Flammable gas installations; and
1.3.1.12 Other miscellaneous installations falling under the provisions of these Regulations.
1.3.2 Information provided on these plans shall contain all the administrative data as required under Section 2.0 and Section 3.0 of this Chapter as well as scale drawings and specific technical details as required under the applicable NFPA Code or Standard as specified in Annex A of this Chapter.
1.3.3 Any non-required partial or complete installations of protective signaling systems, fire suppression and extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, and water supplies and distribution systems for fire fighting purposes are also required to be submitted for review by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as specified by these Regulations and are required to meet these Regulations and the applicable NFPA Code or Standard as adopted and/or modified by these Regulations.
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Note: It is the intent of the Office of the State Fire Marshal to ensure that even non-required systems meet the same minimum level of compliance as required systems. However, an "Alternative", as set forth in Chapter 1, subsection 5.2 of this Regulation, may be requested so that non-required, partial systems may be considered on a case by case basis. |
2.1 All site plans, building plans, building systems plans and miscellaneous plans that are submitted for review and approval by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, must comply with the following:
2.1.1 All site plans shall have the appropriate Design Professional’s seal and signature affixed to each page.
2.1.2 All building plans, building systems plans and miscellaneous plans shall have the appropriate design professional’s seal and signature affixed to each page.
2.1.2.1 All plans shall have the appropriate seal and signature affixed to each page.
2.1.3 All fire protection system plans submitted for review and approval shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.
2.1.3.1 All plans, drawn to scale, and documentation shall be prepared with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature and character of the work.
2.1.3.2 The design professional shall affix upon them the company name, Delaware license number, certificate holder's name, Delaware certificate number, and signature responsible for the submission.
2.1.3.3 All plans shall have the company name, Delaware license number, certificate holder's name, Delaware certificate number, and signature affixed each page. Other documentation prepared by the design profession shall have same information affixed the top page.
2.1.4 All miscellaneous plans, drawn to scale, specifications and all documentation shall be prepared with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature and character of the work. The drawings, specification and accompanying data shall have affixed upon them the official seal of an architect and/or engineer legally registered or licensed under the applicable laws of the State of Delaware.
2.2 The State Fire Marshal may accept plans that are not sealed or signed, when in the State Fire Marshal’s opinion the scope of the project being submitted for review does not warrant the need for sealed or signed plans.
2.2.1 All plans, except for non-sealed plans, accepted for review and approval by the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall have the signature of the building owner, the building systems' owner, or the owner of the occupancy, operation or process, affixed to each page of the plan being submitted.
3.1 Application.
3.1.1 All plans and other documents submitted under the provisions of this Chapter shall be accompanied with a completed application as prescribed by the State Fire Marshal.
3.2 Plan Review Fees.
3.2.1 All plans and other documents submitted under the provisions of this Chapter shall be accompanied with a check or money order made payable to The State of Delaware in accordance with 16 Del.C. §6612.
3.2.2 The amount of the fee shall be computed in accordance with the current plan review fee schedule as established by the State Fire Marshal.
4.1 Information on Plan.
4.1.1 Information required to accompany site plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
4.1.1.1 Scale drawing showing all new and existing structures to include but not be limited to:
4.1.1.2 When the plans submitted include single family homes arranged in a townhouse or rowhouse configuration, the following additional information shall be included:
4.1.1.2.1 A plan note stating how these townhouse or rowhouse units are to be separated, and;
4.1.1.2.2 A cross section plan of a fire barrier wall indicating its construction and hourly fire rating, and;
4.1.1.2.2.1 The fire barrier wall shall be listed by a testing laboratory meeting the requirements of Chapter 5 of this Regulation; and
4.1.1.2.2.2 The laboratory testing information shall be included on the plan.
4.2 Other Information.
4.2.1 When sprinkler systems or fire hydrants are proposed, or at the request of the State Fire Marshal, water flow test results shall be submitted.
4.2.2 The water flow test shall have been conducted within 12 months of the time of submittal and shall be taken from the hydrant closest to the point where the building or subdivision water main is to be connected.
5.1 Information required to accompany building plans shall include but not be limited to:
5.1.1 Name and address of building;
5.1.2 Owner of the building;
5.1.3 Name and address of applicant submitting plans;
5.1.4 Design Professional’s name and address;
5.1.5 Detailed construction information;
5.1.6 Narrative description of building occupancy and operations;
5.1.7 Full height cross section plan of building including all vertical openings, shafts, enclosures, etc.;
5.1.8 Note whether building is to be sprinklered and, if so, what areas;
5.1.9 Detailed HVAC information;
5.1.10 Specific information on all means of egress components including clear widths, fire resistance rating, direction swing of doors and locking mechanisms on exit doors;
5.1.11 Location of all “hazardous” or “high hazard areas” as defined in the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101;
5.1.12 Floor plan of seats, tables, displays, decorations, etc. in all places of assembly which do not have permanent seating or displays;
5.1.13 Electrical plan including location of exit signs and emergency lighting when required;
5.1.14 Detailed information pertaining to any detection or alarm systems to be installed including but not limited to the make, type and location of all associated equipment; and
5.1.15 Narrative description of proposed method for sealing penetrations of fire rated assemblies.
6.1 Exposure of Work.
6.1.1 Whenever any building or installation that is subject to inspection, based upon a specific plan review requirement, is covered or concealed without first having been inspected, the State Fire Marshal may require by written notice that such work be exposed for inspection. The State Fire Marshal shall be notified when the installation is ready for inspection and the State Fire Marshal shall conduct the inspection within a period of 3 working days.
6.2 Stop Work Order.
6.2.1 When any construction or installation work is being performed in a manner which does not conform to the plans and specifications as approved by the State Fire Marshal, a written notice shall be issued to the responsible party to stop work on that portion of the work which is in violation. The notice shall state the nature of the violation, and no work shall be continued on that portion until the violation has been corrected.
6.3 Authority to Inspect.
6.3.1 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to inspect any job site during normal construction hours for determining compliance with the respective plan review and any other applicable Delaware Fire Prevention Rules and Regulations.
7.1 No building shall be occupied until the State Fire Marshal has conducted a final inspection and has determined the provisions of these Regulations have been met.
Exception: The State Fire Marshal may waive the requirement of a final inspection when the building is classified to be of a low life and low fuel loading hazard occupancy.
7.2 At the time of the Final Inspection conducted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, for any building or structure, the individual or firm responsible for the original submission of plans shall provide an Architectural/Engineering grade plan of the building footprint, on an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet that will detail the following:
7.2.1 Name, address, location of the building;
7.2.2 The location of all fire suppression system control valves;
7.2.3 The location of all fire department connections for all fire suppression systems and standpipes;
7.2.4 The location of all fire alarm signaling systems control and annunciation panels;
7.2.5 The locations of all on site fire hydrants,
7.2.6 Main Entrances; and
7.2.7 Name and phone number of personnel responsible (owner and/or manager) for responding during emergencies.
7.3 The footprint drawing as specified in subsection 7.2 of this Chapter shall be transmitted to the Fire Chief of the local fire department, by the State Fire Marshal, along with the Final Inspection report.
8.1 Plans submitted for review, other than Site plans, are valid for two years from the date of issue. If no construction has started by the end of this period, the plan review approval, non-approval, and permit issued shall be null and void.
8.2 Prior to issuing a new permit, submittal of new plans and the payment of another fee shall be required.
9.1 When in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal, that any plan that is submitted for review, constitutes or is in need of such a level of advanced design or engineering criteria to ensure minimum compliance with the State Fire Prevention Regulations, the State Fire Marshal may require a Fire Protection Engineering Analysis to be provided by the owner, developer, architect, engineer, or submitting person.
9.2 The cost of such a Fire Protection Engineering Analysis shall be the responsibility of the owner, developer, architect, engineer, or submitting person.
9.3 The required Fire Protection Engineering Analysis shall provide a complete and documented report as to the compliance of the proposal with the required features and measures of fire protection.
9.4 The required Fire Protection Engineering Analysis shall be prepared by and shall bear the seal of a State of Delaware Registered Professional Engineer, with expertise in the field of Fire Protection Engineering as demonstrated by the passing of the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors - “Principals and Practice Examination” in the discipline of Fire Protection Engineering.
9.5 The Fire Protection Engineering Analysis, as required in this section, shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal prior to any plan review approval being issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
9.6 When such specifications and design standards from the Fire Protection Engineering Analysis have been incorporated into and made a part of the plan review approval by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Registered Professional Engineer, as defined in subsection 9.4 of this Chapter, shall, at the completion of the project, provide such certification as required by the Office of the State Fire Marshal that the standards and specifications that were incorporated into the plan review approval are in fact in conformance and in place as part of the project. This certification shall be provided prior to a final approval being granted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
9.7 The submittal of a Fire Protection Engineering Analysis by a State of Delaware Register Fire Protection Engineer, as specified in this Chapter, does not exclude the preparation of an Engineering Design Analysis by a Registered Professional Engineer with expertise in a special field of engineering applicable to the specific Fire Protection Engineering Analysis required, provided that:
9.7.1 The Registered Professional Engineer can provide documentation to the State Fire Marshal that the Registered Professional Engineer is qualified by education, training, and experience in the specific field applicable to the issues of the Fire Protection Engineering Analysis; and
9.7.2 The Fire Protection Engineering Analysis is submitted by and is the responsibility of the State of Delaware Registered Professional Engineer, as defined in subsection 9.4 of this Chapter.
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Note: It is the intent of this requirement to authorize the State Fire Marshal to require a much greater detailed Fire Protection Engineering Analysis of a plan submittal and to require that the Fire Protection Engineering Analysis be prepared by and sealed by a Registered Fire Protection Engineer. This Regulation addresses the larger more complex occupancies and operations, such as refineries, bulk LP gas plants, tank farms for flammable/combustible liquids, or occupancies that present unique fire protection problems, where the Office of the State Fire Marshal may require an additional technical analysis, where the fire protection requirements are such that an individual with special expertise in the particular area in question, such as a Registered Fire Protection Engineer, would have the expertise in the occupancy or operation under review. This Regulation would not apply to Fire Alarm Signaling Systems versus a standard. This request is usually made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal at a pre-submission meeting or at a preliminary review stage.
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10.1 A complete set of as-built drawings and specifications for all new construction, renovations, alterations or additions for all government buildings shall be provided to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or to the Bureau of Archives and Records Management for the State of Delaware.
10.2 The set of as-built drawings and specifications for all government buildings as identified in subsection 10.1 of this Chapter shall be so submitted no later than six (6) months after the final inspection of the building or structure by the Fire Marshal's Office having jurisdiction.
10.3 Government buildings as identified in this Regulation shall mean:
10.3.1 State Buildings;
10.3.2 Buildings on State owned property;
10.3.3 Buildings or structures of all county, municipal or town governments, and;
10.3.4 Buildings funded by any grants, moneys, or appropriations of State government, either in part or whole.
10.4 It is the responsibility of the Bureau of Archives and Records Management for the State of Delaware to advise the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the list of plans received every six months.
Fire protection system technical documents, specifications and design drawings (plans) shall be unique and exclusive of all others including electrical, mechanical and plumbing documents.
Chapter 5 Listing and Approval of Testing Laboratories
The intent of this Chapter is to ensure that the listing or testing of a product, appliance, or treatment reflects the intended application of the product and its use.
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish necessary procedures for the Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide a list of testing laboratories which have been investigated and found to have the necessary equipment and personnel to perform testing in accordance with the applicable State regulations.
Under this Chapter listing, approval, and laboratory accreditation can be achieved as follows:
3.1 Listing
3.1.1 Listing refers to equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
3.1.2 Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., Factory Mutual, Inc., and Canadian Standards Association are accepted under this regulation as nationally recognized testing laboratories.
3.2 Accreditation
3.2.1 Accreditation through the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
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Note: It is the express intent of this proposed change to provide for the expertise and necessary criteria for any testing laboratory to achieve an approved status within the State of Delaware. Accreditation through the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation provides that mechanism and removes the Office of the State Fire Marshal from the practice of accreditation that raises more concerns than it resolves.
The list of laboratories accredited by American Association for Laboratory Accreditation can be found through their website at www.a2la.org
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3.2.2 Accreditation through approval as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration pursuant to criteria prescribed at 29 C.F.R. 1910.7 or any amendment to or substitution for these criteria.
3.3 Approval
3.3.1 Approved shall denote, “Acceptable to the State Fire Marshal”
3.3.2 It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly through an agent or otherwise to sell or offer for sale in the State of Delaware any electrical equipment, device, or component or any fire protection or fire safety equipment or product, either new or used, unless listed and labeled or marked by a nationally recognized, third party, independent testing laboratory, such as, but not limited to Underwriters Laboratories or some other testing agency approved by the State Fire Marshal.
Chapter 6 Sale of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
No seller of fire protection or suppression systems, devices equipment, appliances, material, product or service shall, directly or through a sales agent, represent verbally or in writing, that any fire protection or suppression systems, devices, equipment, appliance, material, product or service may be used other than in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
No seller of fire protection or suppression systems, devices, equipment, appliances, material, product or service shall, directly or through a sales agent, represent verbally or in writing, that any fire protection or suppression systems, devices, equipment, appliance, material, product or service may be used other than in accordance with nationally recognized testing laboratory's listing, label or approval.
No seller of fire protection or suppression systems, devices, equipment, appliances, material, product, or services shall in any way alter the manufacturer's warning or instruction labels.
Chapter 7 Adopted Codes and Standards
1.1 Each of the following Codes and Standards, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, are hereby adopted in their entirety with the exception of any changes, additions or deletions as listed in these Regulations as a supplement and addition to the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations. The text of these adopted Codes and Standards shall be fully enforceable as provisions of these Regulations as if the same were incorporated and set forth at length herein. If a newer Code or Standard has been adopted and issued by the National Fire Protection Association, the State Fire Marshal may accept the newer Code or Standard as an alternative, provided that such Code or Standard affords an equivalent level of safety in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal. Where the Codes or Standards as listed herein are updated versions of adopted Codes or Standards, the updated versions will replace the existing versions in these Regulations.
NFPA 1, NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2021
NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2018
NFPA 11, Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, 2016
NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2018
NFPA 12A, Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2018
NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019
NFPA 13D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2019
NFPA 13R, Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up To & Including 4 Stories in Height, 2019
NFPA 14, Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019
NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, 2017
NFPA 16, Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, 2019
NFPA 17, Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2021
NFPA 17A, Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2021
NFPA 18, Wetting Agents, 2017
NFPA 20, Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2019
NFPA 22, Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 2018
NFPA 24, Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, 2019
NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020
NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021
NFPA 30A, Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, 2021
NFPA 30B, Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products, 2019
NFPA 31, Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2020
NFPA 32, Drycleaning Plants, 2016
NFPA 33, Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials, 2018
NFPA 34, Dipping and Coating Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids, 2018
NFPA 35, Manufacture of Organic Coatings, 2016
NFPA 36, Solvent Extraction Plants, 2017
NFPA 37, Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, 2018
NFPA 40, Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Film, 2019
NFPA 42, Storage of Pyroxylin Plastic, 2002
NFPA 45, Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2019
NFPA 51, Design & Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Systems for Welding, Cutting, & Allied Processes, 2018
NFPA 51A, Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants, 2012
NFPA 51B, Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and other Hot Work, 2019
NFPA 52, Vehicular Fuel Systems, 2019
NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas, 2021
NFPA 55, Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids, 2020
NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2020
NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant, 2021
NFPA 59A, Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 2019
NFPA 61, Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, 2020
NFPA 68, Venting of Deflagrations, 2018
NFPA 69, Explosion Prevention Systems, 2019
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2020
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2019
NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings, 2021
NFPA 75, Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2020
NFPA 76, Fire Protection for Telecommunications Facilities, 2020
NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, 2021
NFPA 80, Fire Doors and Fire Windows, 2019
NFPA 82, Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment, 2019
NFPA 86, Ovens and Furnaces, 2019
NFPA 88A, Parking Structures, 2019
NFPA 90A, Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2021
NFPA 90B, Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, 2021
NFPA 91, Exhaust Systems for Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids, 2020
NFPA 92, Smoke Control Systems, 2018
NFPA 96, Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021
NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities, 2021
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2021
NFPA 102, Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures, 2016
NFPA 110, Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2019
NFPA 111, Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2019
NFPA 120, Fire Prevention and Control in Coal Mines, 2020
NFPA 140, Motion Picture and Television Production Studio and Approved Production Facilities, 2018
NFPA 150, Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities, 2019
NFPA 160, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience, 2021
NFPA 170, Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, 2018
NFPA 211, Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2019
NFPA 214, Water-Cooling Towers, 2016
NFPA 220, Types of Building Construction, 2021
NFPA 221, High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls, 2021
NFPA 232, Protection of Records, 2017
NFPA 241, Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, 2019
NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, 2019
NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, 2020
NFPA 303, Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards, 2021
NFPA 306, Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, 2019
NFPA 307, Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers and Wharves, 2021
NFPA 312, Fire Protection of Vessels During Construction, Conversion, Repair and Lay-up, 2021
NFPA 326, Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 2020
NFPA 400, Hazardous Material Code, 2019
NFPA 407, Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 2017
NFPA 408, Aircraft Hand Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2017
NFPA 409, Aircraft Hangars, 2019
NFPA 410, Aircraft Maintenance, 2020
NFPA 415, Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways, 2016
NFPA 418, Heliports, 2016
NFPA 484, Combustible Metals, 2019
NFPA 495, Explosive Materials, 2018
NFPA 496, Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, 2021
NFPA 498, Safe Havens and Interchange Lots for Vehicles Transporting Explosives, 2018
NFPA 501, Manufactured Housing, 2017
NFPA 501A, Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities, 2017
NFPA 502, Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways, 2020
NFPA 505, Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, 2018
NFPA 654, Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from Combustible Solids, 2020
NFPA 655, Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions, 2017
NFPA 664, Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, 2020
NFPA 703, Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, 2021
NFPA 704, Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, 2017
NFPA 750, Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2019
NFPA 780, Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, 2020
NFPA 804, Fire Protection for Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants, 2021
NFPA 855, Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, 2020
NFPA 909, Protection of Cultural Resources Properties – Museums, Libraries, & Places of Worship, 2017
NFPA 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, 2019
NFPA 1122, Model Rocketry, 2018
NFPA 1123, Fireworks Display, 2018
NFPA 1124, Manufacture, Transport, Storage, & Retail Sales of Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Articles, 2017
NFPA 1125, Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors, 2017
NFPA 1126, Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience, 2021
NFPA 1127, High Power Rocketry, 2018
NFPA 1142, Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting, 2017
NFPA 1221, Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communication s Systems, 2019
NFPA 1961, Fire Hose, 2020
NFPA 1962, Inspection, Care, Use & the Service Testing of Fire Hose, Couplings, & Nozzles, 2018
NFPA 1963, Fire Hose Connections, 2019
NFPA 2001, Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2018
NFPA 2010, Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2020
1.2 The following additions, deletions, or changes to the codes and standards listed in Regulation 701 – Chapter 7 are hereby adopted.
NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2021
1.12.1 Permits. All permits required by another section of NFPA 1 shall comply with the requirements of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations in effect.
10.1.2* Life Safety Code. Every new building shall comply with this Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
10.10.4.2* It shall be unlawful to set fires to any brush or forest-covered land during anytime when a burning ban, as declared by the State Fire Marshal, is in effect.
A-10.10.4.2 Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control (DNREC) should be contacted for their additional burning restrictions at (800) 662-8802 or (302) 739-9401 before performing any outdoor burning
10.14.12.4.2 The use of display fireworks shall comply with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations in addition to the requirements of 10.14.12.4.
20.1.5.3 Open Flame Devices and Pyrotechnics. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic devices shall be used in any assembly occupancy, unless otherwise permitted by the following:
(1) Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be permitted to be used on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exhibits, or as part of a performance, provided that both of the following criteria are met:
(a) Precautions satisfactory to the AHJ are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material.
(b) Use of the pyrotechnic device complies with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
(2) Flame effects before an audience shall be permitted in accordance with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
22.7 The storage of tires shall be in accordance with Chapter 34 and the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
NFPA 30, Flammable And Combustible Liquids Code, 2021.
Exception: The State Fire Marshal may increase the distances to property lines, public ways and important buildings when in his opinion the increases are justified.
NFPA 30A, Motor Fuel Dispensing and Repair Garages Code, 2021.
5.2.5 Each fill pipe shall be identified by color code or other marking to identify the product for which it is used. The color code or marking shall be maintained in legible condition throughout the life of the installation. All underground petroleum storage tank fill pipes shall be marked and maintained with colors and symbols consistent with API Recommended Practice 1637.
6.2.4 Dispensing units for kerosene shall not be located within 25' of Class I liquid dispensing units.
6.2.5 Islands with dispensing units for kerosene shall be located a minimum of 10' from islands with Class I liquid dispensing units.
9.2.1.1 The seasonal exchange of product shall be prohibited in underground storage tanks.
9.2.1.2 No change of class of product within storage tanks shall be made without prior approval of the State Fire Marshal.
11.10.6.2 The dispensing of Class I Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled water craft must be accomplished at a designated marine Service Station, and that service station must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of these Regulations.
11.10.6.3* The dispensing of Class I Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled water craft shall be prohibited from a tank truck vehicle.
A-11.10.6.3 It is the express intent of this section to prohibit the transfer of Class I liquids from a tank truck vehicle directly into the fuel tanks of a boat or any other self-propelled water craft.
11.10.6.4* The dispensing of Class II Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled water craft, is permitted provided the tank truck vehicle is equipped with an automatic shut off nozzle.
A-11.10.6.4 This change is based on an appeal filed by the Delaware Captains Association. This appeal was heard by the State Fire Prevention Commission on September 20, 1994 and was subsequently approved by the State Fire Prevention Commission on September 20, 1994.
(1) in rural areas
NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2021.
10.21.2 * Prohibited Installations
Unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms and bedrooms.
Delete Exception #1
Delete Exception #2
NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gases Code, 2020.
4.3.1.1* Plans shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for review and approval for the following liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations:
(a) At consumer sites having an aggregate water capacity of 1,000 gallons or more tank storage; and
(b) For all portable cylinder exchange at consumer sites or dispensing stations, where not connected for use, and in storage for resale or exchange by dealer or reseller.
A.4.3.1.1 This section still requires the submission of plans for all LP Gas installations with an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, and now requires the submission of plans for all portable cylinder exchange installations.
4.3.1.2* Plans shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for review and approval regarding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations for all sites and locations where LPG is dispensed by a retail operation to the public, regardless of tank storage capacity.
A.4.3.1.2 Submission of plans for all LP Gas Installations where tanks are filled as a retail operation for the public.
Exception to 4.3.1.1. and 4.3.1.2: One- and Two-Family Dwellings are not required to comply with these sections.
6.23.2.2 Patio heaters shall be listed and used only outdoors and used in accordance with their listing and the manufacturers instruction.
A-6.23.2.2 All gas-fired heaters are to be used only in adequately ventilated areas. In order to support the combustion air requirements of the heater and to minimize the potential for the accumulation of carbon monoxide, ample fresh air ventilation in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions and/or Owner’s Manual should be provided.
AMEND 6.23.2.3 to read as follows:
6.23.2.3 Patio heaters shall not be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exits from an assembly occupancy. Hot surfaces of the appliance shall be at least 36 inches in all directions from all other materials. Clearances of less distance shall be permitted if in accordance with the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions and/or Owner's Manual
AMEND 6.23.2 by adding a subsection to read as follows:
6.23.2.4 When used, they shall be located in an area either outside the confines of a building or an area sheltered from the elements by overhead cover that is open on all exterior sides. Any obstruction of the exterior boundary of the area by any material to any degree shall be prohibited. Walls, part walls or partitions, roll-down see-through curtains or drapes, awnings, or components by any other name shall be considered an obstruction.
A-6.23.2.4 It should be further noted that roll-down and retractable materials are considered "not open". Since they are adjustable, it is expected that they will be less open during inclement weather in order to protect against the exposure.
Exception 1: Exterior sides of the area do not include the wall(s) common to the deck/patio and the building to which the deck/patio adjoins.
A-6.23.2.4 Exception 1: Typically, most deck/patios will have three (3) exterior sides and one (1) side adjacent to the building
7.2.2.1* Containers shall be filled only by the owner or upon the owner's authorization.
A-7.2.2.1 This requirement is in keeping with 16 Del.C. 7202.
8.4.2.3* Protection against vehicle impact shall be provided by installing traffic/bumper posts, or other protection acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.
A.8.4.2.3 The intent of this requirement is to ensure the protection of the portable cylinders from vehicular damage and to emphasize that the standard curbs are not considered adequate protection.
NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code, 2021.
9.2.2.1 Unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in bathrooms and sleeping areas of all occupancies. In all other areas, gas space heaters installed in compliance with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, as adopted and modified by these Regulations shall be permitted.
16.3.4.4 Emergency Forces Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4.
Exception: Day-care centers with not more than 100 clients.
24.1.1.1 This Chapter shall not be utilized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal during the plan review process, except when individual, specified sections are referenced by other Chapters of the Life Safety Code.
26.3.4.4.1 A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with 9.6 shall be installed in all lodging or rooming houses.
30.3.4.1.1 General. All new apartment buildings shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with 9.6, except as modified by 30.3.4.2 through 30.3.4.5.
30.3.4.4 Detection
30.3.4.4.1 A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with 9.6, shall be installed in all apartment buildings.
32.2.2.8 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be installed in accordance with 7.9.
32.2.2.9 Marking Of Means Of Egress. Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with 7.10.
32.2.3.4.3.1 Emergency Forces Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4.
AMEND 32.2.3.5, by adding 32.2.3.5.9 to read as follows:
32.2.3.5.9 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided near hazardous areas in accordance with 9.7.
32.3.3.4.6 Fire Department Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4.
1.1 Adoption
1.1.1 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6604(1), the State Fire Prevention Commission hereby promulgates this regulation which shall have the force and effect of law in the counties, cities, and political sub-divisions of this State.
1.1.2 Whenever the provisions of any county, city, or local regulation or ordinance are more stringent or impose higher standards than are required by this regulation, the provisions of such county, city, or local regulation or ordinance shall govern, provided they are not inconsistent with this regulation and are not contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices.
1.2 Effective Date. This regulation will become effective November 3, 2025.
1.3 Application, Validity, Retroactivity, Limitations, Liability, and Adopted References
1.3.1 These regulations shall apply to all buildings, structures, marine vessels, premises, and conditions which are erected or modified.
1.3.1.1 These regulations may also apply to existing installations, plants, or equipment, if determined by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission to constitute a hazard so inimicable to the public welfare and safety as to require correction under 16 Del.C. §6604(1).
1.3.1.2 The provisions of these regulations do not apply to one and two family dwellings in the normal use or maintenance of those, except to the extent that specific sections require application of these regulations to one and two family dwellings.
1.3.1.2.1 Conversion of an existing one or two family dwelling to a bed & breakfast, residential board and care, or rooming and lodging occupancy shall require submission of plans and approval by the State Fire Marshal prior to occupancy.
1.3.1.2.2 Where pursuant to the authority vested in the State Fire Marshal with respect to the investigation into the origin or circumstances of any fire or explosion, the State Fire Marshal may utilize the provisions of these regulations to obtain correction of a violation of these regulations, or a deficiency identified in the origin or circumstances determination of any fire or explosion.
1.3.1.2.3 Where pursuant to the authority vested in the State Fire Marshal with respect to the prevention of fires; the storage, sale, and use of any explosive, combustible or other dangerous article in solid, liquid or gas form; the installation and maintenance of equipment of all sorts intended for fire control, detection and extinguishment; the means and adequacy of exits, in case of fire from all buildings; the enforcement of these regulations promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, the State Fire Marshal may utilize the provisions of these regulations to obtain correction of a violation of these regulations, that if not corrected would have a negative impact on life safety or property conservation.
1.3.1.3 Qualified Historic Buildings. The provisions of these regulations relating to the construction, repair, alteration, enlargement, restoration, and moving of buildings or structures shall comply with the historic building requirements of NFPA 101, NFPA 914, and these regulations for existing buildings.
1.3.1.4 Nothing in these regulations is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by these regulations, provided technical documentation is submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency and the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose.
1.3.2 The provisions of these regulations, as far as they are substantially the same as existing provisions of law relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof and not as new enactments. However, these regulations shall not be construed to alter any time limit imposed by any prior existing law, regulation, or order of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal except to the extent that it imposes an obligation directly contrary to or irreconcilably inconsistent with the obligations imposed by these regulations.
1.3.3 If any provision of these regulations is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of these regulations.
1.3.4 These regulations are intended to be used in conjunction with existing laws and nothing in these regulations shall be construed as rendering other applicable laws invalid.
1.3.5 Technical details regarding processes, methods, specifications, equipment testing and maintenance, design standards, performance, installation, or other pertinent criteria as contained in those codes and standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shall be considered a part of these regulations.
1.3.5.1 Applicable provisions of codes, standards, laws, manuals, guides, and recommended practices may be used by the State Fire Marshal as appropriate criteria for meeting the intent of these regulations when specific provisions do not exist within these regulations or other nationally recognized codes, standards, or laws.
1.3.5.2 Copies of the adopted NFPA codes and standards shall be accessed through NFPA Link in each of the offices of the State Fire Marshal and shall be available for public reference at https://www.nfpa.org.
1.3.5.3 Updated Standards. Nothing in these regulations shall restrict or prohibit the State Fire Marshal from accepting, when voluntarily submitted as "state of the art" technology, standards and specifications from an updated standard or practice published by the National Fire Protection Association if that particular standard or practice has been promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, as an earlier edition and is part of the current 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710, in effect; and that the updated standard or practice will most probably become a part of the next revision of these regulations.
1.3.5.4 Tentative Interim Amendments. Nothing in these regulations shall restrict or prohibit the State Fire Marshal from utilizing a tentative interim amendment, when voluntarily submitted as "state of the art" technology, published by the National Fire Protection Association in the application of these regulations.
1.3.5.5 Conflicting Provisions. When any provision of these regulations is found to conflict with any other provisions of these regulations, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the safety and welfare of the public shall prevail.
1.3.5.6 Conflict with Codes and Standards Listed and any regulations promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission. When there is a conflict with the Codes and Standards of the National Fire Protection Association, and any regulation promulgated specifically by the State Fire Prevention Commission, and such conflict has not been identified in these regulations as an addition, deletion, or change to those Codes and Standards, then the regulation, as promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, shall be the applicable standard.
1.4 Review and Updating of Regulations
1.4.1 It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal to review these regulations on an annual basis and report any findings to the State Fire Prevention Commission.
1.4.2 It shall be the duty of the State Fire Marshal to make any recommended changes to these regulations every 3 years to the State Fire Prevention Commission or as practical.
1.5 Authority
1.5.1 These regulations shall be administered and enforced by the State Fire Marshal throughout the State of Delaware pursuant to 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
1.5.1.1 The State Fire Marshal shall enforce the regulations promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission as authorized by 16 Del.C. §6604.
1.5.1.2 The State Fire Marshal shall review all plans and specifications, except for those political subdivisions having exclusive jurisdiction under 16 Del.C. §6612(c) for conformance to the requirements of §6612(l)), prior to actual construction.
1.5.1.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, the State Fire Marshal in the enforcement of these regulations may:
1.5.1.3.1 Establish a priority for inspections of selected occupancies on a schedule commensurate with the resources available to conduct such inspections.
1.5.1.3.2 Establish a response program to all complaints, inquiries, or other communication regarding the remaining occupancies or operations not covered in subsection 1.5.1.3.1 of this regulation. This response program shall be commensurate with the resources available to handle such complaints, inquiries, or other communication.
1.5.2 Right of entry shall be granted to the full extent permitted by law. The State Fire Marshal is authorized at all reasonable times to enter and examine any building, marine vessel, vehicle, or premises for the purposes of making fire safety inspections. Before entering a private building or dwelling, the State Fire Marshal shall obtain the consent of the occupant or obtain a search warrant authorizing entry for the purpose of inspection except in those instances where an emergency exists. As used in this section, "emergency" means circumstances which the State Fire Marshal knows, or has reason to believe exist, and which reasonably may constitute immediate and grave danger to life or property.
1.5.2.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the State Fire Marshal while the State Fire Marshal is carrying out any duties or functions prescribed by these regulations.
1.5.2.2 It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to use an official badge, uniform, or other credentials to impersonate the State Fire Marshal.
1.5.3 Implied consent shall apply to any application for, or acceptance of, any license or permit requested or issued pursuant to these regulations. It constitutes an agreement and consent by the person making the application or accepting the license or permit to allow the State Fire Marshal to enter the premises at any reasonable time to conduct inspections as required by these regulations or deemed necessary by the State Fire Marshal to determine compliance with the requirements for the license or permit.
1.5.4 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire or explosion occurring within the State of Delaware. The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to take custody of all physical evidence relating to the cause of the fire or explosion and to continue the investigation to conclusion. Proprietary information, which may relate to trade secrets or processes, shall not be made part of the public record except as may be directed by a court of law.
1.6 Enforcement Provisions
1.6.1 The State Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of these regulations pursuant to 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
1.6.2 The State Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, notices and approvals or orders pertaining to fire control and fire hazards, as provided for in these regulations.
1.6.3 Violation Procedures
1.6.3.1 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to summarily abate any condition which is in violation of any provision of these regulations, and which presents immediate danger to life.
1.6.3.2 Except those that present immediate danger to life, written notice is required whenever the State Fire Marshal finds any violation of these regulations.
1.6.3.2.1 Every notice shall set forth a time limit for compliance at the State Fire Marshal's discretion. This time limit may be correlated to the degree of hazard created by the violation and availability of means of abatement.
1.6.3.2.2 The State Fire Marshal shall report and discuss any violations with the owner, operator, occupant, or other responsible person to determine a schedule and procedure for corrective action.
1.6.3.2.3 The State Fire Marshal shall also issue written notices to confirm the findings and discussions as may be necessary to secure compliance with these regulations.
1.6.4 Any order or notice issued pursuant to these regulations shall be served upon the owner, operator, occupant, or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service, or by delivering the same to, and leaving it with, a person of responsibility upon the premises. For unattended or abandoned locations, a copy of the order or notice shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to the premises and the order or notice shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the last known address of the owner, occupant, or both.
1.6.5 The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to revoke, suspend, or deny any license, permit, approval, or certificate required by these regulations for noncompliance with the provisions of a license, permit, approval, certificate, or failure to meet the provisions of these regulations for the issuance of a license, permit, certificate, or approval.
1.7 Request for alternatives to these regulations
1.7.1 All alternative requests shall be made using the form designated by the State Fire Marshal, https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/110/2024/04/Request-For-Alternative.pdf
1.7.2 The State Fire Marshal may accept alternatives to specific systems, conditions, arrangements, materials, or equipment required by these regulations. Alternatives shall afford an equivalent level of fire safety, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal.
1.7.2.1 An alternative provided for by this section does not constitute a variance, or waiver to these regulations.
1.7.2.2 Each request for an alternative shall be accompanied by evidence, letters, statements, results of tests, or other supporting information as may be required to justify the request.
1.7.2.3 The State Fire Marshal shall keep a record of all actions on the applications and a signed copy of any decision shall be provided to the State Fire Prevention Commission and the applicant.
1.7.2.4 The applicant shall have the right to appeal the decision of the State Fire Marshal in accordance with subsection 1.9 of this regulation
1.7.2.4.1 If a project is appealed in accordance with subsection 1.8, of this regulation, any previously approved alternatives for that project shall be null and void.
1.7.1.4.2 If a project is appealed in accordance with these regulations, a request for alternative cannot be revisited.
1.8 Procedures of Appeal
1.8.1 Filing of appeals shall follow the following procedures:
1.8.1.1 All appeals shall be made on approved forms as is designated by the State Fire Prevention Commission. Forms for appeal are available on the State Fire Commission website at: https://statefirecommission.delaware.gov
1.8.1.2 An appeal shall not be considered filed until it has been received by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
1.8.1.3 All appeals that originate from enforcement action by 1 of the Assistant State Fire Marshals, from the jurisdictions as defined 16 Del.C. §6612(c), shall be reviewed by the State Fire Marshal with the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, to determine if, in fact, the State Fire Prevention regulations appear to have been appropriately interpreted and applied to the case in question.
1.8.1.3.1 It shall be the responsibility of the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, who initiated the enforcement action resulting in the filing of the appeal, to contact the State Fire Marshal and arrange for this review.
1.8.1.3.2 The State Fire Marshal shall make a report to the State Fire Prevention Commission of any findings with respect to the State Fire Marshal's review of the enforcement action. The report shall be limited to an opinion from the State Fire Marshal 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710 appear to have been interpreted and applied correctly by the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal; this information may be considered as part of their deliberation by the State Fire Prevention Commission as to the validity of the need for an appeal hearing.
1.8.1.3.3 If the State Fire Prevention Commission finds that these regulations have not been correctly interpreted or applied by the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal, then the Commission may remand the issue back to the jurisdictional Assistant State Fire Marshal for appropriate application of these regulations.
1.8.2 Any person alleging that there is error in an order or decision of the State Fire Marshal may appeal to the State Fire Prevention Commission within 45 days after the order or decision is made.
1.8.3 Any person seeking a variance, interpretation, or decision upon some other special question may appeal to the State Fire Prevention Commission at any time.
1.8.4 Stay
1.8.4.1 The filing of an appeal shall not automatically stay the operation of the order or decision of the State Fire Marshal on which the appeal is made.
1.8.4.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission may, however, upon petition, grant a stay pending the outcome of an appeal where it is found that a stay will not cause immediate detriment to the public safety. The burden of proof shall be upon the party requesting the stay.
1.8.5 All appeals, unless dismissed by the State Fire Prevention Commission as unfounded, shall, if reasonably possible, be heard by the Commission within 3 months after they are filed. The time and place of the hearing shall be fixed by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
1.8.5.1 Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be personally served or sent by registered mail to the address provided on the appeal or request, with return receipt requested, to the appellant at least 20 days prior to the date fixed for the hearing.
1.8.5.2 Prior to any hearing, the Chairperson may designate a member of the State Fire Prevention Commission to serve as the hearing officer.
1.8.6 Continuance Requests
1.8.6.1 Requests for continuances must be made in writing to the Chairperson of the State Fire Prevention Commission at least 1 week prior to the date of the hearing. Requests may be granted upon the showing of good cause thereof.
1.8.6.2 Requests made less than 1 week prior to the hearing will not be granted except upon a showing of dire emergency.
1.8.7 In the event a party fails to request a continuance in a timely manner, and fails to appear, the Commission may, at its discretion, after 20 minutes consider that the appeal has been withdrawn and summarily affirm the decision of the State Fire Marshal.
1.8.8 Hearings shall follow the procedures in subsections 1.8.8.1-1.8.8.11.
1.8.8.1 All testimony shall be recorded by an electronic recording device and the record shall be preserved for at least 60 days following the hearing. The party initiating the appeal or the party seeking the variance, special exception, interpretation, or other decision upon some other specific question may elect to have the proceedings transcribed by a court reporter and shall be responsible for the following:
1.8.8.1.1 Making the necessary arrangements to have the court reporter in attendance for the proceedings; and
1.8.8.1.2 Assuming all costs associated with the court reporter being in attendance and all costs for all transcripts and any copies; and
1.8.6.1.3 Providing the State Fire Prevention Commission with 1 original copy and 1 copy of the transcript.
1.8.8.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission shall keep a permanent written record of all hearings in the form of official minutes.
1.8.8.3 Appearances shall be noted in the official minutes.
1.8.8.4 All testimony shall be taken under oath.
1.8.8.5 All evidence which the State Fire Prevention Commission determines to be relevant, reliable, and not unduly repetitious shall be admissible.
1.8.8.5.1 Objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall be brief and shall state the grounds for objection.
1.8.8.5.2 Any offer of proof made in connection with an objection taken to any admission or exclusion of evidence shall consist of a statement of that which the offeror contends would be adduced by the testimony or document. Where the offer concerns a document, a copy of the document shall be marked for identification.
1.8.8.6 Appellant shall appear personally and may be represented by counsel. If appellant is a corporation, it shall be represented by counsel.
1.8.8.7 The State Fire Prevention Commission shall open the hearing with a brief statement of the purpose of the hearing.
1.8.8.8 Appellant shall then testify on appellant's behalf and shall be subject to examination by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
1.8.8.9 Appellant may follow testimony with the production of additional evidence in support of appellant's position.
1.8.8.10 Following appellant's presentation, opposing evidence may be presented by the State Fire Marshal.
1.8.8.11 Any documentary evidence, which the appellant may elect to present at the hearing, may be returned to the appellant, upon receipt of written request for the return of such documents, within 60 days of the date of the hearing. Otherwise, the State Fire Prevention Commission may dispose of the evidence at its discretion.
1.9 Requests for a Variance to the State Fire Prevention Regulations
1.9.1 When a request for a variance, special exception, or waiver to 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710 is put before the State Fire Prevention Commission Procedures of Appeal, shall be applied.
1.9.1.1 When the State Fire Marshal agrees with the granting of the variance, then the following procedure will take place:
1.9.1.1.1 The State Fire Marshal can submit a statement of support or opposition to the variance to the State Fire Prevention Commission.
1.9.1.1.2 The State Fire Prevention Commission may accept the recommendation of the State Fire Marshal and grant the variance without the requesting party having to appear before the Commission.
1.9.2 If the State Fire Prevention Commission decides that additional information or testimony is required to render a decision, then the provisions of subsection 1.8 of this regulation, Procedures of Appeal, shall be applied.
Words and phrases defined in this section are intended for use with 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710. Definitions set forth in any document referenced by 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710 shall be the acceptable definition for use in that document as well as any other document or section referenced. Words and phrases not specifically defined in 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710 or other referenced documents, shall be read with their context and shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the English language. Technical words and phrases not defined herein which have acquired a particular and appropriate meaning in the industry shall be construed and understood according to the appropriate meaning.
"Accepted engineering practice" means that which conforms to accepted principles, tests, or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.
"Addition" means any extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
"Agricultural structure" means any structure used wholly for farming purposes. Structures include barns for livestock, farm equipment storage, chicken houses/ coops, sheds for hay storage, silos, milking parlors, or personally owned animal housing. Animal housing for other than personally owned animals shall be subject to these regulations.
"Alterations" means, as applied to a building or structure, any change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the means of egress; or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the moving from 1 location or position to another. Also, as applied to systems, means any change or rearrangement of any wiring, piping, part or other component, whether by extending the system; or the moving from 1 location or position to another.
"Alternative" means a system, condition, arrangement, material, or equipment submitted to the State Fire Marshal as a substitute for a requirement of these regulations.
"Approved" means acceptable to the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal may refer to the listings or labeling practices of nationally recognized testing laboratories, inspection agencies, or other organizations concerned with product evaluations which are in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of listed items, and the satisfactory performance of the equipment or materials in actual usage.
"Approved waste burner" means a noncombustible container in which a fire is built with no openings greater than 1/4 inch.
"Assembly occupancy" means an occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, regardless of occupant load. Assembly occupancy is broken down into 3 classes:
"Class A" Capacity of greater than 1,000 persons.
"Class B" Capacity of greater than 300 persons but not greater than 1,000 persons.
"Class C" Capacity of 50 or more but not greater than 300 persons.
Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than 50 persons in a building of other occupancy shall be classified as part of the other occupancy for purposes of review under these regulations.
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" or "AHJ" means the organization, office, or individual responsible for "approving" equipment, an installation, or a procedure. In these regulations, the AHJ shall mean the State Fire Marshal.
"Automatic" means as applied to fire protection devices, is a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of rise of temperature, or increase in the level of combustion products.
"Automatic fixed fire protection system" means any system which is designed and installed to detect a fire and to subsequently discharge an extinguishing agent without human activation or direction. "Automatic fixed fire protection system" does not include automatic sprinkler systems.
"Automatic sprinkler system" means for fire protection purposes, an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The installation includes 1 or more automatic water supplies. The portion of the sprinkler system aboveground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure, or area, generally overhead, and to which sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern. The valve controlling each system riser is located in the system riser or its supply piping. Each sprinkler system riser includes a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
"Basement" means any area that is more than 50% below the highest grade level.
"Building" means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term "building" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or portions thereof".
"Business occupancy" means all buildings used for the transaction of business (other than that covered under mercantile) for the keeping of accounts and records and similar purposes.
"Capable of self preservation" means as defined for use within these regulations and in conjunction with the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, 3 items must be met in order to meet this definition:
1. Individuals must be capable of recognizing a fire or other life threatening emergency; and
2. Individuals must be capable of activating an alarm to alert others to the emergency; and
3. Individuals must be capable of exiting a building under normal conditions without any assistance from others using approved fire exits only (not elevators).
"Certificate" means a written document issued by authority of the State Fire Marshal to any person to engage in any operation or act for which certification is required.
"Chairperson" means the presiding officer of the Commission, selected from among its members, pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6603(a).
"Combustible" means capable of undergoing combustion. A material which cannot be classified as noncombustible in accordance with that definition.
"Combustible fiber" means any material in fibrous or shredded form which will readily ignite when heat sources are present.
"Combustible liquids" means any liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F shall be known as Class II or III liquids. Combustible liquids shall be divided into the following classifications:
"Class II" Liquids having flash points at or above 100°F and below 140°F.
"Class IIIA" Liquids having flash points at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
"Class IIIB" Liquids having flash points at or above 200°F.
"Combustible refuse" means all combustible or flammable loose rubbish, litter, or waste materials generated by an occupancy which are refused, rejected, or considered worthless and are disposed of by incineration on the premises where generated or periodically transported from the premises.
"Combustible waste" means combustible or flammable loose waste materials which are generated by an establishment or process, and being salvageable, are retained for scrap for reprocessing on the premises where generated or transported to a plant for processing, including, all combustible fibers, hay, straw, hair, feathers, down, wood shavings, turnings, all types of paper products, soiled cloth trimmings and cuttings, rubber trimmings and buffings, metal fines, and any mixture of the items listed in this definition, or any other salvageable combustible or flammable waste material. This list is not exhaustive.
"Combustion" means a chemical process that involves oxidation sufficient to produce light or heat.
"Commission" means the State Fire Prevention Commission as duly appointed and authorized 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
"Condominium" is a form of ownership, not an occupancy. An example would be an apartment building. The dwelling units are owned individually, but the structure is owned by the homeowner's association (HOA).
"Design professional" means an Architect, Engineer, or Land Surveyor as defined by the statutory requirements of the Professional Registration Laws of the State of Delaware and registered to practice in the State of Delaware.
"Detention and correctional occupancy" means an occupancy used to house 1 or more persons under varied degrees of restraint or security where the occupants are mostly incapable of self preservation because of security measures not under the occupants' control.
"Duration" means that period of time during which the required fire flow shall be maintained.
"Dwelling" means a single unit providing complete and independent living facilities for 1 or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
"Educational occupancy" means an occupancy used for educational purposes through the twelfth grade by 6 or more persons for 4 or more hours per day or more than 12 hours per week.
"Elevator" means a hoisting and lowering mechanism, equipped with a car or platform, which moves in guide rails and serves 2 or more landings and is classified by the following types:
"One and two family elevator" means a passenger elevator which is limited in size, capacity, rise, and speed, and is installed in a one and two family dwelling as a means of access.
"Construction elevator" means an elevator being used temporarily, only for construction purposes.
"Freight elevator" means an elevator used primarily for carrying freight and on which only the operator and the persons necessary for unloading and loading the freight are permitted to ride.
"Observation elevator" means an elevator designed to permit exterior viewing by passengers while the car is traveling.
"Passenger elevator" means an elevator used primarily to carry persons other than the operator and persons necessary for loading and unloading.
"Existing condition" means any situation, circumstances, or physical make-up of any structure, premise, or process which was ongoing or in effect prior to the effective date of these regulations as amended.
"Explosive" means a chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion; that contains any oxidizing and combustible units, or other ingredients, in specific proportions, quantities, or packing, that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion, or by detonator, of any part of the compound or mixture may cause a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or destroying life and limb.
"Explosive materials" means explosives, blasting agents, water gels (slurries), and detonators (see Explosive Materials Code, NFPA 495, for a full set of definitions).
"Exposure hazard" means the condition in which a property or structure is endangered by a fire in another property or structure.
"Fire alarm signaling system" means any system which is designed to detect the existence of fire, and any system which is either automatically or manually activated to either audibly or visually notify anyone either on or off the property or within or without the structure of a fire condition. It shall not include systems or devices which are primarily designed to suppress or extinguish a fire.
"Fire barrier" means a continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall or floor assembly, that is designed and constructed with a specific fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire, and which will also restrict the movement of smoke.
"Fire department connection" means a connection for pumping into an automatic sprinkler system or standpipe to provide additional water supply and suitable pressure.
"Fire door" means a tested, listed, or approved door and door assembly constructed and installed for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire through openings in walls, partitions, or other horizontal or vertical construction. (See Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, NFPA 80).
"Fire hazard" means those buildings which have been damaged by fire, wind, explosion, or other causes so as to increase the risk of personal injury or property damage; or those buildings having inadequate facilities for egress in case of fire or panic, or those having insufficient features of fire protection. Also, anything or act which increases or may cause an increase of the risk or menace of fire to a greater degree than that customarily recognized by persons regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire; or which may obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.
"Fire hydrant" means a valved connection on a water supply system having 1 or more outlets and which is used to supply hose and fire department pumpers with water.
"Fire protection system" means any fire alarm device or system or fire extinguishing device or system, or their combination, which is designed and installed for detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire, or otherwise alerting occupants or the fire department, that a fire has occurred.
"Fire resistance rating" means the time in hours or fractions thereof that materials or their assemblies will resist fire exposure as determined by the fire test specified in these regulations.
"Fire retardants" means liquids, solids, or gases which tend to inhibit combustion when applied on, mixed in, or combined with combustible materials.
"Fire suppression system" means an automatic or manual system designed to protect the interior or exterior of a building or structure from fire. These systems are not limited to, water systems, water spray systems, foam-water systems, foam-water spray systems, CO2 systems, foam extinguishing systems, dry chemical systems, halon, and other chemical systems used for fire protection. These systems also include the overhead and fire mains, standpipes and hose connections to systems, tank heaters, air lines, thermal systems used in connection with sprinklers, tanks, and pumps connected thereto.
"Fireworks display" means the use of fireworks in a manner to provide audio and visual entertainment.
"Flamespread rating" means the comparative performance of fire travel over the surface of a material when tested in accordance with the provisions of Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, NFPA 255.
"Flammable liquids" means any liquid having a flash point below 100°F and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi at 100°F. Flammable liquids shall be known as Class 1 liquids and be divided into the following classifications:
"Class IA" Liquids having flash points below 73°F and having a boiling point below 100°F.
"Class IB" Liquids having flash points below 73°F and having a boiling point at or above 100°F.
"Class IC" Liquids having flash points at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
"Floor area, gross" means gross floor area shall be the floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building under consideration with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior walls, columns, or other features.
"Floor area, net" means net floor area shall be the actual occupied area, not including accessory unoccupied areas or thickness of walls.
"GPM" is the abbreviation for gallons per minute, a unit of measurement.
"Garage" means a building or a portion of a building in which 1 or more self-propelled vehicles carrying volatile flammable liquid for fuel or power are kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstrating purposes, and all that portion of a building that is on or below the floor or floors in which the vehicles are kept and that is not separated as required elsewhere by these regulations.
"Grade" means the reference plane representing the elevation of finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
"Ground kettle" means a container which may or may not be mounted on wheels and is used for heating tar, asphalt, or similar substances.
"Hazard of contents" as related to a building, means determining the classification of hazard as it pertains to occupancy as referenced in the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101.
"High hazard" means high hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or from which explosions are likely.
"Low hazard" means low hazard contents shall be classified as those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can occur.
"Ordinary hazard" means ordinary hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a considerable volume of smoke.
"Hazard of contents" as related to a sprinkler system, means determining the classification of sprinkler systems as referenced in Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13.
"Light hazard" means occupancies or portions of other occupancies where the quantity or combustibility of contents is low, and fires with relatively low rates of heat release are expected.
"Ordinary hazard, group 1" means occupancies or portions of other occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 feet, and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected.
"Ordinary hazard, group 2" means occupancies or portions of other occupancies where quantity and combustibility of contents is moderate to high, stockpiles do not exceed 12 feet, and fires with moderate to high rates of heat release are expected.
"Extra hazard" means occupancies or portions of other occupancies where quantity and combustibility of contents is very high and flammable and combustible liquids, dust, lint, or other materials are present, introducing the probability of rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release.
"Height" means the building height to be used with these regulations. Height shall be measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the ceiling of the highest occupiable story.
"High rise building" means any building that exceeds 7 stories or 75 feet in height.
"HVAC" means systems or components which provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to a building or structure.
"Incidental use" means where the use is supplemental to the main use of the building and the area devoted to the use does not occupy more than 10% of the area of any floor, the building shall be classified according to the main use. Additionally, where the incidental use is a higher hazard than the main use, it shall be constructed and separated by fire resistance rated construction as required in this code.
"Inclined wheelchair lift" means a powered hoisting and lowering mechanism to transport mobility-impaired persons on a guided platform that travels on an incline, not an escalator.
"Includes" means without limitation.
"Industrial occupancy" means an occupancy in which products are manufactured or in which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating or repair operations are conducted.
"General industrial occupancy" means an industrial occupancy in which ordinary and low hazard industrial operations are conducted in buildings of conventional design suitable for various types of industrial processes.
"High hazard industrial occupancy" means an industrial occupancy in which industrial operations that include high hazard materials, processes, or contents are conducted.
"Special-purpose industrial occupancy" means an industrial occupancy in which ordinary and low hazard industrial operations are conducted in buildings designed for, and suitable only for, particular types of operations, characterized by a relatively low density of employee population, with much of the area occupied by machinery or equipment.
"Inimicable hazard" means a condition or practice in an occupancy or structure that poses a danger that could reasonably be expected to cause death, serious physical harm, or serious property loss.
"Institutional occupancy" means all buildings used for purposes such as medical or other treatment or care of persons suffering from physical or mental illness, disease, or infirmity; for the care of infants, convalescents, or aged persons; and for penal or corrective purposes. Institutional buildings provide sleeping facilities for the occupants and are occupied by persons who are mostly incapable of self-preservation because of age, physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not under the occupants' control.
"Internal fire separation" means a wall, roof/floor, or floor/ceiling assembly constructed to meet specific standards for resisting the spread of fire and smoke.
"Large area building" means any building that exceeds 100,000 square feet gross floor area on any 1 floor.
"License" means an official document issued by the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of authorizing performance of an activity on an annual basis.
"Listed" means equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the State Fire Marshal and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
"Loose house" means a separate detached building in which unbaled combustible fibers are stored.
"Marine vessel" means every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used as a means of transportation in or on the water.
"Mercantile occupancy" means an occupancy used for the display and sale of merchandise. Mercantile occupancies shall be subclassified as follows:
"Class A" all mercantile occupancies having an aggregate gross area of more than 30,000 square feet or occupying more than 3 stories for sales purposes.
"Class B" as follows:
(a) All mercantile occupancies of more than 3000 square feet, but not more than 30,000 square feet, aggregate gross area and occupying not more than 3 stories for sales purposes.
(b) All mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 square feet gross area and occupying 2 or 3 stories for sales purposes.
"Class C" all mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 square feet gross area and used for sales purposes occupying 1 story only.
"Mid-rise building" means any building within the following occupancy classification that exceeds 4 stories or 50 feet in height up to 7 stories or 75 feet in height:
Health Care Occupancies
Ambulatory Health Care
Detention and Correction Occupancies
Residential to include Hotels, Dormitories, Lodging and Rooming Houses, Apartments, and Residential Board and Care
"Mixed occupancies" means 2 or more classes of occupancy occurring in the same building.
"Mini-storage building" means a storage occupancy partitioned into areas that are rented or leased for the purposes of storing personal or business items where all of the following apply: (1) the storage areas are separated from each other by less than a 1-hour fire resistance rated barrier, (2) the owner of the facility does not have unrestricted access, and (3) the items being stored are concealed from view from outside the unit.
"Mobile or temporary cooking" means any cooking apparatus or equipment operated on a 1-time basis, interim basis, or for less than 90 days in the same location, other than at a fixed location, building, or structure that has been inspected and permitted under another section of these regulations.
"Notice" means a written statement which gives an order, information, or warning.
"Occupancy" means the purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be used.
"Occupancy change" means any change of use in an existing building to a new occupancy classification which imposes other provisions of these regulations governing building construction, features of fire protection, and means of egress.
"Occupancy classification" means the various classes of occupancy as listed and defined under the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, as adopted by these regulations.
"Occupied" means a building is occupied any time it is open or accessible to the public, or any time it is occupied by more than 10 persons.
"Owner" means any person who alone, or jointly or severally with others, shall have legal title to any building, structure, or premise with or without accompanying actual possession thereof and shall include the duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser devisee, fiduciary, and any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property in question.
"Patch kettle" means any pot or container with a capacity of less than 6 gallons, used for preheating tar, asphalt, pitch, or similar substances for the repair of roofs, streets, floors, pipes, or similar objects.
"Permanent structure" means any structure erected for a period exceeding 180 consecutive days.
"Permit" means an official document issued by the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of authorizing performance of a specified activity.
"Person" Includes an individual, a corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization, and any other group acting as a unit. It shall also include an executor, administrator, trustee, receiver, or other legal representative appointed according to law. Whenever the word "person" is used in any section of these regulations prescribing a penalty or fine as to partnerships or associations, the word shall include the partners or members thereof named in the violation notice, and as to corporations, shall include the officer, agents or members thereof named in the violation notice.
"Private dwelling" means the same as one and two family dwelling.
"Process" means the manufacturing, handling, blending, conversion, purification, recovery, separation, synthesis or use, or any combination of any commodity or material regulated by these regulations.
"Property line" means a line separating land or structures which defines the boundaries of ownership or responsibility.
"PSI" is the abbreviation for pounds per square inch. A unit of measurement used to measure the amount of force exerted on a 1-inch square area.
"Public accommodations" means all occupancies available to the public for lease, hire, or rental where there are provided sleeping accommodations for 4 or more persons. These can be hotels; motels; rooming, lodging, or boarding houses; bed and breakfasts, country inns, guest houses; residential board and care facilities; or the same occupancies known by any other name.
"Residential occupancy" means an occupancy that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health care or detention and correctional. Includes all buildings/occupancies as listed below:
"Apartment building" means a building or portion thereof containing 3 or more dwelling units with independent cooking and bathroom facilities.
"Dormitory" means a building or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in 1 room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities.
"Hotel" means a building or groups of buildings under the same management in which there are sleeping accommodations for more than 16 persons and primarily used by transients for lodging with or without meals.
"Lodging or rooming house" means a building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one or two family dwelling, that provides sleeping accommodations for a total of 16 or fewer people on a transient or permanent basis, without personal care services, with or without meals, but without separate cooking facilities for individual occupants.
"One and two family dwellings" means buildings containing not more than 2 dwelling units in which each dwelling unit is occupied by members of a single family with not more than 3 outsiders, if any, accommodated in rented rooms.
For the purposes of these regulations, a one and two family dwelling or a single-family dwelling is defined as:
1. An individual, detached, stand-alone dwelling unit; or
2. Attached units of not more than 2, commonly referred to as a duplex and separated by walls between units constructed as a 2-hour rated (Class C) fire barrier wall or shall have a 2-hour rated floor/ceiling assembly, completely separating the 2 units. Additionally, each unit of a duplex shall be served by an exit directly to the exterior at grade level; or
3. A townhouse, as defined in this regulation.
"Townhouse" means a single-family unit in a row of attached units (3 or more) in which each unit extends from foundation to roof, separated by walls, between units, constructed as a 2 hour rated (Class C) fire barrier walls, separated by property lines, and with open space on at least 2 sides. Additionally, each unit of a townhouse shall be served by an exit directly to the exterior at grade level. When the specifications for fire rated assemblies as called for in the classification of townhouse, rowhouse, or others are not met, then the occupancy shall be classified as a multi-family residential or apartments occupancy and shall meet all the specifications for that occupancy.
"Residual pressure" means that portion of normal operating pressure that is remaining in the water system while water is flowing for normal consumption demands and for either test purposes or for firefighting.
"Restaurant" shall include those facilities with a calculated occupant load of 50 or more persons, which are primarily engaged in the serving of meals with or without entertainment and classified as an assembly occupancy. Restaurants and drinking establishments with a calculated occupant load of fewer than 50 persons shall be classified as a mercantile occupancy.
"Required flow" where used in these regulations, shall mean the necessary or required rate of water flow which shall be delivered to the area of need at a rate and pressure as prescribed herein. Normally expressed in gpm.
"Roofing kettle" means any container exceeding 15 gallons capacity used for preheating tar, asphalt, pitch, or similar substances for waterproofing.
"Rubbish" shall include any solids which are highly flammable, combustible, or explosive, not limited to rags, clothes, excelsior, leather, rubber, carpets, paper, ashes, furniture, tree clippings, grasses, leaves, vegetation, tires, and any other materials which freely burn, and which have been discarded.
"SFPR" means 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710.
"Site plan" means a drawing illustrating a proposed development, change, or revision of a property or properties. When required by the Fire Marshal, or other sections of these regulation, the site plan shall be prepared in accordance with the specifications 1 DE Admin. Code 701A, subsection 2.4.
"Smoking"means lighting, igniting, holding, possessing, carrying, throwing, or depositing any lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, rolled cannabis cigarette, or any pipe type appliance.
"Smoking area" means a designated area where smoking is permitted within premises where smoking is generally prohibited.
"Standpipe" means a wet or dry fire pipeline equipped with valves, hose outlets, and possibly hose, extending from the lowest to the topmost story of a building or structure and designed for the specific purpose of conveying water to various parts of a building for firefighting purposes.
"State Fire Marshal" means the State Fire Marshal and all duly authorized personnel appointed pursuant to 16 Del.C. §6612.
"State Fire Prevention Commission" means the legal body duly appointed and authorized to act pursuant 16 Del.C. Ch. 66.
"Storage occupancy" means an occupancy used primarily for the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, or vehicles.
"Story" means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and lower surface of the floor or roof next above.
"Strip shopping or office centers" means 1-story buildings in which several tenants occupy portions of the building. All tenants have their own separate entrances from the outside, with all outside entrances on 1 or more "front" sides. Occupancies are not limited to business and mercantile.
"Subdivision" means the division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means including by means of a plan or plot or a description by metes and bounds, into 2 or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, of the transfer of ownership or building development; provided, however, that the division of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of 10 acres or more and not involving any new streets or easements of access, divisions of property by testamentary or interstate provisions, or divisions of property upon court order, shall be exempt.
"Major” means a residential or industrial subdivision plan depicting the subdivision of land into 2 or more parcels or lots and involving a proposed street; a plan of a materials excavation pit, multi-family subdivision, mobile dwelling park subdivision; or of a commercial subdivision containing more than 3500 square feet of gross leasable floor area and involving the development of 1 or more parcels or lots.
"Minor” means a residential development depicting the subdivision of land into 2 or more parcels or lots, but not involving a new street; a plan of a commercial subdivision involving the development of 1 or more parcels or lots, but not containing more than 3500 nor less than 1000 square feet of gross leasable floor area; a plan of an industrial subdivision involving the development of more than 1 parcel or lot, but not involving a new street; a plan of an industrial or institutional subdivision involving the development of not more than 1 parcel or lot, but not containing less than 5000 square feet of gross floor area.
"Summarily abate" means to immediately judge a condition to be a life hazard and to order immediate correction of the condition.
"System" means several items of equipment assembled, grouped, or otherwise interconnected for the accomplishment of a purpose or function.
"Temporary structure" means any structure erected for a period not to exceed 180 consecutive days.
"This regulation" means 1 DE Admin. Code 701.
"These regulations" means 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710.
"Vertical platform lift" means a powered hoisting and lowering mechanism designed to transport mobility-impaired persons on a guided platform that travels vertically.
"Water capacity" means the volumetric measure of the amount of water a container can hold.
"Water distribution systems" means all water mains and associated equipment, both public and private, serving fire hydrants or fire protection water distribution systems.
"Water supplier" means all persons or companies, both public and private, owning, operating, maintaining, or having control over fire protection water distribution systems
"Written notice" means a notification in writing delivered in person to the individual or parties intended, or delivered at, or sent by, certified or registered mail to the last known residential or business address.
3.1 NFPA Codes and Standards. Each of the following codes and standards, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, are hereby adopted in their entirety with the exception of any changes, additions or deletions as listed in this regulation as a supplement and addition to 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710. The text of these adopted codes and standards shall be fully enforceable as provisions of 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710 as if the same were incorporated and set forth at length. If a newer code or standard has been adopted and issued by the National Fire Protection Association, the State Fire Marshal may accept the newer code or standard as an alternative, provided that the code or standard affords an equivalent level of safety in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal. Where the codes or standards as listed are updated versions of adopted codes or standards, the updated versions will replace the existing versions in 1 DE Admin. Code 701-710.
3.1.1 NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2024
3.1.2 NFPA 2, Hydrogen Technologies Code 2023
3.1.3 NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2022
3.1.4 NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, 2024
3.1.5 NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2025
3.1.6 NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2025
3.1.7 NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2025
3.1.8 NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2025
3.1.9 NFPA 13E, Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems, 2020
3.1.10 NFPA 13R, Standard for the Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up To & Including 4 Stories in Height, 2025
3.1.11 NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2024
3.1.12 NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, 2022
3.1.13 NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, 2019
3.1.14 NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2024
3.1.15 NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2024
3.1.16 NFPA 18, Standard on Wetting Agents, 2021
3.1.17 NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2025
3.1.18 NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 2023
3.1.19 NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, 2025
3.1.20 NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2023
3.1.21 NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2024
3.1.22 NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, 2024
3.1.23 NFPA 30B, Code for Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products, 2023
3.1.24 NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2024
3.1.25 NFPA 32, Standard for Drycleaning Plants, 2021
3.1.26 NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials, 2024
3.1.27 NFPA 34, Standard for Dipping and Coating Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids, 2024
3.1.28 NFPA 35, Standard for Manufacture of Organic Coatings, 2021
3.1.29 NFPA 36, Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants, 2025
3.1.30 NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, 2024
3.1.31 NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Film, 2025
3.1.32 NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2024
3.1.33 NFPA 51, Standard for the Design & Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Systems for Welding, Cutting, & Allied Processes, 2023
3.1.32 NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and other Hot Work, 2024
3.1.33 NFPA 52, Vehicular Natural Gas Fuel Systems Code, 2023
3.1.34 NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2024
3.1.35 NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, 2023
3.1.36 NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2024
3.1.37 NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code, 2024
3.1.38 NFPA 59A, Standard for the Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 2023
3.1.39 NFPA 61, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, 2020
3.1.40 NFPA 68, Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting, 2023
3.1.41 NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, 2024
3.1.42 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2023
3.1.43 NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2024
3.1.44 NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2025
3.1.45 NFPA 73, Standard for Electrical Inspection for Existing Dwellings, 2021
3.1.46 NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2024
3.1.47 NFPA 76, Standard for the Fire Protection for Telecommunications Facilities, 2024
3.1.48 NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, 2024
3.1.49 NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2025
3.1.50 NFPA 82, Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment, 2024
3.1.51 NFPA 86, Standard for Ovens and Furnaces, 2023
3.1.52 NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, 2023
3.1.53 NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2024
3.1.54 NFPA 90B, Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, 2024
3.1.55 NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids, 2020
3.1.56 NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems, 2024
3.1.57 NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2024
3.1.58 NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, 2024
3.1.59 NFPA 99B, Standard for Hypobaric Facilities, 2024
3.1.60 NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2024
3.1.61 NFPA 102, Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures, 2021
3.1.62 NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives 2025
3.1.63 NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2025
3.1.64 NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2025
3.1.65 NFPA 115, Standard for Laser Fire Protection, 2020
3.1.66 NFPA 120, Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Coal Mines, 2023
3.1.67 NFPA 130, Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems, 2023
3.1.68 NFPA 140, Standard on Motion Picture and Television Production Studio and Approved Production Facilities, 2024
3.1.69 NFPA 150, Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Code, 2025
3.1.70 NFPA 160, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience, 2021
3.1.71 NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, 2024
3.1.72 NFPA 204, Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting, 2024
3.1.73 NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2024
3.1.74 NFPA 214, Standard on Water-Cooling Towers, 2021
3.1.75 NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, 2024
3.1.76 NFPA 221, Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls, 2024
3.1.77 NFPA 232, Protection of Records, 2022
3.1.78 NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, 2022
3.1.79 NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, 2025
3.1.80 NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, 2025
3.1.81 NFPA 303, Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards, 2021
3.1.82 NFPA 306, Standard for Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, 2024
3.1.83 NFPA 307, Standard for Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers and Wharves, 2021
3.1.84 NFPA 312, Standard for Fire Protection of Vessels During Construction, Conversion, Repair and Lay-up, 2021
3.1.85 NFPA 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 2025
3.1.86 NFPA 400, Hazardous Material Code, 2025
3.1.87 NFPA 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 2022
3.1.88 NFPA 408, Standard for Aircraft Hand Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2022
3.1.89 NFPA 409, Standard for Aircraft Hangars, 2022
3.1.90 NFPA 410, Standard on Aircraft Maintenance, 2025
3.1.91 NFPA 415, Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways, 2022
3.1.92 NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports and Vertiports, 2024
3.1.93 NFPA 484, Standard for Combustible Metals, 2022
3.1.94 NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code, 2023
3.1.95 NFPA 496, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, 2024
3.1.96 NFPA 498, Standard for Safe Havens and Interchange Lots for Vehicles Transporting Explosives, 2023
3.1.97 NFPA 501, Standard on Manufactured Housing, 2022
3.1.98 NFPA 501A, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities, 2025
3.1.99 NFPA 502, Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways, 2023
3.1.100 NFPA 505, Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Conversations, Maintenance, and Operations 2024
3.1.101 NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2020
3.1.102 NFPA 655, Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions, 2017
3.1.103 NFPA 664, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, 2020
3.1.104 NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, 2024
3.1.105 NFPA 704, Standard for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, 2022
3.1.106 NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2023
3.1.107 NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, 2023
3.1.108 NFPA 804, Standard for Fire Protection for Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants, 2025
3.1.109 NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, 2023
3.1.110 NFPA 909, Code for the Protection of Cultural Resources Properties - Museums, Libraries, & Places of Worship, 2025
3.1.111 NFPA 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, 2023
3.1.112 NFPA 1122, Code for Model Rocketry, 2018
3.1.113 NFPA 1123, Code for Fireworks Display, 2022
3.1.114 NFPA 1124, Code for Manufacture, Transport, and Storage of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2022
3.1.115 NFPA 1125, Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High-Power Rocket Motors, 2022
3.1.116 NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience, 2021
3.1.117 NFPA 1127, Code for High Power Rocketry, 2018
3.1.118 NFPA 1142, Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting, 2022
3.1.119 NFPA 1194, Standard for Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds, 2021
3.1.120 NFPA 1201, Standard for Providing Fire and Emergency Services to the Public, 2020
3.1.121 NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communication Systems, 2019
3.1.122 NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications, 2022
3.1.123 NFPA 1250, Recommended Practice in Fire and Emergency Service Organization Risk Management, 2020
3.1.124 NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, 2018
3.1.125 NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protections Training, 2018
3.1.126 NFPA 1410, Standard on Training for Emergency Scene Operations, 2020
3.1.127 NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2021
3.1.128 NFPA 1550, Standard for Emergency Responder Health and Safety, 2024
3.1.129 NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety, 2020
3.1.130 NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Programs, 2022
3.1.131 NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting, 2021
3.1.132 NFPA 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments, 2020
3.1.133 NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2020
3.1.134 NFPA 1852, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), 2019
3.1.135 NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, 2016
3.1.136 NFPA 1910, Standard for the Inspections, Maintenance, Refurbishment, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Emergency Vehicles and Marine Firefighting Vessels, 2024
3.1.137 NFPA 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Emergency Vehicles 2017
3.1.138 NFPA 1917, Standard for Automotive Ambulances, 2019
3.1.139 NFPA 1925, Standard on Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels, 2018
3.1.140 NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing, of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders, 2020
3.1.141 NFPA 1936, Standard on Rescue Tools, 2020
3.1.142 NFPA 1960, Standard for Fire Hose Connections, Spray Nozzles, Manufacturer's Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders, Fire Hose, and Powered Rescue Tools, 2024
3.1.143 NFPA 1961, Standard on Fire Hose, 2020
3.1.144 NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, Inspections, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hosed, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances, 2018
3.1.145 NFPA 1963, Standard for Fire Hose Connections, 2019
3.1.146 NFPA 1970, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), 2025
3.1.147 NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2018
3.1.148 NFPA 1975, Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel, 2019
3.1.149 NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, 2019
3.1.150 NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), 2018
31.1.151 NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2025
3.1.152 NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2025
3.2 The following additions, deletions, or changes to the codes and standards listed in these regulations are hereby adopted.
3.2.1 NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2024
3.2.1.1 DELETE entire Chapter 1 except 1.13
3.2.1.2 MODIFY 1.13.1 to read as follows: Permits. All permits required by another section of NFPA 1 shall comply with the requirements of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations in effect.
3.2.1.3 DELETE 1.13.2 through 1.13.8
3.2.1.4 MODIFY Chapter 10 - General Fire Safety as noted:
3.2.1.4.1 Section 10.1.2* Life Safety Code. Every new building shall comply with this Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
3.2.1.4.2 DELETE 10.1.3 Building Code
3.2.1.4.3 MODIFY 10.10 as follows:
3.2.1.4.3.1 Section 10.10.4.2* It shall be unlawful to set fires to any brush or forest-covered land during any-time when a burning ban, as declared by the State Fire Marshal, is in effect.
3.2.1.4.3.2 Section A-10.10.4.2 Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control (DNREC) should be contacted for their additional burning restrictions at (800) 662-8802 or (302) 739-9401 before performing any out-door burning.
3.2.1.4.4 DELETE 10.13.1.1
3.2.1.4.5 MODIFY 10.14 as follows: 10.14.12.4.2 The use of display fireworks shall comply with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations in addition to the requirements of 10.14.12.4.
3.2.1.5 DELETE 12.6.9
3.2.1.6 DELETE Table 12.6.9.1.1
3.2.1.7 DELETE entire Chapter 17
3.2.1.8 AMEND 20.1.5.3 to read as follows: Section 20.1.5.3 Open Flame Devices and Pyrotechnics. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic devices shall be used in any assembly occupancy, unless otherwise permitted by the following:
(1) Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be permitted to be used on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exhibits, or as part of a performance, provided both of the following criteria are met:
(a) Precautions satisfactory to the AHJ are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material.
(b) Use of the pyrotechnic device complies with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
(2) Flame effects before an audience shall be permitted in accordance with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
3.2.1.9 AMEND Chapter 22.7 to read as follows: The storage of tires shall be in accordance with Chapter 34 and the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
3.2.1.10 DELETE entire Chapter 33
3.2.1.11 DELETE 52.1.3.2
3.2.1.12 DELETE 53.1.2.2.
3.2.2 NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2024. AMEND 22.4.1 by adding an Exception to read as follows: Exception: The State Fire Marshal may increase the distances to property lines, public ways and important buildings when in the State Fire Marshal's opinion, the increases are justified.
3.2.3 NFPA 30A, Motor Fuel Dispensing and Repair Garages Code, 2024
3.2.3.1 AMEND 5.2.5, by adding third sentence to read as follows: 5.2.5 Each fill pipe shall be identified by color code or other marking to identify the product for which it is used. The color code or marking shall be maintained in legible condition throughout the life of the installation. All underground petroleum storage tank fill pipes shall be marked and maintained with colors and symbols consistent with API Recommended Practice 1637.
3.2.3.2 AMEND 6.2, General Requirements, by adding new sub-sections to read as follows:
3.2.3.2.1 Section 6.2.4 Dispensing units for kerosene shall not be located within 25' of Class I liquid dispensing units.
3.2.3.2.2 Section 6.2.5 Islands with dispensing units for kerosene shall be located a minimum of 10' from islands with Class I liquid dispensing units.
3.2.3.2.3 Section 6.2.6 Dispensing units for kerosene shall be provided with a legible sign, bearing the word "KEROSENE" in a minimum 4" high letter, with the letters to be in blue with a contrasting background color.
3.2.3.3 AMEND 9.2.1, Inventory Control by adding new subsections to read as follows:
3.2.3.4 Section 9.2.1.1 The seasonal exchange of product shall be prohibited in underground storage tanks.
3.2.3.5 Section 9.2.1.2 No change of class of product within storage tanks shall be made without prior approval of the State Fire Marshal.
3.2.3.6 AMEND 9.2.3, Dispensing into Containers by adding a new sub-section to read as follows: 9.2.3.2.1 No sale or purchase of kerosene shall be made in containers unless the containers meet the provisions of this standard and are a color other than red with the word "KEROSENE" marked thereon. (The recommended color is blue with white lettering.)
3.2.3.7 AMEND Chapter 11, Marine Fueling, by renumbering 11.10.6 to 11.10.6.1 and adding new 11.10.6.2, 11.10.6.3 and 11.10.6.4 to read as follows:
3.2.3.7.1 Section 11.10.6.2 The dispensing of Class I Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled watercraft must be accomplished at a designated marine Service Station, and that service station must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of these regulations.
3.2.3.7.2 Section 11.10.6.3* The dispensing of Class I Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled watercraft shall be prohibited from a tank truck vehicle.
3.2.3.7.3 Section A-11.10.6.3 It is the express intent of this section to prohibit the transfer of Class I liquids from a tank truck vehicle directly into the fuel tanks of a boat or any other self-propelled watercraft.
3.2.3.7.4 Section 11.10.6.4* The dispensing of Class II Liquids into the fuel tanks of self-propelled watercraft, is permitted provided the tank truck vehicle is equipped with an automatic shut off nozzle.
3.2.3.7.5 Section A-11.10.6.4 This change is based on an appeal filed by the Delaware Captains Association. This appeal was heard by the State Fire Prevention Commission on September 20, 1994, and was subsequently approved by the State Fire Prevention Commission on September 20, 1994.
3.2.3.8 AMEND 13.1 (1) to read as follows: (1) in rural areas
3.2.4 NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2024. AMEND 10.21 as follows:
3.2.4.1 Section 10.21.2 * Prohibited Installations
3.2.4.2 Unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms and bedrooms.
3.2.4.3 Delete Exception #1
3.2.4.4 Delete Exception #2
3.2.5 NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gases Code, 2024.
3.2.5.1 AMEND 4.3.1 Stationary Installations, by deleting the existing section and inserting 2 new subsections to read as follows:
3.2.5.1.1 Section 4.3.1.1* Plans shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for review and approval for the following liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations:
3.2.5.1.1.1 (a) At consumer sites having an aggregate water capacity of 1,000 gallons or more tank storage; and
3.2.5.1.1.2 (b) For all portable cylinder exchange at consumer sites or dispensing stations, where not connected for use, and in storage for resale or exchange by dealer or reseller.
3.2.5.1.2 Section A.4.3.1.1 This section still requires the submission of plans for all LP Gas installations with an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, and now requires the submission of plans for all portable cylinder exchange installations.
3.2.5.1.3 Section 4.3.1.2* Plans shall be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for re-view and approval regarding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations for all sites and locations where LPG is dispensed by a retail operation to the public, regardless of tank storage capacity.
3.2.5.1.4 Section A.4.3.1.2 Submission of plans for all LP Gas Installations where tanks are filled as a retail operation for the public.
3.2.5.1.5 Exception to 4.3.1.1. and 4.3.1.2: one and two family dwellings are not required to comply with these sections.
3.2.5.2 AMEND 6.24.1.2, by adding a sub-section to read as follows:
3.2.5.2.1 Section 6.24.1.2 Patio heaters shall be listed and used only outdoors and used in accordance with their listing and the manufacturers instruction.
3.2.5.2.2 Section A-6.24.1.2 All gas-fired heaters are to be used only in adequately ventilated areas. In order to support the combustion air requirements of the heater and to minimize the potential for the accumulation of carbon monoxide, ample fresh air ventilation in accordance with the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions and/or Owner's Manual should be provided.
3.2.5.3 AMEND 6.24.1.3 to read as follows: Section 6.24.1.3 Patio heaters shall not be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exits from an assembly occupancy. Hot surfaces of the appliance shall be at least 36 inches in all directions from all other materials. Clearances of less distance shall be permitted if in accordance with the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions and/or Owner's Manual
3.2.5.4 AMEND 6.24.1 by adding a sub-section to read as follows:
3.2.5.4.1 Section 6.24.1.4 When used, they shall be located in an area either outside the confines of a building or an area sheltered from the elements by overhead cover that is open on all exterior sides. Any obstruction of the exterior boundary of the area by any material to any degree shall be prohibited. Walls, part walls or partitions, roll-down see-through curtains or drapes, awnings, or components by any other name shall be considered an obstruction.
3.2.5.4.2 Section A-6.24.1.4 It should be further noted that roll-down and retractable materials are considered "not open". Since they are adjustable, it is expected that they will be less open during in-clement weather in order to protect against the exposure.
3.2.5.4.2.1 Exception 1: Exterior sides of the area do not include the wall(s) common to the deck/patio and the building to which the deck/patio adjoins.
3.2.5.4.3 Section A-6.24.1.4 Exception 1: Typically, most deck/patios will have t3 exterior sides and 1 side adjacent to the building
3.2.5.5 AMEND 7.2.2.1 by replacing 7.2.2.1 to read as follows:
3.2.5.5.1 Section 7.2.2.1* Containers shall be filled only by the owner or upon the owner's authorization.
3.2.5.5.2 Section A-7.2.2.1 This requirement is in keeping with 16 Del.C. 7202.
3.2.5.6 AMEND 8.4.2.3 by deleting 8.4.2.3 and inserting a new 8.4.2.3 to read as follows:
3.2.5.6.1 Section 8.4.2.3* Protection against vehicle impact shall be provided by installing traffic/bumper posts, or other protection acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.
3.2.5.6.2 Section A.8.4.2.3 The intent of this requirement is to ensure the protection of the portable cylinders from vehicular damage and to emphasize that the standard curbs are not considered adequate protection.
3.2.6 NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code, 2024
3.2.6.1 AMEND 9.2.2, by adding a new 9.2.2.1, Unvented Fuel-Fired Heating Equipment, to read as follows: 9.2.2.1 Unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in bathrooms and sleeping areas of all occupancies. In all other areas, gas space heaters installed in compliance with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, as adopted and modified by these regulations shall be permitted.
3.2.6.2 AMEND 24.1.1, Application (one and two family dwellings), by deleting the existing 24.1.1.1 and inserting a new 24.1.1.1 to read as follows: 24.1.1.1 This Chapter shall not be utilized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal during the plan review process, except when individual, specified sections are referenced by other Chapters of the Life Safety Code.
3.2.6.3 AMEND 26.3.4.4, Detection Alarm, And Communication Systems (Lodging or Rooming Houses), by adding a new Sub-section to read as follows: 26.3.4.4.1 A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with 9.6 shall be installed in all lodging or rooming houses.
3.2.6.4 AMEND 30.3.4.1.1, Detection, Alarm, and Communication Systems (New Apartment Buildings), by deleting 30.3.4.1.1, and inserting a new 30.3.4.1.1 to read as follows: 30.3.4.1.1 General. All new apartment buildings shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with 9.6, except as modified by 30.3.4.2 through 30.3.4.5.
3.2.6.5 AMEND 30.3.4.4, Detection (New Apartment Buildings), by adding a new sub-section to read as follows:
3.2.6.5.1 Section 30.3.4.4 Detection
3.2.6.5.2 Section 30.3.4.4.1 A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with 9.6, shall be installed in all apartment buildings.
3.2.6.6 AMEND 32.2, Small Facilities (New Residential Board and Care Occupancies), by adding new sub-sections to read as follows:
3.2.6.6.1 Section 32.2.2.8 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be installed in accordance with 7.9.
3.2.6.6.2 Section 32.2.2.9 Marking of Means Of Egress. Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with 7.10.
3.2.6.7 AMEND 32.2.3.4, Detection, Alarm, and Communication Systems, Small Facilities (New Residential Board and Care Occupancies), by adding 32.2.3.4.3.1, Emergency Forces Notification, to read as follows: 32.2.3.4.3.1 Emergency Forces Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4.
3.2.6.8 AMEND 32.2.3.5, by adding 32.2.3.5.9 to read as follows: 32.2.3.5.9 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided near hazardous areas in accordance with 9.7.
3.2.6.9 AMEND 32.3.3.4.6, Emergency Forces Notification, Large Facilities (New Residential Board and Care Occupancies), by deleting the existing 32.3.3.4.6 and inserting a new 32.3.3.4.6 to read as follows: 32.3.3.4.6 Fire Department Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4.
