Georgia Roofing Licensing Law

Georgia Code · 55 sections

The following is the full text of Georgia’s roofing licensing law statutes as published in the Georgia Code. For the official version, see the Georgia Legislature.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-19-.05

(1) Any individual desiring to become a certificate holder shall submit to the Commissioner a completed application on forms prescribed by the Commissioner. Such individual shall remit with his or her application a non-refundable certificate fee of $100.00 plus a one-time filing fee of $50.00 except as otherwise provided by Chapter 11 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and this Chapter of the Rules and Regulations. Such fee shall not be prorated for portions of a year.

(2) Prior to obtaining a certificate, the applicant shall demonstrate his or her competence and knowledge of water-based fire protection systems by: (a) successfully completing a competency test by current certification by NICET at Level III or Level IV in automatic sprinkler system layout and/or by successfully completing such other or additional examinations as the Commissioner may designate. For renewal of such certificate, proof of maintaining NICET Certification at or above Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout is required; and (b) submitting to the Commissioner a certification from either the state fire commissioner or state fire marshal of another jurisdiction whenever a reciprocal agreement has been entered into between the jurisdiction and the State of Georgia pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(3) If the applicant has paid the required fees and has met one of the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, the Commissioner shall issue a certificate of competency in the name of the applicant, unless such applicant has been cited under other provisions of this chapter. Such certificate shall expire annually on December 31st of each year and shall be nontransferable from company to company or person to person.

(4) In no case shall a certificate holder be allowed to obtain a certificate of competency for more than one fire protection sprinkler contractor or more than one office location at a time. If the certificate holder should leave the employment of a fire protection sprinkler contractor or change office locations, he or she must notify the Commissioner in writing within 30 days.

(5) A certificate holder desiring to renew his or her certificate shall submit a renewal application to the Commissioner and remit therewith a renewal fee of $100.00 for the upcoming year, between August 1st and no later than December 1st of the current year.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-19-.06

(1) Where a fire protection sprinkler contractor has multiple office locations for the purpose of design, installation, repair, alteration, addition, maintenance, or inspection of water-based fire protection systems, each location shall be separately licensed under the provisions of these regulations.

(2) Any organization or individual desiring to become a fire protection sprinkler contractor shall submit to the Commissioner a completed application on forms prescribed by the Commissioner. Such organization or individual shall remit with his or her application a nonrefundable license fee of $50.00 plus a filing fee of $50.00. Such fee shall not be prorated for portions of a year.

(3) Prior to obtaining a sprinkler contractor's license, the applicant shall: (a) Submit to the Commissioner a copy of all and all current certificates of competency held by employees of the applicant; and (b) Submit to the Commissioner proof of comprehensive liability insurance coverage. The liability insurance policy shall provide coverage in an amount not less than $1 million and shall cover any loss to property or personal injury caused by the fire sprinkler contractor. The policy must be purchased from an insurer authorized to do business in the State of Georgia.

(4) A fire protection sprinkler contractor license shall expire annually on December 31st of each year. A license holder desiring to renew his or her license shall submit a renewal application to the Commissioner and remit a renewal fee of $50.00 for the upcoming year, between August 1st and no later than December 1st of the current year.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-19-.07

(1) Any individual desiring to become a fire protection sprinkler system inspector shall submit to the Commissioner a completed application on the prescribed forms. Such individual shall remit with his or her application a nonrefundable license fee of $50.00 plus a fee of $50.00. Such fees shall not be prorated for portions of a year.

(2) Prior to obtaining a license, the applicant shall demonstrate evidence of his or her competence and employment by a sprinkler contractor by possessing at minimum a NICET Level II Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems or an equivalent certification acceptable to the Commissioner.

(3) The applicant shall submit to the Commissioner proof of employment by a licensed fire protection sprinkler contractor who has comprehensive liability insurance coverage. The liability insurance policy shall provide coverage in an amount not less than $1 million and shall cover any loss to property or personal injury caused by the fire protection sprinkler inspector. The policy must be purchased from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia.

(4) A fire protection sprinkler system inspector license shall expire annually on December 31st of each year. A license holder desiring to renew his or her license shall submit a renewal application to the Commissioner and remit a renewal fee of $50.00 for the upcoming year, between August 1st and no later than December 1st of the current year.

(5) Individuals possessing valid waivers issued by the Commissioner prior to the effective date of these Rules and Regulations shall have twelve months from the issuance date of the waiver to obtain NICET Level II Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems or an equivalent certification acceptable to the Commissioner. No waivers shall be issued or renewed after the effective date of these rules and regulations.

(6) Individuals who have not yet satisfied the requirements of these Rules and Regulations as they pertain to inspector licenses shall work under the direct supervision of a NICET Level II Certified individual or approved equivalent until such time they possess a NICET Level II Inspector Certification or approved equivalent certification.

(7) "Direct supervision," or "Supervision" means to personally superintend the design and/or installation of water-based fire protection systems, by personally regulating the activity of a project through intermittent and verifiable personal contact at an installation or installations in progress.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-19-.08

(1) Any individual desiring to become a fire protection system designer shall submit to the Commissioner a completed application on forms prescribed by him or her. Such individual shall remit with his or her application a nonrefundable license fee of $50.00 plus a onetime filing fee of $50.00. Such fee shall not be prorated for portions of a year.

(2) Prior to obtaining a license, the applicant shall demonstrate his or her competence and knowledge of water-based fire protection systems by: (a) meeting the provisions of Chapter 15 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; or (b) providing proof that all work elements necessary for NICET Level II Certification in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout have been passed. Current license holders shall have twenty-four months from the adoption of these rules and regulations to meet this requirement. If this requirement is not met within the time allotted, the license shall be returned to the Commissioner's office within ten working days after the twenty-four months have lapsed, and shall become null and void. The license shall not be re-issued until the foregoing requirement is met.

(3) A fire protection system designer license shall expire on December 31st of each year. A license holder desiring to renew his or her license shall submit a renewal application to the Commissioner and remit a renewal fee of $50.00 for the upcoming year, between August 1st and no later than December 1st of the current year.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-19-.12

(1) All inspections, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems shall be done in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 25 as adopted by the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner's Rules and Regulations Chapter 120-3-3. All inspections, maintenance, and testing required by NFPA 25 and/or other appropriate standards adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 shall only be performed by licensed fire protection system inspectors, certificate of competency holders, or representatives of the building owner as applicable, unless exempted by this chapter.

(2) Representatives of the building owner shall indicate in writing to the Authority Having Jurisdiction their intent to do such inspections and shall provide to the Authority Having Jurisdiction proof of knowledge and expertise pertaining to the systems to be inspected by providing: (a) the name and physical location of the facility/facilities to be tested, inspected and maintained by the owner's representative(s); (b) the names and qualifications of the individual(s) conducting such inspections, testing and maintenance which shall be submitted to the Commissioner for evaluation; (c) the qualifications for each such individual which shall be set forth in as much detail as possible, including but not limited to, an exacting and detailed outline of their qualifications with dates, type and length of related experience; (d) resumes prepared by each such individual including a statement describing and setting forth their personal qualifications to do the inspections, testing and maintenance; and (e) a detailed description of each such individual's knowledge of NFPA 25.

(3) Said representatives of the building owner are exempt only from the license requirements specified in Code Section 25-11-6 . All work conducted by said representatives shall be done in accordance with the minimum State Standards as adopted by the Safety Fire Commissioner.

(4) Duly authorized manufacturers' representatives while they are acting in their official capacities are exempt from this chapter.

(5) Inspections and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems owned by a firm, business, or corporation and installed on property under control of the firm, business, or corporation may be performed by an employee of the firm, business, or corporation if annual inspection and maintenance of the water-based system are performed by a current certificate of competency holder or inspector as defined in this chapter. Said employees are exempt from the license requirements specified in Code Section 25-11-6 .

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-22-.08

Unless otherwise stated in this Chapter, the following editions of the codes, standards, recommended practices, guides and methods, as published in the National Fire Codes ( NFC ) by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as adopted and modified herein shall be the State's minimum fire safety standards related to the manufacturing, storage, transportation, and use of display fireworks and consumer fireworks, the retail sales of consumer fireworks, fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibitions and displays, and the use of flame effects before a proximate audience.

(1) NFPA 160, 2016 Edition, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before a Proximate Audience Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 5: 1. Delete subsection 5.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 5.1.1 Permit Required. A use permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction shall be required for the use of flame effects before a proximate audience or within any building or structure.

(2) NFPA 1123, 2018 Edition, Code for Fireworks Display Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 3: 1. Delete subsection 3.3.15 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 3.3.15 Fireworks. Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, including blank cartridges, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, bombs, sparklers, and other combustibles and explosives of like construction, as well as articles containing any explosive or flammable compound and tablets and other devices containing an explosive substance. The term 'fireworks' shall not include: (a) Model rockets and model rocket engines designed, sold, and used for the purpose of propelling recoverable aero models, toy pistol paper caps in which the explosive content averages 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture per paper cap or toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices using such paper caps; nor shall the term 'consumer fireworks' or 'fireworks' include ammunition consumed by weapons used for sporting and hunting purposes; and, (b) Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are nonexplosive and nonaerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; smoke devices; or trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party peppers, string peppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of 81 explosive mixture." 2. Delete subsection 3.3.15.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 3.3.15.1 Consumer Fireworks. Any small fireworks devices containing restricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition, designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, that comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission as provided for in Parts 1500 and 1507 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the United States Department of Transportation as provided for in Part 172 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and the American Pyrotechnics Association as provided for in the 2001 American Pyrotechnics Association Standard 87-1, and additionally shall mean Roman candles. The term 'consumer fireworks' shall not include: (a) Model rockets and model rocket engines designed, sold, and used for the purpose of propelling recoverable aero models, toy pistol paper caps in which the explosive content averages 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture per paper cap or toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices using such paper caps; nor shall the term 'consumer fireworks' or 'fireworks' include ammunition consumed by weapons used for sporting and hunting purposes; and, (b) Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are nonexplosive and nonaerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; smoke devices; or trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party peppers, string peppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of 81 explosive mixture." 3. Delete subsection 3.3.15.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 3.3.15.2 Display Fireworks. Any large fireworks devices that are explosive materials intended for use in fireworks displays and designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, as set forth in Part 555 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 172 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and American Pyrotechnics Association Standard 87-1. Display fireworks are described as Fireworks, UN0335 and are classified as Explosives, 1.3G by the U.S. Department of Transportation. (b) Modifications to Chapter 8: 1. Add a new paragraph 8.1.3.6 to read as follows: " 8.1.3.6 The operator shall be present and shall personally supervise all phases of the public exhibition or display of fireworks." 2. Add a new subsection 8.1.9.3 to read as follows: " 8.1.9.3 The pyrotechnics operator shall be present and shall personally supervise all phases of the public exhibition or display of fireworks." (c) Modifications to Chapter 10: 1. Delete subsection 10.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.1.1 The operator shall be at least 21 years old. Prior to performing the public exhibition or display of fireworks, the operator or the operator's employer shall obtain a permit issued by the judge of the probate court of the county in which the public exhibition or display of fireworks is to be held in accordance with all applicable state laws." 2. Delete subsection 10.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.1.2 An operator shall provide evidence of actual experience as an operator or assistant to the authority having jurisdiction. This evidence shall include the following: (a) " At least five different affidavits signed by the local fire official or officials responsible for the area or areas that the operator has actively participated in all phases of a public exhibition or display of fireworks in which there were no personal injuries or property damage. (b) " A statement providing full details of any such public exhibitions or displays of fireworks in which said operator has participated which resulted in personal injuries or property damage, or an affidavit by the operator certifying that said operator has never participated in any such public exhibition or display of fireworks which resulted in personal injuries or property damage." 3. Delete subsection 10.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.1.3 An operator shall provide evidence to the authority having jurisdiction that he/she possess at least one of the following: (a) " Certificate(s) of training totaling 20 hours related to fireworks from national organization(s) that promote safety in fireworks displays, or (b) " Licensure for fireworks displays by another state which administers a competency test accepted by the Commissioner, or (c) " Other training, testing and/or experience acceptable to the Commissioner." 4. Add a new subsection 10.1.4 to read as follows: " 10.1.4 The individual pyrotechnic operator who will actually conduct the public exhibition or display of fireworks must provide to the authority having jurisdiction proof of employment by said person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks." 5. Delete section 10.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.2 All assistants shall be at least 18 years old. Each operator shall complete a form on each assistant for each permit being applied for that provides the assistant's age, date of birth, and states the operator's satisfaction as to the qualifications of that assistant." 6. Delete subsection 10.3.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.3.1 Prior to performing the public exhibition or display of fireworks, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall obtain and provide a copy of a display permit to conduct a firework(s) display issued by the judge of the probate court of the county in which the public exhibition or display of fireworks is to be held, pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-4(a) to the authority having jurisdiction." 7. Delete subsection 10.3.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 10.3.2 Proof of a bond in the principal sum of $10,000.00, payable to the county in which the public exhibition or display of fireworks is being held and conditioned for the payment of damages which may be caused either to persons or to property by reason of the public exhibition or display of fireworks must be provided or, alternatively, evidence be provided that the applicant carries proper liability insurance for bodily injury in the amount of not less than $25,000.00 for each person and $50,000.00 for each accident and for property damage in the amount of not less than $25,000.00 for each accident and $50,000.00 aggregate, purchased from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia, or an insurer regulated pursuant to O.C.G.A. Title 33, Chapter 5, if insurance cannot be obtained from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia." 8. Delete subsection 10.3.4 in its entirety with no substitution. 9. Add a new section 10.4 to read as follows: " 10.4 Prior to performing the public exhibition or display of fireworks, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall provide to the authority having jurisdiction the name and qualifications of every operator and assistant who will participate in the public exhibition or display of fireworks." 10. Add a new subsection 10.4.1 to read as follows: " 10.4.1 Prior to performing the public exhibition or display of fireworks, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall provide to the authority having jurisdiction a statement signed by the individual pyrotechnic operator who will actually conduct the public exhibition or display of fireworks certifying the operator's satisfaction with the qualifications of each such assistant."

(3) NFPA 1124, 2006 Edition, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 7: 1. Add a new subsection 7.3.25 to read as follows: " 7.3.25 Required Signs" 2. Add a new paragraph 7.3.25.1 to read as follows: " 7.3.25.1 Every licensed distributor selling consumer fireworks shall have within the retail display area for consumer fireworks at least one sign which reads as follows: PLEASE CHECK YOUR LOCAL ORDINANCES PRIOR TO USING OR IGNITING CONSUMER FIREWORKS PLEASE USE CONSUMER FIREWORKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR AFFIXED CAUTION AND WARNING LABELS PLEASE BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND BE MINDFUL THAT UNANNOUNCED IGNITION NEAR SOME MILITARY VETERANS AND OTHER PERSONS AND NEAR SOME PETS CAN BE TRAUMATIC" 3. Add a new subparagraph 7.3.25.1.1 to read as follows: " 7.3.25.1.1 Such signs shall be at least 22 inches by 28 inches in size, be printed in at least 40 point boldface type in a color contrasting from such sign's background color, and kept free from obstruction and in plain sight of customers." 4. Add a new paragraph 7.3.25.2 to read as follows: " 7.3.25.2 Signs shall be posted throughout the retail display area and shall read: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-10-2 , it is unlawful to: Sell consumer fireworks to any person under 18 years of age. Persons purchasing consumer fireworks must provide the seller proper identification at the time of purchase Use consumer fireworks indoors or within the right of way of a public road, street, highway, or railroad of this state. Use or ignite, possess, and transport consumer fireworks by any person under 18 years of age." 5. Add a new paragraph 7.3.25.3 to read as follows: " 7.3.25.3 Consumer fireworks retail sales facilities, stores, and stands which sell or offer for sale any balloon, bag, parachute, or other similar device which requires fire underneath for propulsion or any floating water lantern or wish lantern which uses a flame to create a lighting effect shall have signs posted throughout the retail display area and customer check out areas which shall read as follows: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-10-10 , it is unlawful to release or cause to be released any balloon, bag, parachute, or other similar device which requires fire underneath for propulsion or to release or cause to be released any floating water lantern or wish lantern which uses a flame to create a lighting effect in any public waterway, lake, pond, stream, or river.

(4) NFPA 1126, 2016 Edition, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 3: 1. Delete subsection 3.3.39 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 3.3.43 Proximate Audience. An audience closer to pyrotechnic devices than permitted by NFPA 1123, Code for Fireworks Display or an audience within a building or structure where pyrotechnic devices are used. (b) Modifications to Chapter 6: 1. Add a new subsection 6.1.5 to read as follows: " 6.1.5 Prior to performing the fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before a proximate audience, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall obtain and provide a copy of a display permit to conduct a proximate audience firework(s) display issued by the judge of the probate court of the county in which the public exhibition or display is to be held, pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-4(b) to the authority having jurisdiction." 2. Add a new subsection 6.1.6 to read as follows: " 6.1.6 Proof of a bond in the principal sum of $10,000.00, payable to the county in which the display is being held and conditioned for the payment of damages which may be caused either to persons or to property by reason of the display must be provided or, alternatively, evidence be provided that the applicant carries proper liability insurance for bodily injury in the amount of not less than $25,000.00 for each person and $50,000.00 for each accident and for property damage in the amount of not less than $25,000.00 for each accident and $50,000.00 aggregate, purchased from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia, or an insurer regulated pursuant to O.C.G.A. Title 33, Chapter 5, if insurance cannot be obtained from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia." 3. Add a new subsection 6.1.7 to read as follows: " 6.1.7 The person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before a proximate audience must provide a copy of the license or amended license issued by the Commissioner to the authority having jurisdiction that indicates that the individual pyrotechnic operator(s) who will actually conduct the proximate audience display or exhibition is licensed under the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership." 4. Delete subsection 6.5.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 6.5.1 All pyrotechnic operators shall be at least 21 years old. Prior to performing the fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before a proximate audience, the operator or the operator's employer shall obtain a permit issued by the judge of the probate court of the county in which the public exhibition or display is to be held in accordance with all applicable state laws. In addition, each operator shall provide evidence of actual experience as an operator or assistant to the authority having jurisdiction. This evidence shall include the following: (a) " At least five different affidavits signed by the local fire official or officials responsible for the area or areas that the pyrotechnic operator has actively participated in all phases of a fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before proximate audiences in which there were no personal injuries or property damage. (b) " A statement providing full details of any fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibitions or displays before proximate audiences in which said pyrotechnic operator has participated which resulted in personal injuries or property damage, or an affidavit by the pyrotechnic operator certifying that said operator has never participated in any such displays or exhibitions which resulted in personal injuries or property damage." 5. Delete paragraph 6.5.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 6.5.1.1 Each operator shall provide evidence to the authority having jurisdiction that he/she possess at least one of the following: (a) " Certificate(s) of training totaling 20 hours related to fireworks from national organization(s) that promote safety in fireworks displays, or (b) " Licensure for fireworks displays by another state which administers a competency test accepted by the Commissioner, or (c) " Other training, testing and/or experience acceptable to the Commissioner." 6. Delete paragraph 6.5.1.2 in its entirety. 7. Delete subsection 6.5.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: " 6.5.2 All assistants shall be at least 18 years old. In addition, a form shall be completed on each assistant for each permit being applied for that provides the assistant's full name, age, date of birth, address, previous experience, and certifies in writing the operator's satisfaction as to the qualifications of that assistant." 8. Add a new subsection 6.5.3 to read as follows: " 6.5.3 Prior to performing the fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before a proximate audience, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall provide to the authority having jurisdiction the name and qualifications of every operator and assistant who will participate in the display or exhibition." 9. Add a new subsection 6.5.4 to read as follows: " 6.5.4 Prior to performing the fireworks or pyrotechnics exhibition or display before a proximate audience, the person, firm, corporation, association or partnership desiring to conduct a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall provide to the authority having jurisdiction a statement signed by the individual pyrotechnic operator who will actually conduct the display or exhibition certifying the operator's satisfaction with the qualifications of each such assistant." (c) Modifications to Chapter 8: 1. Add a new subsection 8.6.7 to read as follows: " 8.6.7 The pyrotechnics operator shall be present and shall personally supervise all phases of the proximate audience display or exhibition."

(4) International Fire Code (IFC ) Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-22-.09

(1) The applicant for a license must satisfy the Commissioner that all of the following requirements are met before the Commissioner issues a license for fireworks or pyrotechnic exhibitions or displays before a proximate audience: (a) The applicant shall submit a completed application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. (b) The applicant shall submit to the Commissioner proof of a valid comprehensive liability insurance policy purchased from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia, or an insurer regulated pursuant to O.C.G.A. Title 33, Chapter 5, if insurance cannot be obtained from an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia. The coverage must include bodily injury and property damage, products liability, completed operations, and contractual liability. The proof of insurance must also be provided before any license can be renewed. The minimum amount of said coverage shall be $1 million or such other amount as specified by the Commissioner. An insurer which provided such coverage shall notify the Commissioner of any change in coverage in writing which falls below the minimal insurance requirements of this regulation. (c) The applicant shall submit to the Commissioner a list naming each pyrotechnic operator that shall use pyrotechnics or pyrotechnic special effects before a proximate audience or within a building or structure pursuant to the license. Each pyrotechnic operator listed on the application for a license shall give his or her full name, age, date of birth, address, and written permission for a criminal background investigation. The applicant must submit evidence that each such pyrotechnic operator is qualified in accordance with NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience as adopted and modified herein. (d) Any natural person applying for a license, and each pyrotechnic operator listed on the application for a license, must give their permission for a criminal background investigation. (e) The applicant shall pay the required licensing fee as prescribed in Code Section 25-10-5 . (f) The applicant shall comply with all other applicable portions of these regulations and standards adopted hereunder. (g) The applicant shall provide any other information deemed necessary by the Commissioner.

(2) The licensee must apply for, and receive, an amended license issued by the Commissioner for any additional pyrotechnic operator employed by a person, firm, corporation, association, or partnership and who is not listed on the original license application. The applicant for an amended license must comply with the requirements of subsections (c) and (d), above, as to the additional pyrotechnic operator.

(3) The licensee must notify the Commissioner in writing within 10 days of the date the licensee withdraws sponsorship of a pyrotechnic operator who is listed on the license application. The reason for the licensee's withdraw of sponsorship must be stated.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-22-.10

(1) An applicant for a fireworks distributor license must submit a completed application before a license will be issued.

(2) An application for initial license or annual license renewal must be received by the State Fire Marshal's office and contain the following items before the license application will be considered complete: (a) The appropriate application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner; (b) Proper identification showing that said applicant is at least 18 years of age; (c) Proof of a valid public liability and product liability insurance policy which provides coverage limits of at least $2 million to cover losses, damages, or injuries which might result from the selling of consumer fireworks and which is provided by an insurer authorized to do business in Georgia or procured through a surplus line broker licensed to pursuant to Title 33; (d) The appropriate license fee as required by Code Sections 25-10-5.1(b)(1) or 25-10-5.1(d)(1) , whichever is applicable, payable to the Safety Fire Commissioner; and (e) Documentation, in the form of an inspection report on a form approved by the State Fire Marshal, that an inspection has been conducted by a qualified individual indicating the consumer fireworks retail sales facility or consumer fireworks retail sales store for which an application for license has been received meets the minimum fire safety and construction requirements of the 2006 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1124 entitled, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles and as modified herein this chapter. An application for initial license or annual license renewal for distributors selling consumer fireworks from a store shall identify each store location to which an initial or annual license is applicable; and (f) Signed and notarized Citizenship Affidavit Form (GID-276-EN); and (g) A copy of the front and back of a secure and verifiable form of identification (list of acceptable forms can be found on the Commissioner's website)

(3) The initial license fee for a fireworks distributor license for a consumer fireworks retail sales facility or wholesale distribution facility shall be $5,000.00, payable to the Safety Fire Commissioner. Such initial license shall expire on January 31 of the year after such initial license was issued or as provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-5.1(b)(2) .

(4) The annual renewal license fee for a fireworks distributor license for a consumer fireworks retail sales facility or wholesale distribution facility shall be $1,000.00, payable to the Safety Fire Commissioner. Such annual license shall expire on January 31 of the year after such annual license was issued or as provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-5.1(b)(2) .

(5) The initial license fee for a fireworks distributor license for a store shall be $1,500.00 in addition to $250.00 per store location, payable to the Safety Fire Commissioner. Additional store locations may be added to the initial license prior to the expiration of such license upon payment of $250.00 per added store location. The initial license shall expire on January 31 of the year after the initial license was issued or as provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-5.1(d)(1) .

(6) The annual renewal license fee for a fireworks distributor license for a store shall be $1,000.00 in addition to $100.00 per store location, payable to the Safety Fire Commissioner. Additional store locations may be added to the annual license prior to the expiration of such license upon payment of $250.00 per added store location. The annual license shall expire on January 31 of the year after the annual license was issued or as provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 25-10-5.1(d)(2) .

(7) A distributor shall submit a completed application for annual renewal of license by December 1 in the year preceding the expiration date of such initial or annual license. When an initial license is issued to a distributor on or after December 1, then such distributor shall apply for an annual license by the first business day of the next year.

(8) A fireworks distributor license shall be nontransferable.

(9) A fireworks distributor license shall be void upon a change in the ownership or upon a change of location of the consumer fireworks retail sales facility or store location.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-23-.03

(1) The licenses and permits required by O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 12 and these rules and regulations shall be issued by the Commissioner for each license year beginning January 1 and expiring December 31 of the same year. The application for the renewal of a license or permit shall be filed by November 1.

(2) A license or permit which is invalid because of failure to renew it, shall be restored upon payment of the applicable fee plus a penalty equal to the applicable fee if said fees are paid within ninety (90) days of expiration. After ninety (90) days, the firm and the employees thereof must apply for new licenses and permits as required for an initial license or permit.

(3) Any firm or individual holding a valid license or permit desiring to perform an activity not covered by the current permit may submit an application for an amended license or permit at any time between January 1 and November 1.

(4) The provisions of this Chapter relating to the requirements for obtaining a license or permit shall also apply to applications for an amended license or amended permit and for the renewal of a license or the renewal of a permit. The fee for an amended license, an amended permit, a renewal of a license or the renewal of a permit shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) and twenty-five dollars ($25.00) respectively. The fees for an amended license or permit shall not apply if the new activity or activities are included in an application for a renewal of the annual license or permit.

(5) In addition to the provision of paragraph (4), the application for renewal of a firm's license or an individual's permit must be accompanied by the following: (a) Proof of training equaling a total of required credit units each year as follows: i. A minimum of eight (8) credit units must be received each year by a minimum of one full time employee of the firm in each type of license area filed and license type being requested. Exception: NICET acceptable CPD Continuing Professional Development will be acceptable. ii. A minimum of eight (8) credit units must be received each year by each employee for each type of permit application filed and permit type being requested. Exception: NICET acceptable CPD Continuing Professional Development will be acceptable. (b) Proof of other training or applicable documentation regarding the activity or activities desired to be included on the new amended license or new amended permit.

(6) If any employee should leave the employment of the firm or change office locations, the registered agent of the firm shall notify the Commissioner in writing within 5 business days. The individual's license(s) and/or permit(s) shall be returned to the State Fire Marshal's office with this notification. Failure to provide such notification and returned permit(s) and/or license(s) shall constitute a violation of this Chapter and shall be subject to the provisions of Rules 120-3-23-.15 and 120-3-23-.16 . Such permit(s) and/or license(s) shall become null and void immediately upon notification. A new permit and or license shall not be re-issued until the requirements of this Chapter for such permit or license are met.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-23-.04

A firm may obtain a license to install, inspect, repair, recharge, service or test portable fire extinguishers upon meeting the following requirements:

(a) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test portable fire extinguishers has completed an application form acceptable to the Commissioner.

(b) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test portable fire extinguishers has paid an annual license fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and a one time non-refundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the Commissioner.

(c) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test portable fire extinguishers has submitted evidence of the firm's registration as a current Georgia Corporation.

(d) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test portable fire extinguishers has submitted to the Commissioner a certificate of liability insurance listing the physical address of the business that provides proof of a valid comprehensive liability insurance policy purchased from an insurer or surplus lines broker authorized to do business in Georgia. The certificate of liability insurance shall list the Insurance Commissioner as the certificate holder to the address of the Safety Fire Division, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, 620 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334. The coverage must include bodily injury and property damage, products liability, completed operations, and contractual liability. The minimum amount of said coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), provided, however, the amount of insurance required may be higher if so specified by the Commissioner. An insurer which provides such coverage shall notify the Commissioner of any change in coverage.

(e) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test portable fire extinguishers has submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office the following: 1. A letter on company letter head indicating the areas the company intends to provide services. 2. A minimum of three (3) samples of all service tags, maintenance labels, test labels, service collars, non-compliance tags and high pressure cylinder stamps to be used by the company as indicated by the above service letter received, meeting the requirements of Rule 120-3-23-.14 . Where stamps are allowed to utilized, ink stamped impressions showing the applicants DOT (RIN) number shall be submitted with a copy of the firm's DOT approvals and renewals. Tags, labels and collars may be printed and established for any period of time. However, after each printing, a minimum of three newly printed sample tags, labels and collars must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office as indicated in this paragraph and under Rule 120-3-23-.14 .

(f) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test portable fire extinguishers has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. The applicant has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test portable fire extinguishers for a minimum of a three year period; or 2. Proof of one full time employee of the firm that has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test portable fire extinguishers for a minimum of a three year period.

(g) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test portable fire extinguishers has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. Current certification as a Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 2. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification as a Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 3. Current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner; or 4. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner; or 5. Current certification from the manufacturer of the portable fire extinguisher denoting the portable fire extinguisher and areas in which the applicant has been successfully trained and certified. 6. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with current certification from the manufacturer of the portable fire extinguisher denoting the portable fire extinguisher and areas in which the applicant has been successfully trained and certified.

(h) An inspection by means as determined by the Commissioner has determined that the minimum equipment listed below for the activities the applicant requested to be licensed to perform was present at the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm. 1. Proper wrenches with non-serrated jaws or strap wrenches. 2. Non-serrated needle nose pliers or valve puller. 3. Inspection light suitable for internal inspection of extinguisher cylinders. 4. Accurate weighing scales in pound increments for extinguisher cylinder inspection and filling. 5. Accurate weighing scales in ounce increments for extinguisher cartridge inspection and/or filling. 6. Fixed vise appropriately sized for its intended use. 7. A supply of extinguishing agent(s) or compatibly listed agent(s) appropriate for the types of extinguishers the firm requests to fill, and facilities for the proper storage of extinguishing agents as set forth by the specifications from the agent manufacturer. 8. Commercial dry nitrogen supply with a dew point of -60°F (-51°C) or lower (CGA nitrogen specification G10.1, grades D through P) and pressure regulator with supply and regulated pressure gages calibrated and suitable for properly pressurizing portable fire extinguishers. 9. Equipment shall be on hand at the stationary facility location and each service vehicle for leak testing pressurized extinguishers. Use of a spray bottle containing a soap solution for leak testing pressurized extinguishers is permitted. 10. A supply of adapters, fittings, tools and equipment required for properly servicing, repairing, maintaining and/or recharging all extinguishers the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge. These needs shall be based on the service or recharge specifications of the extinguisher manufacturer and is not intended to prohibit the use of compatibly listed parts meeting the specifications of the extinguisher manufacturer. 11. Closed recovery system(s) and storage to remove and store dry chemicals and/or clean agent from extinguisher cylinders during servicing. 12. Inventory of manufacturer or compatibly listed spare parts for all extinguishers the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge based on the service or recharge specifications of the extinguisher manufacturer. 13. A copy of the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association currently adopted by the Commissioner, and copies of installation, service and maintenance manuals from the manufacturer of each make or brand of extinguisher or system the firm installs, services, recharges, repairs, or maintains. 14. A supply of required service, maintenance and test tags meeting the provisions of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. 15. Appropriate replacement extinguishers for exchange if extinguishers are removed for service.

(i) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the request for hydrostatic testing of low pressure DOT or non-DOT regulated extinguisher cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must possess low pressure hydrostatic testing equipment as follows: 1. Appropriate, hydrostatic test equipment for low-pressure extinguishercylinders and hoses equipped with a shutoff nozzle as well as manuals in accordance with DOT and the applicable NFPA Standards. 2. Approved drying method for low-pressure extinguishercylinders and hoses equipped with a shutoff nozzle after the hydrostatic test in accordance with DOT requirements and NFPA 10. 3. Adequate safety cage for hydrostatic testing of low pressure extinguishercylinders and hoses equipped with a shutoff nozzle in accordance with DOT requirements and NFPA 10. 4. Low-pressure hydrostatic test labels for DOT or non-DOT regulated extinguisher cylinders containing at least the minimum information required by paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 . Exception to (i) : The provisions in subparagraph (i) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts low-pressure extinguisher cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the cylinder must properly label the cylinder in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. The primary firm must properly tag the fire extinguisher in accordance with Rule 120-3-23-.14 .

(j) If the applicant includes in the request for a license for the hydrostatic testing of high-pressure DOT regulated extinguisher cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must submit with the application a copy of its DOT approvals and renewals. Exception : The provisions in subparagraph (j) shall not apply to a firm that accepts high-pressure cylinders for hydrostatic testing by another firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The firm actually hydrostatically testing the cylinder must properly stamp the cylinder with their current DOT (RIN) number when required by DOT regulations.

(k) If the applicant includes in the request for a license activities that involve the transfer of clean agent fire suppression agents, in addition to the minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must have the following equipment: 1. Listed clean agent filling equipment/pumping station and/or closed recovery system at the clean agent recharge location only for each type of clean agent being utilized. 2. Chemical supply tank(s) for each type of clean agent extinguisher being serviced. Exception to (k) : The provisions in (k) shall not apply to the primary firm that accepts clean agent extinguishers for recharge by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually recharging and servicing the extinguisher must properly install a service collar onto the clean agent extinguisher cylinder in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. The primary firm must tag the clean agent fire extinguisher after conducting a proper maintenance inspection on the clean agent fire extinguisher.

(l) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the service, maintenance, repair or recharge of CO 2 fire extinguishers the following equipment shall be provided at the service location(s) in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the firm must have the following equipment: 1. A CO 2 cascade system for proper filling of CO 2 portable fire extinguisher cylinders; or 2. An approved electric pump system for proper filling of CO 2 portable fire extinguisher cylinders; or 3. An approved pneumatic pump system for proper filling of CO 2 portable fire extinguishers cylinders; or 4. An alternate system for proper filling of CO 2 portable fire extinguisher cylinders based on new technology may be used provided the level of safety prescribed by the appropriate standard is not lowered and the system is approved by the Commissioner after being evaluated. 5. If the applicant includes in the request for a license to service or recharge CO 2 fire extinguishers, then in addition to one of the four items above, equipment which allows for the complete immersion of the valve assembly shall be on hand at the stationary facility location for leak testing pressurized CO 2 portable fire extinguisher cylinders. Exception to (l) : The provisions in (l) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts CO 2 extinguishers for recharge by secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service provided the primary firm tags the CO 2 fire extinguisher after conducting a proper maintenance inspection on the CO 2 fire extinguisher.

(m) Nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying by an announced or unannounced re-inspection of the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm that such equipment listed and required in subparagraphs (h) through (l) exists and is readily available. The Commissioner may give the registered agent of the firm up to 30 days as deemed appropriate by him/her to correct any deficiencies discovered by such inspection. Furthermore, nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying such evidence of notification, certification or testing as required in subparagraph (g) and experience as required in subparagraph (f).

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-23-.06

(1) A firm may obtain a license to install, inspect, repair, recharge, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems upon meeting the following requirements: (a) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has completed an application form acceptable to the Commissioner. (b) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has paid an annual license fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and a one time non-refundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the Commissioner. (c) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has submitted evidence of the firm's registration as a current Georgia Corporation. (d) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner a certificate of liability insurance listing the physical address of the business that provides proof of a valid comprehensive liability insurance policy purchased from an insurer or surplus lines broker authorized to do business in Georgia. The certificate of liability insurance shall list the Insurance Commissioner as the certificate holder to the address of the Safety Fire Division, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, 620 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334. The coverage must include bodily injury and property damage, products liability, completed operations, and contractual liability. The minimum amount of said coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), provided, however, the amount of insurance required may be higher if so specified by the Commissioner. An insurer which provides such coverage shall notify the Commissioner of any change in coverage. (e) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office the following: 1. A letter on company letter head indicating the areas the company intends to provide services. 2. A minimum of three (3) samples of all service tags, maintenance labels, test labels, non-compliance tags and high pressure cylinder stamps to be used by the company as indicated by the above service letter received, meeting the requirements of Rule 120-3-23-.14 . Where stamps are allowed to utilized, ink stamped impressions showing the applicants DOT (RIN) number shall be submitted with a copy of the firm's DOT approvals and renewals. Tags and labels may be printed and established for any period of time. However, after each printing, a minimum of three newly printed sample tags or labels and collars must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office as indicated in this paragraph and under Rule 120-3-23-.14 . (f) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. The applicant has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period; or 2. Proof of one full time employee of the firm that has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period. Exception to (f): Applicants that meet the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or (g)6. denoted below. (g) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. Current certification from the manufacturer of the pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the applicant has been successfully trained and certified; or 2. Notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems; or 3. Current certification as a Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 4. Current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner; or 5. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification as a Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 6. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification from the manufacturer of the pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the full time employee has been successfully trained and certified; or 7. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems; or 8. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner. (h) An inspection by means as determined by the Commissioner has determined that the minimum equipment listed below for the activities the applicant requested to be licensed to perform was present at the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm. 1. Proper wrenches with non-serrated jaws or strap wrenches. 2. Non-serrated needle nose pliers or valve puller. 3. Inspection light suitable for internal inspection of pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders. 4. Accurate weighing scales in pound increments for pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders inspection and filling. 5. Accurate weighing scales in ounce increments for pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cartridge inspection and/or filling. 6. Fixed vise appropriately sized for its intended use. 7. A supply of extinguishing agent(s) or compatibly listed agent(s) appropriate for the types of pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems the firm requests to fill, and facilities for the proper storage of extinguishing agents as set forth by the specifications from the agent manufacturer. 8. Commercial dry nitrogen supply with a dew point of -60°F (-51°C) or lower (CGA nitrogen specification G10.1, grades D through P) and pressure regulator with supply and regulated pressure gages calibrated and suitable for properly pressurizing pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system. 9. Equipment shall be on hand at the stationary facility location and each service vehicle for leak testing pressurized pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders. Use of a spray bottle containing a soap solution for leak testing pressurized system cylinders or their installations is permitted. 10. A supply of adapters, fittings, tools and equipment required for properly servicing, repairing, maintaining and or recharging all systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge. These needs shall be based on the service or recharge specifications of the pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system manufacturer and is not intended to prohibit the use of compatibly listed parts meeting the specifications of the pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system manufacturer. 11. Inventory of manufacturer or compatibly listed spare parts to include system detector and control parts as applicable for all pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge based on the service or recharge specifications of the systems manufacturer. 12. A copy of the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association currently adopted by the Commissioner, and copies of installation, service and maintenance manuals from the manufacturer of each make or brand of pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system the firm installs, services, recharges, repairs, or maintains. 13. A supply of required service, maintenance and test tags meeting the provisions of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. 14. Pipe threader and associated tools and dies. 15. Appropriate replacement cylinders for exchange if pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders are removed for service. (i) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the request for hydrostatic testing of low pressure DOT or non-DOT regulated pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15. the applicant must possess low pressure hydro testing equipment as follows: 1. Appropriate, hydrostatic test equipment for low-pressure cylinders as well as manuals in accordance with DOT and the applicable NFPA Standards. 2. Adequate safety cage for hydrostatic testing of low pressure pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 3. Low-pressure hydrostatic test labels for DOT or non-DOT regulated pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders containing at least the minimum information required by paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. Exception to (i) : The provisions in subparagraph (i) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts low-pressure pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the cylinder must properly label the cylinder in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. (j) If the applicant includes in the request for a license for the hydrostatic testing of high-pressure DOT regulated pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must submit with the application a copy of its DOT approvals and renewals. Exception : The provisions in subparagraph (j) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts high-pressure pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The firm actually hydrostatically testing the cylinder must properly stamp the cylinder with their current DOT (RIN) number when required by and in conformance with DOT regulations. (k) Nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying by an announced or unannounced re-inspection of the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm that such equipment listed and required in subparagraphs (h) through (j) exists and is readily available. The Commissioner may give the registered agent of the firm up to 30 days as deemed appropriate by him/her to correct any deficiencies discovered by such inspection. Furthermore, nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying such evidence of notification, certification or testing as required in subparagraph (g) and experience as required in subparagraph (f).

(2) Any license issued under the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or subparagraph (g)6. due to certification received from the manufacturer shall be considered a restricted license to only allow the firm and the permit holder(s) to install, inspect, service and test those pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression systems whom certification is received and filed with the Commissioner. Such restricted license shall not constitute any additional approvals as a license for the installation, inspection servicing or testing of any other pre-engineered kitchen or restaurant fire suppression system. In addition, such license will automatically restrict the firm's permit applicant(s) and permit holder(s) activities operating under the firm's license regardless of their qualifications.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-23-.08

(1) A firm may obtain a license to install, inspect, repair, recharge, service or test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems upon meeting the following requirements: (a) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has completed an application form acceptable to the Commissioner. (b) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has paid an annual license fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and a one time non-refundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the Commissioner. (c) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted evidence of the firm's registration as a current Georgia Corporation. (d) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner a certificate of liability insurance listing the physical address of the business that provides proof of a valid comprehensive liability insurance policy purchased from an insurer or surplus lines broker authorized to do business in Georgia. The certificate of liability insurance shall list the Insurance Commissioner as the certificate holder to the address of the Safety Fire Division, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, 620 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334. The coverage must include bodily injury and property damage, products liability, completed operations, and contractual liability. The minimum amount of said coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), provided, however, the amount of insurance required may be higher if so specified by the Commissioner. An insurer which provides such coverage shall notify the Commissioner of any change in coverage. (e) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office the following: 1. A letter on company letter head indicating the areas the company intends to provide services. 2. A minimum of three (3) samples of all service tags, maintenance labels, test labels, non-compliance tags and high pressure cylinder stamps to be used by the company as indicated by the above service letter received, meeting the requirements of Rule 120-3-23-.14 . Where stamps are allowed to utilized, ink stamped impressions showing the applicants DOT (RIN) number shall be submitted with a copy of the firm's DOT approvals and renewals. Tags and labels may be printed and established for any period of time. However, after each printing, a minimum of three newly printed sample tags and labels must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office as indicated in this paragraph and under Rule 120-3-23-.14 . (f) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. The applicant has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period; or, 2. Proof of one full time employee of the firm that has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period. Exception to (f) : Applicants that meet the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or subparagraph (g)6. denoted below. (g) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with the following: 1. Current certification from the manufacturer of the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the applicant has been successfully trained and certified; or 2. Notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems; or 3. Current certification as a Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 4. Current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner; or 5. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification as a Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED); or 6. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification from the manufacturer of the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the full time employee has been successfully trained and certified; or 7. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems; or 8. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner. (h) An inspection by means as determined by the Commissioner has determined that the minimum equipment listed below for the activities the applicant requested to be licensed to perform was present at the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm. 1. Proper wrenches with non-serrated jaws or strap wrenches. 2. Non-serrated needle nose pliers or valve puller. 3. Inspection light suitable for internal inspection of pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders. 4. Accurate weighing scales in pound increments for pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinder inspection and filling. 5. Accurate weighing scales in ounce increments for pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cartridge inspection and/or filling. 6. Fixed vise appropriately sized for its intended use. 7. A supply of extinguishing agent(s) or compatibly listed agent(s) appropriate for the types of pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems the firm requests to fill, and facilities for the proper storage of extinguishing agents as set forth by the specifications from the agent manufacturer. 8. Commercial dry nitrogen supply with a dew point of -60°F (-51°C) or lower (CGA nitrogen specification G10.1, grades D through P) and pressure regulator with supply and regulated pressure gages calibrated and suitable for properly pressurizing pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system. 9. Equipment, which allows for the complete immersion of a cylinder, shall be on hand at the stationary facility location for leak testing pressurized pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders. Service vehicles may use a spray bottle containing a soap solution for leak testing pressurized system cylinders or their installations. 10. A supply of adapters, fittings, tools and equipment required for properly servicing, repairing, maintaining and or recharging all pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge. These needs shall be based on the service or recharge specifications of the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system manufacturer and is not intended to prohibit the use of compatibly listed parts meeting the specifications of the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system manufacturer. 11. Inventory of manufacturer or compatibly listed spare parts to include system detector and control parts as applicable for all pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge based on the service or recharge specifications of the systems manufacturer. 12. A copy of the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association currently adopted by the Commissioner, and copies of installation, service and maintenance manuals from the manufacturer of each make or brand of pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system the firm installs, services, recharges, repairs, or maintains. 13. A supply of required service, maintenance and test tags meeting the provisions of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. 14. Pipe threader and associated tools and dies. 15. Appropriate replacement cylinders for exchange if pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders are removed for service. (i) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the request for hydrostatic testing of low pressure DOT or non-DOT regulated pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must possess low pressure hydrostatic testing equipment as follows: 1. Appropriate, hydrostatic test equipment for low-pressure cylinders as well as manuals in accordance with DOT and the applicable NFPA Standards. 2. Approved drying method for low-pressure pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders after the hydrostatic test in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 3. Adequate safety cage for hydrostatic testing of low pressure pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 4. Low-pressure hydrostatic test labels for DOT or non-DOT regulated pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders containing at least the minimum information required by Paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. Exception to (i) : The provisions in subparagraph (i) shall not to apply to a primary firm that accepts low-pressure pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinder must properly label the cylinder in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. The primary firm must properly tag the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system after proper inspection and maintenance is performed. (j) If the applicant includes in the request for a license for the hydrostatic testing of high-pressure DOT regulated pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment in listed in listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must submit with the application a copy of its DOT approvals and renewals. Exception : The provision in subparagraph (j) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts high-pressure pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinder must properly stamp the cylinder with their current DOT (RIN) number when required by and in conformance with this Chapter and DOT regulations. (k) If the applicant includes in the request for a license activities that involve the transfer of clean agent pre-engineered industrial fire suppression agents, in addition to the minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must have the following equipment: 1. Listed clean agent filling equipment/pumping station and/or closed recovery system at the clean agent recharge location only for each type of clean agent being utilized. 2. Chemical supply tank(s) for each type of clean agent extinguisher being serviced. Exception to (k) : The provisions in (k) shall not apply to the primary firm that accepts clean agent pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders for recharge by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually recharging and servicing the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders must properly install a service collar onto the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. The primary firm must tag the pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders with their company tag in conformance with Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter after conducting a proper maintenance inspection. (l) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the service, maintenance, repair or recharge of CO 2 pre-engineered fire suppression systems the following equipment shall be provided at the service location(s) in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-15., the applicant must have the following equipment: 1. CO 2 cascade system for proper filling of CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders; or 2. An approved electric pump system for proper filling of CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders; or 3. An approved pneumatic pump system for proper filling of CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders; or 4. An alternate system for proper filling of CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders based on new technology may be used provided the level of safety prescribed by the appropriate standard is not lowered and the system is approved by the Commissioner after being evaluated. 5. Approved drying method for low-pressure pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders after the hydrostatic test in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 6. Equipment shall be on hand at the stationary facility location and each service vehicle for leak testing pressurized pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders. Use of a spray bottle containing a soap solution for leak testing pressurized pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders is permitted. Exception to (l) : The provisions in subparagraph (l) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders for recharge by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service provided the primary firm tags the CO 2 fire extinguisher after conducting a proper maintenance inspection on the CO 2 pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system cylinders. (m) Nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying by an announced or unannounced re-inspection of the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm that such equipment listed and required in subparagraphs (g) through (k) exists and is readily available. The Commissioner may give the registered agent of the firm up to 30 days as deemed appropriate by him/her to correct any deficiencies discovered by such inspection. Furthermore, nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying such evidence of notification, certification or testing as required in subparagraph (g) and experience as required in subparagraph (f).

(2) Any license issued under the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or subparagraph (g)6. due to certification received from the manufacturer shall be considered a restricted license to only allow the firm and the permit holder(s) to install, inspect, service and test those pre-engineered industrial fire suppression systems whom certification is received and filed with the Commissioner. Such restricted license shall not constitute any additional approvals as a license for the installation, inspection servicing or testing of any other pre-engineered industrial fire suppression system. In addition, such license will automatically restrict the firm's permit applicant(s) and permit holder(s) activities operating under the firm's license regardless of their qualifications.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-23-.10

(1) A firm may obtain a license to install, inspect, repair, recharge, service or test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems upon meeting the following requirements: (a) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has completed an application form acceptable to the Commissioner. (b) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has paid an annual license fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and a one time non-refundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the Commissioner. (c) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has submitted evidence of the firm's registration as a current Georgia Corporation. (d) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner a certificate of liability insurance listing the physical address of the business that provides proof of a valid comprehensive liability insurance policy purchased from an insurer or surplus lines broker authorized to do business in Georgia. The certificate of liability insurance shall list the Insurance Commissioner as the certificate holder to the address of the Safety Fire Division, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, 620 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334. The coverage must include bodily injury and property damage, products liability, completed operations, and contractual liability. The minimum amount of said coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), provided, however, the amount of insurance required may be higher if so specified by the Commissioner. An insurer which provides such coverage shall notify the Commissioner of any change in coverage. (e) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office the following: 1. A letter on company letter head indicating the areas the company intends to provide services. 2. A minimum of three (3) samples of all service tags, maintenance labels, test labels, non-compliance tags and high pressure cylinder stamps to be used by the company as indicated by the above service letter received, meeting the requirements of Rule 120-3-23-.14 . Where stamps are allowed to utilized, ink stamped impressions showing the applicants DOT (RIN) number shall be submitted with a copy of the firm's DOT approvals and renewals. Tags and labels may be printed and established for any period of time. However, after each printing, a minimum of three newly printed sample tags and labels must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office as indicated in this paragraph and under Rule 120-3-23-.14 . (f) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service or test engineered industrial fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. The applicant has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test engineered industrial fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period; or, 2. Proof of one full time employee of the firm that has maintained a valid permit issued by the Commissioner to install, inspect, service or test engineered industrial fire suppression systems for a minimum of a three year period. Exception to (f) : Applicants that meet the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or subparagraph (g)7. denoted below. (g) The applicant for a license to install, inspect, service and test engineered special hazard fire suppression systems has submitted to the Commissioner evidence of compliance with one of the following: 1. Current certification from the manufacturer of the engineered special hazard fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the applicant has been successfully trained and certified. 2. Notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting certification at or above Level IV in Special Hazards Suppression Systems. 3. Current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner; or 4. Notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems and has maintained a current license for the past five years. 5. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification from the manufacturer of the engineered special hazard fire suppression system denoting the specific system and areas in which the full time employee has been successfully trained and certified. 6. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting certification at or above Level IV in Special Hazards Suppression Systems. 7. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of current certification or testing by other nationally recognized organizations as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Commissioner. 8. Proof of one full time employee of the firm with documentation of notification from the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) denoting the successful completion of Level III, Technician certification exam requirements for Special Hazards Suppression Systems and has maintained a current license for the past five years. (h) An inspection by means as determined by the Commissioner has determined that the minimum equipment listed below for the activities the applicant requested to be licensed to perform was present at the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm. 1. Proper wrenches with non-serrated jaws or strap wrenches. 2. Non-serrated needle nose pliers or valve puller. 3. Inspection light suitable for internal inspection of engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders. 4. Accurate weighing scales in pounds increments for engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinder inspection and filling. 5. Accurate weighing scales in ounce increments for engineered special hazard fire suppression system cartridge inspection and/or filling. 6. Fixed vise appropriately sized for its intended use. 7. A supply of extinguishing agent(s) or compatibly listed agent(s) appropriate for the types of engineered special hazard fire suppression systems the firm requests to fill, and facilities for the proper storage of extinguishing agents as set forth by the specifications from the agent manufacturer. 8. Commercial dry nitrogen supply with a dew point of -60°F (-51°C) or lower (CGA nitrogen specification G10.1, grades D through P) and pressure regulator with supply and regulated pressure gages calibrated and suitable for properly pressurizing engineered special hazard fire suppression system. 9. Equipment shall be on hand at the stationary facility location for leak testing pressurized non-CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders. A leak detector is acceptable. In addition, a spray bottle containing a soap solution for leak testing pressurized system cylinders or their installations. 10. A supply of adapters, fittings, tools and equipment required for properly servicing, repairing, maintaining and or recharging all engineered special hazard fire suppression systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge. These needs shall be based on the service or recharge specifications of the engineered special hazard fire suppression system manufacturer and is not intended to prohibit the use of compatibly listed parts meeting the specifications of the engineered special hazard fire suppression system manufacturer. 11. Closed recovery system(s) and storage to remove and store dry chemicals and/or clean agent where required by the manufacturer from engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders during servicing. 12. Inventory of manufacturer or compatibly listed spare parts to include system detector and control parts as applicable for all engineered special hazard fire suppression systems the firm solicits or accepts for service, repair, maintenance or recharge based on the service or recharge specifications of the systems manufacturer. 13. A copy of the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association currently adopted by the Commissioner, and copies of installation, service and maintenance manuals from the manufacturer of each make or brand of engineered special hazard fire suppression system the firm installs, services, recharges, repairs, or maintains. 14. A supply of required service, maintenance and test tags meeting the provisions of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. 15. Pipe threader and associated tools and dies. 16. Appropriate replacement cylinders for exchange if engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders are removed for service. (i) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the request for hydrostatic testing of low pressure DOT or non-DOT regulated engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-16., the applicant must possess low pressure hydro testing equipment as follows: 1. Appropriate, hydrostatic test equipment for low-pressure cylinders as well as manuals in accordance with DOT and the applicable NFPA Standards. 2. Approved drying method for low-pressure engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders after the hydrostatic test in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 3. Adequate safety cage for hydrostatic testing of low pressure engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders in accordance with DOT requirements and the applicable NFPA Standards. 4. Low-pressure hydrostatic test labels for DOT or non-DOT regulated engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders containing at least the minimum information required by paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. Exception to (i) : The provision in subparagraph (i) shall not to apply to a primary firm that accepts low-pressure engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinder must properly label the cylinder in conformance with paragraph (5) of Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. (j) If the applicant includes in the request for a license for the hydrostatic testing of high-pressure DOT regulated engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders, in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-16., the applicant must submit with the application a copy of its DOT approvals and renewals. Exception : The provision in subparagraph (j) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts high-pressure engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders for hydrostatic testing by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The secondary firm actually hydrostatically testing the engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinder must properly stamp the cylinder with their current DOT (RIN) number in conformance with this Chapter and DOT regulations. (k) If the applicant includes in the request for a license activities that involve the transfer of clean agent engineered special hazard fire suppression agents, in addition to the minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-16., the applicant must have the following equipment: 1. Listed clean agent filling equipment/pumping station and/or closed recovery system at the clean agent recharge location only for each type of clean agent being utilized. 2. Chemical supply tank(s) for each type of clean agent extinguisher being serviced. Exception to (k) : The provisions in (k) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts Clean agent engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders for recharge by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The primary firm must properly tag the engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders with their company tag in conformance with Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. (l) If the applicant includes in the request for a license the service, maintenance, repair or recharge of CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression systems the following equipment shall be provided at the service location(s) in addition to the appropriate minimum equipment listed in subparagraphs (h)1.-16., the applicant must have the following equipment: 1. CO 2 cascade system for proper filling of CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders; or 2. An approved electric pump system for proper filling of CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders; or 3. An approved pneumatic pump system for proper filling of CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders; or 4. An alternate system for proper filling of CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders based on new technology may be used provided the level of safety prescribed by the appropriate standard is not lowered and the system is approved by the Commissioner after being evaluated. Exception to (l) : The provisions in subparagraph (l) shall not apply to a primary firm that accepts CO 2 engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders for recharge by a secondary firm which is licensed and equipped to provide this service. The primary firm must properly tag the engineered special hazard fire suppression system cylinders with their company tag in conformance with Rule 120-3-23-.14 of this Chapter. (m) Nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying by an announced or unannounced re-inspection of the service location and/or in each mobile service vehicle utilized by the firm that such equipment listed and required in subparagraphs (h) through (l) exists and is readily available. The Commissioner may give the registered agent of the firm up to 30 days as deemed appropriate by him/her to correct any deficiencies discovered by such inspection. Furthermore, nothing shall preclude the Commissioner from verifying such evidence of notification, certification or testing as required in subparagraph (g) and experience as required in subparagraph (f).

(2) Any license issued under the provisions of subparagraph (g)1. or subparagraph (g)5. due to certification received from the manufacturer shall be considered a restricted license to only allow the firm and the permit holder(s) to install, inspect, service and test those engineered special hazard fire suppression systems whom certification is received and filed with the Commissioner. Such restricted license shall not constitute any additional approvals as a license for the installation, inspection servicing or testing of any other engineered special hazard fire suppression system. In addition, such license will automatically restrict the firm's permit applicant(s) and permit holder(s) activities operating under the firm's license regardless of their qualifications.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-25-.22

(1) Elevator Contractor (Class I): Any persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or companies wishing to engage in the business of installation, alteration, service, replacement or maintenance of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, residential elevators, platform lifts, and/or stairway chairlifts shall apply for Certification by the Office on a form provided by the Office. They shall receive Certification prior to permitting any work or engaging in any business activity.

(2) Elevator Contractor (Class IR): Any persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or companies wishing to engage in the business of installation, alteration, service, replacement or maintenance of ASME A17.1, Section 4 and 5.7 elevators, temporary construction elevator and material lifts or separately cab interiors and phones, shall apply for Certification by the Office on a form provided by the Office. They shall receive Certification prior to permitting any work or engaging in any business activity.

(3) Elevator Contractor (Class II): Any persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or companies wishing to engage in the business of alteration, service, replacement or maintenance of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, residential elevators, platform lifts, and/or stairway chairlifts shall apply for Certification by the Office on a form provided by the Office. They shall receive Certification prior to permitting any work or engaging in any business activity.

(4) Elevator Contractor (Class III): Any persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or companies wishing to engage in the business of installation, alteration, service, replacement or maintenance of residential dumbwaiters, elevators, platform lifts, and/or stairway chairlifts shall apply for Certification by the Office on a form provided by the Office. They shall receive Certification prior to permitting any work or engaging in any business activity.

(5) Elevator Contractor (Class IIIR): Any persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or companies wishing to engage in the business of installation, alteration, service, replacement or maintenance of residential platform lifts, and/or stairway chairlifts shall apply for Certification by the Office a form provided by the Office. They shall receive Certification prior to permitting any work or engaging in any business activity.

(6) Elevator Contractor's Certification shall expire twelve (12) months following the date of issuance after April 1, 2014.

(7) Qualifications of Elevator Contractor. (a) No Certification shall be granted to any person or firm who has not proven their qualifications and abilities. Applicants for Elevator Contractor's Certification must demonstrate the following qualifications: (b) Elevator Contractor Class I, Class IR and II shall submit proof of Elevator Mechanic Certification. All Class II Elevator Contractors shall employ Class I or Class II Elevator Mechanics. (c) Elevator Contractor Class III and Class IIIR shall submit proof of Elevator Mechanics Certification. (d) Elevator Contractors shall have insurance as required by Rule 120-3-25-.22 .

(8) The application for Elevator Contractor Certification shall contain the following information: (a) The Class of the Certification requested. (b) Name and address of business. (c) Such other information as the Office may require.

(9) The application for Elevator Mechanic shall contain the following information: (a) Name and address of the applicant and company where employed. (b) The Certification class requested by the applicant. (c) The number of years the applicant has engaged in the business of installing, maintaining and/or servicing elevators, escalators and/or platform lifts and stairway chairlifts. (d) Documentation of all training or classes applicant has attended in the last year. (e) Such other information as the Office may require.

(10) All elevator mechanics installing, altering, repairing, maintaining, or servicing elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, material lifts, residential elevators, platform (wheelchair) lifts and stairway chairlifts after January 1, 2006 shall have a "Certificate of Authorization" issued by the Office.

(11) Approval of training programs for Certification and Recertification of elevator mechanics. The Elevator Advisory Board shall review and approve all certification and recertification programs. The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner shall prepare a testing program.

(12) Renewal applications. Applicants renewing their Certification shall provide the following information: (a) Certification number. (b) Documentation of training, certification and classes successfully completed in the previous year [eight (8) hours minimum], including Code updates using a pre-approved or recognized training program.

(13) Qualification of Class I Elevator Mechanic. (a) Certification shall be granted to any person with a minimum of three (3) years for all except for Class IIIR shall be one (1) year experience and who is employed by a company holding a State Certification and has proven their qualifications and abilities. Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications: (b) Certificate(s) of completion and successfully passing the mechanic examination of a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, Certified Elevator Technician Program or the equivalent of an apprenticeship program for the elevator mechanics registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Program. (c) Any person who furnishes the Office with acceptable proof they have worked as an elevator constructor, maintenance person, or repair person may, upon making application for Certification and paying the fee, be entitled to receive a Certification without an examination at the discretion of the Office. They shall have worked under direct and immediate supervision of an elevator contractor certified to do business in this state. The person must make application within one (1) year of the effective date of these Rules and Regulations. (d) A Certification may be issued to an individual holding a valid Certification or License from a state having a standard substantially equal to those of this Chapter.

(14) Qualification of Class IR Elevator Mechanic. (a) Certification shall be granted to any person with a minimum of three (3) years' experience and who is employed by a company holding a State Certification and has proven their qualifications and abilities. Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications: (b) Certificate(s) of completion and successfully passing the mechanic examination of a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, Certified Elevator Technician Program or the equivalent of an apprenticeship program for the elevator mechanics registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Program. (c) Any person who furnishes the Department with acceptable proof they have worked as an elevator constructor, maintenance person, or repair person may, upon making application for Certification and paying the fee, be entitled to receive a Certification without an examination at the discretion of the Department. They shall have worked under direct and immediate supervision of an elevator contractor certified to do business in this state. The person must make application within one (1) year of the effective date of these Rules and Regulations. (d) A Certification may be issued to an individual holding a valid Certification or License from a state having a standard substantially equal to those of this Chapter.

(15) Qualification for Class II Elevator Mechanic. (a) Same as (11)(a). (b) The mechanic shall provide documentation proving they have been trained in the service, repair and maintenance of the equipment they will be working on. (c) Same as (11)(c). (d) Same as (11)(d).

(16) Qualification for Class III Elevator Mechanic. (a) Same as (11)(a). (b) Same as (11)(b). (c) Same as (11)(c). (d) Same as (11)(d).

(17) Qualification for Class IIIR Elevator Mechanic. (a) Same as (11)(a). (b) Same as (11)(b). (c) Same as (11)(c). (d) Same as (11)(d).

(18) Issuance and Renewal of Certification. (a) Upon approval of a mechanic's application, the Office may issue Certification(s), all of which shall be renewed bi-annually. The Certification(s) will expire on July 1, not more than two (2) years from the date of issue. (b) Whenever an emergency exists, and upon request, the Office may waive all requirements. (c) A Certified Elevator Contractor shall notify the Office when there are no Certified personnel available to perform elevator work. The Certified Elevator Contractor may request the Office issue Temporary Elevator Mechanic Certifications to personnel employed by the Certified Elevator Contractor who have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work. The temporary certification will expire after six (6) months. Only three (3) temporary certification will be issued per person, per company. (d) The renewal of all Certifications granted under the provisions of this Section shall be conditional upon the submission of a certificate of completion of a course designed to ensure the continuing education of Certified Personnel. Such course shall consist of not less than eight (8) hours of instruction. (e) The courses shall be taught by instructors who are qualified and approved by the Office. (f) A mechanic who is unable to complete the education course required under this Section prior to the expiration of their Certification due to a temporary disability may apply for a waiver from the Office.

(19) Suspension and Revocation of Certification. (a) A Certification issued pursuant to this Chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Office upon verification that one or more of the following exists: 1. Any false statement as to material matter in the application. 2. Violation of any provision of this Chapter. 3. Fraud or misrepresentation in securing a Certification. (b) No Certification for a company or person shall be suspended, or revoked, until after a hearing before the Office upon notice to the person and/or company of a least ten (10) days at the last known address appearing on the Certification, served personally or by registered mail. (c) Any company or person whose Certification is revoked or suspended may appeal such determination to the Office within thirty (30) days. (d) Any company or person certified to perform an activity, who violates this part, after notice and hearing, may cause such company or person's Certification to be suspended and such company or person may receive a penalty not to exceed $5,000.00 per violation.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-26-.05

(1) Applicants for a certificate of competency shall satisfy the requirements of this Section.

(2) In order to take the Georgia Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules' Examination, an applicant shall meet one of the following qualifications: (a) A degree in engineering plus one year of experience in design, construction, operation, or inspection of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels; (b) An associate degree in mechanical technology plus two years of experience in design, construction, operation, or inspection of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels; (c) The equivalent of a high school education plus four years of experience in one of the following: 1. In high-pressure boiler and pressure vessel construction or repair, 2. As an operating engineer in charge of high-pressure boiler operations, or 3. As an Inspector of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels.

(3) Applications for the examination are available from the Commissioner and shall contain an accurate education and employment history.

(4) The Examination for a Certificate of Competency is prepared and graded by the National Board; and (a) covers the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers and pressure vessels and their appurtenances; (b) is given on the first Wednesday and one-half day Thursday in March, June, September, and December at a site selected by the Commissioner; and (c) Is administered upon payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), which is also required when the examination is retaken by an unsuccessful applicant. (d) Successful applicants will be issued a Certificate of Competency by the Chief Inspector, when such applicant passes the examination.

(5) When Commissioned by the National Board, and requested by the employer, Inspection Agency a Georgia Commission bearing the signature of the Chief Inspector, will be issued.

(6) Request for Georgia Commissions, are processed upon proof of a Commission issued by the National Board and a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee.

(7) Georgia Commissions are valid through December 31, at which time each inspector or inspection agency shall submit a request to renew and a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) filing fee.

(8) The Georgia Commission shall be returned (by the employing company) to the Chief Inspector upon termination of employment of any Inspector.

(9) A Georgia Commission may be suspended or revoked by the Board for incompetence, untrustworthiness, or willful falsification of any statement in an application or inspection report.

(10) Owner/User Inspector for unfired pressure vessels. (a) Owner/User Inspectors must meet all of the above requirements (1) through (9).

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-26-.15

(1) Repairs and alterations to Boilers and Pressure Vessels shall be performed in accordance with the National Board Inspection Code or as otherwise specified by the jurisdiction. All repair facilities must have a valid contract with an approved inspection agency.

(2) When repairs or alterations are to be made, permission shall be obtained from an inspector and shall be done in accordance with the latest edition of the National Board inspection code by an authorized repair facility holding a valid National Board "R" stamp or jurisdictional approval for owner/users repairing their own boilers or pressure vessels. Welded repairs to cast iron boilers, pressure vessels or parts thereof shall not be allowed.

(3) A request for permission to restamp the boiler or pressure vessel shall be made to the Chief Inspector and proof of the original stamping shall accompany the request. The Chief Inspector may grant such authorization. Restamping, authorized by the Chief Inspector, shall be done only in the presence of an Inspector and shall be identical to the original stamping except for the ASME Code symbol stamp.

(4) The repair facility shall provide the Chief Inspector with a copy of a completed R-1 repair form with the inspector's signature when a welded repair has been done within 30 days of the repair. An electronic or paper copy is acceptable. (a) The repair stamp holder shall complete a repair form on all welded repairs. The distribution shall be to the owner/user and jurisdiction and others as required by the National Board Inspection Code within 30 days of the repair. An electronic or paper copy is acceptable. (b) An R-2 report for alternation shall be completed on all alterations and distributed in accordance with the National Board Inspection Code. The Chief inspector will receive a copy within 30 days. An electronic or paper copy is acceptable.

(5) The repair facility shall register all R-1 and R-2 forms with the National Board.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-3-.04

(1) Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, the edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) , and the following editions of the codes, standards, recommended practices, guides and methods, as published in the National Fire Codes (NFC) by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as adopted and modified in this Chapter, shall be the state minimum fire safety standards. Where any of the adopted publications of the NFPA references NFPA 1 or NFPA 5000, or any fire code or building code, it shall be construed that such references apply to the International Fire Code (IFC) or the International Building Code ( IBC ) respectively, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Where the IFC or IBC does not specifically address the referenced issue, NFPA 1 or NFPA 5000 may be applied subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

(2) Hospitals, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, assisted living communities, assisted living homes, memory care units or other health care type occupancies or facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shall comply with the fire and life safety rules and regulations imposed by that agency even though the codes and standards or the editions of codes and standards adopted by that agency may not be specifically addressed or included in this chapter. The codes and standards adopted and modified herein shall also apply where applicable and shall be deemed to be the minimum state fire and life safety standards where they are at least as protective as the CMS rules and regulations.

(3) International Fire Code (IFC) , 2018 Edition Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Delete section 101.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 101.1 " Title. The International Fire Code , 2018 edition, published by the International Code Council , when used in conjunction with this Chapter, shall be known as a Georgia State Minimum Fire Prevention Code , hereafter referred to as 'this Code' ." 2. Delete section 101.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 101.3 "Purposes and Intents of This Code . The primary purpose of this Code , as adopted, is to provide, along with other adopted codes and standards, for the reasonable minimum protection of life and property from the hazards created by fire, smoke, explosion, or panic created from a fear of fire or smoke. It is intended that the purposes of this Code be accomplished by: (1) Coordinating application and enforcement of its provisions with those of other applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, and standards; and, (2) By coordinating the application of its provisions, where possible, with educational programs or efforts designed to bring about changes in high risk attitudes and behaviors that are the root causes of most fire related problems in Georgia; and (3) By encouraging or requiring informational and awareness programs designed to make the citizens of Georgia aware of their responsibilities for compliance with this Code as well as the other Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The intent of this Code is to establish the minimum requirements, consistent with nationally recognized good practice, for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations." 3. Add an exception to section 102.1 to read as follows: " Exception: This Code does not apply to one- and two- family dwellings or one- and two- family row houses (townhouses) separated by a 2-hour fire wall containing not more than three dwelling units per structure." 4. Add an exception to section 102.2 to read as follows: " Exception: This Code does not apply to one- and two- family dwellings or one- and two- family row houses (townhouses) separated by a 2-hour fire wall containing not more than three dwelling units per structure." 5. Delete section 102.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 102.3 " Change of use or occupancy. No change shall be made in use or occupancy of any building or structure that would place the structure in a different division of the same group or occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the requirements of this Code , as may be applicable, as well as those of the International Building Code ( IBC ), as adopted by the Department of Community Affairs. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-14 , due to a change of use or occupancy of a building or structure the building or structure shall be treated as a proposed (new) building. (Refer to 103.3 of this Code regarding the requirements applicable to proposed (new) buildings and structures.)" 6. Delete section 102.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 102.4 " Application of the building code. The design and construction of proposed (new) buildings and structures shall comply with the International Building Code ( IBC ), as modified and adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Repairs, alterations, additions, changes in use or occupancy classification, or changes in buildings or structures required by provisions of the IFC , and which are within the scope of the IBC , shall be made in accordance with the IBC , for purposes of this Chapter." 7. Add a new 102.5.1 to read as follows: 102.5.1 "The provisions of 102.5 shall apply to local authorities having jurisdiction unless there is a change of use or occupancy that would apply under 102.3 and which would bring the new use or occupancy under the jurisdiction of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1) " 8. Delete section 102.6 in its entirety and insert in its place the following: 102.6 " Historic Buildings, General. O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(a)(2) defines a "Historic building or structure" as "any individual building which contributes to the historic character of a historic district, so designated by the state historic preservation officer pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Natural Resources, or so designated pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 44, the "Georgia Historic Preservation Act." (A) Refer to 102.1 and 102.2 regarding the application of this Code to existing buildings. Except to the extent required by applicable laws of Georgia (O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(3)(D) and (E) , the provisions of this Code are not mandatory for buildings or structures identified and classified by the state, or as appropriate, a local jurisdiction, as historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the fire code official to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare, based on the criteria established by the referenced provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. When evaluating the safety of historic buildings the fire official should consult O.C.G.A. Title 8, Chapter 2, Article 3 entitled, 'Uniform Act for the Application of Building and Fire Related Codes to Existing Buildings,' and the provisions of O.C.G.A. Sections 25-2-13(b)(3) & 25-2-13(b)(4) , and NFPA Standard 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures , as adopted by this Chapter as a recommended practice." 9. Delete section 102.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 102.7 " Referenced codes and standards. Where the provisions of this Code or the standards referenced thereby and in Chapter 45 of this Code do not apply to the specific subjects, situations or conditions encountered that involve risks to life and property from the hazards of fire, panic from fear of fire or smoke, or related hazards, compliance with the applicable chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner shall be evidence of compliance with this Code ." 10. Add a new section 102.13 to read as follows: 102.13 " Coordination of provisions. This Code shall apply to all buildings, structures and facilities as provided in subsections 102.1 and 102.2, and shall be utilized in conjunction with codes and standards specified in Table 102.13 entitled, " CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ." Table 102.13 Codes Reference Guide Area Primary Supplement Occupancy Classification LSC IBC Building Construction Types, including allowable height, allowable building area, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types IBC LSC Means of Egress LSC NONE Standpipes IBC IFC Interior Finish LSC NONE HVAC Systems IMC NONE Vertical Openings LSC NONE Sprinklers Systems minimum construction standard LSC NONE Fire Alarm Systems LSC NONE Smoke alarms & Smoke Detection Systems State Statute & LSC NONE Portable Fire Extinguishers IFC NONE Cooking Equipment LSC & NFPA 96 NONE Fuel Fired Appliances IFGC NFPA 54 Liquid Petroleum Gas NFPA 58 NFPA 54 Compressed Natural Gas NFPA 52 NONE 11. Delete section 103 and all sections there-under in their entirety and substitute in its place the following: SECTION 103 " GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING AND PROPOSED (NEW) BUILDINGS. 103.1 General Provisions. The administration, enforcement and penalty provisions of O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2, and the administrative provisions of the various chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner shall apply to and regulate the application and enforcement of this Code by the Safety Fire Division of the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner. NOTE: Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any local jurisdiction from adopting the deleted portions of Chapter 1 of this Code for local purposes, provided, however, local amendments shall not be less restrictive than this Code , and other codes and standards as adopted by the various chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 103.1.1 The provisions of O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2, and other applicable state laws, and the applicable provisions of various chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner regarding the requirements for certificates, licenses, permits, plan reviews, inspections, approvals, fees, etc. shall apply and are in addition to any requirements of local jurisdictions. Local authorities having jurisdiction need to be consulted to determine if rules and regulations of the local jurisdiction regarding the requirements for local certificates, licenses, permits, plan reviews, inspections, approvals, fees, etc. also apply. 103.1.1.1 The administrative, operational, and maintenance provisions of this Code , with regard to the Safety Fire Division of the Office of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be limited to the scope and intents and purposes of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 25, Chapter 2, and the Commissioner's Rules and Regulations. 103.1.1.1.1 Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(d) , every person who owns or controls the use of any building, part of a building, or structure described in O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1) , which because of floor area, height, location, use or intended use as a gathering place for large groups, or use or intended use by or for the aged, the ill, the incompetent, or the imprisoned, constitutes a special hazard to property or to the life and safety on account of fire or panic from fear of fire, must so construct, equip, maintain, and use such building or structure as to afford every reasonable and practical precaution and protection against injury from such hazards. No person who owns or controls the use or occupancy of such a building or structure shall permit the use of the premises so controlled for any such specially hazardous use unless he has provided such precautions against damage to property or injury to persons by these hazards as are found and determined by the Commissioner in the manner described in O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(d) to be reasonable and practical. 103.2 Existing buildings. Every building and structure existing as of April 1, 1968, which building or structure is listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 shall comply with the minimum fire safety standards in the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner promulgated pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2 which were in effect at the time such building or structure was constructed. Exception 1: Any nonconformance noted under the electrical standards adopted at the time such building or structure was constructed shall be corrected in accordance with the current electrical standards adopted pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2. Exception 2: A less restrictive provision contained in any subsequently adopted minimum fire safety standard pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2, may be applied to any existing building or structure. 103.2.1 Existing buildings to be deemed a proposed building. For the purposes of O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(b) , any existing building or structure listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 and which comes under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 , shall be deemed to be a proposed (new) building in the event such building or structure is subject to substantial renovation, a fire or other hazard of serious consequence, or a change in the classification of occupancy, or a change to the occupant load or structure issued as a condition of occupancy. The term "substantial renovation", for purposes of this subsection means any construction project involving exits or internal features of such building or structure costing more than the building's or structure's assessed value according to county tax records at the time of such renovation (O.C.G.A. 25-2-14 ). Where a change of classification is involved, also refer to 102.3 of this Code . 103.3 Proposed (new) buildings and additions to existing buildings: 103.3.1 Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-14.1(b) , every proposed building and structure listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 shall comply with the adopted minimum fire safety standards that were in effect on the date that plans and specifications therefore were received by the state fire marshal, the proper local fire official marshal, or state inspector for review and approval. Complete plans for proposed (new) buildings and structures recorded as received by the authority having jurisdiction for review prior to the effective date of this Chapter, may be reviewed under the codes, standards, and Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner in force prior to the effective date of this Chapter. 103.3.1.1 Projects receiving a construction permit under earlier editions of the codes and standards must start construction no later than 360 days from the issue date of the permit in order not to require resubmittal for review under the newer adopted codes and standards. 103.3.2 Plans and specifications for all proposed buildings which come under classification in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 and which come under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 shall be submitted to and receive approval by either the state fire marshal, the proper local fire marshal, or state inspector before any state, municipal, or county building permit may be issued or construction started (O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(a) ). All such plans and specifications submitted as required by O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(a) shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount provided in O.C.G.A. 25-2-4.1 and shall bear the seal and Georgia registration number of the drafting architect or engineer or shall otherwise have the approval of the Commissioner. 103.3.3 Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-37(a) , it shall be unlawful for any person to begin construction on any proposed building or structure which comes under the classification in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 and which comes under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 without first having plans approved in accordance with O.C.G.A. 25-2-14 . 103.4 Proposed building construction and completion. Pursuant to O.O.G.A. 25-2-14(b), a complete set of plans and specifications approved as set forth in 103.3.3 shall be maintained on the construction site, and construction shall proceed in compliance with the state minimum fire safety standards under which such plans and specifications were approved. The owner of any such building or structure or his authorized representative shall notify the state fire marshal, the proper local fire marshal, or state inspector upon completion of approximately 80 percent of the construction thereof and shall apply for a certificate of occupancy when construction of such building or structure is completed. 103.5 Certificate of occupancy required. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(c) , every building or structure which comes under classification in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 and which comes under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 shall have a certificate of occupancy issued by the state fire marshal, the proper local fire marshal, or state inspector before such building or structure may be occupied. Such certificates of occupancy shall be issued for each business establishment within the building, shall carry a charge in the amount provided in O.C.G.A. 25-2-4.1 , shall state the occupant load for such business establishment or building, shall be posted in a prominent location within such business establishment or building, and shall run for the life of the building, except as provided in O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(d) . (See 103.2.1 of the IFC , as adopted by this Chapter.)" 12. The provisions of section 105, PERMITS, are not adopted for purposes of this Chapter. Local governing authorities may adopt the provisions for local purposes. Refer to section 103.3 with regard to permits required by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 13. The provisions of section 109, BOARD OF APPEALS, are not adopted for purposes of this Chapter. Local governing authorities may adopt the provisions for local purposes. 14. Delete section 110.4 and all sections there-under in their entirety and substitute in its place the following: 110.4 " Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this Code , shall be guilty of violation of Section 25-2-37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. 110.4.1 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises." 15. The provisions of section 113, SERVICE UTILITIES, are not adopted for purposes of this Chapter. Local governing authorities may adopt the provisions for local purposes. (b) Modifications to Chapter 2: 1. Delete section 201.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 201.3 " Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 or other applicable chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, or this Code and are defined in the International Building Code ( IBC ), the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) , the International Mechanical Code (IMC) , or the codes and standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as adopted by this Chapter and other Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes and standards." 2. Delete Institutional Group I-2 in its entirety and replace with: Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are not capable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Foster care facilities Detoxification facilities Hospitals Nursing homes Psychiatric hospitals Assisted Living Communities Memory Care Units Limited Care Facilities (Limited Healthcare) (c) Modifications to Chapter 3: 1. Delete section 303.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 303.5 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. There shall be at least one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 2-A:40-B:C rating within 25 feet (7620 mm) of each asphalt (tar) kettle during the period such kettle is being utilized, and a minimum of one additional portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 3-A:40-B:C rating on the roof being covered." 2. Add new exceptions 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 to section 308.3 to read as follows: "Exception #4: In Group A public assembly occupancies having an occupant load greater than 300, a minimum ceiling height of 25 feet and that are protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as adopted by this Chapter, 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 precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material and use of the pyrotechnic device complies with NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-22 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The ceiling height may be lowered to a minimum of 15 feet upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction having witnessed a demonstration shot of all types of devices being used in the display. Exception #5: In Group A public assembly occupancies having an occupant load greater than 300, a minimum ceiling height of 25 feet and that are protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as adopted by this Chapter, flame effects before an audience shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 160, Standard for Flame Effects Before an Audience , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-22 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The ceiling height may be lowered to a minimum of 15 feet upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction having witnessed a demonstration of all types of devices being used in the display. Exception #6 On stages and platforms as a necessary part of a performance in public assembly occupancies having an occupant load greater than 300, a minimum ceiling height of 25 feet and that are protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as adopted by this Chapter. The ceiling height may be lowered to a minimum of 15 feet upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction having witnessed a demonstration of all types of devices being used in the display. Exception #7 In Group A public assembly occupancies having an occupant load greater than 100 with fixed seating, a minimum ceiling height of 25 feet and that have a minimum of two certified fire fighters on site with proper firefighting equipment as determined by the local fire official, 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 precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material and use of the pyrotechnic device complies with NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-22 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The ceiling height may be lowered to a minimum of 15 feet upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction having witnessed a demonstration shot of all types of devices being used in the display. Exception #8: In public assembly occupancies having an occupant load greater than 100 with fixed seating, a minimum ceiling height of 25 feet and that have a minimum of two certified fire fighters on site with proper firefighting equipment as determined by the local fire official, flame effects before an audience shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 160, Standard for Flame Effects Before an Audience , as adopted by this Chapter. The ceiling height may be lowered to a minimum of 15 feet upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction having witnessed a demonstration of all types of devices being used in the display." 3. Delete section 310.1 'General' its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 310.1 " General. The smoking or carrying of a lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette or any other type of smoking paraphernalia or material is prohibited in areas indicated in Sections 310.2 through 31.8, buildings, structures, or areas, or portions of buildings, structures, or areas, as indicated is this in any other code or standard as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, or where prohibited in accordance Chapter 12A of Title 31 of the O.C.G.A." 4. Delete section 319.1 'General' its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 319.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors shall comply with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3 and this section. 5. Delete section 319.3 'Exhaust hood' in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 319.3 Exhaust hood. Cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood that complies with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. 6. Delete section 319.4 'Fire protection' in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 319.4 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3.3 -3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (d) Modifications to Chapter 4 : (4) Add section 403.1.1 to read as follows: 403.1.1 " Caregiver training. A minimum of three hours' initial fire safety training for receipt of a certificate of training for successful completion shall be required for all directors, operators and all staff members of day-care facilities (adult and children), and for administrator's, directors, operators and all staff of Group I-1 and Group R-4, assisted living communities, assisted living facilities, community living arrangements, memory care units, personal care homes, and residential board and care homes, as defined in Chapter 2 of this Code or as defined by the Life Safety Code , and or as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner. The curriculum for the fire safety training shall receive written approval by the State Fire Marshal's Office and be taught by an instructor registered with the Safety Fire Commissioner's Office. All persons as required herein to obtain such required training shall receive this training within 90 days from receipt of a license, being commissioned or the opening of a new facility. Such new persons shall receive a minimum of three hours' initial fire safety training and recommendation for receipt of a certificate of training for successful completion of the training within 90 days of employment. In addition, a minimum of two hours of fire safety refresher training shall be required for receipt of a certificate of training for successful completion of the refresher training. The refresher training shall be required for all persons coming under 403.1.1, every three years from the date initial training is received. Registered instructors shall deliver the training based on policies and direction from the State Fire Marshal's Office. Instructors found not to be delivering the training in accordance with the said policies and direction shall be removed from the registry and prohibited from delivering future training." 2. Delete section 403.8.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 403.8.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies to include Assisted Living Communities, Memory Care Units and Limited Care Facilities (Limited Healthcare) shall comply with Sections 401, 403.8.2.1 through 403.8.2.3 and 404 through 406. (e) Modifications to Chapter 5: 1. Add a new section 501.5 to read as follows: 501.5 " Where buildings or facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner as set forth in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), Title 25, Chapter 2, except for State owned facilities and State occupied facilities, it is intended that the provisions of Chapter 5 that primarily relate to fire department response, access to facilities, access to building interiors, key boxes, premises identification, fire department connection locations, and fire hydrant locations be administered by the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official responsible for providing fire or other emergency response to the buildings or facilities. With regard to State owned State occupied facilities, that are not provided with a facility fire department, it is intended that the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official providing fire protection to such facilities shall have input in the planning of facilities with regard to the noted provisions covered by Chapter 5." 2. Delete section 503.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 503.1.1 " Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction as determined by the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official of the responding fire department or agency. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and Appendix D of this Code . The fire apparatus access road shall extend to within 150 feet (45.7 m) of all portions of the facility or any portion of the exterior wall of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. Exception: The local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official of the responding fire department or agency is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45.7 m) where: 1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. 2. The fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on the property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. 3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies." 3. Add a new section 504.1.1 to read as follows: 504.1.1 " Access Doors. For fire department emergency access purposes, there shall be at least one access door in each 100 linear feet (30.5 m) or major fraction thereof of the exterior walls which face the access roadways required by Section 503, unless otherwise required in this code section. In exterior walls designed with continuous rolling dock doors, which face access roadways, there shall be at least one access door in each 200 linear feet (61 m) or fraction thereof. Required access doors shall be a minimum of 3 feet (0.9 m) wide and 6 feet 8 inches (2 m) high and shall be accessible without use of a ladder. Rolling doors are acceptable for such purposes in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system(s) unless otherwise approved for unsprinklered buildings by the local Fire Chief and /or Fire Code Official." Exception: The local Fire Chief and / or Fire Code Official of the responding fire department or agency is authorized to increase the 100 linear feet. 4. Delete section 507.5.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 507.5.1 " Where required . Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 500 feet (152 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrant and mains shall be provided where required by the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official of the responding fire department or agency. Exceptions : 1. For group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m). 2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m)." 5. Delete subsection 507.5.1.1 in its entirety without substitution. Refer to section 905 of this Code . 6. Delete Section 510 (510.1 through 510.6.4) in its entirety and replace with the following: Section 510 In-Building Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems 510.1 In all new and existing buildings, minimum radio signal strength for emergency services department communications shall be maintained at a level determined by the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official responsible for providing fire or other emergency response to the building. 510.2 In-building emergency responder communication enhancement systems shall comply with the design, installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements in Chapter 18 of NFPA 1225 as adopted in the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3. 7. Add a new section, Appendix D 107.1, as follows: Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 120 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Exceptions: 1. Where there are more than 120 dwelling units on a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, access from two directions shall not be required. 2. The number of dwelling units on a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official . 3. The fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on the property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. Plans shall accompany the written request that delineate improvements to proposed fire apparatus access roads approved by the fire code official of the local responding fire department. Recommended compliance alternatives for residential developments having less than the minimum of two entrances includes, but is not limited to one of more of the following alternative remedies: 1. Enhanced turning radii to meet local responding fire department requirements; and/or 2. Increased road widths to meet local responding fire department requirements; or 3. Fire Lane signs per D103.6 in locations determined by the Fire Code Official; or 4. The absence of dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs; and unless the requirements meet or exceed Table D103.4 for Fire Apparatus Access Roads; or 5. The primary entrance roadway being a boulevard with medians and each lane meeting fire access road widths; or 6. Single entrance roads providing a dedicated emergency lane separating each drive lane; or 7. Additional fire apparatus access road which is permitted to be a roadway or approved surface not accessible to motor vehicles, designed by a registered design professional to meet the loading requirements and minimum specifications of Appendix D; and this surface provides all weather conditions capabilities for emergency fire department access; or 8. Statement by Fire Code Official that the Plans submitted meet the requirements of Exception 3 and/or Appendix D for access by local responding fire department Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Title 25-2-12 (e)(4) the local fire official, building official, or developer may obtain a waiver when adequate access appropriate for the fire apparatus of the local responding fire department is not met or provided by using alternative methods on a waiver form designed and prescribed by the Safety Fire Commissioner. The State Fire Marshal or designated representative shall respond within 30 days for the decision for approval or disapproval or recommendations for modifications to the Plan. If the 30-day time frame is not met, the Plans submitted shall be deemed to be approved. Add a new section, Appendix D 107.2, as follows: Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses. (f) Modifications to Chapter 6: 1. Add exception number 3 to 603.4 to read as follows: 3. In emergency conditions, when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufacturer's instructions and the authority having jurisdiction. Such devices shall be supervised during their period of operation by the establishment of a fire watch system based on the definition of "Fire Watch" in Chapter 2 of this Code. Persons assigned to perform fire watch duties shall be instructed as to their duties. 2. Delete section 604.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 604.4 "Multiplug adapters & Relocatable Power Taps (RPTs). 604.4.1 Multiplug adapters. The use of multiplug electrical outlet adapters, such as but not limited to cube adapters or plug strips, or any other similar device that is not UL listed and is not equipped with overcurrent protection shall be prohibited. Such devices that are UL listed and are equipped with overcurrent protection shall only be used in accordance with the UL listing and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Such listed devices shall not be used where specifically prohibited by a provision of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code . Where there is any conflict between the UL listing and the manufacturer's instructions, the UL listing provisions shall prevail. The suitability for the use of RTP's shall be based, by the user, on 110.3(A)(1) of the National Electrical Code . 604.4.2 Relocatable Power Taps (RPT's): 604.4.2.1 Relocatable Power Taps (RPT's) shall be UL listed and labeled in accordance with UL1363. They shall be of the polarized or grounded type, and be equipped with overcurrent protection. RPT's shall be used in accordance with their UL listing and the manufacturer's instructions. [NEC, 110.3(B)] Where there is any conflict between the UL listing and the manufacturer's instructions, the UL listing provisions shall prevail. Such listed devices shall not be used where specifically prohibited by a provision of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code . 604.4.2.2 RPT power supply. RPT's shall be directly connected to a permanently installed electrical receptacle. An RPT shall not be plugged into another RPT or into an extension cord or flexible cord. A UL listed extension cord or flexible cord having only one outlet and serving only one device may be plugged into an RPT so long as the arrangement does not cause an overcurrent condition in the RPT. 604.4.2.3 RPT power cords. Power cords of RPT's shall not be extended through holes in walls, structural ceilings, or floors. Such cords shall not be run under doors or floor coverings. They shall not be run through doorways, windows, or similar openings. 604.4.2.4 Protection from physical damage. RPT's shall be mounted off floors to a wall or fixture so as to be protected against physical damage. The method of mounting shall not be permanent so that the devices may be easily relocated as need dictates. 604.4.2.5 Restricted use in Health Care Occupancies. "Hospital grade "RPT's listed, based on UL 1363A, for use in "patient care" or "patient sleeping rooms" of a hospital, limited care facility, nursing home, hospice, or ambulatory health care facility may be used in such locations, unless such use is specifically prohibited by this Code , NFPA 70, National Electrical Code , NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code , or other applicable State or Federal rule or regulation." 3. Insert an Informational Note following section 604.4.2.4 to read as follows: "Informational Note: Based on UL1363, RPT's are intended for indoor use as an extension of a grounding alternating-current branch circuit for general use. Where such devices are used or intended to be used for voltage surge suppression, the RPT is also required by UL1363 to meet the provisions of UL1449 for Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors. UL1363 incorporates this compliance. Such devices may be utilized for the protection of personal or laptop computers, computer related devices, word processors, memory typewriters, and other low load devices. They are not intended for use with high load equipment such as, but not limited to, refrigerators, coffee pots, microwave ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, space heaters, and other high power load devices. The labeling and manufacturer's information and instructions need to be consulted to determine if the RPT is also listed for transient voltage suppression. In addition, some RPT devices have additional options included in the device such as "electrical noise" filtration. UL1363 would also require and ensure that component would meet UL1283. The safety requirements relative RPT's regardless of the various extras that may be included in a device covered by UL1363 and the RPT manufacturer's instructions. RPT's have also been referred to as "Temporary Power Taps (TPT's)", "power strips", "Surge/Spike Protectors", or "Portable Outlets" among other designations. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), 2011 edition, does not utilize the term "Relocatable Power Tap or RPT, however, for safety provisions similar to those utilized by UL, reference can be made to NEC Article 400, Flexible Cords and Cables, Article 406, Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (CAPS), and Article 517 Health Care Facilities." 4. Delete section 604.10 and the exception thereto, and substitute in its place the following: Sections 604.10.1 through 604.10.4 remain unchanged. 604.10 "Portable, electric space heaters. Portable, electric heaters are prohibited in all portions of occupancies in Groups A, E (including day care), I-1, I-3, R-1, R-2, and R-4. Where not prohibited by other chapters of this Code , or by provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, portable, electrical space heaters shall be permitted to be used in all other occupancy groups. Where use is permitted, portable electric space heaters shall comply with Sections 604.10.1 through 604.10.5 and 604.10.6 where applicable." 5. Add a new section 604.10.6 to read as follows: 604.10.6 "Oil filled radiator type, portable electric space heaters that have a maximum surface temperature restriction of 250º F, may be permitted to be used in staff and employee areas that are located on floors not occupied by patient or staff sleeping areas and that are totally sprinkler protected in I-2 occupancies as defined in Chapter 2 of this Code . For single story I-2 occupancies, such devices may be used in staff and employee non-sleeping areas that are totally sprinkler protected and that are separated from staff and patient sleeping room areas by 1-hour fire rated construction. Such space heaters shall comply with 604.10.1 through 604.10.5." 6. Add a new 604.12 to read as follows: 604.12 " Separation from Transformers. Space separation for transformers shall be as follows: (1) Transformer pad locations shall be a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) from any building, building overhangs, canopies, exterior walls, balconies, exterior stairs and/or walkways connected to the building. (2) Transformer pad edges shall be not less than 14 feet (4.3 m) from any doorway. (3) Transformer pad edges shall be not less than 10 feet (3 m) from any window or other opening. (4) If the building has an overhang, the 10 foot (3 m) clearance shall be measured from a point below the edge of the overhang only if the building is three stories or less. If the building is four stories or more, the 10 foot (3 m) clearance shall be measured from the outside building wall. (5) Fire escapes, outside stairs, and covered walkways attached to or between buildings, shall be considered as part of the building. 604.12.1 Transformer pads may be located closer to noncombustible walls than the above required minimum clearances in 605.12(1) upon written approval of the authority having jurisdiction, however, in no case shall the transformer location be less than 3 feet (0.9 m) from the building. 604.12.2 Transformer pads existing prior to December 31, 1994, are exempted from the requirements of 605.11. When buildings are modified, reductions in space separations may be less than the above required minimum clearances upon written approval of the authority having jurisdiction." 7. Delete section 607 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 607.1 "General. Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and residential cooking appliances in commercial and public buildings shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations , as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." 7. Delete section 609.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 607.2 " Where required. A commercial hood complying with NFPA 96, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3, shall be installed in any occupancy at or above all commercial cooking appliances, and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes and which produce grease laden vapors. 607.2.1 The provisions of 607.2 shall not apply where provided for in the scoping provisions of subsection 1.1.4 of NFPA 96, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." 8. Delete 607.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 607.3 " Operations and maintenance. Commercial cooking appliances, and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes and which produce grease laden vapors, and all components of ventilation systems serving such appliances shall be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 96 as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." (g) Modifications to Chapter 7: 1. Add a new 701.2.2 to read as follows: 701.2.2 " Barrier Identification. All fire and/or smoke barriers or walls shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling above a decorative ceiling and/or in concealed spaces with letters a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) high on a contrasting background spaced a maximum of 12 feet (3.7m) on center with a minimum of one per wall or barrier. The hourly rating shall be included on all rated barriers or walls. Suggested wording is, "(__) Hour Fire and Smoke Barrier-Protect All Openings." (h) Modifications to Chapter 8: 1. Delete section 801.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: SECTION 801 " GENERAL, 801.1 Scope. The provisions of this Code , as adopted by this Chapter shall govern furniture, furnishings, decorative vegetation, and decorative materials, as defined in Chapter 2 of this Code , in buildings and structures. Section 803 shall be applicable to all existing buildings, structures, or spaces constructed and issued the required certificate of occupancy prior to the effective date of this Chapter 120-3-3. Sections 804 through 808 shall be applicable to such existing buildings, structures, and or spaces, and to proposed (new) buildings, structures, or spaces. For the purposes of this Code , wall padding, wall mounted gym pads, crash pads, or other pads mounted or secured to walls shall meet the provisions of this NFPA 101, Life Safety Code applicable to interior finish materials. Gym pads or other pads used on floors shall be considered as furnishings. Interior finish and trim in proposed (new) buildings shall be regulated by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (i) Modifications to Chapter 9: 1. Delete section 901.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 901.3 " Approvals and Permits. Fire protection systems shall be approved as set forth by the authority having jurisdiction. Local authorities having jurisdiction may require permits as required and set forth in 105.6 and 105.7 of this Code ." 2. Delete section 901.4.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 901.4.1 "Required fire protection systems. Fire suppression systems required by this Code , the International Building Code , the Life Safety Code , or other codes and standards adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be installed, operated, tested, repaired and maintained in accordance with this Code and applicable standards adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner." 3. Delete section 901.4.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 901.4.2 "Provisions in excess of the minimum code requirements shall, as a minimum, be installed to meet the provisions of the currently adopted code(s) and/or standard(s) which may be applicable to the provision at the time of its installation. Any non-required fire protection system which is added onto, interconnected with, any required fire protection system (of a similar type), shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the currently adopted code(s) and/or standard(s) which may be applicable to the provision at the time of its installation. 901.4.2.1 The provisions of 901.4.2 shall not apply to other installations not conforming with the provisions of the currently adopted code(s) and/or standard(s) applicable to the provision at the time of its installation if such installations are reported and filed with the local responding fire department and the authority having jurisdiction. In addition such systems shall be identified as required by the authority having jurisdiction. 901.4.2.2 The provisions of 901.4.2 shall not apply for non-required systems designed, reviewed, installed and approved in accordance with local codes and/or ordinances." 4. Delete section 903.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 903.2 " Where required . (a) Approved automatic sprinkler systems for proposed (new) buildings and structures approved for construction as set forth in 103.3.1 of this Code , or where specifically required for existing buildings and structures, shall as the minimum level of protection, be that required by the applicable provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and applicable provisions of other codes and standards adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, and this Code section; provided, however, the International Building Code ( IBC ) shall govern the requirements for sprinkler protection that are related to minimum building construction types, or to increases in building area and height limitations imposed by the IBC ." (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ) (b) Where a new automatic sprinkler system is required by this Code or other code, standard, rule or regulation, the system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements applicable to systems in proposed (new) buildings and structures. (c) In addition, an automatic sprinkler system may be required for new or existing buildings, structures, spaces, or conditions by other NFPA standards adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3, or other Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (d) The requirements for the installation, design, and testing of automatic sprinkler systems shall be as applicable, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems , NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height ; and NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, or as adopted and modified by this Chapter 120-3-3. 903.2.1 The sprinkler protection provision of 903.2 shall not be mandatory for spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with a supervised automatic fire alarm system, and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of walls and floor/ceiling assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than 2-hours. NOTE: NFPA 76, Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities , should be consulted. Refer to the edition adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." 5. Delete section 903.3.7 of this Code in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 903.3.7 " Fire department connections. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the Fire Chief as set forth in subsection 501.5 of this Code , adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete section 904.2.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 904.2.2 " Commercial hood and duct systems. Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 607 to have a commercial hood complying with NFPA 96, shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this Code and applicable provisions of NFPA 96." 7. Delete section 904.12 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "904.12 Fire Protection for Commercial Cooking Operations. 904.12.1 The requirements for, as well as the design, installation, protection and maintenance of cooking equipment, shall be as required by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and NFPA 96, Standard for the Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ) 904.12.2 Fire suppression systems approved for the protection of commercial cooking appliances shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the applicable standards adopted in this Chapter. 904.12.3 Portable fire extinguishers for commercial cooking appliances. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in kitchens or other commercial cooking areas in accordance with NFPA 10 and NFPA 96, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner. Class K portable fire extinguishers and the required operation sequence signage required by NFPA 10, shall be located between 5 feet and 10 feet from the manual release device(s) of the kitchen exhaust hood fire suppression system(s)." 8. Delete section 905.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 905.1 " General. The State's minimum requirements for standpipe systems shall be as required by the International Building Code ( IBC ) or This Code . Standpipe systems shall be designed, installed and tested in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, and Hose Systems as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODE REFERENCE GUIDE )" 9. Insert a new subsection 905.13 to read as follows: 905.13 " Fire department connections. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the Fire Chief as set forth in subsection 501.5 of this Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 10. Delete section 906.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 906.1 " Portable Fire Extinguishers - General. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all buildings, structures and facilities falling under this Code and O.C.G.A. 25-2. For any other building, structure, facility, or condition or special hazard, portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as may be required by this Code in Table 906.1, or by various codes and standards adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE )." 11. Delete section 906.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 906.2 " General requirements. The selection, distribution, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers shall comply with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. 906.2.1 The maximum travel distance to reach an extinguisher shall not apply to the spectator seating portions of Group A-5 occupancies. 906.2.2 Thirty-day inspections shall not be required and maintenance shall be allowed to be once every three years for dry-chemical or halogenated agent portable fire extinguishers that are supervised by a listed and approved electronic monitoring device, provided that all of the following conditions are met: (a) Electronic monitoring shall confirm that extinguishers are properly positioned, properly charged and unobstructed. (b) Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal. (c) The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment. (d) Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every three years when extinguisher maintenance is performed. (e) A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to ensure that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by NFPA 10. 906.2.3 In Group E - Educational occupancies, in lieu of locating fire extinguishers in corridors and normal paths of travel as specified in NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , fire extinguishers may be located in rooms that open directly onto such corridors and pathways provided all of the following are met: (a) The room in which such extinguishers are placed are located in close proximity to that portion of the corridor where a fire extinguisher would otherwise be placed in accordance with NFPA 10; Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , (b) A sign which states in white letters at least one inch in height on a red background, 'FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATED IN THIS ROOM,' is placed on the corridor wall immediately adjacent to the entrance way of each such room so that it can be clearly seen at all times; (c) The rooms in which such extinguishers are placed shall be constantly supervised during school hours; and, (d) Those rooms cannot be subject to being locked at any time the building is occupied." 12. Delete sections 906.3 through 906.10 without substitution (Refer to NFPA 10). 13. Delete section 907.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following, while retaining existing subsections: 907.1 " Fire Alarm Systems - General. (a) The State's minimum requirements for fire alarm systems in proposed (new) buildings and structures approved as set forth in 103.3.1 of this Code shall be as required by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. Fire alarm systems shall be designed, installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. (b) New fire alarm systems to be installed in existing buildings shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72, as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. (Refer to Table 102. 13 CODES REFERENCE GUIDE)" 17. Delete sections 907.2 through 907.6.6.2 in their entirety and without substitution. 18. Delete section 909.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 909.1 " Scope and purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems when they are required for proposed (new) buildings or portions thereof by provisions of the Life Safety Code (LSC) or this Code , as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3, or by provisions of the International Building Code ( IBC ), as adopted by the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation, and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations, or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke and heat venting provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) ." 19. Delete section 909.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 909.2 " General design requirements. Buildings, structures, or portions thereof required by provisions of the Life Safety Code (LSC) or this Code , as adopted by this Chapter, or by provisions of the International Building Code , as adopted by the Department of Community Affairs, to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 of this Code and the generally accepted and well established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to describe adequately the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied with sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions." 20. Add a new section 909.2.1 to read as follows: 909.2.1 " Smoke Control. For the purposes of 909.2 the following publications shall be considered as providing the generally accepted and well established principals of engineering relevant to design of required smoke control systems. (1) NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems (2) NFPA SPP-53, Smoke Control in Fire Safety Design (3) ASHRAE/SFPE, Design of Smoke Management Systems (4) ASHRAE, Guideline 5 : Guideline for Commissioning Smoke Management Systems" (5) NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (For non-mandatory guidance involving systems for existing detention and correction facilities refer to A.23.3.1.3 of the 2012 Edition) 21. Add a new section 909.2.1 to read as follows: 909.2.1 " Deactivation of Mechanical Pressurization Systems. The design of pressurization systems shall ensure that smoke is not introduced into the pressurized enclosure so as to result in the untenable contamination of the fresh air. Approved smoke detectors shall be installed at each intake in such approved manner that the operation of the fan providing mechanical pressurization to the enclosure where smoke is detected shall be deactivated upon detection of smoke." 22. Add a new subsection 912.2.3 to read as follows: 912.2.3 " Location of fire department connections. The location of fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be as approved by the Fire Chief as set forth in accordance with Section 912 and Section 501.5 of this Code , as adopted by 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 23. Add a new section 914.7.3 to read as follows: 914.7.3 " Limited Use Special Amusement Buildings: Special amusement buildings not open to the public in excess of 45 days in a twelve month period shall be permitted, provided all of the following conditions are met: 1. Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum of a 2A:10B:C rating are placed within 25 feet of each activity or viewing station, so as to be readily accessible and visible to staff; 2. A smoke detection system is placed throughout the facility with a smoke detector located at each activity or viewing station and located throughout corridors and halls not to exceed a spacing more than 15 feet (4.6 m) from a wall or more than 30 feet (9.1 m) on center. Where there is no ceiling or cover over activity or viewing stations, or over exit access routes, other than the standard ceiling, smoke detectors shall be placed so that their area of coverage does not exceed the approval listing of the detectors; 3. Emergency lighting shall be provided which will cause illumination of the means of egress upon loss of power to lighting circuits for the means of egress routes serving the special amusement building. In addition, all staff shall be provided with flashlights; 4. Personnel dedicated for the sole purpose of performing fire watch duties as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code and as be deemed necessary for specific circumstances by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided in such numbers to ensure the entire special amusement space is surveyed at least every 30 minutes starting 30 minutes prior to public occupancy. Such personnel shall be provided with a direct communication device for communication with all viewing or activity stations throughout the facility. In addition such personnel shall be provided with appropriate training for the operation of portable fire extinguishing equipment; 5. Communication to the responding fire department or emergency dispatch center is available from the facility (a regular telephone or at least two cell phones are acceptable); 6. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted at entrances to the building. Receptacles for the discard of smoking material shall be located a minimum of 15 feet (9.1 m) from the structure and shall be clearly identified by applicable signage; 7. Documentation of fire watch tours required by item 4 above is maintained. The documentation, at the minimum, shall note the time when the tour was conducted the name of personnel conducting the tour, and information about any hazards identified and actions taken to remove such hazards. Such documentation shall be readily available to the code official upon request." (j) Modifications to Chapter 10: 1. Delete sections 1001 through 1030 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 1001.1 " General. (A) Proposed (new) buildings or portions thereof approved for construction as set forth in 103.3 of this Code , shall be provided with means of egress and related safeguards as set forth by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , as adopted this Chapter. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ) (B) Buildings and structures existing and approved prior the effective date of this Chapter 120-3-3, as set forth in 103.3 of this Code , having means of egress and related safeguards conforming to NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , under which they were approved and constructed shall be considered as complying with this Code . Means of egress and related safeguards in existing buildings constructed without approval, may be considered as complying with this code section if, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life. Where, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, the means of egress or related safeguards provided constitute a distinct hazard to life, the hazardous condition or conditions shall be remedied based on the provisions for existing buildings of the Life Safety Code as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. (C) Exit discharge termination dispersal areas may be utilized where authorized and designed in accordance with 7.7.1.5 of the Life Safety Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 2. Add the following section 1001.2 to read as follows: 1001.2 " Overcrowding and Life Safety Hazard Prevention . Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. It is the responsibility of the manager and the person in charge of a building, structure, or portion thereof not to allow an overcrowded condition or any condition which constitutes a life safety hazard to exist, and to take prompt action to remedy an overcrowded condition or life safety hazard when evidence of such a condition is noted, or when advised or ordered by the Fire Code Official or his/her representative. (Refer to 107.6) 1001.2.1 Decreases in the Occupant Load. For authorized decreases in the occupant load approved by the fire code authority having jurisdiction, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load. 1001.2.2 Increases in the Occupant Load. For approved increases in the occupant load by the fire code authority having jurisdiction, refer to 7.3.1.5 of Subsection 7.3.1 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 1001.2.3 Overcrowded Condition or Life Safety Hazard Determined. The fire code official, upon finding any overcrowded conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or upon finding any condition which constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected. In addition, a structure, building, room or designated portion thereof shall be deemed overcrowded if the total of occupants exceeds the exit capacity of the structure, building, room or area involved." (k) Modifications to Chapter 11: 1. Delete 1101.1 and substitute in its place the following: 1101.1 " Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the effective date of this Chapter 120-3-3. 2. Delete 1101.2 and substitute in its place the following: 1101.2 " Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying buildings by providing for existing building rehabilitation activities including repair, renovation, modification, reconstruction, change of use or occupancy classification, and additions to such buildings. 3. Delete 1101.3 and substitute in its place the following: 1101.3 " Permits. Construction permits for buildings falling under State jurisdiction, as set forth in O.C.G.A. 25-2.13, shall be required for the activities noted in 4601.1 when the criteria of O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(d) for an existing building to be classified as a proposed (new) building or structure are met. For local jurisdictions, permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.7 of this Code and the International Building Code . 4. Delete Sections 1102 through 1104 and substitute in their place a new 1102 to read as follows: SECTION 1102 " FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES" 1102.1 " General. The intents and purposes of this section shall be met through the application of the applicable provisions of this Code , the Life Safety Code , and other codes and standards as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, as they apply to existing conditions and routine maintenance of fire and life safety protection systems and devices. For building rehabilitation activities, including repair, renovation, modification, reconstruction, change of use or occupancy classification, and additions to such buildings, the definitions and requirements of Chapter 43, of the Life Safety Code , adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner shall apply." (l) Modifications to Chapter 20: 1. Delete section 2003.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 2003.5 "Dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids. No dispensing, transfer or storage of flammable or combustible liquids shall be permitted inside any building or structure. Exceptions: 1. As provided in Chapter 57 of this Code, provided, the provisions are not less protective than the provisions of any applicable Codes and standards adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 2. When the procedures used follow the guidelines and requirements set forth in NFPA 410 - Standard for Aircraft Maintenance, adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." 2. Delete sections 2006.1 through 2006.21.1 in their entirety and substitute in their place a new paragraph 2006.1 to read as follows: 2006.1 "Aircraft motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations and Airport Fuel Systems. All aircraft motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations and airport fuel systems shall be in accordance with Chapter 120-3-11 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, 'Rules and Regulations for Flammable and Combustible Liquids." 3. Delete section 2007.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 2007.1 " General. Helistops and heliports shall be maintained in accordance with Section 2007. Helistops and heliports on buildings or structures shall be constructed in accordance with the International Building Code and the requirements set forth by NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports, adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." (m) Modification to Chapter 23. 1. Delete sections 2301.1 through 2301.6 in their entirety and substitute in their place a new paragraph 2301.1 to read as follows: 2301.1 " Scope. Automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities, marine motor fuel dispensing facilities, fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities and repair garages shall be in accordance with Chapter 120-3-11 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, 'Rules and Regulations for Flammable and Combustible Liquids'." Exception: This chapter shall apply to hydrogen motor fuel-dispensing and generation facilities as specified in section 2309 and repair garages where referenced by subsection 406.6, entitled, 'Repair Garages,' of the International Building Code. 2. Delete sections 2303 through 2308 and all other paragraphs there-under, and section 2310 and all other paragraphs thereunder in their entirety without substitution. (n) Modification to Chapter 31: 1. Delete 3106.5.2 in its entirety and substitute in it's place the following: 3106.5.2 "Cooking Operations. Cooking operations shall be evaluated and comply with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (o) Modification to Chapter 50: 1. Add two new exceptions 12 and 13 to section 5001.1 to read as follows: 12. "Storage, transportation, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of Flammable and combustible liquids as outlined in Chapter 120-3-11 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, "Rules and Regulations for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. 13. Storage, handling, and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas) and the installation of LP-gas equipment pertinent to systems for such use as outlined Chapter 120-3-16 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, 'Rules and Regulations for Liquefied Petroleum Gases." 2. In Table 5003.11.1, add superscript "k" to Oxidizers in the Material column and add the following footnote "k" to read as follows: k. "Group M occupancies with Class 2 and Class 3 oxidizers exceeding these quantities shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 400, Hazardous Materials Code as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3." (p) Modifications to Chapter 56: 2. Delete sections 5601 through 5607 and all related paragraphs there under in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 5601. " Explosives and blasting. The provisions of Chapter 120-3-10 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, 'Rules and Regulations for Explosives and Blasting Agents' shall govern the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials and small arms ammunitions." 3. Delete section 5608.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 5608.1 "GENERAL PROVISIONS. In addition to the requirements of this Section for the display of fireworks the provisions of O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2, and Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, shall apply. Where there may be a conflict between a provision of this Section and a provision of the above referenced law or regulation, the provision of the above referenced law or regulation shall apply. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of fireworks by railroads or other transportation agencies for the signal purposes or illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theater, or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports or for the use by military organizations." 2. Insert a new section 5608.11 to read as follows: 5608.11 "Retail display and sale. (a) Fireworks as defined in the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) Title 25, Chapter 10 in 25-10-1(a)(1) shall not be made available for sale at retail or wholesale, except as provided in O.C.G.A. 25-10. (b) Non-explosive sparkling devices as defined in O.C.G.A. 25-10-1(b) are permitted for retail sales to the public, provided, however, it is unlawful for any such devices to be sold to any person under 18 years of age (O.C.G.A. 25-10-2(b)(1) . In addition, it is unlawful to sell such items to any person by any means other than an in-person, face-to-face sale. Further, such person shall provide proper identification to the seller at the time of such purchase. The term 'proper identification' means any document issued by a governmental agency containing a description of the person, such person's photograph, or both, and giving such person's date of birth and includes without being limited to, a passport, military identification card, driver's license, or an identification card authorized under O.C.G.A. Sections 40-5-100 through 40-5-104 . (c) In areas where devices are stored or displayed for retail sales, at least one pressurized-water type portable fire extinguisher complying with NFPA 10, as adopted by this Chapter shall be located not more than 20 feet and not closer than 15 feet from the storage or display location. In addition, "NO SMOKING" signs complying with Section 310 shall be conspicuously posted in areas of such storage or display, unless in a building where smoking is clearly marked as prohibited." (q) Modification to Chapter 57: 1. Add a new non-applicability paragraph number 12 to section 5701.2 to read as follows: 12. " The storage, transportation, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids as outlined in Chapter 120-3-11 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner entitled, 'Rules and Regulations for Flammable and Combustible Liquids." (r) Modifications to Chapter 61: 1. Delete Chapter 61 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "CHAPTER 61 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. The provisions relating to the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases shall be those in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-16, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE )" (s) Modifications to Chapter 80: 1. Add an Explanatory Note at the start of the Chapter to read: "Replace the NFPA Standard Reference numbers with the year edition with the same NFPA Standard Reference numbers and titles however; each year edition shall be those as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner Chapters 102-3-3, 120-3-10, 120-3-11 and 120-3-12."

(4) NFPA 2, 2020 Edition Hydrogen Technologies Code Modifications: None

(5) NFPA 3, 2018 Edition , Guide for the Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Modifications : (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice for fire prevention and fire protection. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, and it is not adopted as a minimum state code or standard. It may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards, or it may be adopted and enforced by a local jurisdiction under local ordinance."

(6) NFPA 10, 2018 Edition, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 6: 1. Delete 6.1.3.8.1 in its entirety and insert in its place the following (6.1.3.8.2 and 6.1.3.8.3 remain unchanged: 6.1.3.8.1 "Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 lb. (18.14 kg) shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 48 in (1.19 m) above the floor." 2. Delete 6.1.3.10.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 6.1.3.10.5 Cabinets or wall recesses for fire extinguishers shall be installed that the top of the opening for the fire extinguisher is at 50 in. (1.27 m) above the finished floor. 6.1.3.10.5.1 The provisions of 6.1.3.10.5 shall not apply to existing installations. (b) Modifications to Chapter 7: 1. Delete 7.1.2.1 in its entirety and insert in its place the following: 7.1.2.1 "Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall be licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated." 2. Delete subparagraphs 7.1.2.1.1 thru 7.1.2.1.5 in their entirety without substitution. 3. Delete subparagraph 7.1.2.3 in its entirety without substitution. 4. Delete subsection 7.3.4.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.4.1.1 "Tags shall comply the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 5. Delete subsection 7.3.4.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.4.2 " Verification-of-Service Collar (Maintenance or Recharging) . Verification-of-Service Collars shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete subsection 7.3.6.5.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.6.5.3 "The 6 year Maintenance internal examination label shall be blue in color and shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 7. Delete subsection 7.11.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.11.3 "Verification-of-Service Collars shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (c) Modifications to Chapter 8: 1. Delete subsection 8.1.2.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.1.2.1 "Hydrostatic testing shall be performed by persons who are, licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, trained in pressure testing procedures and safeguards complying with 7.1.2, who have testing equipment, facilities, and an appropriate manufacturer's service manual(s) available." 2. Delete subsection 8.1.2.1.2 in its entirety without substitution. 3. Delete subsection 8.1.2.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.1.2.1.3 "Where hydrostatic testing is subcontracted to a facility described in 8.1.2.1.1, the secondary firm actually performing the hydro testing must be listed on the primary firms license(s) application on file in the Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office." 4. Delete subsection 8.7.2.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.7.2.2 "The label shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner."

(7) NFPA 11, 2016 Edition, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam Modifications: None

(8) NFPA 12, 2018 Edition, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems Modifications: None

(9) NFPA 12A, 2018 Edition, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems Modifications: None

(10) NFPA 13, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 4: 1. Add a new Section 4.2.1 to read as follows: 4.2.1.1 " Modification of Existing Sprinkler Systems. In existing sprinkler systems, heads may be relocated from original installation locations. All alterations or modifications to existing branch lines shall be submitted with hydraulic calculations if work is outside of scope of subsections 4.4.1 through 4.4.4. New hydraulic data nameplate shall be placed on any modified system at the riser or sectional valve along with the existing hydraulic data nameplate. 4.2.1.2 One additional sprinkler may be added to an original installation location if the additional sprinkler is in a remotely located or non-communicating compartment from the existing or relocated sprinkler. 4.2.1.3 Two sprinklers may be added to an existing branch line if the additional sprinklers are in remotely located or non-communicating compartments from the existing or relocated sprinkler. 4.2.1.4 New branch lines added to existing cross mains shall be sized the same as the existing branch lines. 4.2.1.5 No more than two heads shall be supplied from 1 inch (25.4 mm) pipe unless the existing system was calculated to supply more than two heads. In such case, the calculated maximum for 1 inch (25.4 mm) pipe shall take precedence." (b) Modification to Chapter 5: 1. Add a new paragraph 5.2.2.3 to read as follows: 5.2.2.3 "A water test taken to determine the period of highest demand and made not more than six months prior to plan submittal shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction with all new system designs." (c) Modification to Chapter 9: 1. Delete the Annex note A.9.3.5.1 to 9.3.5.1* and insert a revised A.9.3.5.1 to read follows: "A.9.3.5.1 It is the intent of this section to apply the requirement for draft stops and closely spaced sprinklers to openings in fire rated floor/ceiling assemblies. It is not the intent of this section to require draft stops and closely spaced sprinklers to the perimeter around mezzanines, raised platforms, lofts or other places where stairs or escalators ascend to a floor or landing that is open to the space below. 2. Insert a new 9.3.5.2.1 to read as follows: 9.3.5.2.1 "Draft stops required by Section 8.15.4.1 shall not be required in Light and Ordinary Hazard Occupancies utilizing quick response sprinklers throughout." (d) Modification to Chapter 16: 1.) Delete paragraph 16.12.5.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following. The annex note shall remain. 16.12.5.7 " FDC Locations. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the Fire Chief as set forth in subsections 501.5 and 912 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Where there may be conflict between subsection 501 or 912 of the IFC and section 8.17.2 of this Code , the provisions of 501 and 912 of the IFC shall prevail." (e) Modification to Chapter 27: 1. Add a new 27.1.2.1 to read as follows: 27.1.2.1 "Where plan review notes returned with submitted plans or comments on submitted plans by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), indicating the need for corrections, such corrections shall be made by the Fire Protection Sprinkler Designer. Only after the needed corrections are made and shown on corrected plans shall changes by installation personnel be allowed. Corrected plans shall be kept at the project site and shall be firmly attached to the set of plans stamped as approved with comments by the AHJ. Submitted plans returned without the approval stamp of the AHJ shall have corrections made and be resubmitted to the AHJ for review and approval. The installation of a system shall not be allowed where plans have been returned without an approval stamp until corrected plans have been submitted, reviewed, and stamped as approved by the AHJ." 2. Add new items (48) through (51) to subsection 27.1.3 to read as follows: (48) "Type of construction, (i.e., obstructed or unobstructed as defined in Section 3.7), and the distance between the sprinkler deflector and the structure in exposed structure areas. (49) Indicate the system is a NFPA 13 designed system. (50) Owner's Certificate, provided in accordance with Section 4.2. (51) Name, number and signature of the Certificate of Competency holder & Designer." 3. Add a new subsection 27.2.4.11.2.1 to read as follows: 27.2.4.11.2.1 " There shall be a minimum 10 psi (0.69 bar) cushion between the hydraulically calculated sprinkler system demand and supply when there is a backflow prevention device present. 27.2.4.11.2.1.1 The 10 psi (0.69 bar) cushion may be lowered to not less than 7 psi with written approval of the authority having jurisdiction based on the capability of the fire department to provide support to the system within 10 minutes of the receipt of notification of the alarm of fire in the building." 4. Add a new subparagraph 27.2.4.11.3 to read as follows: 27.2.4.11.3 "There shall be a minimum 15 psi (1.03 bar) cushion between the hydraulically calculated sprinkler system demand and supply in systems that do not have a backflow prevention device. 27.2.4.11.3.1 The 15 psi (1.05 bar) cushion may be lowered to not less than 7 psi with approval of the authority having jurisdiction based on the capability of the fire department to provide support to the system within 10 minutes of the receipt of notification of the alarm of fire in the building." (i) Modification to Chapter 28: 1. Add a new item (5) to 28.1 to read as follows: (5) "Attach an initial "GREEN" inspection tag to the sprinkler system riser. (a) After installation, acceptance testing, and inspection, at the time the system is initially accepted as being in a state of operational readiness, an Inspection Tag shall be completed and attached to the system at a conspicuous location so as to permit convenient inspection, and not hamper system activation. (b) Inspection Tags must be GREEN in color and have a minimum dimension of 51/4 inches (133 mm) in length and 2 inches (67 mm) in width. (c) Inspection tags shall bear at least the following information in an easy to read format: 1. "DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL." This order shall be in a minimum of 10pt capital letters. 2. The license number, name, and physical address of the licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor. 3. The license number, printed name, and signature of the licensed Fire Sprinkler Inspector. 4. The properly punched day, month and year the system was inspected and placed in a state of operational readiness. 5. The name and physical address, including tenant space designation, as applicable of the facility." 2. Add a new Section 28.7 Document Accessibility. 28.7.1 With every new system, a documentation cabinet shall be installed in the system riser room or at another approved location at the protected premises. 28.7.2 The documentation cabinet shall be sized so that it can contain all necessary documentation. 28.7.3 Required minimum documentation shall include copies of Approved Hydraulic calculations, Approved Plans, Above and Below ground contractors test, and Inventory of sprinkler heads. 28.7.4 Where the documentation cabinet is not in the sprinkler riser room, its location shall be identified at the system control valve. 28.7.5 The documentation cabinet shall be prominently labeled SPRINKLER SYSTEM DOCUMENTS. 28.7.6 The contents of the cabinet shall be accessible by authorized personnel only.

(11) NFPA 13D, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes Modifications: None

(12) NFPA 13R, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 1: Delete Section 1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following. Subsection 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 shall remain. 1.1 " Scope. This standard deals with the design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems for protection against fire hazards in residential occupancies, personal care homes, day-care centers and group day-care homes, up to and including four stories in height. When a single-story open-air parking structure of fire-restrictive construction having a rating greater than 2-hours is below a four-story residential occupancy, the structure is considered within this scope." 1. Delete Section 1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.2 " Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to provide design and installation requirements for a sprinkler system to aid in the detection and control of fires in residential occupancies, day-care centers, group day-care homes, and personal care homes, and thus provide improved protection against injury, loss of life, and property damage. A sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with this standard is expected to prevent flashover (total involvement) in the room of fire origin, where sprinklered, and to improve the chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated. This standard shall not be applied to "new assisted living communities" or new "memory care units" as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and as regulated by Chapter 34 or 35, as applicable, of the Life Safety Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (b) Modification to Chapter 3: 1. Delete subsection 3.3.10 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 3.3.10 " Residential Occupancies. Residential Occupancies, as specified in the scope of this standard and for the purposes of this standard, include the following, as defined by State law, or by the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner: (1) Apartment buildings, (2) Lodging and rooming houses, (3) Board and care facilities, (4) Hotels, motels, and dormitories, (5) Personal care homes (prompt and slow evacuation type only), (6) Day-care centers and group day-care homes." 2. Add a new paragraph 3.3.9.1 to read as follows: 3.3.10.1 "Day-care Center - For purposes of NFPA 13R, a day-care facility subject to licensure or commission by the Department of Human Resources where more than 12 clients receive care. A day-care center is within the definition of a dwelling unit." 3. Add a new paragraph 3.3.10.2 to read as follows: 3.3.10.2 " Group Day-care Home - For purposes of NFPA 13R, a day-care facility subject to licensure or commission by the Department of Human Resources where at least seven but not more than 12 clients receive care. A group day-care home is within the definition of a dwelling unit." 4. Add a new paragraph 3.3.10.3 to read as follows: 3.3.10.3 " Dwelling - For purposes of NFPA 13R, any building which contains not more than one or two 'dwelling units' intended to be used, rented, leased, hired out to be occupied for habitation purposes, or for use as a day-care center, a group day-care home, or as a personal care home or community living arrangement." 5. Add a new paragraph 3.3.10.4 to read as follows: 3.3.10.4 " Outside Dwelling Unit - Any area such as, but not limited to, storage, mechanical and equipment rooms and/or other area(s) that, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, constitutes a fire hazard in excess of the hazards normally found within the dwelling unit." 6. Add a new paragraph 3.3.10.5 to read as follows: 3.3.10.5 " Personal Care Home - For the purposes of NFPA 13R, any building or part thereof that is used as defined in Chapter 120-3-3 in 120-3-3-.03(11) of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (c) Modification to Chapter 4: 1. Add a new Section 4.6 to read as follows: 4.6 " Minimum Pipe Sizes. Minimum pipe sizes shall be 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) for copper and 1-inch (25.4 mm) for steel. For other approved pipe or tubing used, a minimum size of 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) for those with a Hazen-Williams 'C' value of 150 or more and 1 inch (19.1 mm) for those less than 150." (d) Modification to Chapter 6: 1. Delete paragraph 6.6.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 6.6.1 "Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas except where omission is permitted by 6.6.2 through 6.6.9 excluding day-care facilities. Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas of day-care facilities except where omission is permitted by 6.6.4 and 6.6.5." 2. Add a new paragraph 6.8.11 to read as follows: 6.8.11 "A non-multipurpose piping system shall be isolated from the domestic water system by not less than two spring-loaded check valves or equivalent." 3. Add a new paragraph 6.8.12 to read as follows: 6.8.12 "All valves controlling water supplies for sprinkler systems or portions thereof, including floor control valves, shall be easily accessible to authorized persons. Water supply connections shall not extend into or through a building unless such connection is under control of an outside listed indicating valve or an inside listed indicating valve located near an outside wall of the building." (e) Modification to Chapter 9: 1. Delete subsection 9.6.2.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "Where a waterflow test is used for the purpose of system design, the test shall be conducted no more than 6 months prior to working plan submittal unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction." 2. Add a new subsection 9.7.2.1 to read as follows: 9.7.2.1 "A fire pump not meeting NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection , may be acceptable for small community living arrangements, day-care centers, day-care homes, and small personal care homes based upon documentation and subject to written approval of the authority having jurisdiction." (f) Modification to Chapter 10: 1. Add a new subsection 10.1.5 to read as follows: 10.1.5 "Upon completion of the acceptance test as set forth in this section, the installer shall attach an initial "GREEN" inspection tag to the sprinkler system riser. (a) After installation, testing, and inspection, at the time the system is initially accepted as being in a state of operational readiness, an Inspection Tag shall be completed and attached to the system at a conspicuous location so as to permit convenient inspection, and not hamper system activation. (b) Inspection Tags must be GREEN in color and have a minimum dimension of 51/4 inches (133 mm) in length and 2 inches (67 mm) in width. (c) Inspection tags shall bear at least the following information in an easy to read format: (1) "DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL." This order shall be in a minimum of 10pt capital letters. (2) The license number, name, and physical address of the licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor. (3) The license number, printed name, and signature of the licensed Fire Sprinkler Inspector. (4) The properly punched day, month and year the system was inspected and placed in a state of operational readiness. (5) The name and physical address (including tenant space as applicable) of the facility."

(13) NFPA 14, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, and Hose Systems Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Delete Section 1-1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1-1 " Scope. The State's minimum requirements for standpipes shall be established by the IBC (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ) of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner). In addition, the requirements for occupant hoses are eliminated for new and existing buildings subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Where the installation of standpipes and /or hose systems is required, this standard covers the minimum requirements for the installation of standpipes and hose systems for buildings and structures. This standard does not cover requirements for periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipe systems. (See NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems .)" (b) Modification to Chapter 7: 1. Delete 7.8 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.8 " Minimum and Maximum Pressure Limits 7.8.1 Hydraulically designed standpipe systems shall be designed to provide the waterflow rate required by Section 7.10 at a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the outlet of the hydraulically most remote 2-1/2 inch (65 mm) hose connection and 65 psi (4.5 bar) at the outlet of the hydraulically most remote 1-1/2 (38 mm) hose connection. 7.8.1.1 Where the local Fire Chief or local Fire Code Official having fire suppression jurisdiction permits lower than 100 psi (6.9 bar) for 2-1/2 inch (65 mm) hose connections, based upon local suppression tactics, the pressure shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 65 psi (4.5 bar). 7.8.1.2 Where the building is protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system and the building is not a high-rise, as defined in 3.3.5, the minimum residual pressure provisions shall not be mandatory when the standpipe system piping is a minimum of eight inches (8") nominal diameter. 7.8.1.3 Existing high-rise buildings, as defined in 3.3.5, that are protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system shall be permitted a reduction of the minimum residual pressure requirement of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the hydraulically most remote 2-1/2 inch (63.5 mm) hose connection to 65 psi (4.5 bar). 7.8.1.4 Manual standpipe systems shall be designed to provide 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the topmost outlet with the calculations terminating at the fire department connection." 2. Insert a new subsection 7.12.3.4 to read as follows: 7.12.3.4 " Location. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the Fire Chief as set forth in subsection 501.5 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (c) Modification to Chapter 10: 1. Add a new subsection 10.3 to read as follows: 10.3 "A letter certifying that all pressure restricting and pressure reducing equipment is installed and set per NFPA requirements and manufacturer's instructions shall be presented to the inspector along with test certificates at the time of final inspection." (d) Modification to Annex A: 1. Add a New Annex Note A.7.8.1.4 to read as follows: A.7.8.1.4 "It is not the intent of this standard to provide an automatic water supply for manual standpipe systems. Manual standpipe systems are designed (sized) to provide 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the topmost outlet using a fire department pumper as the source of flow and pressure."

(14) NFPA 15, 2012 Edition, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection Modifications: None

(15) NFPA 16, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam- Water Spray Systems Modifications: None

(16) NFPA 17, 2017 Edition , Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 1: 1. Delete Section 1.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.6 " *Qualifications. Only persons who are properly trained and licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, shall be considered competent to design, install, and service dry chemical systems." (b) Modification to Chapter 11: 1. Delete subsection 11.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.1.3 "Only persons trained and licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, shall be considered competent to design, install, and service dry chemical extinguishing systems, in accordance with this standard and the manufacturer's instructions." 2. Delete paragraph 11.1.3.1 in its entirety without substitution. 3. Delete subparagraph 11.3.1.2.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.3.1.2.4 "The label shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 4. Delete subparagraph 11.3.1.2.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.3.1.2.7 "The collar shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 5. Delete paragraph 11.3.1.10 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.3.1.10 "Each dry chemical system shall have the required tags or labels complying with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner after each service has been conducted on the system. Only the current applicable tag or label shall remain on the system." 6. Delete subsection 11.4.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: Systems shall be recharged by persons who are properly trained and licensed under the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual."

(17) NFPA 17A, 2013 Edition, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 1: 1. Delete Section 1.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.7 " *Qualifications. Only persons who are properly trained and licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, shall be considered competent to design, install, and service wet chemical systems." (b) Modification to Chapter 7: 1. Delete subsection 7.3.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.1 "A service technician who performs maintenance on an extinguishing system shall be trained and shall possess a licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated." 2. Delete paragraph 7.3.1.1 in its entirety without substitution. 3. Delete subparagraph 7.3.3.6.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.3.6.1 "The owner or owner's representative shall retain all maintenance reports for a period of 3 years after the next maintenance of that type required by the standard." 4. Delete paragraph 7.3.3.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 7.3.3.7 " * Each wet chemical system shall have a tag or label securely attached, complying with the requirements of Chapter 120-3-23 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Only the current tag or label shall remain in place." 5. Add a new paragraph 7.5.2.4 to read as follows: 7.5.2.4 "Each stored pressure system agent cylinder that has undergone maintenance or hydrostatic testing that includes internal examination, or that has been recharged shall have 'Verification of Service' collar located around the neck of the cylinder. The collar shall contain a single circular piece of uninterrupted material forming a hole of a size that will not permit the collar assembly to move over the neck of the cylinder unless the valve is completely removed. The collar shall not interfere with the operation and actuation of the system cylinder. The 'Verification of Service' collar shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 7.5.2.4.1 The provisions of 7.5.2.4 do not apply to stored pressure system cylinders undergoing maintenance before March 1, 2002. 7.5.2.4.2 Non-stored pressure cylinders such as cartridge cylinders for cartridge-operated systems do not require a 'Verification of Service' collar for the cartridge."

(18) NFPA 18, 2017 Edition, Standard on Wetting Agents Modifications: None

(19) NFPA 18A, 2017 Edition, Standard on Water Additives for Fire Control and Vapor Mitigation Modifications: None

(20) NFPA 20, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 4: 1. Add new paragraphs 4.6.2.3.4 and 4.6.2.3.5 to read as follows: 4.6.2.3.4 "At 150% rated capacity or below, the pump suction supply shall not drop below 20 psi (1.38 bar). 4.6.2.3.5 Suction supply pressure may be lowered upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction."

(21) NFPA 22, 2018 Edition, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection Modifications: None

(22) NFPA 24, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 4: 1. Delete 4.1.3 (10) in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (10) "Size, location, and piping arrangement of fire department connections as approved by the local Fire Chief having jurisdiction as set forth in 501.5 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (b) Modifications to Chapter 13: 1. Delete Section 13.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "13.1* Private Service Mains. 13.1.1 No pipe smaller than a nominal 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter shall be used to supply more than one hydrant or one hydrant on dead end mains over 500 feet (152 m). 13.1.2 No pipe smaller than a nominal 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter shall be used to supply one hydrant and automatic extinguishing systems. 13.1.3 No pipe smaller than a nominal 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter shall be used to supply more than one hydrant and automatic extinguishing systems on looped mains over 1,000 feet (305 m)." 2. Add the following in Annex A, A13.1: A.13.1 "Pipe sizing should be based upon good engineering practices based on the projected water demand, firefighting capabilities and water supply characteristics. Pipe sizes other than those specified in 13.1 may be acceptable in new or existing installations with the written approval of the authority having jurisdiction."

(23) NFPA 25, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water- Based Fire Protection Systems Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 4: 1. Add a new Subsection 4.3.1.2 to read as follows: 4.3.1.2 "On non-compliant or impaired systems, a copy of the inspection report shall be forwarded to the authority having jurisdiction by the owner and/or the occupant." 2. Delete 4.3.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 4.3.3 "Records shall be maintained by the property owner for a period of at least three years." 3. Delete Section 4.3.5 and replace with the following: 4.3.5 " Subsequent records shall be retained for a period of 3 years after the next inspection of that type required by the standard." 4. Add a new subsection 4.3.6 to read as follows: 4.3.6 "Tagging. 4.3.6.1 Inspection Tag. (a) After inspection and testing, an Inspection Tag shall be completed indicating all work that has been done, and then attached to the system in such a position as to permit convenient inspection and not hamper its activation or operation. A new Inspection Tag shall be attached to each system each time an inspection and test service is performed. (b) Inspection Tags must be GREEN in color having a minimum dimension of 133 mm (5 1/4 inches) in height and 67 mm (2 5/8 inches) in width. (c) Inspection tags shall bear the following information in an easily read format: 1. ' DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.' This particular information shall be in a minimum of 10pt type and in all capital letters. 2. The licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor's name and physical address; 3. The license number of the Fire Sprinkler Contractor; 4. The license number of the fire sprinkler inspector; 5. The licensed fire sprinkler inspector's signature; 6. The day, month and year (to be punched); 7. The facility name and address. (d) Inspection Tags may be printed and established for any period of time. After each printing, a minimum of three sample tags must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office. (e) An Inspection Tag shall only be removed by an authorized representative of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor. (f) Should impairments or noncompliance items be found, the licensed inspector shall notify the building owner or his representative and the authority having jurisdiction in writing of all noncompliance items and/or impairments found. A fire sprinkler system compliance Inspection Tag shall not be installed on each system until the impairments or noncompliance items have been corrected and each system has been re-inspected and found to be in a state of operational readiness. 4.3.6.2 Noncompliance Tag. (a) If a fire sprinkler system is found in noncompliance with the applicable NFPA standards, a completed Noncompliance Tag shall be attached to the main control valve of each system to indicate that corrective action is necessary. (b) Noncompliance Tags must be YELLOW in color having a minimum dimension of 133 mm (5 1/4 inches) in height and 67 mm (2 5/8 inches) in width. (c) Noncompliance Tags shall bear the following information in an easily read format: 1. 'DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL-SYSTEM NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH NFPA STANDARDS.' This particular information shall be in a minimum of 10pt type and in all capital letters. 2. The licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor's name and physical address; 3. The license number of the Fire Sprinkler Contractor; 4. The license number of the fire sprinkler inspector; 5. The licensed fire sprinkler inspector's signature; 6. The day, month and year (to be punched); 7. The noncompliance issue(s); 8. The facility name and address. (d) Noncompliance Tags may be printed and established for any period of time. After each printing, a minimum of three sample tags must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office. (e) The signature of the licensee on a Noncompliance Tag certifies the impairments listed on the label cause the system to be out of compliance with NFPA standards. (f) A Noncompliance Tag shall only be removed by an authorized representative of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor upon re-inspection of the fire sprinkler system. (g) A letter of noncompliance conditions shall be sent to the building owner or authorized representative within five working days of the date of the inspection. 4.3.6.3 Impairment Tag. (a) Should impairments constitute an emergency impairment as defined in this standard, then the inspector shall complete and attach an Impairment Tag to the main control valve of each system and the fire department connection to indicate that corrective action is necessary. (b) Impairment Tags must be RED in color having a minimum dimension of 133 mm (5 1/4 inches) in height and 67 mm (2 5/8 inches) in width. (c) Impairment Tags shall bear the following information in an easily read format: 1. 'DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.' This particular information shall be in a minimum of 10pt type and in all capital letters. 2. The licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor's name and physical address; 3. The license number of the Fire Sprinkler Contractor; 4. The license number of the fire sprinkler inspector; 5. The licensed fire sprinkler inspector's signature; 6. The day, month and year (to be punched); 7. The emergency impairment(s); 8. The facility name and address. (d) Impairment Tags may be printed and established for any period of time. After each printing, a minimum of three sample tags must be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's office. (e) The signature of the licensee on an Impairment Tag certifies the impairments listed on the label cause the system to be out of compliance with NFPA standards. (f) An Impairment Tag shall only be removed by an authorized representative of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor upon re-inspection of the fire sprinkler system. (g) A letter of emergency impairment conditions shall be sent to the building owner or authorized representative and to the occupant within 24 hours of the time of the inspection. The building owner and/or occupant shall notify the authority having jurisdiction within 24 hours of the time of the impairment notification." (b) Modifications to Chapter 6: 1. Add a new 6.1.1.1.1 to read as follows: 6.1.1.1.1 "In new and existing buildings, the requirements for hose for occupant use are eliminated, subject to the approval of the local Fire Chief or local Fire Code Official having fire suppression jurisdiction."

(24) NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(25) NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(26) NFPA 30B, Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(27) NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(28) NFPA 32, Standard for Drycleaning Plants Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(29) NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials Modifications : (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(30) NFPA 34, Standard for Dipping, Coating and Printing Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(31) NFPA 35, Standard for the Manufacture of Organic Coatings Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(32) NFPA 36, Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(33) NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(34) NFPA 40, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Film Modifications: None

(35) NFPA 45, 2019 Edition, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 10: 1. Delete paragraph 10.2.3.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 10.2.3.4 " Emergency shutoff valves for laboratories. In addition to point of use manual shutoff valves required by 10.2.3, each laboratory space containing two or more gas outlets installed on tables, benches, or in hoods in business, educational, healthcare, research, commercial, and industrial occupancies shall have a single valve through which all such gas outlets are supplied. This emergency shutoff valve shall be accessible, located within the laboratory or adjacent to the laboratory's primary egress door, and clearly identified by approved signage stating at the least, 'GAS SHUTOFF' ."

(36) NFPA 51, 2018 Edition, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-13, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(37) NFPA 51B, 2019 Edition, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-13, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(38) NFPA 52, 2019 Edition, Gaseous Vehicular Fuel Systems Code Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-14, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(39) NFPA 53, 2016 Edition, Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.3.1 to read as follows: 1.3.1 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating fire hazards in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of the applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(40) NFPA 54, 2018 Edition, National Fuel Gas Code Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-14, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and Chapter 120-3-16, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for the adopted edition and any modifications.

(41) NFPA 55 2020 Edition, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Code Modifications: None

(43) NFPA 56, 2017 Edition, Standard for Fire and Explosion Prevention During Cleaning and Purging of Flammable Gas Piping Systems Modifications: None

(44) NFPA 58, 2017 Edition, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-16, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(45) NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code (LNG) Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-16, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(46) NFPA 59A, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-16, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(47) NFPA 61, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(48) NFPA 68, 2018 Edition, Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(49) NFPA 69, 2019 Edition, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems Modifications: None

(50) NFPA 70, 2020 Edition, National Electrical Code Modifications: (a) Modifications to Article 110, I: 1. Add a new section 110.29 to read as follows: 110.29 "Relocatable Power Tap's (RPT's. Relocatable power taps (RPT's) shall comply with the provisions of 605.4.2 of the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by this Chapter."

(51) NFPA 70B, 2019 Edition, Electrical Equipment Maintenance Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating the effectiveness of electrical equipment within its scope. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(52) NFPA 70E, 2018 Edition, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces Modifications: (a) Modifications to Article 90 Introduction: 1. Delete 90.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 90.1 "This standard addresses those electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces that are necessary for practical safeguarding of employees in their pursuit of gainful employment. This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards. This standard covers: (a) Electrical conductors and equipment installed within or on buildings or other structures, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles, and other premises such as yards, carnival, parking and other lots, and industrial substations. (b) Conductors that connect the installations to a supply of electricity. (c) Other outside conductors on the premises."

(53) NFPA 72, 2019 Edition, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 1: 1. Delete Section 1.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.1.1 " Scope. This Code covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire and carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment, and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components, whether such system or component is required or not. 1.1.1.1 Where the requirements of this Code have technical differences and requirements from those established, as applicable, by Chapter 120-3-20 or 120-3-20A, of the Safety Fire Commissioner's Rules and Regulations for Accessibility to Buildings and Facilities, the technical provisions and requirements of Chapter 120-3-20 and 120-3-20A shall take precedence over the requirements of this Code where applicable." (b) Modifications to Chapter 7: 1. Add a new paragraph (5) to 7.5.3 to read as follows: (5) "For software-based systems, all access codes and passwords to grant access to the software by authorized personnel." (c) Modifications to Chapter 10: 1. Add a new subsection 10.4.7 to read as follows: 10.4.7 "Protection shall not be required in Existing building installations acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction." (d) Modifications to Chapter 17: 1. Add a new subparagraph 17.7.3.1.4 to read as follows: 17.7.3.1.4 "Alternate locations of smoke detectors as allowed by the International Fire Code , or where applicable, the Life Safety Code , and acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, may be utilized and may be considered to be in compliance with this Code ." (e) Modification to Annex A: 1. Add a new Annex note A.18.4.4.2 to read as follows: A.18.4.4.2 "For example, in critical care patient areas, it is often desirable to not have an audible fire alarm even at reduced private mode levels. Another example would be classrooms for small children in day care or educational occupancies, where verbal communication is vital between caregivers or teachers and children during drills or during an actual fire or other emergency condition. Audible alarms often frighten small children and valuable time may be lost while trying to calm such children. Also, audible alarms at or near locations, where clear communications is required, may present a problem. A school office or a receptionist desk common to various occupancies are examples. An additional example of where an audible fire alarm could be a problem would be high noise level work areas where an audible signal needed to overcome background noise at one time of the day would be excessively loud and potentially dangerous at another time of lower ambient noise. A sudden increase of more than 30 dB over 0.5 seconds is considered to cause sudden and potentially dangerous fright. Each case requires individual consideration by the authority having jurisdiction."

(54) NFPA 75, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment Modifications: None

(55) NFPA 76, 2016 Edition, Standard for Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities Modifications: None

(56) NFPA 77, 2019 Edition, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.9 to read as follows: 1.1.9 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating systems or devices installed for the purposes of safeguarding life and/or property against the hazards of static electricity. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(57) NFPA 78, 2020 Edition, Guide on Electrical Inspections (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.4 to read as follows: 1.1.4 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating electrical/electronic equipment, apparatus, or systems of industrial machines within its scope. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards. This standard is not meant to add any requirements not found in the NEC, nor change the intent of the intent of the requirements found in the NEC. If any conflict occurs between this standards and the NEC, the NEC shall control."

(58) NFPA 79, 2019 Edition, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating electrical/electronic equipment, apparatus, or systems of industrial machines within its scope. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards. This standard is not meant to add any requirements not found in the NEC , nor change the intent of the requirements found in the NEC . If any conflict occurs between this standards and the NEC , the NEC shall control."

(59) NFPA 80, 2019 Edition, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives Modifications: None

(60) NFPA 80A, 2017 Edition, Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.5 to read as follows: 1.1.5 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating the exterior fire exposure risks of buildings. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand- alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(61) NFPA 82, 2019 Edition, Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment Modifications: None

(62) NFPA 85, 2019 Edition, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code Modifications: None

(63) NFPA 86, 2019 Edition, Standard for Ovens and Furnaces Modifications: None

(64) NFPA 87, 2018 Edition, Standard for Fluid Heaters Modifications: None

(65) NFPA 88A, 2019 Edition, Standard for Parking Structures Modifications: None

(66) NFPA 90A, 2018 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems Modifications: None NOTE: The International Mechanical Code , as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), shall be the applicable code replacing 90A with the exception of its application to Hospitals, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, assisted living homes or other health care type facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shall comply with the fire and life safety rules and regulations imposed by that agency even though codes and standards adopted by that agency may not be specifically included herein. The codes and standards adopted and modified herein shall also apply where applicable and shall be deemed to be the minimum state fire and life safety standards where they are at least as protective as the CMS rules and regulations. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE in the International Fire Code adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3.)

(67) NFPA 90B, 2018 Edition , Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air- Conditioning Systems Modifications: None NOTE: The International Mechanical Code , as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), shall be the applicable code replacing 90B with the exception of its application to Hospitals, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, assisted living communities or other health care type facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shall comply with the fire and life safety rules and regulations imposed by that agency even though codes and standards adopted by that agency may not be specifically included herein. The codes and standards adopted and modified herein shall also apply where applicable and shall be deemed to be the minimum state fire and life safety standards where they are at least as protective as the CMS rules and regulations. (Refer to Table 102.13, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE in the International Fire Code adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3.)

(68) NFPA 91, 2015 Edition, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids Modifications: None

(69) NFPA 92, 2018 Edition, Standard for Smoke Control Systems Modifications: None [Note: Also see 909.2.1 (1) of the International Fire Code ]

(70) NFPA 96, 2017 Edition, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 1: 1. Delete subsection 1.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.1.3 "This standard shall apply to all commercial cooking equipment used for commercial cooking operations." 2. Delete subsection 1.1.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.1.4 "This standard shall not apply to residential cooking equipment located in a single dwelling unit or to cooking equipment in facilities where all of the following are met: (1) Only residential cooking equipment such as: stoves, ranges or cooking surfaces traditionally used in dwelling units are being utilized. (2) The defined residential cooking equipment contains a maximum of four standard surface cooking elements and is not used for frying operations. (3) The defined residential equipment is used for food warming, limited cooking, rehabilitation training or in a home economic education classroom setup. (4) The residential cooking equipment is protected by a listed self-contained residential fire suppression system located in an approved residential hood which is vented directly to the outside and providing protection to each cooking surface The self-contained fire suppression system for the defined residential cooking equipment need not be provided where protection is provided by an approved automatic sprinkler system protecting the cooking surface, subject to approval of the authority having jurisdiction. The self-contained residential fire suppression system shall automatically disconnect electric power to electric stoves, and shut off the gas supply and electric power to gas fueled stoves, provided, however, this provision shall not be retroactive for installations approved prior to the effective adoption date of this standard. (5) The facility is not an assembly occupancy, provided, this shall not apply to church facilities with a single residential stove or range complying with (2) above. (6) Fire Extinguishers are located in all kitchen areas in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, and this Code , as adopted with modifications." 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.5 to read as follows: 1.1.5 "This standard, except for operational and maintenance provisions, shall not apply for conditions existing prior to March 9, 2010, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, and where a notarized statement that no frying operations will be performed is provided. This approval shall be void for cause when the authority having jurisdiction finds cooking operations involve frying operations. (See also 1.4.1)" (b) Modification to Chapter 10: 1. Delete subsection 10.2.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 10.2.6 "Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be installed by competent personnel meeting Chapter 120-3-23, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, licensing and permit requirements. In addition, such systems shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing, the manufacturer's instructions, and the following applicable standard(s): (1) NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems (2) NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (3) NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems (4) NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems" 2. Add a New Subsection 10.4.4.1 to read as follows: 10.4.4.1 Shut off devices shall be located below any ceiling and be accessible. (c) Modification to Chapter 13: 1. Delete Section 13.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 13.2 " Design Restrictions. All recirculating systems shall comply with the requirements of Section 13.2. Recirculating systems shall be limited to outdoor vending areas or rooms that are fully sprinklered." (d) Add a New Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Mobile and Temporary Cooking Operations 16.1 General Requirements 16.1.1 Annex B shall be adopted as mandatory requirements for mobile and temporary cooking operations. 16.1.2 Cooking equipment used in fixed, mobile, or temporary concessions, such as trucks, buses, trailers, pavilions, tents or any form of roofed enclosure shall comply with this chapter.

(71) NFPA 99, 2018 Edition, Standard for Health Care Facilities Modifications: None NOTE: Hospitals, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, or other health care type facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shall comply with the fire and life safety rules and regulations imposed by that agency even though codes and standards adopted by that agency may not be specifically included herein. The codes and standards adopted and modified herein shall also apply where applicable and shall be deemed to be the minimum state fire and life safety standards where they are at least as protective as the CMS rules and regulations. (Refer to 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3-.03 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for definitions of "assisted living communities" and "memory care units. Such facilities are regulated, as appropriate by Chapters 34 or 35 of the Life Safety Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner.)

(72) NFPA 99B, 2018 Edition, Standard for Hypobaric Facilities Modifications: None

(73) NFPA 101, 2018 Edition, Life Safety Code Modifications: The 2018 Edition of the Life Safety Code is adopted with modifications so as to be applicable to proposed (new) and existing buildings and structures. Unless noted otherwise herein, operational provisions such as fire drills, emergency egress and relocation drills, development of fire or emergency plans, and regulation of decorations and contents of building and structures of the various provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code shall not be applicable to proposed (new) or existing buildings, structures, facilities, or conditions. The operational provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner shall apply to proposed (new) and existing buildings, structures, facilities, and conditions, unless such provisions are less protective than or are in conflict with the rules and regulations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as they apply to health care related occupancies. (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Delete paragraph (1) of subsection 1.1.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (1) "General fire prevention or building construction features are normally a function of fire prevention codes and building codes. The International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and the International Building Code ( IBC ), as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, are applicable, and their use along with other codes and standards shall be coordinated with this Code , as set forth in 1.4.4 and Table 1.4.4, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE 2. Add a new subsection 1.4.4 to read as follows: 1.4.4 " Code Coordination. This Code shall apply to all proposed (new) and existing buildings, structures and facilities, except as herein provided, and shall be utilized in conjunction with the IBC , the IFC , the IMC, and the IFGC, to the degree provided in Table 102.13 CODES REFERENCE GUIDE . 1.4.4.1 This Code does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings or one-and two-family row houses (townhouses) separated by a 2-hour firewall, except as specified in Chapters 26, 30 and 31." Table 102.13: CODES REFERENCE GUIDE Area Primary Supplement Occupancy Classification LSC IBC Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types. IBC LSC Means of Egress LSC NONE Standpipes IBC IFC Interior Finish LSC NONE HVAC Systems IMC NONE Vertical Openings LSC NONE Sprinkler Systems minimum LSC NONE Fire Alarm Systems LSC NONE Smoke alarms & Smoke Detection Systems State Statute & LSC NONE Cooking Equipment LSC & NFPA 96 NONE Portable Fire Extinguishers IFC NONE Fuel Fired Appliances IFGC NFPA 54 Liquid Petroleum Gas NFPA 58 NFPA 54 Compressed Natural Gas NFPA 52 NONE (b) Modification to Chapter 3: [Note: Refer to 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for modified or special definitions that apply to this Code , unless otherwise advised by the various chapters of this Code .] (c) Modification to Chapter 4: 1. Delete Section 4.7 and 4.8 in their entirety (4.7.1 through 4.8.2.3) and substitute in their place the following: "SECTION 4.7 Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans and Emergency Evacuation Drills. 4.7.1 Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be developed, made available, and maintained in various occupancies as required by Section 404 of the International Fire Code, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 4.7.1.1 Resources for Development of Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans. The provisions of A.4.7, A.4.7.2, A.4.7.4, A.4.7.6, A.4.8.2.1, and Table A.4.8.2.1(3), and as applicable, A.12.7.6, A.12.7.7, A.12.7.7.3, A.13.7.6, A.13.7.7, A.14.7.2.1, A.15.7.2.1, A.16.7.1, A.16.7.2.1, A.17.7.1, A.18.7, A.18.7.2.1, A.19.7, A.19.7.2.1, A.20.7, A.20.7.2.1, A.21.7, A.21.7.2.1, A.22.7.1.3, A.23.7.1.3, A.28.7.1.1, and A.29.7.1.1 of this Code shall be deemed acceptable resources for use in the development of fire safety and evacuation plans required by the International Fire Code, as set forth by the provisions of 4.7.1 of this Code . 4.7.2 Emergency Evacuation Drills. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted in various occupancies as required by Section 405 of the International Fire Code, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 4.7.3 Employee Training and Response Procedures. Employees in various occupancies shall be trained in fire emergency procedures and evacuation procedures as required by Section 406 of the International Fire Code, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (d) Modifications to Chapter 6: 1. Delete subparagraph 6.1.14.4.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 6.1.14.4.1 "Where separated occupancies are provided, each part of the building comprising a distinct occupancy as described in this chapter, shall be completely separated from other occupancies by fire resistive assemblies as specified in 6.1.14.4.2, and in Section 508 of the International Building Code , adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, as applicable to "separated occupancies", unless separation is provided by approved existing separations." 2. Delete subparagraph 6.1.14.4.3 in its entirety without substitution. 3. Delete Table 6.1.14.4.1(a) in its entirety without substitution. 4. Delete Table 6.1.14.4.1(b) in its entirety without substitution. (e) Modifications to Chapter 7: 1. Add a new item (8) to subparagraph 7.2.1.4.1 to read as follows: (8) " For conditions or circumstances not covered herein, vertical fire shutters, roll down fire doors, or similar assemblies shall not be installed in means of egress, except where expressly permitted due to special hazards or circumstances by other chapters of this Code , or by approval of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for buildings coming under O.C.G.A. 25-2-13 , or by the fire authority having jurisdiction over other buildings." 2. Add a new subparagraph 7.2.1.8.2.1 to read as follows: 7.2.1.8.2.1 "Where fire doors are used within the means of egress, they shall comply with the applicable provisions of 7.2.1. Spring loaded hinges or spring operated self-closing devices not listed for use with rated fire door assemblies are prohibited for use as closing devices for fire rated doors. 7.2.1.8.2.1.1 Existing applications utilizing spring loaded hinges in existing buildings may be continued in use where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 7.2.1.8.2.1.2 Spring loaded hinges or spring operated self-closing devices shall not be permitted for use on fire-rated smoke doors, provided, however, spring loaded hinges may be used on non-rated doors designed and installed to resist the passage of smoke, unless otherwise specified in Chapters 11 through 43. 7.2.1.8.2.1.3 Existing installations in existing buildings of spring loaded hinges on fire-rated smoke doors may be continued in use where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction." 3. 3. Revise 7.2.2.2.1.1 (1) to read as follows. (1) New stairs shall be in accordance with Table 7.2.2.2.1.1(a) and 7.2.2.2.1.2 and the following shall apply: (a) Risers shall be solid 4. Revise 7.2.2.2.1.1 (3) to read as follows. (3) Approved existing stairs shall be permitted to be rebuilt in accordance with the following: (a) Dimensional criteria of table 7.2.2.2.1.1 (b) (b) Other stair requirements of 7.2.2 (c) Risers shall be solid 5. Add a new subparagraph 7.2.3.10.3 to read as follows: 7.2.3.10.3 " Deactivation of Mechanical Pressurization Systems. The design of pressurization systems shall ensure that smoke is not introduced into the pressurized enclosure so as to result in the untenable contamination of the fresh air. Approved smoke detectors shall be installed at each intake in such approved manner that the operation of the fan providing mechanical pressurization to the enclosure where smoke is detected shall be deactivated upon detection of smoke." 6. Add a new paragraph 7.3.1.2.1 to read as follows: 7.3.1.2.1 "Where substantial evidence and documentation is provided, the authority having jurisdiction may decrease the occupant load for some occupancy use areas. The determined occupant load capacity shall be posted at an obvious location indicating the total occupant load capacity." 7. Add to Table 7.3.1.2 entitled "Occupant Load Factor" the additional use areas to read as follows: "Locker Rooms 15 (1.4) Free Weight Rooms 20 (1.9) Running Tracks 50 (4.7) Art Museums 30 (2.8) Pool Halls 75 (6.9) Multi-Purpose room 7 (0.65) Airport terminals: Concourse 100 (9.3) Waiting area 15 (1.4) Baggage Claim 20 (1.9) Baggage Handling 300 (27.9)" 8. Add a new subparagraph 7.4.1.1.1 to read as follows: 7.4.1.1.1 "Egress stairways from mezzanines shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 7 of this Code . They may be open to the floor of the room in which they are located provided all of the following conditions are met: (1) The space beneath the mezzanine is totally open and unencumbered by partitioned rooms or spaces. The space beneath the mezzanine may be enclosed provided the enclosed space is protected throughout with a smoke detection system installed in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , which sounds an alarm in the mezzanine. (2) The travel distance from the most remote point on the floor of the mezzanine to the building exit or to a protected egress corridor, exit court, horizontal passageway, enclosed stair, or exterior exit balcony does not exceed the travel distance limitations of Chapters 11 through 42. (3) The occupant load of the mezzanine is added to the occupant load of the story or room in which it is located for the purposes of determining the minimum egress requirements. (4) The mezzanine in not occupied for sleeping purposes unless there are exterior windows accessible to the mezzanine and located not more than two stories above grade." 9. Add a new paragraph 7.7.1.5 to subsection 7.7.1 to read as follows: 7.7.1.5 "Where the exit discharge termination cannot be at a public way, or the authority having jurisdiction determines it to be a significant hardship to provide the termination at a public way, the authority having jurisdiction may approve the exit discharge termination to be a safe dispersal area that complies with the following: (1) The area shall be of an area that accommodates at the least 5 square feet (0.46 m²) for each person calculated to be served by the exit(s) for which the dispersal area is provided. (2) The dispersal area shall be located on the same lot at least 50 feet (15240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. A greater distance may be required by the authority having jurisdiction based on the evaluated fire severity or other risk from the building requiring egress.) (3) The area shall be clearly identified and permanently maintained as a safe dispersal area. (4) The area shall be provided with a clearly identified and unobstructed exit discharge route, and comply with the applicable provisions of 7.1.6 of this Code . (5) The exit discharge route and the dispersal area shall be illuminated by normal and emergency lighting, where the building requiring egress is occupied during periods of darkness." 10. Add a new subsection 7.7.7 to read as follows: 7.7.7 "Discharge from exits into fenced or walled courtyards or yards. 7.7.7.1 For occupancies covered by Chapters 14, 15, 16, 17, 32 and 33, exits shall be permitted to discharge into fenced or walled courtyards or yards, provided the courtyard or yard is provided with a gate at least 32 inches (0.81 m) in clear width. Where the population served exceeds 50, two gates shall be provided. There shall be adequate exit capacity provided for the population served. The requirements of 7.4.1.2 shall apply. Gates are permitted to be locked if adequate provisions are made for the rapid removal of occupants by means such as remote control of locks, keying of all locks to keys carried by staff at all times, or other such reliable means available to the staff at all times that is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Only one locking device shall be permitted on each gate. 7.7.7.2 The provisions of 7.7.7.1 shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of fenced or walled courtyards as components of the discharge of exits as set forth in Chapters 22 and 23. 7.7.7.3 The provisions of 7.7.7.1 may be applied, as approved by the authority having jurisdiction, to an "Assisted Living Community" or "Memory Care Unit" as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 7.7.7.4 The provisions of various occupancy chapters dealing with a "lock-up", as defined in 3.3.164, shall not be construed as applying to the exit discharge provisions of 7.7.7.1, provided, however, exits from approved lock-ups may discharge into fenced or walled areas complying with the provisions of Chapter 22 or 23 as may be applicable, and as approved by the authority having jurisdiction." (f) Modification to Chapter 8: 1. Delete paragraph 8.2.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.2.1.2 "The International Building Code ( IBC ) as adopted by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) shall be used to determine the requirements for the construction classification." 2. Add a new subparagraph 8.2.1.2.1 and Table 8.2.1.2.1 to read as follows: 8.2.1.2.1 " Construction Conversion Table . The table noted herein provides a comparison of acceptable construction types as defined in NFPA Standard 220 and the International Building Code ( IBC )." Table 8.2.1.2.1 Conversion Table for the IBC and NFPA 220 Construction Types NF PA 220 Type I (443) Type I (332) Type II (222) Type II (111) Type II (000) Type III (211) Type III (200) Type IV (2 HH) Type V (111) Type V (000) IBC

IA IB IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV VA VB 3. Add a new to sub-paragraph 8.2.2.2.1 to read as follows: 8.2.2.2.1 "Fire barriers/walls required for tenant separation by the IBC may terminate at exit access corridors with a lower fire rating including a non-rated smoke resistive barrier, if such barriers are allowed by the requirements for the protection rating of exit access corridors." 4. Delete paragraph 8.2.2.5 and replace with a new paragraph 8.2.2.5 8.2.2.5 Fire and/or Smoke Barrier Identification. All fire and/or smoke barriers or walls shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling above a decorative ceiling and/or in concealed spaces with letters a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) high on a contrasting background spaced a maximum of 12 feet (3.7 m) on center with a minimum of one per wall or barrier. The hourly rating shall be included on all rated barriers or walls. Wording shall be similar to the following: '(4)' Hour Fire and Smoke Barrier-Protect All Openings. Where signs are utilized, they shall be designed and installed to resist peeling of detaching from the barrier. Other methods acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction shall be deemed approved. 8.2.2.5.1 Existing stenciling, acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, shall be permitted to remain in use. Existing signs that are not peeling or detaching from the barrier shall be permitted to remain in use, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. 5. Add a new paragraph 8.3.1.2.1 to read follows: 8.3.1.2.1 2-hour fire barriers shall occur at the junction of new and existing construction when the existing construction does not meet the minimum requirements of the code for existing facilities. Such barriers shall not be extended into the new construction. 6. Add a new 8.3.3.6.12 to read as follows: 8.3.3.6.12 Tested and listed fire-rated glazing material installed in separately tested fire-rated frame assemblies not tested in a single unit with fire-rated glazing material may be permitted to be used subject to approval of the authority having jurisdiction in fire-rated barriers that are not part of an exit enclosure or enclosures around unsprinklered hazardous areas not containing flammable liquids or gases, combustible liquids, or other materials having the potential for rapid oxidation or explosion potential. 7. Delete 8.7.3.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.7.3.1 The use, handling and storage of flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, or other materials deemed hazardous to the safety of life shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3, of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, or in accordance with the applicable codes or standards adopted by other Chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire (g) Modification to Chapter 9: 1. Delete 9.1.1 in its entirety and insert in its place the following: 9.1.1 "Gas. Equipment using gas and related gas piping shall be in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) , NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, or NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code , as may be applicable and as adopted by the applicable Chapters of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (Refer to Table 1.4.4, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE . Existing installations, subject to approval of the authority having jurisdiction, shall be permitted to be continued in service." 2. Add a new paragraph 9.1.1.1 to read as follows: 9.1.1.1 Where fuel gases are used in new buildings and facilities in Chapters 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 fuel gases detection and warning equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 715 Standard for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning Equipment as adopted in Rules and Regulations of the safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3. 3. Add a new paragraph 9.1.1.2 to read as follows: 9.1.1.2 Where fuel gas equipment is replaced or installed new in existing buildings and facilities in Chapters 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40 and 42 fuel gases detection and warning equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 715 Standard for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning Equipment as adopted in Rules and Regulations of the safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3. 4. Delete 9.2.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 9.2.1 "Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilating, Ductwork, and Related Equipment. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork, and related equipment shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code (IMC) , as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. (Refer to Table 1.4.4 , CODES REFERENCE GUIDE )" 5. Delete section 9.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 9.3.1 " General. Smoke control systems, where required or permitted by Chapters 11 through 42, shall be designed, installed, tested, and maintained in conformance with Section 909 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Add a new subsection 9.3.2 to read as follows: 9.3.2 "Detention, holding or processing cell(s) which are used for the containment of an individual for not more than two hours in a 12-hour period shall not be required to be provided with vent openings, smoke shafts, or an engineered smoke control system to provide ventilation provided each cell is monitored by closed circuit television or dedicated personnel located outside the holding area and which have visual supervision of the cell(s)." 7. Delete subsection 9.4.2.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 9.4.2.1 "New elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI/ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The elevator lobby of the designated floor and the alternate floor specified by Rule 211.3(a), and determined by the Fire Chief of the fire department having emergency response jurisdiction, shall be separated from the remainder of the building by 1-hour fire-rated construction. In buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler protection, smoke partitions in accordance with Section 8.4 may be used in lieu of 1-hour fire rated construction. Except health care occupancies as approved by the AHJ, openings in the elevator lobby shall be limited to those required for access to the elevators from exit access corridors or exits only. Elevator lobbies may be used as part of the means of egress from the building. Exception No. 1: Elevator lobbies are not required within an atrium. Exception No. 2: Elevator lobbies are not required where elevators are installed on open exterior walls. Exception No. 3: Elevator lobbies are not required where elevators are installed in open air parking structures. Exception No 4: Elevator lobbies are not required in buildings three stories or less with vertical openings protected in accordance with the applicable occupancy chapter. Exception No 5: Elevator lobbies are not required in mercantile occupancies that have properly protected openings for escalators or stairs. Exception No 6: Existing installations acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction." 8. Add a new subparagraph 9.6.2.10.8.1 to read as follows: 9.6.2.10.8.1 "Existing battery-powered smoke alarms as permitted by other sections of this Code shall be permitted to remain in use provided the following criteria are met: 1. The device is no older than 10 years of the manufactures date on the device; and, 2. The device is installed in a facility that was legally permitted before July 1, 1987, as a residential occupancy; and, 3. The facility has demonstrated to the authority having jurisdiction that the testing, maintenance, and battery replacement program will ensure reliability of power to the smoke alarms, 9. Add a new subparagraph 9.6.2.10.8.2 to read as follows: 9.6.2.10.8.2 "Existing battery-powered smoke alarms as permitted by other sections of this Code and which meet the provisions of subparagraph 9.6.2.10.8.1 shall be replaced with smoke alarms whose device housing is tamper resistant and is powered by a non-replaceable, non-removable energy source capable of powering the alarm for a minimum of ten years from the manufacture's date on the device when any of the following apply: 1. The device is replaced for any reason; or, 2. The provisions of subparagraph 9.6.2.10.8.1 or not met; or, 3. There is no manufactures date that exist on the device; or, 4. The device does not meet all of the provisions of subparagraph 9.6.2.10.8.1. 10. Delete 9.6.3.6.3 and its place substitute the following: 9.6.3.6.3 "Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, dependence on verbal communication with caregivers, physical or mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the private operating mode as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , shall be permitted to be used. Only attendants, caregivers, and other personnel that are required to relocate or assist in the relocation occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. The notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, the requirements for audible signaling shall be permitted to be further reduced or eliminated when visible signaling is provided in accordance with NFPA 72. 11. Add an Annex Note to 9.6.3.6.3 to read as follows: A.9.6.3.6.3 "For example, in critical care patient areas, it is often desirable to not have an audible fire alarm even at reduced private mode levels. Another example would be classrooms for small children in day care or educational occupancies, where verbal communication is vital between caregivers or teachers and children during drills or during an actual fire or other emergency condition. Audible alarms often frighten small children and valuable time may be lost while trying to calm such children. Also, audible alarms at or near locations where clear communications is required may present a problem. A school office or a receptionist desk common to various occupancies are examples. An additional example of where an audible fire alarm could be a problem would be high noise level work areas where an audible signal needed to overcome background noise at one time of the day would be excessively loud and potentially dangerous at another time of lower ambient noise. A sudden increase of more than 30 dB over 0.5 seconds is considered to cause sudden and potentially dangerous fright. Each case requires individual consideration by the authority having jurisdiction." 12. Add a new subparagraph 9.7.1.1.1 to read as follows: 9.7.1.1.1 "NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height s, shall be permitted for use as specifically referenced in Chapters 24 through 33 of this Code . This standard shall also be permitted for the design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems in personal care homes, community living arrangements, day-care centers, and day-care homes in buildings up to and including four stories. When a single-story open-air parking structure of fire- restrictive construction is below a four-story residential occupancy the structure is considered within this scope. NFPA 13R automatic sprinkler systems shall not be permitted in assisted living communities or memory care units, as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, unless authorized by the State Fire Marshal's Office." 13. Add a new subparagraph 9.7.2.1.3 9.7.2.1.3 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction valves on the exterior of buildings are permitted to be supervised by one of the following methods: (1) Valves locked in the correct position and inspected weekly as part of an approved procedure. (2) Valves located in a fenced enclosure under the control of the owner, sealed in the open position, and inspected weekly as part of an approved procedure. 9.7.2.1.3.1 Records shall be made for all inspections required by 9.7.2.1.3 (1) and (2) and shall be made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request. These records shall be maintained for a period of 3 years. 9.7.2.1.3.2 The valve supervision methods described in 9.7.3.1.3 shall not apply to hospitals, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, nursing homes, assisted living communities, assisted living homes, memory care units or other health care type occupancies or facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 14. Delete paragraph 9.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 9.9 "Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all buildings, structures and facilities as set forth in this Code and as established in 906.1 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (Refer to Table 1.4.4, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE ) 15. Delete paragraph 9.10 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 9.10 "Where required by either the provisions of another section of this Code , the International Building Code ( IBC ) as adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, standpipe and hose systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. Where standpipe and hose systems are installed in combination with automatic sprinkler systems, installation shall be in accordance with the appropriate provisions established by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems , and NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems." (h) Modifications to Chapter 10: 1. Delete SECTION 10.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: SECTION 10.3 " Decorations and Furnishings . 10.3.1 The use of decorative materials (vegetative and non-vegetative), as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code , and furnishings in proposed (new) and existing buildings shall be regulated as set forth by Sections 805, 806, 807, and 808 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (i) Modifications to Chapter 11: 1. Delete subsection 11.1.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.1.6 " Minimum Construction requirements. The minimum construction requirements for the location of occupants of health care and ambulatory health care occupancies shall be as specified in accordance with the applicable occupancy chapter." 2. Delete paragraph 11.3.3.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.3.3.5 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all enclosed and normally occupied towers in accordance with 9.9 of this Code ." 3. Add a new item (4) to paragraph 11.7.3.4 to read follows: (4) "This requirement shall not apply to existing windowless or underground structures, excluding Chapter 15, with an occupant load of 100 or fewer persons in the windowless or underground portions of the structure." 4. Delete subsection 11.8.2.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.8.2.3 " Smoke Proof Enclosures . High-rise buildings shall be provided with smoke proof exit enclosures in accordance with 7.2.3." 5. Add a new paragraph 11.8.3.3 to read as follows: 11.8.3.3 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all high- rise buildings in accordance with 9.9." 6. Add a new subsection 11.9.6 to read as follows: "11.9.6 Extinguishing Equipment: 11.9.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all permanent membrane structures in accordance with 9.9." 7. Delete subsection 11.10.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "11.10.3 Extinguishing Equipment. 11.10.3.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers . Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all temporary membrane structures in accordance with 9.9." 8. Delete subsection 11.11 Tents and all subsections thereunder in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 11.11.5.1 Tents. Tents shall comply with all applicable requirements of Chapter 31 of the International Fire Code as adopted in the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3." (j) Modification to Chapter 12: 1. Add a new subparagraph 12.1.1.2.1 to read as follows: 12.1.1.2.1 "Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1)(F), (G) and G.1) and 25-2-14(c), "Racetracks, stadiums, grandstands, theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs, dance halls, recreation halls and other places of public assembly having an occupant load of 300 or more, except that the occupant load shall be 100 or more persons where alcoholic beverages are served, shall have a certificate of occupancy issued by the appropriate authority having jurisdiction. For churches the occupant load requirement is 500 or more persons in a common area or having an occupant load greater than 1,000 persons based on the total occupant load of the building or structure." 2. Reserved. 3. Add a new paragraph 12.3.5.5 to read as follows: 12.3.5.5 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all assembly occupancies in accordance with 9.9" 4. Add a note following Table 12.4.2.3 to read as follows: "Note: See 12.4.2.6 for factors A, B and C in Tables 12.4.2.3 and 12.4.2.4.". 5. Delete paragraph 12.4.6.11 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 12.4.6.11 " Scenery, Decorations, and Furnishings. Combustible decorations and scenery of cloth, film, foam plastic, vegetation, and similar materials shall meet the applicable provisions of 805, 806, 807, and 808 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as set forth in SECTION 10-3 of this Code. Scenery and stage properties not separated from the audience by proscenium openings shall be either noncombustible or limited-combustible." 6. Add a new subparagraph 12.4.8.9 to read as follows: 12.4.8.9 "Special amusement buildings not open to the public in excess of 45 days in a twelve month period shall be permitted, provided all of the following conditions are met: 1. Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum of a 2A:10B:C rating are placed within 25 feet of each activity or viewing station, so as to be readily accessible and visible to staff; 2. A smoke detection system is placed throughout the facility with a smoke detector located at each activity or viewing station and located throughout corridors and halls not to exceed a spacing more than 15 feet (4.6 m) from a wall or more than 30 feet (9.1 m) on center. Where there is no ceiling or cover over activity or viewing stations, or over exit access routes, other than the standard ceiling, smoke detectors shall be placed so that their area of coverage does not exceed the approval listing of the detectors; 3. Emergency lighting shall be provided which will cause illumination of the means of egress upon loss of power to lighting circuits for the means of egress routes serving the special amusement building. In addition, all staff shall be provided with flashlights; 4. Personnel dedicated for the sole purpose of performing fire watch duties as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code and as be deemed necessary for specific circumstances by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided in such numbers to ensure the entire special amusement space is surveyed at least every 30 minutes starting 30 minutes prior to public occupancy. Such personnel shall be provided with a direct communication device for communication with all viewing or activity stations throughout the facility. In addition such personnel shall be provided with appropriate training for the operation of portable fire extinguishing equipment; 5. Communication to the responding fire department or emergency dispatch center is available from the facility (a regular telephone or at least two cell phones are acceptable); 6. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted at entrances to the building. Receptacles for the discard of smoking material shall be located a minimum of 15 feet (9.1 m) from the structure and shall be clearly identified by applicable signage; 7. Documentation of fire watch tours required by item 4 above is maintained. The documentation, at the minimum, shall note the time when the tour was conducted the name of personnel conducting the tour, and information about any hazards identified and actions taken to remove such hazards. Such documentation shall be readily available to the code official upon request. 8. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials complying with Section 10.2 shall be Class A throughout." 7. Delete subsection 12.7.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 12.7.3 " Open Flame and Pyrotechnics. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic devices shall be used in any assembly occupancy, unless otherwise provided by 12.7.3.1 through 12.7.3.4. 12.7.3.1 As set forth in the exceptions to 308.3 of the IFC , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 12.7.3.2 This requirement shall not apply to heat-producing equipment complying with 9.2.2. 12.7.3.3 This requirement shall not apply to food service operations in accordance with 13.7.1. 12.7.3.4 Gas lights shall be permitted to be used, provided that precautions subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible materials." 8. Delete subsection 12.7.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 12.7.4 " Scenery, Decorations, and Furnishings . Combustible decorations, curtains, draperies, similar furnishings, and scenery of cloth, film, foam plastic, vegetation, and similar materials shall meet the applicable provisions of 805, 806, 807, and 808 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as set forth in SECTION 10-3 of this Code . The authority having jurisdiction shall impose additional controls, as he or she deems necessary, on the quantity and arrangement of combustible contents in assembly occupancies to provide an adequate level of safety to life from fire. (Refer to the definition for "decorative materials" in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code ." 9. Delete section 12.7.5.4 and subsections 12.7.5.4.1 through 12.7.5.4.4 and substitute in its place the following: 12.7.5.4 " Vehicles . Vehicles on display indoors or within an exhibition facility shall comply with 2018 International Fire Code Section 314.4 as adopted in rules and regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3.? 10. Delete subsection 12.7.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 12.7.6 " Crowd Managers. Crowd managers shall be provided as required by 403.12.3 of the IFC , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 11. Delete subsection 12.7.13 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 12.7.13 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Assembly occupancies (Group A) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (k) Modification to Chapter 13: 1. Add a new subparagraph 13.3.5.1.1 to read as follows: 13.3.5.1.1 "The provisions of 13.3.5.1 shall not apply to locations that were approved for occupancy prior to the adoption of the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, adopted 1/1/2014, and provided the conditions approved have not been modified without subsequent required review and approval by the authority having jurisdiction, and provided the provisions of 13.1.1.4 and 13.1.1.5 of this Code , as applicable, and the provisions of Section 103 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and as applicable to existing buildings are met." 2. Add a new paragraph 13.3.5.5 to read as follows: 13.3.5.5 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all assembly occupancies in accordance with 9.9." 3. Add a note following Table 13.4.2.3 to read as follows: "Note: See 12.4.2.6 for factors A, B and C in Tables 13.4.2.3 and 13.4.2.4.1." 4. Add a new paragraph 13.4.8.9 to read as follows: 13.4.8.9 "Special amusement buildings not open to the public in excess of 45 days in a twelve month period shall be permitted, provided all of the following conditions are met: 1. Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum of a 2A:10B:C rating are placed within 25 feet of each activity or viewing station, so as to be readily accessible and visible to staff; 2. A smoke detection system is placed throughout the facility with a smoke detector located at each activity or viewing station and located throughout corridors and halls not to exceed a spacing more than 15 feet (4.6 m) from a wall or more than 30 feet (9.1 m) on center. Where there is no ceiling or cover over activity or viewing stations, or over exit access routes, other than the standard ceiling, smoke detectors shall be placed so that their area of coverage does not exceed the approval listing of the detectors; 3. Emergency lighting shall be provided which will cause illumination of the means of egress upon loss of power to lighting circuits for the means of egress routes serving the special amusement building. In addition, all staff shall be provided with flashlights; 4. Personnel dedicated for the sole purpose of performing fire watch duties as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code and as be deemed necessary for specific circumstances by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided in such numbers to ensure the entire special amusement space is surveyed at least every 30 minutes starting 30 minutes prior to public occupancy. Such personnel shall be provided with a direct communication device for communication with all viewing or activity stations throughout the facility. In addition such personnel shall be provided with appropriate training for the operation of portable fire extinguishing equipment; 5. Communication to the responding fire department or emergency dispatch center is available from the facility (a regular telephone or at least two cell phones are acceptable); 6. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted at entrances to the building. Receptacles for the discard of smoking material shall be located a minimum of 15 feet (9.1 m) from the structure and shall be clearly identified by applicable signage; 7. Documentation of fire watch tours required by item 4 above is maintained. The documentation, at the minimum, shall note the time when the tour was conducted the name of personnel conducting the tour, and information about any hazards identified and actions taken to remove such hazards. Such documentation shall be readily available to the code official upon request. 8. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials complying with Section 10.2 shall be Class A throughout." 5. Delete subsection 13.7.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 13.7.3 " Open Flame and Pyrotechnics. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic devices shall be used in any assembly occupancy. 13.7.3.1 This requirement shall not apply as set forth in the exceptions to 308.3.1 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 13.7.3.2 This requirement shall not apply to heat-producing equipment complying with 9.2.2. 13.7.3.3 This requirement shall not apply to food service operations in accordance with 13.7.2. 13.7.3.4 Gas lights shall be permitted to be used, provided that precautions subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible materials." 6. Delete section 13.7.5.4 and subsections 13.7.5.4.1 through 13.7.5.4.4 and substitute in its place the following: 13.7.5.4 " Vehicle. Vehicles on display indoors or within an exhibition facility shall comply with 2018 International Fire Code Section 314.4 as adopted in rules and regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3." 7. Delete subsection 13.7.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 13.7.6 " Crowd Managers. Crowd managers shall be provided as required by 403.12.3 of the IFC , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 8. Delete subsection 13.7.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 13.7.7 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Assembly occupancies (Group A) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (l) Modifications to Chapter 14: 1. Add a new paragraph 14.1.1.6 to read as follows: 14.1.1.6 " Mobile/Portable Classrooms . Each mobile/portable classroom shall not be occupied until the required Certificate of Occupancy has been authorized by the State Fire Marshal's Office, the proper local fire marshal, state inspector, or others authorized by O.C.G.A. Section 25-2-12 ." (a). For the purposes of this code the term mobile/portable classroom shall also include relocatable buildings. 2. Add a new subparagraph 14.1.1.6.1 to read as follows: 14.1.1.6.1 " Classification. Mobile/portable classroom structures, as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner shall also be classified as Group E - Educational occupancies and shall comply with the provisions of this section and other sections applicable to Group E - Educational occupancies, except as may be provided otherwise elsewhere in this Code or in Chapter 120-3-3, of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 3. Add a new subparagraph 14.1.1.6.2 to read as follows: 14.1.1.6.2 "Plans and specifications for proposed (new) mobile/portable classrooms shall be submitted to and receive approval by either the State Fire Marshal's Office, the proper local fire marshal, state inspector, or others authorized by O.C.G.A. 25-2-12 prior to construction. A Georgia registered architect or engineer must place his or her seal on the plans submitted. Submitted plans must include a site plan that is drawn to scale and showing clearances from other mobile/portable classroom structures and other structures. Such site plan shall also show the exit discharge route(s) to a public way in accordance with this Code , or where such is not possible, to an approved area of refuge." 4. Add a new subparagraph 14.1.1.6.3 to read as follows: 14.1.1.6.3 "Proposed (new) mobile/portable classrooms shall comply with the various provisions of this Code applying to classrooms in educational occupancies (Group E - Educational), unless otherwise specified." 5. Add a new subparagraph 14.1.1.5.4 to read as follows: 14.1.1.6.4 "Locating Mobile/Portable Classroom Structures. Mobile/portable classrooms shall not be installed within 30 feet (9.1 m) of any exposed building or structure, or within 30 feet (9.1 m) of another exposed mobile/portable classroom unit. The mobile/portable classroom unit shall not be connected to any other unit, or to other buildings or structures by a canopy of combustible construction. The distance between a mobile/portable classroom unit and an exposed building or structure, that is totally protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, may be reduced to 10 feet (3.05 m), provided, the exposed exterior wall is of noncombustible construction, and there are no windows or doors in the exposed wall of the building within 30 feet (9.1 m) of the mobile/portable classroom unit. The distance may be reduced to 0 feet if the exposed wall is of noncombustible construction having a certified fire resistance rating of at least 2-hours and without openings within 30 feet (9.1 m) of the exposing mobile/portable classroom unit." 6. Add a new paragraph 14.2.1.4.1, to read as follows: 14.2.1.4.1 "The provisions of 14.2.1.2 and 14.2.1.3 shall not apply to educational facilities that meet the requirements of 16.1.6." 7. Add a new subparagraph 14.2.2.2.2.1 to read as follows: 14.2.2.2.2.1 "Doors serving as exits from mobile/portable classrooms shall not be less than 32 inches (0.91 m) in clear width, swing outward with exit travel onto landings at least 4 feet by 4 feet (1.2 m by 1.2 m), and have steps and/or ramps complying with applicable provisions of this Code . This includes guardrails and graspable handrails. Steps and ramps serving fewer than 50 persons may be 36 inches (0.91m) in clear width." 8. Add a new paragraph (5) to 14.2.11.1.1 1 to read as follows: (5) "Windows may open onto a court or an enclosed court provided all of the following criteria are met: (a) The court shall be of sufficient width such that persons exiting through the courtyard will be at a minimum dimension not less than 10 feet (3 m) from any portion of the building that could present an exposure condition to a fire. (b) The court has exits directly to the exterior of the building through an exit passageway that is separated out from all other parts of the building by 2-hour fire-rated construction. No space other than exit corridors protected by 'B' labeled 11/2-hour fire doors, whether normally occupied or not, shall open onto this required exit passageway. (c) The exit capacity for the exit passageway shall be of sufficient width for the corridors connected to it as well as the enclosed court calculated at 15 square feet (1.4 sq. m) per person or minimum number of students subject to exiting into the court, whichever is the greater of the two. (d) The travel distance from any point in a connecting classroom to the exterior of the building through the exit passageway shall not exceed 150 feet (45.7 m). (e) The court is provided with emergency lighting to direct occupants to the exit(s) in accordance with Section 5.9. (f) The exit(s) from the court is/are clearly marked in accordance with Section 7.10." 9. Add a new paragraph 14.2.11.4 to read as follows: 14.2.11.4 " School Hallway Interior Emergency Lockdown Defense (SHIELD). The installation of a School Hallway Interior Emergency Lockdown Defense (SHIELD) shall be permitted in educational occupancies provided all of the following criteria are met: (1) Activation shall be by means of depressing a panic button or pull station marked for emergency SHIELD available to school administration at a central location. Additional activation may be by telephone code. (2) System activation shall automatically contact law enforcement authorities upon activation. (3) Cross corridor doors may be provided with magnetic hold open devices to release upon activation of the system. (4) Upon activation of the system, cross corridor doors shall be permitted to be kept in the closed position with magnetic locks. (5) System hardware shall be provided with emergency power or battery back-up in event of loss of power. (6) Smoke detectors shall be provided within 15 feet of cross corridor doors on the classroom egress side for each corridor zone and be identified distinctly from other required detectors. Such detectors upon activation by smoke shall release door mag locks for the locked zone to freely open. Detectors are not required to be interconnected into the building's fire alarm system. (7) Card readers with keypad shall be installed on the ingress side of the doors requiring a PIN code and card swipe to deactivate for the activated corridor zone. (8) Keypad shall be installed on the egress side of the doors only requiring a PIN code for deactivation of the door mag locks for the activated corridor zone. (9) A blue light strobe and siren, distinct from that of the fire alarm may be provided to deter intruders. (10) Staff shall be adequately trained on the intent and operation of the system with the conduction of mock drills. 14.2.11.4.1 (SHIELD) Activation. The SHIELD system shall only be activated in the following (1) The event of intrusion or active shooter upon school premises. (2) For the purposes of testing the system. (3) For the purposes of conducting drills related to the intrusion or active shooter upon school premises." 10. Delete subparagraph 14.3.2.1(1)(a) in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Boiler and furnace rooms, unless such rooms enclose only air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 Btu. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. In addition, a minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 11. Delete the term "Laundries" from 14.3.2.1(2)(a) and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Laundry areas utilizing commercial equipment, multiple residential appliances, or exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 sq. m)." 12. Add a new subparagraph 14.3.2.2.1 to read as follows: 14.3.2.2.1 "Residential type cooking equipment. Residential type cooking equipment located in food preparation areas of home economic labs may be protected by a listed self-contained residential fire suppression systems located in a residential hood over each cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside of the building. The fire suppression system shall automatically disconnect electric power to electric stoves or shut off the gas supply to gas fueled stoves. Food preparation areas located in home economics labs need not be so protected where located in a fully sprinklered building or where protection is provided in accordance with 9.7.1.2, provided, however, the exhaust hood shall still be required to be vented to the outside of the building." 13. Add a new subparagraph 14.3.4.2.3.3 to read as follows: 14.3.4.2.3.3 "Manual fire alarm boxes may be located in rooms which open directly onto such corridors and normal paths of travel provided all of the following are met: (1) The rooms in which such manual fire alarm boxes are placed are constantly supervised all school hours. (2) The rooms in which such manual fire alarm boxes are placed are located in close proximity to the to that portion of the corridors and normal paths of travel where a manual fire alarm box would be placed in accordance with 9.6.2.5. (3) A sign is placed on the corridor wall immediately adjacent to the entry door(s) of such room so that it can be readily seen at all times. The sign shall state "MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX LOCATED IN THIS ROOM". The sign shall have a red background and the letters shall be white and be at least one inch in height." 14. Delete subparagraph 14.3.4.3.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 14.3.4.3.1.1 "Occupant notification shall be by means of audible and visual alarm devices in accordance with 9.6.3 and Chapter 120-2-20, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Where visual alarm devices are located inside classrooms the installation of an audible device or component shall not be required, provided the audible alarm signal from alarm devices located in adjacent corridors or compartments is clearly audible in the classrooms, and is subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction." 15. Delete item (3) from paragraph 14.3.5.2 and replace with new item (3) (3) relocatable buildings complying with all of the following: (a) Building contains a maximum of 2 classrooms. (b) Each classroom has 2 independent doors remotely located in accordance with 7.5.1.3 of this code leading directly to the outside of the building. (c) Building is located not less than 30 feet (9.1 m) from another building or other relocatable building. (d) Building has a fire alarm system connected to the main school building fire alarm. 16. Add a new subparagraph 14.3.5.6 to read as follows: 14.3.5.6 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in educational occupancies, including mobile/portable classrooms, in accordance with 9.9. 14.3.5.6.1 In lieu of locating portable fire extinguishers in corridors and normal paths of travel as specified in NFPA Standard 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , portable fire extinguishers may be located in rooms that open directly onto such corridors and paths of travel, provided, all of the following are met: (a) The rooms in which such portable fire extinguishers are placed are located in close proximity to that portion of the corridor where a portable fire extinguisher would normally be placed in accordance with NFPA Standard 10. (b) A sign which states, in white letters at least one inch in height on a red background, " PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATED IN THIS ROOM ," is placed on the corridor wall immediately adjacent to the entrance(s) of each such room so that it can be clearly seen at all times." (c) The rooms in which such portable fire extinguishers are placed shall be constantly supervised during school hours. (d) These rooms cannot be subject to being locked at any time the building is occupied." 17. Add a new item 6 to subsection 14.3.6 to read as follows: 6. "Door closing devices are not required on doors in corridor wall openings other than those serving exits or required enclosures of hazardous areas." 18. Add a new paragraph 14.4.3.6 to read as follows: 14.4.3.6 " Corridor walls in flexible plan buildings shall comply with subsection 14.3.6 as modified. 19. Add a new paragraph 14.5.2.3 to read as follows: 14.5.2.3 " Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fired space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of educational buildings, unless such use is permitted by 603.4 of the IFC , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 20. Delete subsection 14.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 14.7.1 "Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Educational occupancies (Group E - Educational) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency situation. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (m) Modifications to Chapter 15: 1. Add a new subparagraph 15.1.1.1.1 to read as follows: 15.1.1.1.1 " Existing Mobile/Portable Classroom Structures. (a) Existing mobile/portable classroom structures, which have been installed prior to the effective date of this Code , and which were deemed to be in compliance with provisions in effect at the time of their installation, shall be permitted to remain in use, if deemed to have been maintained as approved, and meet specific provisions of this chapter applicable to existing mobile/portable classroom structures. (b) When an existing mobile/portable classroom structure is removed from a school system, the certificate of occupancy for that structure becomes void, provided, however, the structure shall retain the status of an existing structure if continued in service as a classroom structure in another school system. This shall also apply to leased or rented mobile/portable classroom structures. A new certificate of occupancy shall be required for the relocated structure, and shall be issued provided the structure meets the provisions of this Code that are applicable to existing mobile/portable classrooms." (c) For the purposes of this code the term mobile/portable classroom shall also include relocatable buildings. 2. Add a new paragraph 15.1.1.6 to read as follows: 15.1.1.6 "Existing mobile/portable classrooms shall comply with the various provisions of this Code applying to classrooms in existing educational occupancies, unless otherwise specified in this chapter." 3. Add a new paragraph 15.1.1.7 to read as follows: 15.1.1.7 "When relocated, a mobile/portable classroom structure shall not be placed within 30 feet (9.1 m) of any building or structure or within 30 feet (9.1 m) of another mobile/portable classroom structure. Such mobile/portable classroom structures shall not be connected to any building or other mobile classroom structure by a canopy of combustible construction. An existing canopy of combustible components may be continued in use provided no combustible components are within 25 feet (7.6 m) of any building or structure or within 30 feet (9.1 m) of another mobile/portable classroom structure. The distance between a mobile/portable classroom unit and an exposed building or structure, that is totally protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, may be reduced to 10 feet (3.05 m), provided, the exposed exterior wall is of noncombustible construction, and there are no windows or doors of the exposed wall of the building within 30 feet (9.1 m) of the mobile/portable classroom unit. The distance may be reduced to 0 feet if the exposed wall is of noncombustible construction having a certified fire resistance rating of at least 2-hours and without openings within 30 feet (9.1 m) of exposing mobile/portable classroom unit." 4. Add a new paragraph 15.2.1.5 to read as follows: 15.2.1.5 "The provisions of 15.2.1.2 and 15.3.2.3 shall not apply to facilities that meet the requirements of 16.1.6." 5. Add a new subparagraph 15.2.2.2.2.1 to read as follows: 15.2.2.2.2.1 "Doors serving as exits from existing mobile/portable classrooms shall not be less than 32 inches (0.91 m) in clear width, unless originally approved for a clear width of not less than 28 inches. Such exit doors shall open onto landings 4 feet by 4 feet (1.2 m by 1.2 m) and have stairs and or ramps, as needed, complying with applicable provisions of this Code . Landings, stairs, ramps, guardrails, and handrails installed and approved prior to the effective date of this Code , if maintained in a state of good repair, may be continued in use. When a mobile/portable classroom structure is moved to another site at the same school or another school, landings, stairs, ramps, guardrails, and graspable handrails shall comply with the applicable requirements of this Code for new construction." 6. Delete paragraph 15.2.2.2.4 and replace with a new paragraph 15.2.2.2.4 15.2.2.2.4 Locking of Classroom Doors and Other Instructional Spaces. 15.2.2.2.4.1 Classroom doors and doors to other instructional spaces shall be permitted to be locked provided that the locking means is approved, and all of the following conditions are met: (1) The locking means shall be capable of being engaged from the egress side of the door without opening the door. (2) The unlocking and unlatching from the egress side of the door shall be accomplished without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort. (3) Two non-simultaneous releasing motions shall be permitted where approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The Chief Fire Official of the local responding Fire Department must approve the locking device. (4) The releasing mechanism for unlocking and unlatching shall be located at a height not less than 34 in. (865 mm) and not exceeding 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor. (5) Locks, if remotely engaged, shall be unlockable from the egress side of the door without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort. (6) The door shall be capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room with the necessary key or other credential. (7) The locking means shall not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware or impair their operation. (8) Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80. (9) The emergency action plan, required by 15.7.1, shall address the use of the locking and unlocking means from both sides of the door. (10) Staff shall be drilled in the engagement and release of the locking means, from both sides of the door, as part of the emergency egress drills required by 15.7.2. A.15.2.2.2.4.1(3) The installation of new hardware that necessitates two non-simultaneous releasing motions on existing doors in existing educational occupancies in accordance with 15.2.2.2.4.1(3) is permitted where such installation is necessary for compliance with the door locking criteria in 15.2.2.2.4.1. In accordance with 43.1.4.5, rehabilitation work performed for compliance with the Code's existing occupancy requirements is exempt from Chapter 43 and the installation of such new equipment is not subject to Section 43.5, which would require compliance with the new occupancy provisions. Where a new door is installed in an existing educational occupancy, the requirements of 14.2.2.2.4 apply. 15.2.2.2.4.2 Where existing classroom doors and doors to instructional spaces are replaced, they shall comply with the provisions of 14.2.2.2.4. 7. Add a new item (4) to paragraph 15.2.11.1 to read as follows: (4) "Windows may open onto a court or an enclosed court provided all of the following criteria are met: (a) The court shall be of sufficient width such that persons exiting through the courtyard will be at a minimum dimension not less than 10 feet (3 m) from any portion of the building that could present an exposure condition to a fire. (b) The court has exits directly to the exterior of the building through an exit passageway that is separated out from all other parts of the building by 2-hour fire-rated construction. No space other than exit corridors protected by 'B' labeled 11/2-hour fire doors, whether normally occupied or not, shall open onto this required exit passageway. (c) The exit capacity for the exit passageway shall be of sufficient width for the corridors connected to it as well as the enclosed court calculated at 15 square feet (1.4 sq. m) per person or minimum number of students subject to exiting into the court, whichever is the greater of the two. (d) The travel distance from any point in a connecting classroom to the exterior of the building through the exit passageway shall not exceed 150 feet (45.7 m). (e) The court is provided with emergency lighting to direct occupants to the exit(s) in accordance with Section 5.9. (f) The exit(s) from the court is/are clearly marked in accordance with Section 7.10." 8. Add a new paragraph 15.2.11.3 to read as follows: 15.2.11.3 "School Hallway Interior Emergency Lockdown Defense (SHIELD). The installation of a School Hallway Interior Emergency Lockdown Defense (SHIELD) shall be permitted in educational occupancies provided all of the following criteria are met: (1) Activation shall be by means of depressing a panic button or pull station marked for emergency SHIELD available to school administration at a central location. Additional activation may be by telephone code. (2) System activation shall automatically contact law enforcement authorities upon activation. (3) Cross corridor doors may be provided with magnetic hold open devices to release upon activation of the system. (4) Upon activation of the system, cross corridor doors shall be permitted to be kept in the closed position with magnetic locks. (5) System hardware shall be provided with emergency power or battery back-up in event of loss of power. (6) Smoke detectors shall be provided within 15 feet of cross corridor doors on the classroom egress side for each corridor zone and be identified distinctly from other required detectors. Such detectors upon activation by smoke shall release door mag locks for the locked zone to freely open. Detectors are not required to be interconnected into the building's fire alarm system. (7) Card readers with keypad shall be installed on the ingress side of the doors requiring a PIN code and card swipe to deactivate for the activated corridor zone. (8) Keypad shall be installed on the egress side of the doors only requiring a PIN code for deactivation of the door mag locks for the activated corridor zone. (9) A blue light strobe and siren, distinct from that of the fire alarm may be provided to deter intruders. (10) Staff shall be adequately trained on the intent and operation of the system with the conduction of mock drills. 15.2.11.3.1 (SHIELD) Activation. The SHIELD system shall only be activated in the following situations: (1) The event of intrusion or active shooter upon school premises. (2) For the purposes of testing the system. (3) For the purposes of conducting drills related to the intrusion or active shooter upon school premises." 9. Delete subparagraph 15.3.2.1(1)(a) in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Boiler and furnace rooms, unless such rooms enclose air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 10. Delete the term "Laundries" from subparagraph 15.3.2.1(2)(a) and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Laundry areas utilizing commercial equipment, multiple residential appliances, or exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 sq. m)." 11. Add a new paragraph 15.3.2.2.1 to read as follows: 15.3.2.2.1 "Food preparation areas located in home economic labs may be protected by listed self-contained residential fire suppression systems located in a residential hood over each cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. Required use of automatic disconnects of fuel source or power source is subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Food preparation areas located in home economic labs need not be protected where in a fully sprinklered building or where protection is provided in accordance with 9.7.1.2. The exhaust hood is still required to be vented to the outside if installed after July 28, 1998." 12. Add items (3) and (4) to paragraph 15.3.4.2.1 to read as follows: (3) "Where each classroom in a mobile/portable classroom structure is provided with a two-way communication system that will permit initiation of the communication from the classroom as well as from a constantly attended location in the main administrative office of the school from which a general alarm can be sounded, if needed, and the fire department can be summoned. A telephone mounted in each classroom and equipped with speed dialing, or a similar function, to provide contact with the constantly attended location noted above, shall be acceptable as a two- way communication system for purposes of this provision. The procedure for using the system for emergency alerting shall be clearly posted near the system actuation device in each classroom and at the constantly attended location. (4) Fire alarm alerting provisions for existing mobile/portable classroom structures approved prior to the effective date of this Code , and which are in a state of operational readiness. At the minimum, such provisions shall provide alerting of a fire condition in each mobile/portable classroom structure. Where alerting is by an alarm bell or horn, the sound/signal shall be distinctive from other bells or horns." 13. Add a new subparagraph 15.3.4.2.3.3 to read as follows: 15.3.4.2.3.3 "In lieu of locating manual fire alarm boxes in educational occupancies in corridors and normal paths of travel, the fire alarm boxes may be located in rooms which open directly onto such corridors and normal paths of travel provided all of the following are met: (1) The rooms in which such manual fire alarm boxes are placed are constantly supervised all school hours. (2) The rooms in which such manual fire alarm boxes are placed are located in close proximity to the to that portion of the corridors and normal paths of travel where a manual fire alarm box would be placed in accordance with 9.6.2.5. (3) A sign is placed on the corridor wall immediately adjacent to the entry door(s) of such room so that it can be readily seen at all times. The sign shall state "MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX LOCATED IN THIS ROOM". The sign shall have a red background and the letters shall be white and be at least one inch in height." 14. Add a new paragraph 15.3.5.6 to read as follows: 15.3.5.6 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in educational occupancies, including mobile/portable classrooms, in accordance with 9.9. 15.3.5.6.1 In lieu of locating portable fire extinguishers in corridors and normal paths of travel as specified in NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , portable fire extinguishers may be located in rooms that open directly onto such corridors and normal paths of travel provided all of the following are met: (a) The room in which such portable fire extinguishers are placed are located in close proximity to that portion of the corridor where a fire extinguisher would otherwise be placed in accordance with NFPA 10; Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers , (b) A sign which states in white letters at least one inch in height on a red background, 'PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATED IN THIS ROOM, ' is placed on the corridor wall immediately adjacent to the entrance way of each such room so that it can be clearly seen at all times; (c) The rooms in which such portable fire extinguishers are placed shall be constantly supervised during school hours; and, (d) Those rooms cannot be subject to being locked at any time the building is occupied." 15. Add a new item (6) to subsection 15.3.6 to read as follows: (6) "Door closing devices are not required on doors in corridor wall openings other than those serving exits or required enclosures of hazardous areas." 16. Add new paragraph 15.5.2.3 to read as follows: 15.5.2.3 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fired space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of educational buildings. 15.5.2.3.1 As permitted by 603.4 of the IFC , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 17. Delete subsection 15.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 15.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Educational occupancies (Group E - Educational) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (n) Modification to Chapter 16: 1. Add a new 16.1.1.2.1 to read as follows: 16.1.1.2.1 "Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1)(I) the term Group Day-Care Home applies to day- care facilities where at least seven (7) but not more than twelve (12) children receive care. Further, the term Day Care Center applies where more than twelve (12) children receive care. Where such facilities are required to be licensed or commissioned as set forth by O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1)(I) , the facilities are also required to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner and to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(c) ." 2. Add a new subparagraph 16.1.3.1.1 to paragraph 16.1.3.1 to read as follows: 16.1.3.1.1 "The provisions of 6.1.14 shall not apply to one- and two-family dwellings." 3. Delete paragraph 16.1.6.1 and its corresponding table in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 16.1.6.1 "The location of day-care occupancies and clients of such shall be limited as shown in Table 16.1.6.1. 16.1.6.1.1 Day-Care occupancies with exits directly to the outside from each room normally occupied by clients may be of any construction type without being protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. Table 17.1.6.1 Day-Care Occupancy Location Type of Construction Age Group Number of Stories (Stories are counted starting at the floor of exit) 1 2 3 4+ I(443), I(332) and II(222) 0 through 4 YES YES YES YES+ 5 and older YES YES YES YES+ II(111), III(211) and V(111) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES YES+ NO IV(2HH) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES+ NO NO II(000) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES+ NO NO III(200) and V(000) 0 through 4 YES+ YES+ NO NO 5 and YES YES+ NO NO The types of construction in the Table are from NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction . Refer to 8.2.1.2 and 8.2.1.2.1 of this Code and the conversion chart for cross-referencing to the construction types established by the International Building Code . YES: Day-care occupancy location permitted in type of construction. YES+: Day-care occupancy location permitted in type of construction if entire building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. NO: Day-care occupancy location not permitted in type of construction." 4. Add a new paragraph 16.1.6.3 to read as follows: 16.1.6.3 " Day-Care Facilities Located Below the LED. The story below the level of exit discharge shall be permitted to be used in buildings of any construction type, other than Type II(000), Type III(200) and Type V(000) provided, the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system." 5. Add a new subparagraph 16.1.6.3.1 to read as follows: 16.1.6.3.1 "Where the story below the level of exit discharge is occupied as a day-care center, both of the following shall apply: (1) One means of egress shall be an outside or interior stair in accordance with 7.2.2. An interior stair, if used, shall only serve the story below the level of exit discharge. The interior stair shall be permitted to communicate with the level of exit discharge; however, the required exit route from the level of exit discharge shall not pass through the stair enclosure. (2) The second means of egress shall be permitted to be via an unenclosed stairway separated from the level of exit discharge in accordance with 8.6.5. The path of egress travel on the level of exit discharge shall be protected in accordance with 7.1.3.1." 6. Delete subsection 16.2.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 16.2.9 " Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.9 in the following areas: 1. In all interior stairs and corridors. 2. In all normally occupied spaces 3. Emergency lighting is not required in the following locations: (1) Administrative areas other than receptionist areas. (2) Mechanical rooms, storage areas, and rooms or areas not normally occupied by students." 7. Delete item (a) to paragraph 16.3.2.1(1) (a) in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Rooms enclosing air handling equipment compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 8. Add an item (4) to paragraph 16.3.2.1 to read as follows: (4) "In areas where documentation is provided indicating an unreliable water source, the authority having jurisdiction may accept separation of these areas from the remainder of the building by fire barriers having not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating." 9. Delete the term "Laundries" from subparagraph 16.3.2.1 (2) a. and substitute in its place the following: a. "Laundry areas utilizing commercial equipment, multiple residential appliances, or exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 sq. m)." 10. Delete paragraph 16.3.2.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 16.3.2.3 "Food preparation facilities protected in accordance with 9.2.3 are not required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas. Where domestic cooking equipment is used for food warming or limited cooking, a listed self-contained residential fire suppression system may be installed in a residential hood to cover the area of the cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. The fire suppression system shall automatically disconnect electric power to electric stoves or automatically shut off the gas supply to gas stoves. Such system shall be interconnected to the building fire alarm system where one is provided. 16.3.2.3.1 Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction approval, where domestic cooking equipment is used for food warming or limited cooking, the requirements for a residential fire suppression system may be waived if the room is protected by approved automatic sprinkler protection. The provisions of 9.7.1.2 may be permitted. The exhaust hood is still required to be vented to the outside." 11. Delete subsection 16.3.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 16.3.5 " Extinguishment Requirements. Buildings containing day-care occupancies shall be sprinkler protected throughout for construction types as specified in Table 16.1.6.1 entitled "Day-Care Occupancy Location Limitations" and paragraph 16.1.6.3. Any required sprinkler system based upon Table 16.1.6.1 and paragraph 16.1.6.3 shall be in accordance with 9.7." 12. Add a new paragraph 16.3.5.1 to read as follows: 16.3.5.1 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all daycare occupancies in accordance with 9.9." 13. Add new paragraph 16.5.2.4 to read as follows: 16.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fire space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of day-care facilities. 16.5.2.4.1 In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufacturer's instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 14. Delete paragraph 16.6.1.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 16.6.1.6 " Minimum Construction Requirements. The minimum construction requirements for new day-care homes shall be limited to the types of building construction permitted by the IBC as specified in 8.2.1. Clients of a group day-care home in a multi-story building shall be restricted to the level of exit discharge, unless the provisions of 16.1.6 are met." 15. Add a new paragraph 16.6.3.6 to read as follows: 16.6.3.6 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all daycare home occupancies in accordance with 9.9." 16. Delete subsections 16.7.1 and 16.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 16.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Day-care occupancies (Group E and I-4) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (o) Modifications to Chapter 17: 1. Delete paragraph 17.1.1.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.1.1.4 "Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1)(I) the term Group Day-Care Home applies to daycare facilities where at least seven (7) but not more than twelve (12) children receive care. Further, the term Day Care Center applies where more than twelve (12) children receive care. Where such facilities are required to be licensed or commissioned as set forth by O.C.G.A. 25-2-13(b)(1)(I) , the facilities are also required to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner and to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy pursuant to O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(c) ." 2. Delete paragraph 17.1.1.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.1.1.5 "This section establishes life safety requirements for existing day-care occupancies, adult day- care facilities, and head start facilities in which more than 12 clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision by other than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s) for less than 24 hours per day. An existing day-care occupancy shall be allowed the option of meeting the requirements of Chapter 16 in lieu of Chapter 17. Any day-care occupancy that meets the requirements of Chapter 16 shall be judged to meet the requirements of Chapter 17." 3. Add a new subparagraph 17.1.3.1.1 to read as follows: 17.1.3.1.1 " The provisions of 6.1.14 shall not apply to one- and two-family dwellings." 4. Add a new subparagraph 17.1.4.1.1 to read as follows: 17.1.4.1.1 "Existing day-care centers that include part-day preschools, head-start programs, kindergartens, and other schools whose purpose involves education primarily for a group of children may continue to meet the requirements of this section or may be allowed the option of meeting the requirements of Chapter 15." 5. Delete subsection 17.1.6.1 and its corresponding table in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.1.6.1 " Location and Minimum Construction Requirements. The location of day-care occupancies and clients of such shall be limited as shown in Table 17.1.6.1 17.1.6.1.2 Day-Care occupancies with exits directly to the outside from each room normally occupied by clients may be of any construction type without being protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. 17.1.6.1.3 "Centers located on the level of exit discharge in buildings of any construction type without a complete approved automatic sprinkler system, may be continued in use as a child day-care center housing children ages zero through four, or non-ambulatory children, as long as at least one exit door is provided directly to the outside of the building at ground level from every room or space normally occupied by children, except restrooms. For centers existing prior to April 12, 1985, where direct access to the outside of the building is not possible from interior rooms, and such interior rooms are normally subject to occupancy by children, the interior room may continue to be used provided there are two remote exits from the rooms that provide access to two separate and distinct exits to the outside." Table 17.1.6.1 Day-Care Occupancy Location Table 17.1.6.1 Day-Care Occupancy Location Type of Construction Age Group Number of Stories (Stories are counted starting at the floor of exit) 1 2 3 4+ I(443), I(332) and II (222) 0 through 4 YES YES YES YES 5 and older YES YES YES YES II(111), III(211) and V(111) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES YES+ NO IV(2HH) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES+ NO NO II(000) 0 through 4 YES YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES+ NO NO III(200) and V(000) 0 through 4 YES+ YES+ NO NO 5 and older YES YES+ NO NO The types of construction in the Table are from NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction . Refer to 8.2.1.2 and 8.2.1.2.1 of this Code and the conversion chart for cross-referencing to the construction types established by the International Building Code . YES: Day-care occupancy location permitted in type of construction. YES+: Day-care occupancy location permitted in type of construction if entire building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. NO: Day-care occupancy is not permitted in this construction type." 6. Delete paragraph 17.2.2.2.6 in its entirety and replace with a new 17.2.2.2.6 17.2.2.2.6 Locking of Classroom Doors and Doors to Other Client Care Spaces. 17.2.2.2.6.1 Classroom doors and doors to other client care spaces shall be permitted to be locked provided that the locking means is approved, and all of the following conditions are met: (1) The locking means shall be capable of being engaged from the egress side of the door without opening the door. (2) The unlocking and unlatching from the egress side of the door shall be accomplished without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort. (3) Two non-simultaneous releasing motions shall be permitted where approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The Chief Fire Official of the local responding Fire Department must approve the locking device. (4) The releasing mechanism for unlocking and unlatching shall be located at a height not less than 34 in. (865 mm) and not exceeding 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor. (5) Locks, if remotely engaged, shall be unlockable from the egress side of the door without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort. (6) The door shall be capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room with the necessary key or other credential. (7) The locking means shall not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware or impair their operation. (8) Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80. (9) The emergency action plan, required by 17.7.1, shall address the use of the locking and unlocking means from both sides of the door. (10) Staff shall be drilled in the engagement and release of the locking means, from both sides of the door, as part of the emergency egress drills required by 17.7.2. A.17.2.2.2.6.1(3) The installation of new hardware that necessitates two non-simultaneous releasing motions on existing doors in existing day care occupancies in accordance with 17.2.2.2.6.1(3) is permitted where such installation is necessary for compliance with the door locking criteria in 17.2.2.2.6.1. In accordance with 43.1.4.5, rehabilitation work performed for compliance with the Code's existing occupancy requirements is exempt from Chapter 43 and the installation of such new equipment is not subject to Section 43.5, which would require compliance with the new occupancy provisions. Where a new door is installed in an existing day care occupancy, the requirements of 16.2.2.2.6 apply. 17.2.2.2.6.2 Where existing classroom doors and doors to client care spaces are replaced, they shall comply with the provisions of 16.2.2.2.6. 7. Delete subsection 17.2.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.2.9 " Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.9 in the following areas: 1. In all interior stairs and corridors. 2. In all normally occupied spaces. 17.2.9.1 Emergency lighting is not required in the following areas: (1) Administrative areas other than receptionist areas. (2) Mechanical rooms, storage areas, and rooms not normally occupied by students." 8. Add a new subparagraph 17.3.2.1(1)(a)(1) to read as follows: 17.3.2.1(1)(a)(1) "Rooms enclosing air handling equipment compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input are not required to comply with 17.3.2.1(1) provided, such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 9. Delete paragraph 17.3.2.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.3.2.3 "Food preparation facilities protected in accordance with 9.2.3 are not required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas. Where domestic cooking equipment is used for food warming or limited cooking, a listed self-contained residential fire suppression system may be installed in a residential hood to cover the cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. Required use of automatic disconnects of the fuel source or power source is subject to the authority having jurisdiction. Upon receipt of a sworn affidavit, no protection is required for existing domestic cooking equipment used for limited cooking or warming of foods. 17.3.2.3.1 Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, where domestic cooking equipment is used for food warming or limited cooking, the requirements for a residential fire suppression system may be waived if the room is protected by approved automatic sprinkler protection. The provisions of 9.7.1.2 may be permitted. The exhaust hood is still required to be vented to the outside." 10. Delete the term "Laundries" from subparagraph 17.3.2.1 (2)(a) and substitute in its place the following: (a) "Laundry areas utilizing commercial equipment, or multiple residential appliances, or having a floor area exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 m)." 11. Add a new paragraph 17.3.5.3.1 to read as follows: 17.3.5.3.1 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all day- care occupancies in accordance with 9.9." 12. Delete subsection 17.4.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.4.1 " Windowless or Underground Buildings. Windowless or underground buildings or structures shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 11.7. All such buildings and structures housing a day-care occupancy shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. 17.4.1.1 "Buildings or structures existing prior to January 28, 1993, and housing day-care occupancies with an occupant load not greater than 100 may remain in use without being protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system." 13. Add a subparagraph 17.5.1.2.1 to read as follows: 17.5.1.2.1 "In existing day-care occupancies, in lieu of special protective covers, receptacles may be placed at a minimum of six feet above the finished floor." 14. Add a new paragraph 17.5.2.4 to read as follows: 17.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fire space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of day-care facilities. 17.5.2.4.1 "In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufactures instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 15. Delete subparagraph 17.6.1.4.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.6.1.4.1.2 "This section establishes life safety requirements for group day-care homes, adult daycare homes and head start facilities in which at least seven but not more than 12 clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision by other than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s) for less than 24 hours per day (generally within a dwelling unit). An existing day-care home shall be allowed the option of meeting the requirements of Section 16.6 in lieu of Section 17.2. Any day-care home that meets the requirements of Chapter 16 shall be judged to meet the requirements of Chapter 17." 16. Add an exception to subsection 17.6.1.4.1 to read as follows: 17.6.1.4.1 "Existing day-care homes that include part-day preschools, head-start programs, kindergartens, and other schools whose purpose involves education primarily for a group of children may continue to meet the requirements of this section or may be allowed the option of meeting the requirements of Chapter 15." 17. Delete paragraph 17.6.1.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 17.6.1.6 "Clients of a group day-care home in a multi-story building shall be restricted to the level of exit discharge, unless the provisions of 17.1.6.1 are met." 18. Add a new paragraph 17.6.3.6 to read as follows: 17.6.3.6 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all daycare home occupancies in accordance with 9.9." 19. Add a new subsection 17.6.3.7 to read as follows: 17.6.3.7 "In existing day-care homes in lieu of special protective covers, receptacles may be placed at a minimum of 6 feet (1.8 m) above the finished floor." 20. Delete subsections 17.7.1 and 17.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 17.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Day-care occupancies (Group E and I-4) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (p) Modifications to Chapter 18: 1. Delete subsection 18.1.1.1.8 in its entirety and in its place substitute the following: 18.1.1.1.8 "Buildings, or sections of buildings, that house older persons and that provide activities that foster continued independence but that do not include services distinctive to health care occupancies (see 18.1.4.2), as defined in 3.3.196.7, shall be permitted to comply with the requirements of other chapters of this Code , such as Chapters 30, 32 or 34 based upon appropriate licensing if required." 2. Add a new subparagraph 18.1.1.4.3.4.1 to read as follows: 18.1.1.4.3.4.1 "Minor renovations, alterations, modernizations or repairs as used in 18.1.1.4.3.4 shall mean that construction is less than 40% of the floor area within a smoke compartment." 3. Add the following to the list of hazardous areas in Subparagraph 18.3.2.1.2 to read as follows: (8) "Soiled utility rooms also used for combustible storage - 1 hour." 4. Add a new subparagraph 18.3.2.5.2.1 to read as follows: 18.3.2.5.2.1 "Where a residential stove (a maximum of four surface burners or cooking elements), is used for food warming, limited cooking, or rehabilitation training, a residential style hood system ducted to the outside shall be installed to cover each cooking surface. Other protection or segregation shall not be required unless subsequent inspections reveal conditions have changed and a higher level of risk to life is deemed to exist by the authority having jurisdiction." 5. Delete subsections 18.7.1 and 18.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 18.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Health care occupancies (Group I-2) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , and NFPA 99, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete subsection 18.7.4 in its entirety and in its place substitute the following: 18.7.4 " Smoking. Smoking regulations shall be adopted and shall include, at the least, the applicable provisions of Section 310 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (q) Modifications to Chapter 19: 1. Delete subsection 19.1.1.1.8 in its entirety and in its place substitute the following: 19.1.1.1.8 "Buildings, or sections of buildings, that house older persons and that provide activities that foster continued independence but do not include services distinctive to health care occupancies (see 19.1.4.2), as defined in 3.3.196.7, shall be permitted to comply with the requirements of other chapters of this Code , such as Chapters 31, 33 or 35 based upon appropriate licensing if required." 2. Add the following to the list of hazardous areas in subparagraph 19.3.2.1.5 to read as follows: (9) "Soiled utility rooms used for combustible storage." 3. Add subparagraphs 19.3.2.5.2.1 to read as follows: 19.3.2.5.2.1 "Where residential stove cooking is used for food warming, limited cooking, or rehabilitation training, a residential style hood system ducted to the outside and equipped with a listed self- contained residential fire suppression system shall be installed to cover each cooking surface. Required use of automatic disconnects of fuel source or power source is subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. 19.3.2.5.2.1.1 Other installations acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction shall be acceptable." 4. Add a new subparagraph 19.3.4.3.1.1 to read as follows: 19.3.4.3.1.1 "A Zoned, coded systems shall be permitted." 5. Delete subsections 19.7.1 and 19.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 19.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Health care occupancies (Group I-2) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 99, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete subsection 19.7.4 in its entirety and in its place substitute the following: 19.7.4 " Smoking. Smoking regulations shall be adopted and shall include, at the least, the applicable provisions of Section 310 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (r) Modification to Chapter 20: 1. Delete subsections 20.7.1 and 20.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 20.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Ambulatory health care facilities shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions for health care occupancies (Group I-2) of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 99, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (s) Modification to Chapter 21: 1. Delete subsections 21.7.1 and 21.7.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 21.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Ambulatory health care facilities shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions for health care occupancies (Group I-2) of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 99, as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (t) Modifications to Chapter 22: 1. Delete paragraph 22.2.11.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 22.2.11.1.2 "Doors shall be permitted to be locked with approved detention locking mechanisms only in accordance with the applicable use condition. Padlocks are not permitted on housing unit doors or any other door located in the interior means of egress. 22.2.11.1.2.1 Padlocks are permitted on gates and doors located on exterior fencing, and in exterior walls, which are not part of the building, from areas of refuge located outside the building." 2. Delete the words 'fuel fired' from Table 22.3.2.1. 3. Add a note to Table 22.3.2.1 to read as follows: "[Note: Areas incidental to resident housing will mean any areas that exceed 10% of the resident housing area. This includes sleeping areas, dayrooms, group activity space, or other common spaces for customary access of residents.]" 4. Delete paragraph 22.3.7.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 22.3.7.5 "Any required smoke barrier shall be constructed in accordance with Section 8.5 Smoke Barriers. Such barriers shall be of substantial construction and shall have structural fire resistance. Smoke barriers may have windows with wire glass in steel frames or tested window assemblies." 5. Delete subsection 22.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 22.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Detention and correctional facilities (Group I-3 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete subsection 22.7.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 22.7.2 "Policies and procedures shall be established by facility administrators to control and limit the amount of personal property in sleeping rooms and require periodic checks for the collection and storage of such items on a monthly basis. Records of periodic checks shall be kept and made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request. 22.7.2.1 Facilities which provide closable metal lockers or fire-resistant containers for the storage of books, clothing, and other combustible personal property allowed in sleeping rooms." (u) Modifications to Chapter 23: 1. Delete paragraph 23.2.11.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 23.2.11.1.2 "Doors shall be permitted to be locked with approved detention locking mechanisms only in accordance with the applicable use condition. Padlocks are not permitted on housing unit doors or any other door located in the means of egress. 23.2.11.1.2.1 Padlocks are permitted on gates and doors located on exterior fencing and walls from areas of refuge located outside the building." 2. Delete the words 'fuel fired' from Table 23.3.2.1. 3. Add a note to Table 23.3.2.1 to read as follows: "[Note: Areas incidental to resident housing will mean any areas that exceed 10% of the resident housing area. This includes sleeping areas, dayrooms, group activity space, or other common spaces for customary access of residents.]" 4. Delete paragraph 23.3.7.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 23.3.7.5 "Required smoke barriers shall be constructed in accordance with Section 8.5 Smoke Barriers. Such barriers shall be of substantial construction and shall have structural fire resistance. Smoke barriers may have windows with wire glass in steel frames or tested window assemblies." 5. Delete subsection 23.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 23.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Detention and correctional facilities (Group I-3 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 6. Delete subsection 23.7.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 23.7.2 "Policies and procedures shall be established by facility administrators to control and limit the amount of personal property in sleeping rooms and require periodic checks for the collection and storage of such items on a monthly basis. Records of periodic checks shall be kept and made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request. 23.7.2.1 Facilities which provide closable metal lockers or fire-resistant containers for the storage of books, clothing, and other combustible personal property allowed in sleeping rooms." (v) Modification to Chapter 24: 1. Delete the Title of Chapter 24 and retitle it to read as follows: "Chapter 24 One- and Two-Family Dwellings/Community Living Arrangements" 2. Add a new subparagraph 24.1.1.1.1 to read as follows: 24.1.1.1.1 "In addition, this chapter establishes life safety requirements for facilities licensed by the State of Georgia as a 'Community Living Arrangement' for one to four individuals not related to the owner or administrator by blood or marriage whether the facility is operated for profit or not. Community Living Arrangements for five or more residents shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 32." 3. Add a new paragraph 24.1.1.6 to read as follows: 24.1.1.6 "The use of a one- and two- family dwelling for the purposes of a Community Living Arrangement as licensed by the State, for one to four residents, shall constitute a change of occupancy sub-classification. The new sub-classification shall meet the requirements established in this Chapter for the One- and Two-Family Dwelling and the additional requirements specified under Section 24.4. 4. Add a new subparagraph 24.1.1.6.1 to read as follows: 24.1.1.6.1 The use of a one- and two- family dwelling for the purposes of a Community Living Arrangement as licensed by the State, for one to four residents shall not require automatic sprinkler protection. 5. Delete 24.2.2.1.2(2) in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (2) "The dwelling unit is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 24.3.5. This sprinkler provision shall not apply to a community living arrangement." 6. Add a new subparagraph to 24.2.4.1.1 to read as follows: 24.2.4.1.1 "Doors in the path of travel of a means of escape in Community Living Arrangement facilities shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide." 7. Add a new subparagraph 24.3.4.1.3.1 to read as follows: 24.3.4.1.3.1 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall apply." 8. Delete Section 24.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 24.4 " Community Living Arrangements. 24.4.1 General. The following shall be provided in addition to the requirements of this Chapter for facilities subject to being licensed as a Community Living Arrangement. Where there are conflicts in requirements specified elsewhere in this Chapter, the requirements specified under Section 24.4 shall prevail. 24.4.2 Address identification. New and Existing Community Living Arrangement structures shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in accordance with the provisions of the International Fire Code . 24.4.3 Means of Egress. 24.4.3.1 A Community Living Arrangement serving a resident dependent upon a wheelchair or other mechanical device for mobility shall provide at least two (2) exits from the Community Living Arrangement, remote from each other, and that are accessible to the residents. 24.4.3.2 Bedrooms for residents shall be separated from halls, corridors and other rooms by floor to ceiling walls. capable of resisting fire for not less than 1/2-hour, which is considered to be achieved if the partitioning is finished on both sides with lath and plaster or materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier. Sleeping room doors shall be substantial doors, such as those of 13/4 in. (4.4-cm) thick, solid-bonded wood core construction or other construction of equal or greater stability and fire integrity. Any vision panels shall be fixed fire window assemblies in accordance with 8.3.3 or shall be wired glass not exceeding 1296 sq. in (0.84 m2) each in area and installed in approved frames. 24.4.3.3 A room shall not be used as a bedroom where more than one-half the room height is below ground level. 24.4.3.4 Bedrooms which are partially below ground level shall have adequate natural light and ventilation and be provided with two useful means of egress. 24.4.3.5 Bedrooms occupied by residents shall have doors that can be closed. Doors shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 24.4.3.6 Any door in the path of travel of a means of means of egress or escape shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 24.4.3.7 Residents who need assistance with ambulation shall be provided bedrooms that have access to a ground-level exit to the outside or be provided bedrooms above ground level that have access to exits with easily negotiable ramps or easily accessible lifts. 24.4.3.8 Locks. 24.4.3.8.1 Bedrooms may have locks on doors provided both the occupant and staff are provided with keys to ensure easy entry. Double-cylinder locks (locks requiring a key on both sides) are prohibited to be used on the bedroom door of a resident. 24.4.3.8.2 Exterior doors shall be equipped with locks that do not require keys to open the door from the inside. 24.4.4 Detection and Alarm Systems 24.4.4.1 A fire alarm system meeting the minimum requirements for Single- and Multiple Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems per NFPA 72 shall be installed. 24.4.4.2 Smoke Detection. 24.4.4.2.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 9.6.2.10 of this Code . Any additional detection/alarm devices shall be as established by O.C.G.A. § 25-2-40 . 24.4.4.2.2 Smoke alarms shall be installed on all levels, including basements but excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. 24.4.4.2.3 Additional smoke alarms shall be installed for all living areas as defined in 3.3.22.5 of this Code . 24.4.4.2.4 Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons. 24.4.4.3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors. 24.4.4.3.1 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in the residence where natural gas, LP gas or heating oil is used to heat the residence. 24.4.4.3.2 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in the residence if a solid fuel-burning fireplace or fixed heating device is installed the residence. 24.4.5 Protection. 24.4.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers in accordance with Section 9.9 shall be provided near hazardous areas. 24.4.5.1.1 At least one 5 lb. 2A rated multipurpose ABC portable fire extinguisher shall be provided on each occupied floor, and, where applicable, in the basement. The extinguishers shall be installed so as to be readily accessible in accordance with NFPA 10. 24.4.5.1.2 Required portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained annually by a State licensed fire extinguisher technician in accordance with NFPA 10. 24.4.5.1.3 Monthly quick check inspections shall be conducted by the staff of the Community Living Arrangement to ensure they are charged and in operable condition. 24.4.6 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. 24.4.6.1 Portable space heaters shall not be used. The use of heating devices and equipment shall be regulated by the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 24.4.6.2 Fire screens and protective devices shall be used with fireplaces, stoves, and fixed heaters. 24.4.6.3 A water temperature monitor or a scald valve shall be installed where necessary to ensure the safety of the residents. Heated water provided for use of residents shall not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the hot water fixture, unless a cooler temperature is required by the needs of the individual. 24.4.7 Operating Features. 24.4.7.1 Staffing. The Community Living Arrangement shall have as many qualified and trained employees on duty as shall be needed to safeguard properly the health, safety, and welfare of residents and ensure the provision of services the residents require to be delivered in the Community Living Arrangement. 24.4.7.1.1 Before working independently with residents, each staff member shall be trained and show continuing evidence of competence in fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. A resident shall not be considered a staff person in the residence in which they live. Also, training of management and staff shall comply with Chapter 4 of the adopted International Fire Code . 24.4.7.2 Evacuation Capabilities. Community Living Arrangement shall maintain a staffing ratio sufficient to ensure that all residents can meet a prompt evacuation capability as defined in 12-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Residents who cannot meet the prompt evacuation capability provision shall be provided with a minimum of one dedicated employee whose primary responsibility is to provide evacuation of the resident in the event of a fire or other emergency. The dedicated employee/employees shall be in close attendance at all times. 24.4.7.3 Drills. Fire drills shall be conducted at least quarterly on each shift at alternating times. At least two drills per calendar year shall be during sleeping hours. All fire drills shall be documented and include the names of staff involved. Also, refer to Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 24.4.7.4 Procedures. There shall be established procedures and mechanisms for alerting and caring for residents in case of emergencies and for evacuating them to safety. An evacuation plan with clear instructions shall be available within each residence. Also, refer to Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (w) Modification to Chapter 26: 1. Add a new subparagraph 26.3.4.5.3.1 to read as follows: 26.3.4.5.3.1 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply." 2. Add a new paragraph 26.3.6.4 to read as follows: 26.3.6.4 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all lodging or rooming house occupancies in accordance with 9.9 of this Code ." (x) Modification to Chapter 28: 1. Add a new subparagraph 28.2.5.5.1 to read as follows: 28.2.5.5.1 "The provisions of 28.2.5.5 apply to exterior exit access routes and interior corridors." 2. Add a new subparagraph 28.2.5.6.1 to read as follows: 28.2.5.6.1 "The provisions of 28.2.5.6 apply to exterior exit access routes and interior corridors." 3. Add a new subparagraph 28.3.2.2.1.1 to read as follows: 28.3.2.2.1.1 "The provisions of 28.3.2.2 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 4. Delete paragraph 28.3.4.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 28.3.4.5 "A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sections 25-2-13(d) & 25-2-40 shall be provided in all interior corridors, halls and passageways. 28.3.4.5.1 The provisions of 28.3.4.5 are not required in hotels and motels protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 28.3.5. Dormitory facilities shall still be required to provide a corridor smoke detection system in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sections 25-2-13(d) and 25-2-40 ." 5. Add a new subparagraph 28.3.4.6.1 to read as follows: 28.3.4.6.1 "A smoke alarm shall be mounted on the ceiling or wall at a point centrally located in the corridor, hall or area giving access to each group of rooms used for sleeping purposes. Such smoke alarm shall be listed and meet the installation requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , and be powered from the building's electrical system. In addition, 11/2-hour emergency power supply source is required for the back-up power of the smoke alarms." 6. Add a new subparagraph 28.3.4.6.2 to read as follows: 28.3.4.6.2 "Each living area within a guestroom or suite which is separated by doors or folding partitions shall be provided with an approved single station smoke alarm in accordance with 9.6.2.10 of this Code . The smoke alarm shall be powered from the building's electrical system." 7. Delete subsections 28.7.1, 28.7.2, 28.7.3, and 28.7.5 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 28.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Hotels and dormitories (Group R-2 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (y) Modification to Chapter 29: 1. Delete paragraph 29.2.5.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 29.2.5.3 "Exterior exit access or internal corridors shall be arranged so there are no dead ends in excess of 50 feet (15 m)." 2. Add a new subparagraph 29.3.4.5.3 to read as follows: 29.3.4.5.3 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply." 3. Add a new subparagraph 29.3.4.5.4 to read as follows: 29.3.4.5.4 "A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sections 25-2-13(d) and 25-2-40 shall be provided in all interior corridors, halls and passageways. 29.3.4.5.4.1 The provisions of 29.3.4.5.1 do not apply in hotels and motels protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 28.3.5. 29.3.4.5.4.2 Dormitory facilities shall be required to provide a corridor smoke detection system in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sections 25-2-13(d) and 25-2-40 ." 4. Delete subsections 29.7.1, 29.7.2, 29.7.3, and 29.7.5 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 29.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Hotels and dormitories (Group R-2 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (z) Modification to Chapter 30: 1. Delete paragraph 30.2.1.3 in its entirety and replace with the following new 30.2.1.3 30.2.1.3 Bathtub, Bathtub-Shower Combinations and Shower Grab Bars. 30.2.1.3.1 Where bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations, or showers are present in apartments marketed as senior apartments or apartments designated as 55 or older communities, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of 24.2.8. 30.2.1.3.2 In apartments not marketed as senior apartments or apartments designated as 55 or older communities sufficient structural supporting shall be installed so that bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations, or showers are adaptable to meet the provisions of 24.2.8. 30.2.1.3.3 Where requested by a tenant, the apartment owner / management shall install grab bars in accordance with 24.2.8 at no cost to the tenant. 2. Delete item (2) of subsection 30.2.4.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (2) "The dwelling unit has direct access to an outside stair complying with 7.2.2 that serves a maximum of two units where both of which are located on the same floor. This does not preclude two stairs serving a floor level with a maximum of four units with an open breezeway connecting and allowing access to either exit stair." 3. Add a new subparagraph 30.3.2.1.3 to read as follows: 30.3.2.1.3 "The provisions of 30.3.2.1 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage, and a minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 4. Delete the words 'fuel fired' from Table 30.3.2.1.1 5. Delete subparagraph 30.3.4.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 30.3.4.5 "Approved single station or multiple station detectors continuously powered from the building's electrical system shall be installed in accordance with 9.6.2.10 in every living unit within the apartment building regardless of the number of stories or number of apartments. In addition, a 11/2-hour emergency power supply source is required for the back-up power of the detector. When activated, the detector shall initiate an alarm that is audible in the sleeping rooms of that unit. This individual unit detector shall be in addition to any sprinkler system or other detection system that may be installed in the building." 6. Delete paragraph 30.3.6.2.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 30.3.6.2.3 "Doors that open onto exit access corridors shall be self-closing and self-latching, with a listed pneumatic closure or three heavy-duty spring-loaded hinges." 7. Delete subsection 30.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 30.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Residential facilities (Group R-2 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (aa) Modifications to Chapter 31: 1. Delete item (2) of subsection 31.2.4.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (2) "The dwelling unit has direct access to an outside stair complying with 7.2.2 that serves a maximum of two units where both units are located on the same floor. This does not preclude two stairs serving a floor level with a maximum of four units with an open breezeway connecting and allowing access to either exit stair." 2. Add a new subparagraph 31.3.4.5.2.1 to read as follows: 31.3.4.5.2.1 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply." 3. Add a new subparagraph 31.3.4.5.4.1 to read as follows: 31.3.4.5.4.1 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply." 4. Delete subsection 31.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 31.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Residential facilities (Group R-2 occupancies) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (bb) Modifications to Chapter 32: Delete paragraph 32.1.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.1.1.1 " General. The requirements of this chapter shall apply to new buildings or portions thereof used as residential board and care occupancies (See 3.3.196.12 and 3.3.214 and their Annex A notes). This designation shall include, but may not be limited to, a personal care home or community living arrangement, as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 32.1.1.1.1 Additions, Conversions, Modernizations, Renovations, and Construction Operations. Additions shall be separated from any existing structure not conforming to the provisions of Chapter 32 by a fire barrier having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating and constructed of materials as required for the addition. (See 4.6.5 and 4.6.7) Doors in fire barriers shall normally be kept closed, however, doors shall be permitted to be held open if they meet the requirements of 7.2.1.8.2, and such doors shall be released upon activation of the building fire alarm system. 32.1.1.1.1.2. Conversion. For purposes of this chapter, exceptions for conversions shall apply only for a change of occupancy from an existing residential or health care occupancy. 32.1.1.1.1.3 Change of Occupancy. A change from a licensed personal care home to an assisted living community or memory care unit shall be considered a change of occupancy or subclassification and would be required to meet the provisions of Chapter 35 for existing construction. Such changes in occupancy classification or subclassification are considered as proposed (new) buildings and shall be subject to the applicable administrative provisions of Section 103 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 32.1.1.1.4. Renovations, Alterations, and Modernizations. (See 4.6.7) 32.1.1.1.5. Construction, Repair, and Improvement Operations. (See 4.6.10)" 2. Delete paragraph 32.1.1.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.1.1.4 "Personal Care Homes and Community Living Arrangements with Five or More Residents. A personal care home or community living arrangement with five or more residents, as defined in 120-3 .3-.03 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, shall comply with the general provisions of 32.1 of this Chapter 32, and with the applicable provisions for residential board and care occupancies as defined in 3.3.196.12 of this Code . The provisions of Chapter 32 for large facilities are deemed to provide for the use of "defend in place" fire response strategies should self-preservation measures not be deemed successful. 32.1.1.4.1 Goals and Objectives. The goals and objectives of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this Code shall be met with due consideration for functional requirements, which are accomplished by limiting the development and spread of a fire to the room of origin and reducing the need for total occupant evacuation except for the room of fire origin. 32.1.1.4.2 Total Concept. All new personal care homes, and community living arrangements with five or more residents shall be constructed, maintained, and operated to minimize the possibility of a fire emergency requiring the evacuation of occupants. 32.1.1.4.2.1 Because the safety of personal care home residents or residents of a community living arrangement cannot be adequately ensured by dependence on evacuation of the building, their protection from fire shall be provided by appropriate arrangement of facilities; adequate trained staff (refer to 406.2.1 of the International Fire Code as adopted by 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner); and development of operating and maintenance procedures composed of the following: (1) Design, construction, and compartmentation (2) Provision for detection, alarm, and extinguishment (3) Fire protection and planning, training, and drilling programs for the isolation of fire, transfer of occupants to areas of refuge, or evacuation of the building." 3. Delete paragraph 32.1.1.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.1.1.5 "All new facilities classified as residential board and care occupancies shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. This chapter is divided into six sections as follows: (1) Section 32.1 - General Requirements. (2) Section 32.2 - Small Facilities (Sleeping accommodations for not more than six residents. (Includes Personal Care Homes and Community Living Arrangements for five or six residents) (3) Section 32.3 - Large Facilities (Sleeping accommodations for seven or more residents. This includes Personal Care Homes, as defined in section 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. It also includes Community Living Arrangements with seven or more residents.) (4) Section 32.4 - Additional minimum requirements for an Apartment Building Housing a Board and Care Occupancy. (5) Section 32.5 - Community Living Arrangement Facilities (small and large) (As defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner) (6) Section 32.7 Operating Features." 4. Delete subsection 32.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.1.2 " Classification of Occupancy. See 6.1.9 and provisions of this Chapter 32, and the applicable definitions in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 5. Delete subparagraph 32.2.1.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.2.1.1.1 " Scope. This section applies to a community living arrangement with 5 to 6 residents and to residential board and care occupancies, including a personal care home, providing sleeping accommodations for not more than 6 residents. Where there are sleeping accommodations for more than 6 residents of a residential board and care occupancy, including a personal care home or community living arrangement, the occupancy shall be classed as a large facility. The requirements for large facilities are found in Section 32.3. The provisions of 32.5 also apply to community living arrangements. (Also see 3.3.196.12.)" 6. Add a new paragraph 32.2.1.5 to read as follows: 32.2.1.5 " Classification of Hazards of Contents. Contents of Residential Board and Care occupancies shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.2." 7. Add a new subparagraph 32.2.3.2.6 to read as follows: 32.2.3.2.6 "Residential cooking appliances such as stoves (a maximum of four surface burners or cooking elements) and griddles shall be protected by a listed self-contained residential fire suppression systems located in residential hoods over each cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. Automatic disconnects of the fuel source or power source shall be provided. Commercial cooking appliances including fryers shall be protected in accordance with 9.2.3, and shall not be required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas. 32.2.3.2.6.1 Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, the protection of residential cooking equipment shall not be required in buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system as provided in 32.2.3.5. The protection authorized by 32.2.3.5.5 is acceptable for purposes of this section, provided, however, exhaust hood shall still be required to be vented to the outside. 32.2.3.2.6.2 Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, no protection is required over residential cooking appliances such as grills and stoves in facilities which have a prompt evacuation capability and having a licensed capacity as determined by the Department of Human Resources of six or less residents." 8. Add new subparagraph 32.2.3.4.5.5 to read as follows: 32.2.3.4.5.5 "Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons." 9. Delete subparagraph 32.2.3.5.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.2.3.5.2 "In conversions, sprinklers shall not be required in small board and care homes, including personal care homes and community living arrangements serving six or fewer residents when all occupants have the ability as a group to move reliably to a point of safety within three minutes. 32.2.3.5.2.1 Where the provisions of 32.2.3.5.2 are not met and maintained, the sprinkler protection requirement may be met through the installation of a sprinkler system complying with 32.2.3.5." 10. Add a new subsection 32.2.3.5.9 to read as follows: 32.2.3.5.9 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all residential board and care occupancies and on each floor of a personal care home or community living arrangement facility in accordance with 9.9." 11. Delete (1) of subparagraph 32.2.3.6.1 and substitute in its place the following: (1) "The separation walls of sleeping rooms shall be capable of resisting fire for not less than 30 minutes, which is considered to be achieved if the partitioning is finished on both sides with materials such as, but not limited to, 1/2 inch thick gypsum board, wood lath and plaster, or metal lath and plaster. It shall be acceptable for corridor walls to terminate at a ceiling which is constructed similar to a corridor wall capable of resisting fire for not less than 30 minutes." 12. Add new subparagraph 32.2.5.2.4 to read as follows: 32.2.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fired space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of small residential board and care occupancies, including personal care homes and community living arrangements. 32.2.5.2.4.1 In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufacturer's instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 13. Delete subparagraph 32.3.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.1.1.1 "This section applies to residential board and care occupancies, including licensed personal care homes and community living arrangements with more than 6 residents, as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Where there are sleeping accommodations for six or less residents, or a community living arrangement for 5 to 6 residents, the occupancy shall be classed as a small facility. The requirements for small facilities are found in Section 32.2. 14. Add a new Section 32.3.1.2 to read as follows: 32.3.1.2 " Assisted Living Communities and Memory Care Units. 32.3.1.2.1 This chapter shall not apply to any building, or portion thereof, newly constructed, or substantially renovated, as defined in O.C.G.A. 25-2-14(d) , so as to be designated and licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health as an assisted living community or memory care unit, as defined in Section 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Refer to Chapter 34 or 35 for the applicable requirements for such facilities." 15. Delete 32.3.1.2 and insert a new 32.3.1.2 to read as follows: 32.3.1.2 Requirements Based on Evacuation Capability. Definitions for the classifications of evacuation capability are defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. For purposes of Section 32.3, large facilities are assumed to have an impractical evacuation capability. 16. Add a new item 8 to subparagraph 32.3.2.2.2 to read as follows: (9) ": Doors to resident rooms may be subject to being locked by the occupant, if they can be unlocked from the opposite side and keys are carried by staff at all times. Additional keys must be available/accessible to the staff." 17. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.2.6.1 to read as follows: 32.3.2.6.1 "Travel distance shall not exceed 35 feet (10.7 m) in any story below the level of exit discharge occupied for public purposes." 18. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.2.6.2 to read as follows: 32.3.2.6.2 "Travel distance shall not exceed 75 feet (22.9 m) in any story below the level of exit discharge not occupied for public purposes." 19. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.2.6.3 to read as follows: 32.3.2.6.3 "Any story below the level of exit discharge occupied for public purposes shall have at least two separate exits provided from each story with a maximum dead-end corridor of 20 feet (6.1 m). Any floor below the level of exit discharge not open to the public and used only for mechanical equipment, storage, and service operations (other than kitchens which are considered part of the residential board and care occupancies) shall have exits appropriate to its actual occupancy in accordance with other applicable sections of this Code ." 20. Delete paragraph 32.3.2.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.2.9 "Emergency lighting in accordance with Section 7.9 of the Code shall be provided in means of egress and common areas in all residential board and care occupancies. 32.3.2.9.1 "Where each resident room has a direct exit to the outside of the building at ground level, no emergency lighting shall be required." 21. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.2.11.1 to read as follows: 32.3.2.11.1 "Every stairwell door shall allow reentry from the stairwell to the interior of the building or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stairwell doors to allow re-entry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system or upon loss of power." 22. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.3.1.4 to read as follows: 32.3.3.1.4 "Stairway enclosures shall not be required where a one-story stair connects two levels within a single dwelling unit, resident room or suite." 23. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.3.2.4 to read as follows: 32.3.3.2.4 "The provisions of Table 32.3.3.2.2 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 24. Delete subparagraph 32.3.3.4.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.3.4.7 " Smoke Alarms. Each sleeping room shall be provided with an approved single station smoke alarm in accordance with 9.6.2.10. Approved smoke alarms shall be powered by the building's electrical system and be provided with a 11/2-hour emergency power source." 32.3.3.4.7.1 Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired residents in personal care homes or Community Living Arrangements." 25. Delete subparagraph 32.3.3.4.8 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.3.4.8 " Smoke Detection Systems. All corridors and common spaces shall be provided with smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , arranged to initiate the fire alarm such that it is audible in all sleeping areas. Detectors shall be located in corridors or hallway so there is a detector within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the wall and at least every 30 feet (9.1 m) thereafter. Where a building has more than one floor level, a detector shall be located at the top of each stair and inside each enclosure. (Refer to 3.3.264) 32.3.3.4.8.1 Detectors may be excluded from crawl spaces beneath the building and unused and unfinished attics. 32.3.3.4.8.2 Unenclosed corridors, passageways, balconies, colonnades, or other arrangements where one or more sides along the long dimension are fully or extensively open to the exterior at all times." 26. Delete subparagraph 32.3.3.5.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.3.5.7 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all residential board and care occupancies and on each floor of a personal care home or community living arrangement facility in accordance with 9.9." 27. Delete subparagraph 32.3.3.6.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.3.3.6.6 "There shall be no louvers, transfer grilles, operable transoms, or other air passages penetrating such walls or doors other than properly installed heating and utility installations. Unprotected openings shall be prohibited in partitions of interior corridors serving as exit access from resident rooms. Transfer grilles, whether protected by fusible link operated dampers or not, shall not be used in corridor walls or doors between resident rooms and interior corridors. 32.3.3.6.6.1 Existing transoms installed in corridor partitions of resident rooms shall be fixed in the closed position and shall be covered or otherwise protected to provide a fire-resistance rating at least equivalent to that of the wall in which they are installed." 28. Add a new subparagraph 32.3.5.2.4 to read as follows: 32.3.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fired space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of large residential board and care occupancies. 32.3.5.2.4.1 "In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufactures instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 29. Delete section 32.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.5 " Community Living Arrangement Facilities. 32.5.1 General. The following shall be provided in addition to the requirements of this Chapter for facilities subject to being licensed as a Community Living Arrangement. Where there are conflicts in requirements specified elsewhere in this Chapter, the requirements specified under Section 32.5 shall prevail. 32.5.2 Address identification. Community Living Arrangement structures shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in accordance with the provisions of the International Fire Code . 32.5.3 Means of Egress. 32.5.3.1 Number of Means of Escape. In any dwelling or dwelling unit of two rooms or more, every sleeping room and every living area shall have not less than one primary means of escape and one secondary means of escape. 32.5.3.1.1 A secondary means of escape shall not be required where the bedroom or living area has a door leading directly to the outside of the building at or to grade level. 32.5.3.1.2 Exits for the mobility impaired. A Community Living Arrangement serving a resident dependent upon a wheelchair or other mechanical device for mobility shall provide at least two (2) exits from the Community Living Arrangement, remote from each other, which are accessible to the residents." 32.5.3.2 Bedrooms. Bedrooms for residents shall be separated from halls, corridors and other rooms by floor to ceiling walls. capable of resisting fire for not less than 1/2-hour, which is considered to be achieved if the partitioning is finished on both sides with lath and plaster or materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier. Sleeping room doors shall be substantial doors, such as those of 13/4-in. (4.4-cm) thick, solid-bonded wood core construction or other construction of equal or greater stability and fire integrity. Any vision panels shall be fixed fire window assemblies in accordance with 8.3.3 or shall be wired glass not exceeding 1296 in. 2 (0.84 m2) each in area and installed in approved frames. 32.5.3.2.1 A room shall not be used as a bedroom where more than one-half the room height is below ground level. 32.5.3.2.2 Bedrooms which are partially below ground level shall have adequate natural light and ventilation and be provided with two useful means of egress. 32.5.3.2.3 Bedrooms occupied by residents shall have doors that can be closed. Doors shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 32.5.3.2.4 Any door in the path of travel of a means of means of egress or escape shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 32.5.3.2.5 Residents who need assistance with ambulation shall be provided bedrooms that have access to a ground-level exit to the outside or provided bedrooms above ground level that have access to exits with easily negotiable ramps or easily accessible lifts. 32.5.3.3 Locks . 32.5.3.3.1 Bedrooms may have locks on doors provided both the occupant and staff are provided with keys to ensure easy entry. Double-cylinder locks (locks requiring a key on both sides) are prohibited be used on the bedroom door of a resident. 32.5.3.3.2 Exterior doors shall be equipped with locks that do not require keys to open the door from the inside. 32.5.4 Detection and Alarm Systems 32.5.4.1 A fire alarm system meeting the minimum requirements for Single- and Multiple Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems per NFPA 72 shall be installed. 32.5.4.2 Smoke Detection. 32.5.4.2.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 9.6.2.10. Any additional detection/alarm devices shall be as established by O.C.G.A. § 25-2-40 . 32.5.4.2.2 Smoke alarms shall be installed on all levels, including basements but excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. 32.5.4.2.3 Additional smoke alarms shall be installed for all living areas as defined in 3.3.119 and 3.3.25.5. 32.5.4.2.4 Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons. 32.5.4.3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors. 32.5.4.3.1 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in accordance with 32.3.3.4.9. 32.5.5 Protection. 32.5.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers in accordance with 9.9 shall be provided near hazardous areas. 32.5.5.1.1 At least one 2A rated multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher shall be provided on each occupied floor and in the basement that shall be readily accessible. 32.5.5.1.2 Required portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained annually by a licensed fire safety technician annually in accordance with NFPA 10. 32.5.5.1.3 Monthly quick check inspections shall be conducted by the staff of the Community Living Arrangement to ensure they are charged and in operable condition. 32.5.6 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. 32.5.6.1 Portable space heaters shall not be used. 32.5.6.2 Fire screens and protective devices shall be used with fireplaces, stoves and fixed heaters. 32.5.6.3 A water temperature monitor or a scald valve shall be installed where necessary to ensure the safety of the residents. Heated water provided for use of residents shall not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the hot water fixture, unless a cooler temperature is required by the needs of the individual. 32.5.7 Operating Features. 32.5.7.1 Staffing. The Community Living Arrangement shall have as many qualified and trained employees on duty as shall be needed to safeguard properly the health, safety, and welfare of residents and ensure the provision of services the residents require to be delivered in the Community Living Arrangement. 32.5.7.1.1 Before working independently with residents, each staff member shall be trained and show continuing evidence of competence in fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. A resident shall not be considered a staff person in the residence in which they live. (Refer to Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code regarding care-giver minimum training requirements.) 32.5.7.2 Evacuation Capabilities. Community Living Arrangement shall maintain a staffing ratio sufficient to ensure that all residents can successfully respond to a fire or other emergency using self-preservation or assisted preservation measures as defined by 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Residents who cannot successfully respond shall be provided with a minimum of one dedicated employee whose primary responsibility is to provide evacuation of the resident in the event of a fire or other emergency. The dedicated employee/employees shall be in close attendance to the affected resident at all times. 32.5.7.3 Drills. Fire drills shall be conducted at least quarterly on each shift. At least two drills per calendar year shall be during sleeping hours. All fire drills shall be documented with staffing involved. (See Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code regarding fire and emergency evacuation drills.) 32.5.7.4 Procedures . There shall be established procedures and mechanisms for alerting and caring for residents in case of emergencies and for evacuating them to safety. An evacuation plan with clear instructions shall be available within each resident room. Each sleeping room shall have a secondary exit, which may be a door or a window usable for escape." 30. Delete subsections 32.7.1, 32.7.2, and 32.7.3 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 32.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Residential board and care facilities (Group I-1 and R-4 occupancies), including personal care homes and community living arrangements shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The specific provisions of 32.5.7 shall also apply to community living arrangements." 31. Delete subsection 32.7.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 32.7.4 " Smoking. Smoking regulations shall be adopted and shall include the following minimal provisions. 32.7.4.1 Smoking shall be prohibited in any room, area or compartment where flammable liquids, combustible gases, or oxygen are used or stored and in any other hazardous location. Such areas shall be posted with ' NO SMOKING' signs. 32.7.4.2 Smoking by residents classified as not responsible shall be prohibited, Exception unless the resident is under direct supervision. 32.7.4.3 Ashtrays of noncombustible material and safe design shall be provided in all areas where smoking is permitted. 32.7.4.4 Metal containers with self-closing cover devices into which ashtrays may be emptied shall be readily available in all areas where smoking is permitted." 32. Add a new paragraph 33.7.5.4 to read as follows: 32.7.5.4 "Wastebaskets and other waste containers shall be of noncombustible or other approved materials." (cc) Modifications to Chapter 33: 1. Delete paragraphs 33.1.4.1 and 33.1.4.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 33.1.4.1 " General. For definitions see Chapter 3, Definitions and 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner (RRSFC). Where there is a difference in definitions, the definitions in 120-3-3-.03 shall prevail. 33.1.4.2 Special Definitions. (1) Broad and Care Occupancies, Residential. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . (2) Community Living Arrangement. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 (3) Evacuation Capability, Impractical. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . (4) Evacuation Capability, Prompt. See RRSFC 120-3-3.03. (5) Evacuation Capability, Slow. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . (6) Personal Care. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . (7) Personal Care Home. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . (8) Self-preservation. See RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 . 2. Add new subparagraphs 33.1.1.4.1 through 33.1.1.4.3 to read as follows: 33.1.1.4.1 "Community Living Arrangements for five to six residents shall comply with the requirements of Sections 33.2 and 33.5 33.1.1.4.2 Community Living Arrangements for seven or more residents shall comply with the requirements of Sections 33.3 and 33.5. 33.1.1.4.3 Refer to 120-3-3-.03 for the definition of a "Community Living Arrangement." 33.1.1.4.4 Existing large personal care homes with 25 or more residents desiring to be licensed as an Assisted Living Community or as a Memory Care Unit, both as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, shall meet the requirements for a conversion to a large residential board and care occupancy and the applicable provisions for assisted living communities or memory care units as set forth by Chapter 35 of this Code . (Also defined in RRSFC 120-3-3-.03 )." 3. Delete paragraph 33.1.1.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.1.1.5 "All existing facilities classified as residential board and care occupancies shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. This chapter is divided into six sections as follows: (1) Section 33.1 - General Requirements. (2) Section 33.2 - Small Facilities (sleeping accommodations for not more than six residents. Includes small personal care homes and community living arrangements.) (3) Section 33.3 - Large Facilities (sleeping accommodations for seven or more residents. This includes existing "personal care homes" as defined in section 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and not licensed as an "Assisted Living Community" or "Memory Care Unit") (4) Section 33.4 - Additional minimum requirements for an Apartment Building Housing a Board and Care Occupancy. (5) Section 33.5 - Community Living Arrangement Facilities (6) Section 33.7 - Operating Features." 4. Add a new subsection 33.1.9 to read as follows: 33.1.9 " Classification of Hazards of Contents. Contents of Residential Board and Care occupancies shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.2." 5. Delete paragraph 33.2.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.2.1.1 " Scope. This section applies to residential board and care occupancies, including community living arrangements with 5 to 6 residents and personal care homes providing sleeping accommodations for not more than six residents. Where there are sleeping accommodations for more than six residents of a residential board and care occupancy or a community living arrangement more than 6, the occupancy shall be classed as a large facility. The requirements for large facilities are found in Section 33.3." 6. Add a new paragraph 33.2.1.5 to read as follows: 33.2.1.5 " Occupant Load. The occupant load of small Residential Board and Care occupancies (personal care occupancies) or any individual story or section thereof for the purpose of determining exits shall be the maximum number of persons intended to occupy the floor on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2. (Also see 3.3.22.2.1 for Gross Floor Area.)" 7. Add a new subparagraph 33.2.3.2.6 to read as follows: 33.2.3.2.6 "Residential cooking appliances such as stoves and griddles shall be protected by listed self-contained residential fire suppression systems located in residential hoods over each cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. Automatic disconnects of the fuel source or power source shall be provided. Commercial cooking appliances including fryers shall be protected in accordance with 9.2.3 and shall not be required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas. 33.2.3.2.6.1 "Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, the protection of residential cooking equipment shall not be required in buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system as provided in 33.2.3.5. The exhaust hood is still required to be vented to the outside. 33.2.3.2.6.2 "No protection is required over residential cooking appliances such as grills and stoves in facilities which have prompt evacuation capability and have a licensed capacity as determined by the Department of Community Health of six or less residents." 8. Add new subparagraph 33.2.3.4.3.1 to read as follows: 33.2.3.4.3.1 "Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons." 9. Add a new subparagraph 33.2.3.4.3.1 to read as follows: 33.2.3.4.3.1 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply. 10. Add new subparagraph 33.2.3.4.5 to read as follows: 33.2.3.4.5 " Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in all community living arrangements where natural gas, LP gas or heating oil is used to heat the residence or where a solid fuel-burning appliance is located in the residence." 11. Delete subparagraph 33.2.3.5.3.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.2.3.5.3.7 " Impractical and Slow Evacuation Capability. All slow and impractical evacuation capability facilities shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 33.2.3.5.3." 12. Add new subparagraph 33.2.5.2.4 to read as follows: 33.2.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fired space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of small residential board and care occupancies, including personal care homes and community living arrangements. 33.2.5.2.4.1 In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufactures instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 13. Add a new subsection 33.2.6 to read as follows: 33.2.6 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all residential board and care occupancies, personal care homes or community living arrangement facilities as follows. 33.2.6.1 Portable fire extinguishers in accordance with Section 9.9 of this Code shall be provided near hazardous areas. Also, at least one 2A rated multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher shall be provided on each occupied floor and in the basement, and they shall be readily accessible. 33.2.6.1.2 Required portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained at least annually by a licensed fire safety technician in accordance with NFPA 10. 33.6.5.1.3 Monthly quick check inspections shall be conducted by the staff of the Community Living Arrangement to ensure they are charged and in operable condition." 14. Delete paragraph 33.3.1.1.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.1.1.1 " Scope. This section applies to residential board and care occupancies, including personal care homes and community living arrangements providing sleeping accommodations for 7 or more residents. Where there are sleeping accommodations for six or less residents or a community living arrangement for 5 to 6 residents, the occupancy shall be classed as a small facility. The requirements for small facilities are found in Section 33.2." 15. Delete 33.3.1.2.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.1.2.2 " Impractical. Large facilities classified as impractical evacuation capability shall meet the requirements of 33.3 for impractical evacuation capability, or the requirements for new large facilities in Chapter 32, unless the authority having jurisdiction has determined equivalent safety is provided in accordance with Section 1.4." 16. Add a new subsection 33.3.1.4 to read as follows: 33.3.1.4 " Occupant Load. The occupant load of small Residential Board and Care occupancies or Personal Care occupancies or any individual story or section thereof for the purpose of determining exits shall be the maximum number of persons intended to occupy the floor as determined on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2. Gross floor area shall be measured within the exterior building walls with no deductions. (See 3.3.22.2.1)." 17. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.3.1.1.4 to read as follows: 33.3.3.1.1.4 "Enclosure of stairs, smoke proof towers and exit passageways in buildings existing prior to April 15, 1986, shall be fire barriers of at least 20-minute fire-resistance rating with all openings protected in accordance with paragraph 8.3.3 of this Code in buildings less than three stories in height. In buildings existing prior to April 15, 1986, more than three stories in height, the enclosure shall not be less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with all openings protected in accordance with paragraph 8.3.4.4 of this Code ." 18. Add a new exception to subparagraph 33.3.2.2.2(10) to read as follows: 33.3.2.2.2(10) "Doors to resident rooms may be subject to being locked by the occupant, if they can be unlocked from the opposite side and keys are carried by staff at all times. Additional keys must be available to and accessible by the staff." 19. Delete subparagraph 33.3.2.5.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.2.5.4 "No dead-end corridor shall exceed 35 feet (10.7 m)." 20. Delete subparagraph 33.3.2.6.3.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.2.6.3.3 "Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 150 feet (45.7 m) if the exit access and any portion of the building that is tributary to the exit access are protected throughout by approved automatic sprinkler systems. In addition, the portion of the building in which the 150 feet (45.7 m) travel distance is permitted shall be separated from the remainder of the building by construction having not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating for buildings not greater than three stories in height and 2-hour for buildings greater than three stories in height." 21. Add a new subparagraph 3 3.3.2.6.3.4 to read as follows: 33.3.2.6.3.4 "No residents shall be located on floors below the level of exit discharge. 33.3.2.6.3.4.1 In facilities existing prior to April 15, 1986, any floor below the level of exit discharge occupied for public purposes shall have exits arranged such that it will not be necessary to travel more than 100 feet (30.5 m) from the door of any room to reach the nearest exit." 22. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.2.6.4 to read as follows: 33.3.2.6.4 "Any floor below the level of exit discharge not open to the public and used only for mechanical equipment, storage, and service operations (other than kitchens which are considered part of the residential board and care occupancies) shall have exits appropriate to its actual occupancy in accordance with other applicable sections of this Code ." 23. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.2.7.1 to read as follows: 33.3.2.7.1 "At least half of the required exit capacity of upper floors, exclusive of horizontal exits, shall lead directly to the street or through a yard, court, or passageway with protected openings and separated from all parts of the interior of the building." 24. Delete paragraph 33.3.2.9 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.2.9 " Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting in accordance with Section 7.9 of the Code shall be provided in means of egress and common areas in all residential board and care occupancies. 33.3.2.9.1 Where each guestroom has a direct exit to the outside of the building at ground level, no emergency lighting shall be required." 25. Delete 33.3.2.11.1 and insert a new subparagraph 33.3.2.11.1 to read as follows: 33.3.2.11.1 "Every stairwell door shall allow re-entry from the stairwell to the interior of the building or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stairwell doors to allow re-entry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system or upon loss of power." 26. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.2.11.3 to read as follows: 33.3.2.11.3 "Stairway enclosures shall not be required where a one-story stair connects two levels within a single dwelling unit, resident room or suite." 27. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.3.1.4 to read as follows: 33.3.3.1.4 "Any required exit stair which is so located such that it is necessary to pass through the lobby or other open space to reach the outside of the building shall be continuously enclosed down to the lobby level, or to a mezzanine within the lobby. 33.3.3.1.4.1 In existing two-story buildings only, the second floor level may be fire stopped with a fire barrier having at least a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. Vision panels not exceeding 1,296 square inches (8361 cu cm) and installed in steel frames shall be provided in the doors of the fire barrier." 28. Add two new subparagraphs 33.3.3.2.2.1 and 33.3.3.2.2.2 to read as follows: 33.3.3.2.2.1 "The provisions of 33.3.3.2.2 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 33.3.3.2.2.2 The provisions of 33.3.3.2.2 shall not apply in existing residential board and care occupancies constructed prior to April 15, 1986, with regard to the location of the equipment only." 29. Delete section 33.3.3.8 to read as follows: 33.3.3.8.1 "A personal care home having a licensed capacity as determined by the Department of Community Health of 16 or less residents shall have residential cooking appliances such as stoves and griddles protected by a listed self-contained residential fire suppression system located in residential hood over each cooking surface, with the exhaust hood vented directly to the outside. Automatic disconnects of the fuel source or power source shall be provided. Commercial cooking appliances including fryers shall be protected in accordance with 9.2.3 and shall not be required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas. 33.3.3.8.2 A personal care home constructed prior to January 28, 1993, and having a licensed capacity as determined by the Department of Community Health of 16 or less residents may have food preparation facilities in accordance with NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids, 1983 edition. 33.3.3.8.3 A personal care home constructed prior to January 28, 1993, and having a licensed capacity as determined by the Department of Community Health of 16 residents or less may have food preparation facilities which have a ventilating hood meeting the provisions of NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code , as specified in Chapters 120-3-14 and 120-3-16, of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, and NFPA 91 , Standard for Exhaust Systems for Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids , as specified in Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 33.3.3.8.4 Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, the protection of residential cooking equipment shall not be required in buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system as provided in 32.2.3.5. The exhaust hood is still required to be vented to the outside." 30. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.3.4.7.1.1 to read as follows: 33.3.3.4.7.1.1 "Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons located in Community Living Arrangements." 31. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.4.7.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.4.7.2 "The provisions of 9.6.2.10.8.1 and 9.6.2.10.8.2 shall also apply." 32. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.4.8 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.4.8 " Smoke Detection Systems. All corridors and common spaces shall be provided with smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, arranged to initiate the fire alarm such that it is audible in all sleeping areas. Detectors shall be located in corridors or hallway so there is a detector within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the wall and at least every 30 feet (9.1 m) thereafter. Where a building has more than one floor level, a detector shall be located at the top of each stair and inside each enclosure. 33.3.3.4.8.2 Smoke detection systems may be excluded from crawl spaces beneath the building and unused and unfinished attics. 33.3.3.4.8.3 Smoke detection systems shall not be required in unenclosed corridors, passageways, balconies, colonnades, or other arrangements where one or more sides along the long dimension are fully or extensively open to the exterior at all times." 33. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.5.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.5.2 "Sprinkler installation may be omitted in bathrooms where the area does not exceed 55 square feet (5.1 sq. m) and the walls and ceilings, including behind fixtures, are of noncombustible or limited combustible materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier or in clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries within the facility where the area of the space does not exceed 24 square feet (2.2 sq. m) and the least dimension does not exceed 3 feet (0.91 m) and the walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited combustible materials as defined by NFPA 220 , Standard on Types of Building Construction , as specified in Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 34. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.5.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.5.1.3 "Automatic sprinklers installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes , 1991 edition, as modified by Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, which were in effect shall be acceptable as a complying sprinkler system." 35. Add a new subparagraph 33.3.3.5.1.4 to read as follows: 33.3.3.5.1.4 "Automatic sprinkler systems installed in existing facilities prior to November 1, 1987, may be continued in use subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction as defined in paragraph 3.2.2 of the Code ." 36. Add new subparagraph 33.3.3.4.9 to read as follows: 33.3.3.4.9 " Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in all community living arrangements where natural gas, LP gas or heating oil is used to heat the residence or where a solid fuel-burning appliance is located in the residence." 37. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.5.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.5.7 " Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all residential board and care occupancies and on each floor of a community living arrangement facility in accordance with 9.9." 38. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.6.1 and subparagraphs to 33.3.3.6.1 in their entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.6.1 "Access shall be provided from every resident use area to not less than one means of egress that is separated from all other rooms or spaces by walls complying with 33.3.3.6.3 through 33.3.3.6.6.3." 39. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.6.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.6.3 "Fire barriers required by 33.3.3.6.1 and 33.3.3.6.2 shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 30 minutes. Fixed fire window assemblies in accordance with 8.3.3 shall be permitted. 33.5.3.6.3.1 The provisions of 33.3.3.6.3 shall not apply where the resident room has a door providing direct exiting at grade or to an open air balcony leading to exiting at grade." 40. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.6.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.6.4 "Doors in fire barriers required by 33.3.3.6.1 or 33.3.3.6.2 shall have a fire protection rating of not less than twenty (20) minutes and shall have positive latching. 33.3.3.6.4.1 Existing 13/4 inch (44.5 mm) thick, solid bonded wood core doors shall be permitted to continue to be used. These doors shall be positive latching. 33.3.3.6.4.2 Walls that are required only to resist the passage of smoke, without a fire-resistance rating, shall be permitted to have doors that resist the passage of smoke without a fire protection rating. These doors shall be positive latching. 33.3.3.6.4.3 In existing personal care occupancies existing prior to April 15, 1986, the doors shall be constructed to resist the passage of smoke and shall be a least equal in fire protection to a 11/4 inch (31.8 mm) thick solid bonded core wood door and shall have positive latching." 41. Delete subparagraph 33.3.3.6.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.3.3.6.5 "Walls and doors required by 33.3.3.6.1 and 33.3.3.6.2 shall be constructed to resist the passage of fire and smoke for not less than 30 minutes. There shall be no louvers, transfer grilles, operable transoms, or other air passages penetrating such walls or doors except properly installed heating and utility installations. Unprotected openings shall be prohibited in partitions of interior corridors serving as exit access from resident rooms. Transfer grilles, whether protected by fusible link operated dampers or not, shall not be used in corridor walls or doors between resident rooms and interior corridors. 33.3.3.6.5.1 "Existing transoms installed in corridor partitions of resident rooms shall be fixed in the closed position and shall be covered or otherwise protected to provide a fire-resistance rating at least equivalent to that of the wall in which they are installed." 42. Add new subparagraph 33.3.5.2.4 to read as follows: 33.3.5.2.4 "Portable electric and liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel fire space heating devices designed to be portable are prohibited in all portions of large residential board and care occupancies. 33.3.5.2.4.1 In emergency conditions when approved by the authority having jurisdiction, equipment designed to be portable may be used for a specified time provided such equipment is properly protected and separated from combustibles as specified by the manufactures instructions and the authority having jurisdiction." 43. Delete subsection 33.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 33.5 " Community Living Arrangement Facilities. 33.5.1 General. The following shall be provided in addition to the requirements of this Chapter for facilities subject to being licensed as a Community Living Arrangement. Where there are conflicts in requirements specified elsewhere in this Chapter, the requirements specified under Section 33.5 shall prevail. 33.5.2 Address identification. Community Living Arrangement structures shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in accordance with the provisions of the International Fire Code . 33.5.3 Means of Egress. 33.5.3.1 A Community Living Arrangement serving a resident dependent upon a wheelchair or other mechanical device for mobility shall provide at least two (2) exits from the Community Living Arrangement, remote from each other, which are accessible to the residents. 33.5.3.2 Bedrooms for residents shall be separated from halls, corridors and other rooms by floor to ceiling walls. capable of resisting fire for not less than 1/2-hour, which is considered to be achieved if the partitioning is finished on both sides with lath and plaster or materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier. Sleeping room doors shall be substantial doors, such as those of 13/4-in. (4.4-cm) thick, solid-bonded wood core construction or other construction of equal or greater stability and fire integrity. Any vision panels shall be fixed fire window assemblies in accordance with 8.3.3 or shall be wired glass not exceeding 1296 in. 2 (0.84 m2) each in area and installed in approved frames. 33.5.3.3 A room shall not be used as a bedroom where more than one-half the room height is below ground level. 33.5.3.4 Bedrooms which are partially below ground level shall have adequate natural light and ventilation and be provided with two useful means of egress. 33.5.3.5 Bedrooms occupied by residents shall have doors that can be closed. Doors shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 33.5.3.6 Any door in the path of travel of a means of means of egress or escape shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) wide. 33.5.3.7 Residents who need assistance with ambulation shall be provided bedrooms that have access to a ground-level exit to the outside or provided bedrooms above ground level that have access to exits with easily negotiable ramps or easily accessible lifts. 33.5.3.8 Locks. 33.5.3.8.1 Bedrooms may have locks on doors provided both the occupant and staff are provided with keys to ensure easy entry. Double-cylinder locks (locks requiring a key on both sides) are prohibited be used on the bedroom door of a resident. 33.5.3.8.2 Exterior doors shall be equipped with locks that do not require keys to open the door from the inside. 33.5.3.9 Number of Means of Escape. In any dwelling or dwelling unit of two rooms or more, every sleeping room and every living area shall have not less than one primary means of escape and one secondary means of escape. 33.5.3.9.1 A secondary means of escape shall not be required where the bedroom or living area has a door leading directly to the outside of the building at or to grade level. 33.5.4 Detection and Alarm Systems 33.5.4.1 A fire alarm system meeting the minimum requirements for Single- and Multiple Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems per NFPA 72, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be installed. 33.5.4.2 Smoke Detection. 33.5.4.2.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 9.6.2.10. Any additional detection/alarm devices shall be as established by O.C.G.A. § 25-2-40 . 33.5.4.2.2 Smoke alarms shall be installed on all levels, including basements but excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. 33.5.4.2.3 Additional smoke alarms shall be installed for all living areas as defined in 3.3.22.5. 33.5.4.2.4 Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons. 33.5.4.3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors. 33.5.4.3.1 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in the residence where natural gas, LP gas or heating oil is used to heat the residence. 33.5.4.3.2 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in the residence if a solid fuel-burning fireplace is installed the residence 33.5.5 Protection. 33.5.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers in accordance with 9.9 shall be provided near hazardous areas. 33.5.5.1.1 At least one 2A rated multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher shall be provided on each occupied floor and in the basement that shall be readily accessible. 33.5.5.1.2 Required portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained annually by a state licensed or permitted fire extinguisher technician annually in accordance with NFPA 10, as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 33.5.5.1.3 Monthly quick check inspections shall be conducted by the staff of the Community Living Arrangement to ensure they are charged and in operable condition. 33.5.6 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. 33.5.6.1 Space heaters shall not be used. 33.5.6.2 Fire screens and protective devices shall be used with fireplaces, stoves, and heaters. 33.5.6.3 A water temperature monitor or a scald valve shall be installed where necessary to ensure the safety of the residents. Heated water provided for use of residents shall not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the hot water fixture, unless a cooler temperature is required by the needs of the individual. 33.5.7 Operating Features. 33.5.7.1 Staffing. The Community Living Arrangement shall have as many qualified and trained employees on duty as shall be needed to safeguard properly the health, safety, and welfare of residents and ensure the provision of services the residents require to be delivered in the Community Living Arrangement. 33.5.7.1.1 Before working independently with residents, each staff member shall be trained and show continuing evidence of competence in fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. A resident shall not be considered a staff person in the residence in which they live. (See Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner.) 33.5.7.2 Evacuation Capabilities. Community Living Arrangement shall maintain a staffing ratio sufficient to ensure that all residents can meet a prompt evacuation capability as defined in 120-3-3-.03 of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Residents who cannot meet a prompt evacuation capability classification shall be provided with a minimum of one dedicated employee whose primary responsibility is to provide evacuation of the resident in the event of a fire or other emergency. The dedicated employee/employees shall be in close attendance at all times. 33.5.7.3 Drills. Fire drills shall be conducted at least quarterly on each shift. At least two drills per calendar year shall be during sleeping hours. All fire drills shall be documented with staffing involved. (See Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner.) 33.5.7.4 Procedures. There shall be established procedures and mechanisms for alerting and caring for residents in case of emergencies and for evacuating them to safety. An evacuation plan with clear instructions shall be available within each residence. Each sleeping room shall have a secondary exit, which may be a door or a window usable for escape." 44. Delete subsections 33.7.1, 33.7.2, and 33.7.3 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 33.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Residential board and care facilities (Group I1 and R-4 occupancies), including community living arrangements and personal care homes, shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 45. Delete subsection 33.7.4 in its entirety and substitute in their place the following: 33.7.4 " Smoking. Smoking regulations shall be adopted and shall include the following minimal provisions. 33.7.4.1 Smoking shall be prohibited in any room, area or compartment where flammable liquids, combustible gases, or oxygen are used or stored and in any other hazardous location. Such areas shall be posted with "NO SMOKING" signs. 33.7.4.2 Smoking by residents classified as not responsible shall be prohibited. 33.7.4.2.1 Smoking is permitted by residents classified as not responsible when under direct supervision. 33.7.4.3 Ashtrays of noncombustible material and safe design shall be provided in all areas where smoking is permitted. 33.7.4.4 Metal containers with self-closing cover devices into which ashtrays may be emptied shall be readily available in all areas where smoking is permitted." 46. Add a new paragraph 33.7.5.4 to read as follows: 33.7.5.4 " Waste Containers. Wastebaskets and other waste containers shall be of noncombustible or other approved materials." (dd) Modifications to reserved Chapter 34. 1. Insert a new Chapter 34 to read as follows: "Chapter 34 New Assisted Living Community Occupancies 34.1 General Requirements. 34.1.1 Application. 34.1.1.1 General. 34.1.1.1.1 The requirements of this chapter shall apply to new buildings or portions thereof used as assisted living community occupancies. New buildings or portions thereof used as assisted living community occupancies shall be permitted to meet all the requirements for a limited health care occupancy as prescribed in chapter 18 of this Code in lieu of this chapter. (See 1.3.1). 34.1.1.1.2 Administration. The provisions of Chapter 1, Administration, shall apply. 34.1.1.1.3 General. The provisions of Chapter 4, General, shall apply. 34.1.1.1.4 Buildings, or sections of buildings, that primarily house residents who, in the opinion of the governing body of the facility and the governmental agency having jurisdiction, are capable of exercising judgment and appropriate physical action for self-preservation under emergency conditions shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of Chapter 32 provided they are separated by a fire barrier having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating and constructed of materials as required for the addition. 34.1.1.1.5 It shall be recognized that, in buildings providing care for certain types of residents or having a security section, it might be necessary to lock doors and bar windows to confine and protect building inhabitants. In such instances, the authority having jurisdiction shall require appropriate modifications to those sections of this Code that would otherwise require means of egress to be kept unlocked. 34.1.1.1.6 The requirements of this chapter shall apply based on the assumption that staff is available in all resident-occupied areas to perform certain fire safety functions as required in other paragraphs of this chapter. 34.1.1.2 Goals and Objectives. The goals and objectives of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be met with due consideration for functional requirements, which are accomplished by limiting the development and spread of a fire to the room of fire origin and reducing the need for occupant evacuation, except from the room of fire origin. 34.1.1.3 Total Concept. 34.1.1.3.1 All assisted living community facilities shall be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to minimize the possibility of a fire emergency requiring the evacuation of occupants. 34.1.1.3.2 Because the safety of assisted living community occupants cannot be ensured adequately by dependence on evacuation of the building, their protection from fire shall be provided by appropriate arrangement of facilities; adequate, trained staff; and development of operating and maintenance procedures composed of the following: (1) Design, construction, and compartmentation (2) Provision for detection, alarm, and extinguishment (3) Fire prevention and planning, training, and drilling programs for the isolation of fire, transfer of occupants to areas of refuge, or evacuation of the building 34.1.1.4 Additions, Conversions, Modernization, Renovation, and Construction Operations. 34.1.1.4.1 Additions . 34.1.1.4.1.1 Additions shall be separated from any existing structure not conforming to the provisions within Chapter 34 by a fire barrier having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating and constructed of materials as required for the addition. (See 4.6.5 and 4.6.7.) 34.1.1.4.1.2 Doors in barriers required by 34.1.1.4.1.1 shall normally be kept closed, unless otherwise permitted by 34.1.1.4.1.3. 34.1.1.4.1.3 Doors shall be permitted to be held open if they meet the requirements of 34.2.2.4. 34.1.1.4.2 Conversion. For the purposes of this chapter, exceptions for conversions shall apply only for a change of occupancy from an existing health care occupancy to an assisted living community occupancy. 34.1.1.4.3 Changes of Occupancy. A change from a personal care home to an assisted living community occupancy shall be considered a change in occupancy or occupancy sub-classification and would be required to meet the provisions of this Chapter for new construction. 34.1.1.4.4 Renovations, Alterations, and Modernizations. See 4.6.7. 34.1.1.4.5 Construction, Repair, and Improvement Operations. See 4.6.10. 34.1.2 Classification of Occupancy. See 120-3-3.03(4), (14), and 34.1.4.2. 34.1.3 Multiple Occupancies. 34.1.3.1 Multiple occupancies shall comply with 6.1.14 in buildings other than those meeting the requirement of 34.1.3.2. 34.1.3.2 Sections of assisted living community facilities shall be permitted to be classified as other occupancies, provided that they meet both of the following conditions: (1) They are not intended to serve assisted living community occupants or have customary access by assisted living community residents who are incapable of self-preservation. (2) They are separated from areas of assisted living community occupancies by construction having a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating. 34.1.3.3 The requirement of 34.1.3.1 shall not apply to apartment buildings housing assisted living community occupancies in conformance with Section 34.4. In such facilities, any safeguards required by Section 34.4 that are more restrictive than those for other housed occupancies shall apply only to the extent prescribed by Section 34.4. 34.1.3.4 No assisted living community occupancy shall be located above a nonresidential or non- health care occupancy, unless the assisted living community occupancy and exits therefrom are separated from the nonresidential or non-health care occupancy by construction having a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating. 34.1.3.5 Any area with a hazard of contents classified higher than that of the assisted living community occupancy and located in the same building shall be protected as required in 34.2. 34.1.3.6 Non-residential-related occupancies classified as containing high hazard contents shall not be permitted in buildings housing assisted living community occupancies. 34.1.4 Definitions. 34.1.4.1 General. For definitions, see Chapter 3, Definitions. 34.1.4.2 Special Definitions. A list of special terms used in this chapter follows: (1) Assisted Living Community Occupancy. See 120-3-3-.03(4) . (2) Assisted self-preservation. See 120-3-3-.03(5) (3) Evacuation Capability, Impractical. See 120-3-3-.03(7) . (4) Evacuation Capability, Prompt. See 120-3-3-.03(8) . (5) Evacuation Capability, Slow. See 120-3-3-.03(9) . (6) Personal Care Home. See 120-3-3-.03(21) . (7) Point of Safety. See 3.3.211 of this Code . (8) Thermal Barrier. See 3.3.31.3 of this Code . 34.1.5 Classification of Hazard of Contents. The classification of hazard of contents shall be as defined in Section 6.2. 34.1.6 Minimum Construction Requirements. Assisted living community facilities shall be limited to the building construction types specified in Table 34.1.6 (see 8.2.1), based on the number of stories in height as defined in 4.6.3. Table 34.1.6 Table 34.1.6 Number of Stories - See Note b Construction Type Sprinklered See Note a 1 2 3 4-12

12 Type I(442) a c d YES X X X X X NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type I(332) a c d YES X X X X X NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(222) a c d YES X X X X N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(111) a c d YES X X X N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(000) a YES X X N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type III(211) a YES X X N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type III(200) a YES X N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type IV(2HH) a YES X X N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type V(111) a YES X X N.P N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type V(000) a YES X N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P N.P. N.P. N.P. X = Permitted if sprinklered as required by 32.3.3.5. NP = Not permitted. a Building shall be protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1), and provided with quick response or residential sprinklers throughout. (See requirements of 34.3.5). b See requirements of 4.6.3. c See requirements of 34.1.6.2.1. d See requirements of 34.1.6.2.2. 34.1.6.1 Fire Resistance-Rated Assemblies. Fire resistance-rated assemblies shall comply with Section 8.3. 34.1.6.2 Construction Type Limitations. 34.1.6.2.1 Any building of Type I(442), Type I(332), Type II(222), or Type II(111) construction shall be permitted to include roofing systems involving combustible supports, decking, or roofing, provided that all of the following criteria are met: (1) The roof covering shall meet Class A requirements in accordance with ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, or ANSI/UL 790, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. (2) The roof shall be separated from all occupied portions of the building by a noncombustible floor assembly having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating that includes not less than 2 1/2 in. (63 mm) of concrete or gypsum fill. (3) The structural elements supporting the 2-hour fire resistance-rated floor assembly specified in 34.1.6.2(2) shall be required to have only the fire resistance rating required of the building. 34.1.6.2.2 Any building of Type I(442), Type I(332), Type II(222), or Type II(111) construction shall be permitted to include roofing systems involving combustible supports, decking, or roofing, provided that all of the following criteria are met: (1) The roof covering shall meet Class A requirements in accordance with ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, or ANSI/UL 790 , Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. (2) The roof/ceiling assembly shall be constructed with fire-retardant-treated wood meeting the requirements of NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction . (3) The roof/ceiling assembly shall have the required fire resistance rating for the type of construction. 34.1.6.2.3 Any level below the level of exit discharge shall be separated from the level of exit discharge by not less than Type II(111), Type III(211), or Type V(111) construction (see 8.2.1), unless both of the following criteria are met: (1) Such levels are under the control of the assisted living community facility. (2) Any hazardous spaces are protected in accordance with Section 8.7. 34.1.6.3 All buildings with more than one level below the level of exit discharge shall have all such lower levels separated from the level of exit discharge by not less than Type II(111) construction. 34.1.6.4 Interior nonbearing walls in buildings of Type I or Type II construction shall be constructed of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, unless otherwise permitted by 20.1.6.4. 34.1.6.5 Interior nonbearing walls required to have a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating shall be permitted to be fire-retardant-treated wood enclosed within noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, provided that such walls are not used as shaft enclosures. 34.1.6.6 Fire-retardant-treated wood that serves as supports for the installation of fixtures and equipment shall be permitted to be installed behind noncombustible or limited-combustible sheathing. 34.1.7 Occupant Load. The occupant load, in number of persons for whom means of egress and other provisions are required, shall be determined on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2 that are characteristic of the use of the space, or shall be determined as the maximum probable population of the space under consideration, whichever is greater. 34.2 Means of Egress Requirements. 34.2.1 General. 34.2.1.1 Means of egress from resident rooms and resident dwelling units to the outside of the building shall be in accordance with Chapter 7 and this chapter. 34.2.1.2 Means of escape within the resident room or resident dwelling unit shall comply with Section 24.2 for one- and two-family dwellings. 34.2.1.3 No means of escape or means of egress shall be considered as complying with the minimum criteria for acceptance, unless emergency evacuation drills are regularly conducted using that route in accordance with the requirements of 34.7.3. 34.2.1.4 No assisted living community occupancy shall have its sole means of egress or means of escape pass through any nonresidential or non-health care occupancy in the same building. 34.2.1.5 All means of egress from assisted living community occupancies that traverse non-assisted living community spaces shall conform to the requirements of this Code for assisted living community occupancies, unless otherwise permitted by 34.2.1.6. 34.2.1.6 Exit through a horizontal exit into other contiguous occupancies that does not conform to assisted living community egress provisions but do comply with requirements set forth in the appropriate occupancy chapter of this Code shall be permitted, provided that the occupancy does not contain high hazard contents. 34.2.1.7 Egress provisions for areas of assisted living community facilities that correspond to other occupancies shall meet the corresponding requirements of this Code for such occupancies, and, where the clinical needs of the residents necessitate the locking of means of egress, staff shall be present for the supervised release of occupants during all times of use. 34.2.2 Means of Egress Components. 34.2.2.1 Components Permitted. Components of means of egress shall be limited to the types described in 34.2.2.2 through 34.2.2.10. 34.2.2.2 Doors. Doors in means of egress shall meet all of the following criteria: (1) Doors complying with 7.2.1 shall be permitted. (2) Doors within individual rooms and suites of rooms shall be permitted to be swinging or sliding. (3) No door in any means of egress, other than those meeting the requirement of 34.2.2.2.1 or 34.2.2.2.2, shall be equipped with a lock or latch that requires the use of a tool or key from the egress side. 34.2.2.2.1 Delayed-egress locks in accordance with 7.2.1.6.1 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.2.2 Access-controlled egress doors in accordance with 7.2.1.6.2 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.2.3 Doors that are located in the means of egress from individual resident bedrooms or private living units shall be permitted to have locks where the clinical needs of a resident require specialized protective security measures provided that staff can readily unlock doors at all times in accordance with 34.2.2.2.4. 34.2.2.2.4 Doors that are located in the means of egress and are permitted to be locked under other provisions of 34.2.2.2.3 shall comply with both of the following: (1) Provisions shall be made for the rapid removal of occupants by means of one of the following: (a) Remote control of locks from within the locked smoke compartment (b) Keying of all locks to keys carried by staff at all times (c) Other such reliable means available to the staff at all times (2) Only one locking device shall be permitted on each door. 34.2.2.2.5 Doors located in the means of egress that are permitted to be locked under other provisions of Chapter 34, other than those meeting the requirement of 34.2.2.2.1 or 34.2.2.2.2, shall have adequate provisions made for the rapid removal of occupants by means such as remote control of locks, keying of all locks to keys carried by staff at all times, or other such reliable means available to staff at all times. 34.2.2.2.6 Only one such locking device, as described in 34.2.2.2.5, shall be permitted on each door. 34.2.2.3 Stairs. Stairs complying with 7.2.2 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.4 Smokeproof Enclosures. Smokeproof enclosures complying with 7.2.3 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.5 Horizontal Exits. Horizontal exits complying with 7.2.4 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.6 Ramps. Ramps complying with 7.2.5 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.7 Exit Passageways. Exit passageways complying with 7.2.6 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.8 Fire Escape Ladders. Fire escape ladders complying with 7.2.9 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.9 Alternating Tread Devices. Alternating tread devices complying with 7.2.11 shall be permitted. 34.2.2.10 Areas of Refuge. Areas of refuge complying with 7.2.12 shall be permitted. 34.2.3 Capacity of Means of Egress. 34.2.3.1 The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 7.3. 34.2.3.2 Street floor exits shall be sufficient for the occupant load of the street floor plus the required capacity of stairs and ramps discharging onto the street floor. 34.2.3.3 The width of corridors shall be sufficient for the occupant load served but shall be not less than 60 in. (1525 mm). 34.2.4 Number of Means of Egress. 34.2.4.1 Means of egress shall comply with the following, except as otherwise permitted by 34.2.4.2: (1) The number of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 7.4. (2) Not less than two separate exits shall be provided on every story. (3) Not less than two separate exits shall be accessible from every part of every story. 34.2.4.2 Exit access, as required by 34.2.4.1(3), shall be permitted to include a single exit access path for the distances permitted as common paths of travel by 34.2.5.2. 34.2.5 Arrangement of Means of Egress. 34.2.5.1 General. Access to all required exits shall be in accordance with Section 7.5. 34.2.5.2 Dead-end Corridors. Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 30 ft. (9.1 mm). 34.2.5.3 Common Path. Common paths of travel shall not exceed 75 ft. (23 m). 34.2.5.4 Reserved. 34.2.6 Travel Distance to Exits. 34.2.6.1 Travel distance from the door within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 75 ft. (23 m) in buildings not protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 34.3.5. 34.2.6.2 Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 125 ft. (38 m) in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 34.3.5. 34.2.6.3 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit shall be in accordance with 34.2.6.3.1 or 34.2.6.3.2. 34.2.6.3.1 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit, measured in accordance with Section 7.6, shall not exceed 150ft. (45.72m). 34.2.6.3.2 Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m) for exterior ways of exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3. 34.2.7 Discharge from Exits. Exit discharge shall comply with Section 7.7. 34.2.8 Illumination of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be illuminated in accordance with Section 7.8. 34.2.9 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting in accordance with Section 7.9 shall be provided. 34.2.10 Marking of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with Section 7.10. 34.2.11 Special Means of Egress Features. 34.2.11.1 Reserved. 34.2.11.2 Lockups. Lockups in residential assisted living community occupancies shall comply with the requirements of 22.4.5. 34.3 Protection. 34.3.1 Protection of Vertical Openings. 34.3.1.1 Vertical openings shall be enclosed or protected in accordance with Section 8.6. 34.3.1.2 Unenclosed vertical openings in accordance with 8.6.9.1 shall be permitted. 34.3.1.3 No floor below the level of exit discharge used only for storage, heating equipment, or purposes other than residential occupancy shall have unprotected openings to floors used for residential occupancy. 34.3.2 Protection from Hazards. 34.3.2.1 Rooms containing high-pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery, transformers, or other service equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be located directly under or adjacent to exits, and such rooms shall be effectively separated from other parts of the building as specified in Section 8.7. 34.3.2.2 Hazardous areas, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following, shall be separated from other parts of the building by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, with communicating openings protected by approved self-closing fire doors and be equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems: (1) Boiler and heater rooms (2) Laundries (3) Repair shops (4) Rooms or spaces used for storage of combustible supplies and equipment in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction Exception to (1): Rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes. 34.3.3 Interior Finish. 34.3.3.1 General. Interior finish shall be in accordance with Section 10.2. 34.3.3.2 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials complying with Section 10.2 shall be in accordance with the following: (1) Exit enclosures - Class A (2) Lobbies and corridors - Class B (3) Rooms and enclosed spaces - Class B 34.3.3.3 Interior Floor Finish. 34.3.3.3.1 Interior floor finish shall comply with Section 10.2. 34.3.3.3.2 Interior floor finish in exit enclosures and exit access corridors and spaces not separated from them by walls complying with 34.3.6 shall be not less than Class II. 34.3.3.3.3 Interior floor finish shall comply with 10.2.7.1 or 10.2.7.2, as applicable. 34.3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. 34.3.4.1 General. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 9.6. 34.3.4.2 Initiation. The required fire alarm system shall be initiated by each of the following: (1) Manual means in accordance with 9.6.2 (2) Manual fire alarm box located at a convenient central control point under continuous supervision of responsible employees (3) Required automatic sprinkler system (4) Required detection system 34.3.4.3 Annunciator Panel. An annunciator panel, connected to the fire alarm system, shall be provided at a location readily accessible from the primary point of entry for emergency response personnel. 34.3.4.4 Notification. 34.3.4.4.1 Occupant Notification. Occupant notification shall be provided automatically, without delay, by internal audible alarm in accordance with 9.6.3. 34.3.4.4.2 High-Rise Buildings. High-rise buildings shall be provided with an approved emergency voice communication/alarm system in accordance with 11.8.4. 34.3.4.5 Emergency Forces Notification. Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4. 34.3.4.6 Detection. 34.3.4.6.1 Smoke Alarms. Approved smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 9.6.2.10 inside every sleeping room, outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on all levels within a resident unit. 34.3.4.7 Smoke Detection Systems. 34.3.4.7.1 Corridors, spaces open to the corridors, and other spaces outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms other than those meeting the requirement of 34.3.4.7.2, shall be provided with smoke detectors that comply with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , and are arranged to initiate an alarm that is audible in all sleeping areas. 34.3.4.7.2 Smoke detection systems shall not be required in unenclosed corridors, passageways, balconies, colonnades, or other arrangements with one or more sides along the long dimension fully or extensively open to the exterior at all times. 34.3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. 34.3.5.1 General. All buildings shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1) and provided with quick-response or residential sprinklers throughout. 34.3.5.5 Supervision. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided with electrical supervision in accordance with 9.7.2. 34.3.5.7 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with 9.9. 34.3.6 Corridors and Separation of Sleeping Rooms. 34.3.6.1 Access shall be provided from every resident use area to at least one means of egress that is separated from all sleeping rooms by walls complying with 34.3.6.3 through 34.3.6.6. 34.3.6.1.1 Sleeping rooms shall be separated from corridors, living areas, and kitchens by walls complying with 34.3.6.2 through 34.3.6.6. 34.3.6.2 Walls required by 34.3.6.1 or 34.3.6.1.1 shall be smoke partitions in accordance with Section 8.4 having a minimum 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. 34.3.6.3.5 Hazardous areas shall be separated from corridors in accordance with 34.3.2. 34.3.6.4 Doors protecting corridor openings other than from resident sleeping rooms and hazardous areas shall not be required to have a fire protection rating, but shall be constructed to resist the passage of smoke. 34.3.6.4.1 Doors protecting resident sleeping rooms shall have a minimum 20-minute fire protection rating. 34.3.6.5 Door-closing devices shall not be required on doors in corridor wall openings, other than those serving exit enclosures, smoke barriers, enclosures of vertical openings, and hazardous areas. 34.3.6.6 No louvers, transfer grilles, operable transoms, or other air passages, other than properly installed heating and utility installations, shall penetrate the walls or doors specified in 34.3.6. 34.3.7 Subdivision of Building Spaces. Buildings shall be subdivided by smoke barriers in accordance with 34.3.7.1 through 34.3.7.21. 34.3.7.1 Every story shall be divided into not less than two smoke compartments, unless it meets the requirement of 34.3.7.4, 34.3.7.5, 34.3.7.6, or 34.3.7.7. 34.3.7.2 Each smoke compartment shall have an area not exceeding 22,500 ft2 (2100 m2). 34.3.7.3 The travel distance from any point to reach a door in the required smoke barrier shall be limited to a distance of 200 ft. (61 m). 34.3.7.3.1 Additional smoke barriers shall be provided such that the travel distance from a sleeping room corridor door to a smoke barrier shall not exceed 150 ft. (46 m). 34.3.7.4 Smoke barriers shall not be required on stories that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy located above the assisted living community occupancy. 34.3.7.5 Smoke barriers shall not be required in areas that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy and that are separated from the assisted living community occupancy by a fire barrier complying with Section 8.3. 34.3.7.6 Smoke barriers shall not be required on stories that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy and that are more than one story below the assisted living community occupancy. 34.3.7.7 Smoke barriers shall not be required in open parking structures protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 34.3.5. 34.3.7.8 Smoke barriers shall be constructed in accordance with Section 8.5 and shall have a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless they meet the requirement of 34.3.7.9 or 34.3.7.10. 34.3.7.9 Where an atrium is used, smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at an atrium wall constructed in accordance with 8.6.7(1)(c), in which case not less than two separate smoke compartments shall be provided on each floor. 34.3.7.10 Dampers shall not be required in duct penetrations of smoke barriers in fully ducted heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. 34.3.7.11 Not less than 15 net ft2 (1.4 net m2) per resident shall be provided within the aggregate area of corridors, lounge or dining areas, and other low hazard areas on each side of the smoke barrier. 34.3.7.12 On stories not housing residents, not less than 6 net ft2 (0.56 net m2) per occupant shall be provided on each side of the smoke barrier for the total number of occupants in adjoining compartments. 34.3.7.13 Doors in smoke barriers shall be substantial doors, such as 1 3/4 in. (44 mm) thick, solid- bonded wood-core doors, or shall be of construction that resists fire for a minimum of 20 minutes. 34.3.7.14 Nonrated factory- or field-applied protective plates extending not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the bottom of the door shall be permitted. 34.3.7.15 Cross-corridor openings in smoke barriers shall be protected by a pair of swinging doors or a horizontal-sliding door complying with 7.2.1.14. 34.3.7.16 Swinging doors shall be arranged so that each door swings in a direction opposite from the other. 34.3.7.17 Doors in smoke barriers shall comply with 8.5.4 and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 7.2.1.8. 34.3.7.18 Vision panels consisting of fire-rated glazing or wired glass panels in approved frames shall be provided in each cross-corridor swinging door and in each cross-corridor horizontal-sliding door in a smoke barrier. 34.3.7.19 Rabbets, bevels, or astragals shall be required at the meeting edges, and stops shall be required at the head and sides of door frames in smoke barriers. 34.3.7.20 Positive latching hardware shall not be required. 34.3.7.21 Center mullions shall be prohibited. 34.3.8 Cooking Facilities. Cooking facilities, other than those within individual residential units, shall be protected in accordance with 9.2.3. 34.3.9 Standpipes. 34.3.9.1 General. Where required, standpipe and hose systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with 9.10. 34.3.9.2 In High-Rise Buildings. Class I standpipe systems shall be installed throughout all high-rise buildings. 34.3.9.3 Roof Outlets. Roof outlets shall not be required on roofs having a slope of 3 in 12 or greater. 34.4 Special Provisions. 34.4.1 High-Rise Buildings. High-rise buildings shall comply with Section 11.8. 34.5 * Suitability of an Apartment Building to House an Assisted living community Occupancy. 34.5.1 General. 34.5.1.1 Scope. 34.5.1.1.1 Section 34.5 shall apply to apartment buildings that have one or more individual apartments used as an assisted living community occupancy. (See 34.1.3.2.) 34.5.1.1.2 The provisions of Section 34.5 shall be used to determine the suitability of apartment buildings, other than those complying with 34.5.1.1.4, to house an assisted living community facility. 34.5.1.1.3 The suitability of apartment buildings not used for assisted living community occupancies shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 30. 34.5.1.1.4 When a new assisted living community occupancy is created in an existing apartment building, the suitability of such a building for apartments not used for assisted living community occupancies shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 31. 34.5.1.2 Requirements for Individual Apartments. Requirements for individual apartments used as residential assisted living community occupancies shall be as specified in Section 34.2. Egress from the apartment into the common building corridor shall be considered acceptable egress from the assisted living community facility. 34.5.1.3 Additional Requirements. Apartment buildings housing assisted living community facilities shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 30 and the additional requirements of Section 34.5, unless the authority having jurisdiction has determined that equivalent safety for housing an assisted living community facility is provided in accordance with Section 1.4. 34.5.1.4 Minimum Construction Requirements. 34.5.1.4.1 In addition to the requirements of Chapter 30, apartment buildings, other than those complying with 34.5.1.4.2, housing assisted living community facilities shall meet the construction requirements of 34.1.3. 34.5.1.4.2 When a new assisted living community occupancy is created in an existing apartment building, the construction requirements of 19.1.6 shall apply. 34.5.2 Means of Egress. 34.5.2.1 The requirements of Section 30.2 shall apply only to the parts of means of egress serving the apartment(s) used as an assisted living community occupancy, as modified by 34.5.2.2. 34.5.2.2 When a new assisted living community occupancy is created in an existing apartment building, the requirements of Section 31.2 shall apply to the parts of the means of egress serving the apartment(s) used as an assisted living community occupancy. 34.5.3 Protection. 34.5.3.1 Interior Finish. 34.5.3.1.1 The requirements of 30.3.3 shall apply only to the parts of means of egress serving the apartment(s) used as an assisted living community occupancy, as modified by 34.5.3.1.2. 34.4.3.1.2 When a new assisted living community occupancy is created in an existing apartment building, the requirements of 31.3.3 shall apply to the parts of the means of egress serving the apartment(s) used as an assisted living community occupancy. 34.5.3.2 Construction of Corridor Walls. 34.5.3.2.1 The requirements of 30.3.6 shall apply only to corridors serving the assisted living community facility, including that portion of the corridor wall separating the assisted living community facility from the common corridor, as modified by 34.5.3.2.2. 34.5.3.2.2 If a new assisted living community occupancy is created in an existing apartment building, the requirements of 31.3.6 shall apply to the corridor serving the residential assisted living community facility. 34.5.3.3 Subdivision of Building Spaces. (Reserved) 34.6 Building Services. 34.6.1 Utilities . Utilities shall comply with Section 9.1. 34.6.1.1 Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment shall comply with Section 9.2. 34.6.1.2 No stove or combustion heater shall be located such that it blocks escape in case of fire caused by the malfunction of the stove or heater. 34.6.1.3 Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used in any assisted living community occupancy. 34.6.3 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, and Vertical Conveyors. Elevators, dumbwaiters, and vertical conveyors shall comply with Section 9.4. 34.6.3.2 In high-rise buildings, one elevator shall be provided with a protected power supply and shall be available for use by the fire department in case of emergency. 34.6.4 Rubbish Chutes, Incinerators, and Laundry Chutes. Rubbish chutes, incinerators, and laundry chutes shall comply with Section 9.5. 34.7 Operating Features. 34.7.1 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Assisted living community facilities shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The provisions of this Section 34.7 shall be incorporated into the plans, training and safety practices developed by the facility." 34.7.2 Emergency Plan. 34.7.2.1 The administration of every assisted living community facility shall have, in effect and available to all supervisory personnel, written copies of a plan for protecting all persons in the event of fire, for keeping persons in place, for evacuating persons to areas of refuge, and for evacuating persons from the building when necessary. 34.7.2.2 The emergency plan shall include special staff response, including the fire protection procedures needed to ensure the safety of any resident, and shall be amended or revised whenever any resident with unusual needs is admitted to the home. 34.7.2.3 All employees shall be periodically instructed and kept informed with respect to their duties and responsibilities under the plan, and such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff not less than every 2 months. 34.7.2.4 A copy of the plan shall be readily available at all times within the facility. 34.7.3 Resident Training. 34.7.3.1 All residents participating in the emergency plan shall be trained in the proper actions to be taken in the event of fire. 34.7.3.2 The training required by 34.7.3.1 shall include actions to be taken if the primary escape route is blocked. 34.7.3.3 If a resident is given rehabilitation or habilitation training, training in fire prevention and the actions to be taken in the event of a fire shall be a part of the training program. 34.7.3.4 Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent that their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk. 34.7.4 Emergency Egress and Relocation Drills. Emergency egress and relocation drills shall be conducted in accordance with 34.7.4.1 through 34.7.4.6. 34.7.4.1 Emergency egress and relocation drills shall be conducted not less than once per quarter on each shift at alternating times. It is intended that staff and residents be trained and drilled based on fire and other emergencies that may occur during the periods of lowest staffing levels. This may require more than one drill per quarter on shifts with the lowest staffing levels. 34.7.4.2 The emergency drills shall be permitted to be announced to the residents in advance. 34.7.4.3 The drills shall involve the training of residents for the eventual actual evacuation of all residents to an assembly point, as specified in the emergency plan, and shall provide residents with experience in egressing through all exits and means of escape required by the Code . 34.7.4.3.1. The assembly point shall be a place outside of the building and shall be located a safe distance from the building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with fire department operations. A refuge area within a smoke compartment in buildings separated by smoke barriers shall be considered a temporary assembly point as part of a staged evacuation. 34.7.4.3.2. Buildings with smoke compartments shall be allowed to train residents to temporarily escape in a staged evacuation to another smoke compartment separated by smoke barriers. Residents shall be allowed to complete the training exercise on the other side of an adjacent smoke barrier. Residents shall still be trained to eventually complete building evacuation during an actual emergency evacuation. Residents shall be required to participate in one emergency egress and relocation drill per year where they continue to an assembly point outside of the building. 34.7.4.3.3. Residents, as a group, shall be required to complete the evacuation drill to an exit or across a smoke barrier in less than 13 minutes or shall be required to change its group evacuation capability and comply with Section 35.1.8. 34.7.4.4 Exits and means of escape not used in any drill shall not be credited in meeting the requirements of this Code for assisted living community facilities. 34.7.4.5 Actual exiting from windows shall not be required to comply with 34.7.4; opening the window and signaling for help shall be an acceptable alternative. 34.7.4.6 Residents who cannot meaningfully assist in their own evacuation or who have special health problems shall not be required to actively participate in the drill. Section 18.7 shall apply in such instances. 34.7.5 Smoking. 34.7.5.1 Smoking regulations shall be adopted by the administration of assisted living community occupancies. 34.7.5.2 Where smoking is permitted, noncombustible safety-type ashtrays or receptacles shall be provided in convenient locations. 34.7.6 Furnishings, Mattresses, and Decorations. 34.7.6.1 New draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall comply with 34.7.6.1.1 and 34.7.6.1.2. 34.7.6.1.1 New draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations in assisted living community facilities shall be in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.1, unless otherwise permitted by 34.7.6.1.2. 34.7.6.1.2 In other than common areas, new draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall not be required to comply with 34.7.6.1.1 where the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 34.2.3.5. 34.7.6.2 New upholstered furniture within assisted living community facilities shall comply with 34.7.6.2.1 or 34.7.6.2.2. 34.7.6.2.1 New upholstered furniture shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.2.1(1) and 10.3.3. 34.7.6.2.2 Upholstered furniture belonging to residents in sleeping rooms shall not be required to be tested, provided that a smoke alarm is installed in such rooms; battery-powered single-station smoke alarms shall be permitted in such rooms. 34.7.6.3 Newly introduced mattresses within assisted living community facilities shall comply with 34.7.5.3.1 or 34.7.5.3.2. 34.7.6.3.1 Newly introduced mattresses shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.2.2 and 10.3.4. 34.7.6.3.2 Mattresses belonging to residents in sleeping rooms shall not be required to be tested, provided that a smoke alarm is installed in such rooms; battery-powered single-station smoke alarms shall be permitted in such rooms. 34.7.7 Staff. Staff shall be on duty and in the facility at all times when residents requiring evacuation assistance are present. 34.7.8 Inspection of Door Openings. Door assemblies for which the door leaf is required to swing in the direction of egress travel shall be inspected and tested not less than annually in accordance with 7.2.1.15." (ee) Modifications to Chapter 35: 1. Insert a new Chapter 35 to read as follows: "Chapter 35 Existing Assisted Living Community Occupancies 35.1 General Requirements. 35.1.1 Application. 35.1.1.1 General. 35.1.1.1.1 The requirements of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings or portions thereof used as assisted living community occupancies or with limited applicability for a conversion as further specific specified in Section 35.1.1.4.3 entitled Change of Occupancy. 35.1.1.1.2 Administration. The provisions of Chapter 1, Administration, shall apply. 35.1.1.1.3 General. The provisions of Chapter 4, General, shall apply. 35.1.1.1.4 Buildings, or sections of buildings, that primarily house residents who, in the opinion of the governing body of the facility and the governmental agency having jurisdiction, are capable of exercising judgment and appropriate physical action for self-preservation under emergency conditions shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of Chapter 33 provided they are separated by a fire barrier having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating and constructed of materials as required for the addition. 35.1.1.1.5 It shall be recognized that, in buildings providing care for certain types of residents or having a security section, it might be necessary to lock doors and bar windows to confine and protect building inhabitants. In such instances, the authority having jurisdiction shall require appropriate modifications to those sections of this Code that would otherwise require means of egress to be kept unlocked. 35.1.1.1.6 The requirements of this chapter shall apply based on the assumption that staff is available in all resident-occupied areas to perform certain fire safety functions as required in other paragraphs of this chapter. 35.1.1.2 Goals and Objectives. The goals and objectives of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be met with due consideration for functional requirements, which are accomplished by limiting the development and spread of a fire to the room of fire origin and reducing the need for occupant evacuation, except from the room of fire origin. 35.1.1.3 Total Concept. 35.1.1.3.1 All assisted living community facilities shall be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to minimize the possibility of a fire emergency requiring the evacuation of occupants. 35.1.1.3.2 Because the safety of assisted living community occupants cannot be ensured adequately by dependence on evacuation of the building, their protection from fire shall be provided by appropriate arrangement of facilities; adequate, trained staff; and development of operating and maintenance procedures composed of the following: (1) Design, construction, and compartmentation. (2) Provision for detection, alarm, and extinguishment. (3) Fire prevention and planning, training, and drilling programs for the isolation of fire, transfer of occupants to areas of refuge, or evacuation of the building. 35.1.1.4 Additions, Conversions, Modernization, Renovation, and Construction Operations. 35.1.1.4.1 Additions. 35.1.1.4.1.1 Additions shall be separated from any existing structure not conforming to the provisions within Chapter 35 by a fire barrier having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating and constructed of materials as required for the addition. (See 4.6.5 and 4.6.7.) 35.1.1.4.1.2 Doors in barriers required by 35.1.1.4.1.1 shall normally be kept closed, unless otherwise permitted by 35.1.1.4.1.3. 35.1.1.4.1.3 Doors shall be permitted to be held open if they meet the requirements of 35.2.2.4. 35.1.1.6 Conversion. For the purposes of this chapter, exceptions for conversions shall apply only for a change of occupancy from an existing personal care home occupancy or health care occupancy to an assisted living community occupancy. 35.1.1.4.3 Changes of Occupancy. A change from a personal care home, assisted living, or assisted living facility to an assisted living community occupancy shall be considered a change in occupancy or occupancy sub-classification. The requirements of this chapter shall be limited to only apply to a change of occupancy to an assisted living community from an existing personal care home, assisted living, or assisted living facility first occupied as such with a certificate of occupancy issued prior to March 31, 2013. Such facility may be permitted to meet all the requirements for a limited health care occupancy as prescribed in chapter 19 of this Code in lieu of this chapter. 35.1.1.4.3.1 An existing personal care home, assisted living, or assisted living facility with a certificate of occupancy dated after March 31, 2013, that is applying for a change of occupancy to an assisted living community or any other change of occupancy classification, sub-classification, shall meet the provisions of Chapter 34 New Assisted Living Community Occupancies. 35.1.1.4.4 Renovations, Alterations, and Modernizations. See 4.6.7. 35.1.1.4.5 Construction, Repair, and Improvement Operations. See 4.6.10. 35.1.2 Classification of Occupancy. See 120-3-3.03(4), (14), and 35.1.4.2. 35.1.3 Multiple Occupancies. 35.1.3.1 Multiple occupancies shall comply with 6.1.14 in buildings other than those meeting the requirement of 35.1.3.2. 35.1.3.2 Sections of assisted living community facilities shall be permitted to be classified as other occupancies, provided that they meet both of the following conditions: (1) They are not intended to serve assisted living community occupants or have customary access by assisted living community residents who are incapable of self-preservation. (2) They are separated from areas of assisted living community occupancies by construction having a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating. 35.1.3.3 The requirement of 35.1.3.1 shall not apply to apartment buildings housing assisted living community occupancies in conformance with Section 35.4. In such facilities, any safeguards required by Section 35.4 that are more restrictive than those for other housed occupancies shall apply only to the extent prescribed by Section 35.4. 35.1.3.4 No assisted living community occupancy shall be located above a nonresidential or non-health care occupancy, unless one following conditions is met: (1) The assisted living community occupancy and exits therefrom are separated from the nonresidential or non-health care occupancy by construction having a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating. (2) The assisted living community occupancy is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7 and is separated therefrom by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. 35.1.3.5 Any area with a hazard of contents classified higher than that of the assisted living community occupancy and located in the same building shall be protected as required in 35.3.2. 35.1.3.6 Non-residential-related occupancies classified as containing high hazard contents shall not be permitted in buildings housing assisted living community occupancies. 35.1.4 Definitions. 35.1.4.1 General. For definitions, see Chapter 3, Definitions. 35.1.4.2 Special Definitions. A list of special terms used in this chapter follows: (1) Assisted Living Community Occupancy. See 120-3-3-.03(4) . (2) Assisted self-preservation. See 120-3-3-.03(5) (2) Evacuation Capability, Impractical. See 120-3-3-.03(7) . (3) Evacuation Capability, Prompt. See 120-3-3-.03(8) . (4) Evacuation Capability, Slow. See 120-3-3-.03(9) . (5) Personal Care Home. See 120-3-3-.03(21) . (6) Point of Safety. See 3.3.211 of this Code . (7) Thermal Barrier. See 3.3.31.3 of this Code . 35.1.5 Classification of Hazard of Contents. The classification of hazard of contents shall be as defined in Section 6.2. 35.1.6 Minimum Construction Requirements. Assisted living community facilities shall be limited to the building construction types specified in Table 35.1.6 (see 8.2.1), based on the number of stories in height as defined in 4.6.3. Table 35.1.6 Table 35.1.6 Number of Stories - See Note b Construction Type Sprinkled See Note a 1 2 3 4 5-6 6-12 Type I(442) c d YES X X X X X X NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type I(332) c d YES X X X X X X NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(222) c d YES N.P. X X X X X NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(111) c d YES X X X e X e N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type II(000) a YES X X N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type III(211) a YES X X X e X e N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type III(200) a YES X N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type IV(2HH) a YES X X N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type V(111) See note a or e YES X a X a X e X e N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. Type V(000) a YES X a N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. NO N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. N.P. X = Permitted if sprinklered as required by 33.3.3.5 unless otherwise noted. NP = Not permitted. a Building shall be protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 35.3.5, and the interior walls are covered with lath and plaster or materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier. (See requirements of 35.3.5). b See requirements of 4.6.3. c See requirements of 35.1.6.2.1. d See requirements of 35.1.6.2.2. e See requirements of 35.1.6.5. 35.1.6.1 * Fire Resistance-Rated Assemblies. Fire resistance-rated assemblies shall comply with Section 8.3. 35.1.6.2 Construction Type Limitations. 35.1.6.2.1 Any building of Type I(442), Type I(332), Type II(222), or Type II(111) construction shall be permitted to include roofing systems involving combustible supports, decking, or roofing, provided that all of the following criteria are met: (1) The roof covering shall meet Class A requirements in accordance with ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, or ANSI/UL 790, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. (2) The roof shall be separated from all occupied portions of the building by a noncombustible floor assembly having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating that includes not less than 2 1/2 in. (63 mm) of concrete or gypsum fill. (3) The structural elements supporting the 2-hour fire resistance-rated floor assembly specified in 35.1.6.2(2) shall be required to have only the fire resistance rating required of the building. 35.1.6.2.2 Any building of Type I(442), Type I(332), Type II(222), or Type II(111) construction shall be permitted to include roofing systems involving combustible supports, decking, or roofing, provided that all of the following criteria are met: (1) The roof covering shall meet Class A requirements in accordance with ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, or ANSI/UL 790, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. (2) The roof/ceiling assembly shall be constructed with fire-retardant-treated wood meeting the requirements of NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction. (3) The roof/ceiling assembly shall have the required fire resistance rating for the type of construction. 35.1.6.2.3 Any level below the level of exit discharge shall be separated from the level of exit discharge by not less than Type II(111), Type III(211), or Type V(111) construction (see 8.2.1), unless both of the following criteria are met: (1) Such levels are under the control of the assisted living community facility. (2) Any hazardous spaces are protected in accordance with Section 8.7. 35.1.6.3 All buildings with more than one level below the level of exit discharge shall have all such lower levels separated from the level of exit discharge by not less than Type II(111) construction. 35.1.6.4 Interior nonbearing walls in buildings of Type I or Type II construction shall be constructed of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, unless otherwise permitted by 20.1.6.4. 35.1.6.5 Any existing building of Type II(111), Type III(211), or Type V(111) construction shall be permitted however, occupants requiring assistance with evacuation from others shall be limited to occupancy on the first and second stories), unless one of the following criteria is met: (1) A horizontal exit in combination with a smoke barrier is provided on the third and fourth floor; or, (2) The building is protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1), and provided with quick response or residential sprinklers throughout. 35.1.6.6 Interior nonbearing walls required to have a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating shall be permitted to be fire-retardant-treated wood enclosed within noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, provided that such walls are not used as shaft enclosures. 35.1.6.7 Fire-retardant-treated wood that serves as supports for the installation of fixtures and equipment shall be permitted to be installed behind noncombustible or limited-combustible sheathing. 35.1.6.8 Changes in Group Evacuation Capability. A change in evacuation capability to a slower level shall be permitted where the facility conforms to one of the following requirements: (1) The requirements of Chapter 34 applicable to new assisted living community facilities. (2) The requirements of Chapter 35 applicable to existing assisted living community facilities for the new evacuation capability, provided that the building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system complying with 35.5 or an increase in staffing to achieve evacuation of all residents to a point of safety within 13 minutes. 35.1.6.9 Requirements Based on Evacuation Capability. 35.1.6.9.1 Prompt and Slow. Facilities classified as prompt or slow evacuation capability, other than those meeting the requirement of 35.1.6.9.1.1 or 35.1.6.9.1.2, shall comply with the requirements of Section 35, as indicated for the appropriate evacuation capability. 35.1.6.9.1.1 Facilities where the authority having jurisdiction has determined equivalent safety is provided in accordance with Section 1.4 shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 35, as indicated for the appropriate evacuation capability. 35.1.6.9.1.2 Facilities that were previously approved as complying with 35.1.6.9.2 shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 35, as indicated for the appropriate evacuation capability. 35.1.6.9.2 Impractical. Facilities classified as impractical evacuation capability shall meet the requirements of Section 35 for impractical evacuation capability, or the requirements for limited care facilities in Chapter 19, unless the authority having jurisdiction has determined equivalent safety is provided in accordance with Section 1.4. 35.1.6.9.3 Evacuation Capability Determination. 35.1.6.9.3.1 Facility management shall furnish to the authority having jurisdiction, upon request, an evacuation capability determination using a procedure acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 35.1.6.9.3.2 Where the documentation required by 35.1.6.9.3.1 is not furnished, the evacuation capability shall be classified as impractical. 35.1.7 Occupant Load. The occupant load, in number of persons for whom means of egress and other provisions are required, shall be determined on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2 that are characteristic of the use of the space, or shall be determined as the maximum probable population of the space under consideration, whichever is greater. 35.2 Means of Egress Requirements. 35.2.1 General. 35.2.1.1 Means of egress from resident rooms and resident dwelling units to the outside of the building shall be in accordance with Chapter 7 and this chapter. 35.2.1.2 Means of escape within the resident room or resident dwelling unit shall comply with Section 24.2 for one- and two-family dwellings. 35.2.1.3 No means of escape or means of egress shall be considered as complying with the minimum criteria for acceptance, unless emergency evacuation drills are regularly conducted using that route in accordance with the requirements of 35.7.3. 35.2.1.4 No assisted living community occupancy shall have its sole means of egress or means of escape pass through any nonresidential or non-health care occupancy in the same building. 35.2.1.5 All means of egress from assisted living community occupancies that traverse non-assisted living community spaces shall conform to the requirements of this Code for assisted living community occupancies, unless otherwise permitted by 35.2.1.6. 35.2.1.6 Exit through a horizontal exit into other contiguous occupancies that does not conform to assisted living community egress provisions but do comply with requirements set forth in the appropriate occupancy chapter of this Code shall be permitted, provided that the occupancy does not contain high hazard contents. 35.2.1.7 Egress provisions for areas of assisted living community facilities that correspond to other occupancies shall meet the corresponding requirements of this Code for such occupancies, and, where the clinical needs of the residents necessitate the locking of means of egress, staff shall be present for the supervised release of occupants during all times of use. 35.2.2 Means of Egress Components. 35.2.2.1 Components Permitted. Components of means of egress shall be limited to the types described in 35.2.2.2 through 35.2.2.10. 35.2.2.2 Doors. Doors in means of egress shall meet all of the following criteria: (1) Doors complying with 7.2.1 shall be permitted. (2) Doors within individual rooms and suites of rooms shall be permitted to be swinging or sliding. (3) No door in any means of egress, other than those meeting the requirement of 35.2.2.2.1 or 35.2.2.2.2, shall be equipped with a lock or latch that requires the use of a tool or key from the egress side. 35.2.2.2.1 Delayed-egress locks in accordance with 7.2.1.6.1 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.2.2 Access-controlled egress doors in accordance with 7.2.1.6.2 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.2.3 Doors that are located in the means of egress from individual resident bedrooms or private living units shall be permitted to have locks where the clinical needs of a resident require specialized protective security measures provided that staff can readily unlock doors at all times in accordance with 35.2.2.2.4. 35.2.2.2.4 Doors that are located in the means of egress and are permitted to be locked under other provisions of 35.2.2.2.3 shall comply with both of the following: (1) Provisions shall be made for the rapid removal of occupants by means of one of the following: (a) Remote control of locks from within the locked smoke compartment (b) Keying of all locks to keys carried by staff at all times (c) Other such reliable means available to the staff at all times (2) Only one locking device shall be permitted on each door. 35.2.2.2.5 Doors located in the means of egress that are permitted to be locked under other provisions of Chapter 35, other than those meeting the requirement of 35.2.2.2.1 or 35.2.2.2.2, shall have adequate provisions made for the rapid removal of occupants by means such as remote control of locks, keying of all locks to keys carried by staff at all times, or other such reliable means available to staff at all times. 35.2.2.2.6 Only one such locking device, as described in 35.2.2.2.5, shall be permitted on each door. 35.2.2.3 Stairs. Stairs complying with 7.2.2 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.4 Smokeproof Enclosures. Smokeproof enclosures complying with 7.2.3 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.5 Horizontal Exits. Horizontal exits complying with 7.2.4 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.6 Ramps. Ramps complying with 7.2.5 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.7 Exit Passageways. Exit passageways complying with 7.2.6 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.8 Fire Escape Ladders. Fire escape ladders complying with 7.2.9 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.9 Alternating Tread Devices. Alternating tread devices complying with 7.2.11 shall be permitted. 35.2.2.10 Areas of Refuge. Areas of refuge complying with 7.2.12 shall be permitted. 35.2.3 Capacity of Means of Egress. 35.2.3.1 The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 7.3. 35.2.3.2 Street floor exits shall be sufficient for the occupant load of the street floor plus the required capacity of stairs and ramps discharging onto the street floor. 35.2.3.3 The width of corridors serving an occupant load of 50 or more in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability, and all facilities having impractical evacuation capability, shall be sufficient for the occupant load served but shall be not less than 60 in. (1525 mm). 35.2.3.4 The width of corridors serving an occupant load of less than 50 in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability shall be not less than 44 in. (1120 mm). 35.2.4 Number of Means of Egress. 35.2.4.1 Means of egress shall comply with the following, except as otherwise permitted by 35.2.4.2: (1) The number of means of egress shall be in accordance with 7.4.1.1 and 7.4.1.3 through 7.4.1.5. (2) Not less than two separate exits shall be provided on every story. (3) Not less than two separate exits shall be accessible from every part of every story. 35.2.4.2 Exit access, as required by 35.2.4.1(3), shall be permitted to include a single exit access path for the distances permitted as common paths of travel by 35.2.5.2 and 35.2.5.3. 35.2.5 Arrangement of Means of Egress. 35.2.5.1 General. Access to all required exits shall be in accordance with Section 7.5. 35.2.5.2 Dead-end Corridors. Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 35 ft. (15 m). 35.2.5.3 Common Path. Common paths of travel shall not exceed 110 ft. (35.5 m). 35.2.5.4 Reserved. 35.2.6 Travel Distance to Exits. 35.2.6.1 Travel distance from the door within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 75 ft. (23 m) in buildings not protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5. 35.2.6.2 Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 125 ft. (38 m) in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5. 35.2.6.3 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit shall be in accordance with 35.2.6.3.1 or 35.2.6.3.2 35.2.6.3.1 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit, measured in accordance with Section 7.6, shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m). 35.2.6.3.2 Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m) for exterior ways of exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3. 35.2.7 Discharge from Exits. Exit discharge shall comply with Section 7.7. 35.2.8 Illumination of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be illuminated in accordance with Section 7.8. 35.2.9 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting in accordance with Section 7.9 shall be provided. 35.2.10 Marking of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with Section 7.10 35.2.11 Special Means of Egress Features. 35.2.11.1 Reserved. 35.2.11.2 Lockups. Lockups in residential assisted living community occupancies shall comply with the requirements of 23.4.5. 35.3 Protection. 35.3.1 Protection of Vertical Openings. 35.3.1.1 Vertical openings shall be enclosed or protected in accordance with Section 8.6. 35.3.1.2 Unenclosed vertical openings in accordance with 8.6.9.1 shall be permitted. 35.3.1.3 No floor below the level of exit discharge and used only for storage, heating equipment, or purposes other than residential occupancy shall have unprotected openings to floors used for residential occupancy. 35.3.2 Protection from Hazards. 35.3.2.1 Rooms containing high-pressure boilers, refrigerating machinery, transformers, or other service equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be located directly under or adjacent to exits, and such rooms shall be effectively separated from other parts of the building as specified in Section 8.7. 35.3.2.2 Hazardous areas, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following, shall be separated from other parts of the building by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, with communicating openings protected by approved self-closing fire doors and be equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems: (1) Boiler and heater rooms (2) Laundries (3) Repair shops (4) Rooms or spaces used for storage of combustible supplies and equipment in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction Exception to (1): Rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes. 35.3.3 Interior Finish. 35.3.3.1 General. Interior finish shall be in accordance with Section 10.2. 35.3.3.2 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials complying with Section 10.2 shall be in accordance with the following: (1) Exit enclosures - Class A (2) Lobbies and corridors - Class B (3) Rooms and enclosed spaces - Class B 35.3.3.3 Interior Floor Finish. 35.3.3.3.1 Interior floor finish shall comply with Section 10.2. 35.3.3.3.2 Interior floor finish in exit enclosures and exit access corridors and spaces not separated from them by walls complying with 35.3.6 shall be not less than Class II. 35.3.3.3.3 Interior floor finish shall comply with 10.2.7.1 or 10.2.7.2, as applicable. 35.3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. 35.3.4.1 General. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 9.6. 34.3.4.2 Initiation. The required fire alarm system shall be initiated by each of the following: (1) Manual means in accordance with 9.6.2. (2) Manual fire alarm box located at a convenient central control point under continuous supervision of responsible employees. (3) Required automatic sprinkler system. (4) Required smoke and heat detection systems, other than sleeping room smoke alarms. 35.3.4.3 Annunciator Panel. An annunciator panel, connected to the fire alarm system, shall be provided at a location readily accessible from the primary point of entry for emergency response personnel. 35.3.4.4 Notification 35.3.4.4.1 Occupant Notification. Occupant notification shall be provided automatically, without delay, by internal audible alarm in accordance with 9.6.3. 35.3.4.4.2 High-Rise Buildings. High-rise buildings shall be provided with an approved emergency voice communication/alarm system in accordance with 11.8.4. 35.3.4.5 Emergency Forces Notification. 35.3.4.5.1 Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with 9.6.4. 35.3.4.5.2 Where the existing fire alarm system does not provide for automatic emergency forces notification in accordance with 9.6.4, provisions shall be made for the immediate notification of the public fire department by either telephone or other means, or, where there is no public fire department, notification shall be made to the private fire brigade. 35.3.4.5.3 Where a new fire alarm system is installed, or the existing fire alarm system is replaced, emergency forces notification shall be provided in accordance with 9.6.4. 35.3.4.6 Detection. 35.3.4.6.1 Smoke Alarms. Smoke alarms shall be provided in accordance with 35.3.4.6.1.1, 35.3.4.6.1.2, or 35.3.4.6.1.3. 35.3.4.6.1.1 Each sleeping room shall be provided with an approved smoke alarm in accordance with 9.6.2.10 that is powered from the building electrical system. 35.3.4.6.1.2 Existing battery-powered smoke alarms, rather than building electrical service-powered smoke alarms, shall be accepted where, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, the facility has demonstrated that testing, maintenance, and battery replacement programs ensure the reliability of power to the smoke alarms. 35.3.4.6.1.3 The provisions of 9.6.8.10.1 and 9.6.8.10.2.2 shall also apply. 35.3.4.7 Smoke Detection Systems. 35.3.4.7.1 All living areas, as defined in 3.3.22.5, and all corridors shall be provided with smoke detectors that comply with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , and are arranged to initiate an alarm that is audible in all sleeping areas, as modified by 35.3.4.7.2. 35.3.4.7.2 Smoke detection systems shall not be required in unenclosed corridors, passageways, balconies, colonnades, or other arrangements with one or more sides along the long dimension fully or extensively open to the exterior at all times. 35.3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. 35.3.5.1 General. Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed, for either total or partial building coverage, the system shall be installed in accordance with Section 9.7, as modified by 35.3.5.1.1. 35.3.5.1.1 In buildings four or fewer stories above grade plane, systems in accordance with NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height , shall be permitted. 35.3.5.1.1.1 The exemptions found in NFPA 13R for the sprinkling all closets and bathrooms regardless of size or construction shall not be applicable to assisted living community occupancies under this chapter. 35.3.5.2 Impractical Evacuation Capability. All facilities having impractical evacuation capability shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1) (full NFPA 13 System) or increase staffing to achieve evacuation of all residents to a point of safety within 13 minutes. 35.3.5.3 High-Rise Buildings. All high-rise buildings shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5. Such systems shall initiate the fire alarm system in accordance with Section 9.6. 35.3.5.4 Attics shall be protected in accordance with 35.3.5.4.1 or 35.3.5.4.2 35.3.5.4.1 Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed, attics or areas within attics used for living purposes, storage, or fuel-fired equipment shall be protected with automatic sprinklers that are part of the required, approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1. 35.3.5.4.2 Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed, attics not used for living purposes, storage, or fuel-fired equipment shall meet one of the following criteria: (1) Attics shall be protected throughout by a heat detection system arranged to activate the building fire alarm system in accordance with Section 9.6. (2) Attics shall be protected with automatic sprinklers that are part of the required, approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1. 35.3.5.5 Supervision . Automatic sprinkler systems shall be supervised in accordance with Section 9.7. 35.3.5.6 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with 9.9. 35.3.6 Corridors and Separation of Sleeping Rooms. 35.3.6.1 Access shall be provided from every resident use area to not less than one means of egress that is separated from all other rooms or spaces by walls complying with 35.3.6.1.1, 35.3.6.1.3 or 35.3.6.1.4. 35.3.6.1.1 Sleeping rooms shall be separated from corridors, living areas, kitchens and all other areas by walls having a minimum 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. 35.3.6.1.2 Prompt evacuation capability facilities in buildings two or fewer stories in height, where not less than one required means of egress from each sleeping room provides a path of travel to the outside without traversing any corridor or other spaces exposed to unprotected vertical openings, living areas, and kitchens, shall not be required to comply with 35.3.6.1.1. 35.3.6.1.3 Rooms or spaces, other than sleeping rooms and hazardous areas, shall be separated from corridors by smoke partitions in accordance with Section 8.4, and the provisions of 8.4.3.5 shall not apply. 35.3.6.2 Except for Hazardous areas, in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1), walls may be smoke partitions in accordance with Section 8.4, and the provisions of 8.4.3.5 shall not apply. 35.3.6.3 Hazardous areas shall be separated from corridors in accordance with 35.3.2. 35.3.6.4 Doors in walls required by 35.3.6.1 or 35.3.6.2 shall comply with 35.3.6.4.1 or 35.3.6.4.2. 35.3.6.4.1 Doors shall have a minimum 20-minute fire protection rating. 35.3.6.4.2 Solid-bonded wood-core doors of not less than 1 3/4 in. (44 mm) thickness shall be permitted to continue in use. 35.3.6.5 Doors in walls required by 35.3.6.1 and 35.3.6.2 shall comply with 35.3.6.5.1 and 35.3.6.6. 35.3.6.5.1 Door-closing devices shall not be required on doors in corridor wall openings, other than those serving exit enclosures, smoke barriers, enclosures of vertical openings, and hazardous areas. 35.3.6.6 No louvers, transfer grilles, operable transoms, or other air passages, other than properly installed heating and utility installations, shall penetrate the walls or doors specified in 34.3.6. 35.3.7 Subdivision of Building Spaces. The requirements of 35.3.7.1 through 35.3.7.6 shall be met for all sleeping floors, unless otherwise permitted by 35.3.7.7. 35.3.7.1 Every sleeping room floor shall be divided into not less than two smoke compartments of approximately the same size, with smoke barriers in accordance with Section 8.5, unless otherwise indicated in 35.3.7.4, 35.3.7.5, and 35.3.7.6 35.3.7.1.1 Smoke barriers shall not be required in buildings having prompt or slow evacuation capability where each sleeping room is provided with exterior ways of exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3. 35.3.7.2 Each smoke compartment shall have an area not exceeding 22,500 ft2 (2100 m2). 35.3.7.3 The travel distance from any point to reach a door in the required smoke barrier shall be limited to a distance of 200 ft. (61 m). 35.3.7.3.1 Additional smoke barriers shall be provided such that the travel distance from a sleeping room corridor door to a smoke barrier shall not exceed 150 ft. (46 m). 35.3.7.4 Smoke barriers shall not be required on stories that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy located above the assisted living community occupancy. 35.3.7.5 Smoke barriers shall not be required in areas that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy and that are separated from the assisted living community occupancy by a fire barrier complying with Section 8.3. 35.3.7.6 Smoke barriers shall not be required on stories that do not contain an assisted living community occupancy and that are more than one story below the assisted living community occupancy. 35.3.7.7 Smoke barriers shall not be required in open parking structures protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1). 35.3.7.8 Smoke barriers shall be constructed in accordance with Section 8.5 and shall have a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless they meet the requirement of 35.3.7.9 or 35.3.7.10. 35.3.7.9 Where an atrium is used, smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at an atrium wall constructed in accordance with 8.6.7(1)(c), in which case not less than two separate smoke compartments shall be provided on each floor. 35.3.7.10 Dampers shall not be required in duct penetrations of smoke barriers in fully ducted heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. 35.3.7.11 Not less than 15 net ft2 (1.4 net m2) per resident shall be provided within the aggregate area of corridors, lounge or dining areas, and other low hazard areas on each side of the smoke barrier. 35.3.7.12 On stories not housing residents, not less than 6 net ft2 (0.56 net m2) per occupant shall be provided on each side of the smoke barrier for the total number of occupants in adjoining compartments. 35.3.7.13 Doors in smoke barriers shall be substantial doors, such as 1 3/4 in. (44 mm) thick, solid- bonded wood-core doors, or shall be of construction that resists fire for a minimum of 20 minutes. 35.3.7.14 Nonrated factory- or field-applied protective plates extending not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the bottom of the door shall be permitted. 35.3.7.15 Cross-corridor openings in smoke barriers shall be protected by a pair of swinging doors or a horizontal-sliding door complying with 7.2.1.14. 35.3.7.16 Swinging doors shall be arranged so that each door swings in a direction opposite from the other. 35.3.7.17 Doors in smoke barriers shall comply with 8.5.4 and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 7.2.1.8. 35.3.7.18 Vision panels consisting of fire-rated glazing or wired glass panels in approved frames shall be provided in each cross-corridor swinging door and in each cross-corridor horizontal-sliding door in a smoke barrier. 35.3.7.19 Rabbets, bevels, or astragals shall be required at the meeting edges, and stops shall be required at the head and sides of door frames in smoke barriers. 35.3.7.20 Positive latching hardware shall not be required. 35.3.7.21 Center mullions shall be prohibited. 35.3.8 Cooking Facilities. Cooking facilities, other than those within individual residential units, shall be protected in accordance with 9.2.3. 35.3.9 Standpipes. 35.3.9.1 General. Where required, standpipe and hose systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with 9.10. 35.3.9.2 In High-Rise Buildings. Class I standpipe systems shall be installed throughout all high-rise buildings. 35.3.9.3 Roof Outlets. Roof outlets shall not be required on roofs having a slope of 3 in 12 or greater. 35.4 Special Provisions. 35.4.1 High-Rise Buildings. High-rise buildings shall comply with Section 11.8. 35.5 Reserved. 35.6 Building Services. 35.6.1 Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning. 35.6.1.1 Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment shall comply with Section 9.2. 35.6.1.2 No stove or combustion heater shall be located such that it blocks escape in case of fire caused by the malfunction of the stove or heater. 35.6.1.3 Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used in any assisted living community occupancy. 35.6.3 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, and Vertical Conveyors. Elevators, dumbwaiters, and vertical conveyors shall comply with Section 9.4. 35.6.3.2 In high-rise buildings, one elevator shall be provided with a protected power supply and shall be available for use by the fire department in case of emergency. 35.6.4 Rubbish Chutes, Incinerators, and Laundry Chutes. Rubbish chutes, incinerators, and laundry chutes shall comply with Section 9.5. 35.7 Operating Features. 35.7.1 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Assisted living community facilities shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, resident training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. The provisions of this Section 35.7 shall be incorporated into the plans, training and safety practices developed by the facility. 35.7.2 Emergency Plan. 35.7.2.1 The administration of every residential assisted living community facility shall have, in effect and available to all supervisory personnel, written copies of a plan for protecting all persons in the event of fire, for keeping persons in place, for evacuating persons to areas of refuge, and for evacuating persons from the building when necessary. 35.7.2.2 The emergency plan shall include special staff response, including the fire protection procedures needed to ensure the safety of any resident, and shall be amended or revised whenever any resident with unusual needs is admitted to the home. 35.7.2.3 All employees shall be periodically instructed and kept informed with respect to their duties and responsibilities under the plan, and such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff not less than every 2 months. 35.7.2.4 A copy of the plan shall be readily available at all times within the facility. 35.7.3 Resident Training. 35.7.3.1 All residents participating in the emergency plan shall be trained in the proper actions to be taken in the event of fire. 35.7.3.2 The training required by 35.7.3.1 shall include actions to be taken if the primary escape route is blocked. 35.7.3.3 If the resident is given rehabilitation or habilitation training, training in fire prevention and the actions to be taken in the event of a fire shall be a part of the training program. 35.7.3.4 Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent that their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk. 35.7.4 Emergency Egress and Relocation Drills. Emergency egress and relocation drills shall be conducted in accordance with 35.7.4.1 through 35.7.4.6. 35.7.4.1 Emergency egress and relocation drills shall be conducted not less than once per quarter on each shift at alternating times. It is intended that staff and residents be trained and drilled based on fire and other emergencies that may occur during the periods of lowest staffing levels. This may require more than one drill per quarter on shifts with the lowest staffing levels." 35.7.4.2 The emergency drills shall be permitted to be announced to the residents in advance. 35.7.4.3 The drills shall involve the training of residents for the eventual actual evacuation of all residents to an assembly point, as specified in the emergency plan, and shall provide residents with experience in egressing through all exits and means of escape required by this Code . 35.7.4.3.1. The assembly point shall be a place outside of the building and shall be located a safe distance from the building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with fire department operations. A refuge area within a smoke compartment in buildings separated by smoke barriers shall be considered a temporary assembly point as part of a staged evacuation. 35.7.4.3.2. Buildings with smoke compartments shall be allowed to train residents to temporarily escape in a staged evacuation to another smoke compartment separated by smoke barriers. Residents shall be allowed to complete the training exercise on the other side of an adjacent smoke barrier. Residents shall still be trained to eventually complete building evacuation during an actual emergency evacuation. Residents shall be required to participate in one emergency egress and relocation drill per year where they continue to an assembly point outside of the building. 35.7.4.3.3. Residents, as a group, shall be required to complete the evacuation drill to an exit or across a smoke barrier in less than 13 minutes or shall be required to change its group evacuation capability and comply with Section 35.1.8. 35.7.4.4 Exits and means of escape not used in any drill shall not be credited in meeting the requirements of this Code for assisted living community facilities. 35.7.4.5 Actual exiting from windows shall not be required to comply with 35.7.3; opening the window and signaling for help shall be an acceptable alternative. 35.7.4.6 If the assisted living community facility has an evacuation capability classification of impractical, those residents who cannot meaningfully assist in their own evacuation or who have special health problems shall not be required to actively participate in the drill. 35.7.5 Smoking. 35.7.5.1 Smoking regulations shall be adopted by the administration of assisted living community occupancies. 35.7.5.2 Where smoking is permitted, noncombustible safety-type ashtrays or receptacles shall be provided in convenient locations. 35.7.6 Furnishings, Mattresses, and Decorations. 35.7.6.1 New draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall comply with 35.7.6.1.1 and 35.7.6.1.2. 35.7.6.1.1 New draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations in assisted living community facilities shall be in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.1, unless otherwise permitted by 35.7.6.1.2. 35.7.6.1.2 In other than common areas, new draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall not be required to comply with 35.7.6.1.1 where the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 35.3.6. 35.7.6.2 New upholstered furniture within assisted living community facilities shall comply with 35.7.6.2.1 or 35.7.6.2.2. 35.7.6.2.1 New upholstered furniture shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.2.1(1) and 10.3.3. 35.7.6.2.2 Upholstered furniture belonging to residents in sleeping rooms shall not be required to be tested, provided that a smoke alarm is installed in such rooms; battery-powered single-station smoke alarms shall be permitted in such rooms. 35.7.6.3 Newly introduced mattresses within assisted living community facilities shall comply with 35.7.6.3.1 or 35.7.6.3.2. 35.7.6.3.1 Newly introduced mattresses shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of 10.3.2.2 and 10.3.4. 35.7.6.3.2 Mattresses belonging to residents in sleeping rooms shall not be required to be tested, provided that a smoke alarm is installed in such rooms; battery-powered single-station smoke alarms shall be permitted in such rooms. 35.7.7 Staff. Staff shall be on duty and in the facility at all times when residents requiring evacuation assistance are present. 35.7.8 Inspection of Door Openings. Door assemblies for which the door leaf is required to swing in the direction of egress travel shall be inspected and tested not less than annually in accordance with 7.2.1.15." (ff) Modification to Chapter 36: 1. Add a new subparagraph 36.3.2.1.3 to read as follows: 36.3.2.1.3 "Rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input shall not be subject to the provisions of 36.3.2.1. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 2. Add a new subparagraph 36.3.5.1.1. to read as follows: 36.3.5.1.1 "Individual tenant spaces located in covered mall buildings shall be provided with electrically supervised control valves. Such control valves shall be located off supply mains to control each individual tenant space. 36.3.5.1.1.1 Multiple tenant spaces shall be permitted to be controlled by one control valve provided the total area covered by the single valve does not exceed 7,500 square feet (696.8 sq. m)." 3. Delete subparagraph 36.4.5.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 36.4.5.6 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Bulk merchandising and mercantile occupancies (Group M) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." 4. Delete subsections 36.7.1, 36.7.2, 36.7.3, and 36.7.4 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 36.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Mercantile occupancies (Group M) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 36.7.2 Food Service Operations. Food service operations shall comply with 12.7.2 36.7.3 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in mercantile occupancies. 36.7.4 Soiled Linen and Trash Receptacles. The requirements of 10.3.9 of this Code for containers for rubbish, waste, or linen with a capacity of 20 gal (75.7 L) or more shall not apply." (gg) Modification to Chapter 37: 1. Add a new subparagraph 37.3.2.1.3 to read as follows: 37.3.2.1.3 "The provisions of 37.3.2.1 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 2. Delete subsections 37.7.1, 37.7.2, 37.7.3, and 37.7.4 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 37.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Mercantile occupancies (Group M) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 37.7.2 Food Service Operations. Food service operations shall comply with 12.7.2 37.7.3 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in mercantile occupancies. 37.7.4 Soiled Linen and Trash Receptacles. The requirements of 10.3.8 of this Code for containers for rubbish, waste, or linen with a capacity of 20 gal (75.7 L) or more shall not apply." (hh) Modification to Chapter 38: 1. Delete subparagraph 3 8.2.2.2.6 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 38.2.2.2.6 "Delayed egress locks complying with 7.2.1.6.1 shall be permitted, provided, however, not more than one such device shall be permitted in the means of egress path involved." 2. Delete subparagraph 38.2.2.2.7 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 38.2.2.2.7 "Access-controlled egress doors complying with 7.2.1.6.2 shall be permitted. For elevator lobby exit access doors see 38.2.2.2.3 and 7.2.1.6.3 (14)." 3. Add a new subparagraph 38.3.2.1.1 to read as follows: 38.3.2.1.1 "The provisions of 38.3.2.1 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 4. Delete subsections 38.7.1, 38.7.2, 38.7.3, and 38.7.4 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 38.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Business occupancies (Group B) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 38.7.2 Food Service Operations. Food service operations shall comply with 12.7.2 38.7.3 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in mercantile occupancies. 38.7.4 Soiled Linen and Trash Receptacles. The requirements of 10.3.8 of this Code for containers for rubbish, waste, or linen with a capacity of 20 gal (75.7 L) or more shall not apply." (ii) Modification to Chapter 39: 1. Add a new subparagraph 39.3.2.1.1 to read as follows: 39.3.2.1.1 "The provisions of 39.3.2.1 shall not apply to rooms enclosing air handling equipment, compressor equipment, furnaces or other heating equipment with a total aggregate input rating less than 200,000 BTU input. Such rooms shall not be used for any combustible storage. A minimum of 30 inches (0.76 m) unobstructed access shall be provided and maintained to equipment and electrical or emergency control panels or devices for emergency response purposes." 2. Delete subsections 39.7.1, 39.7.2, 39.7.3, and 39.7.4 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 39.7.1 " Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Business occupancies (Group B) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 39.7.2 Food Service Operations. Food service operations shall comply with 12.7.2 39.7.3 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in mercantile occupancies. 39.7.4 Soiled Linen and Trash Receptacles. The requirements of 10.3.8 of this Code for containers for rubbish, waste, or linen with a capacity of 20 gal (75.7 L) or more shall not apply." (jj) Modification to Chapter 40: 1. Delete subsection 40.3.5 in its entirety and insert in its place the following: "40.3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. 40.3.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all industrial occupancies classified as Group F and/or Group H occupancies as in the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, on each floor in accordance with 9.9 of this Code . 40.3.5.2 Automatic fire suppression systems. Automatic fire suppression systems shall be installed in industrial occupancies as required by the International Building Code , adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, with regard to construction type, area and height requirements, and other features as set forth in Table 1.4.4, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE. In addition, automatic fire suppression systems, and/or specialized automatic fire suppression systems, as required by the fire code authority having jurisdiction in accordance with the International Fire Code or other codes and standards adopted by the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the applicable codes and standards." 2. Delete subsections 40.7.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 40.7.1 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in industrial occupancies. 3. Add new section 40.8 to read as follows: "40.8 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. 40.8.1 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Industrial occupancies otherwise classified under Group F and/or Group H in the International Fire Code , shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 40.8.2 Employee Training and Response Procedures. Employees in the occupancies listed in Section 404.2 of the International Fire Code as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be trained in the fire emergency procedures described in their fire evacuation and life safety plans. Training shall be based on these plans and as described in Section 404.3 of the noted International Fire Code ." (kk) Modification to Chapter 42: 1. Delete subsection 42.3.5 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: "42.3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. 42.3.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all storage occupancies in accordance with 9.9. 42.3.5.2 Automatic fire suppression systems. Automatic fire suppression systems shall be installed in storage occupancies as required by the International Building Code , adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, with regard to construction type, area and height requirements, and other features as set forth in Table 1.4.4, CODES REFERENCE GUIDE . In addition, automatic fire suppression systems, and/or specialized automatic fire suppression systems, as required by the fire code authority having jurisdiction in accordance with the International Fire Code or other codes and standards adopted by the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the applicable codes and standards." 2. Delete subsections 42.9.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 42.9.1 " Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. The provisions of 10.3.2 of this Code and Section 805 of the International Fire Code shall not apply to upholstered furniture and mattresses in storage occupancies. 3. Add a new section 42.10 to read as follows: "42.10 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. 42.10.1 Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Storage occupancies (Group S) and High Hazard occupancies (Group H) shall develop policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices for the protection of life prior to and during an emergency condition. Such policies, procedures, plans, staff training, and safety practices shall be developed and implemented in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code , as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner." (ll) Modifications to Chapter 43: 1. Add a new subparagraph 43.1.4.5.1 to read as follows: 43.1.4.5.1 "The provisions of 43.1.4.5 shall specifically apply to compliance with the International Fire Code (IFC) and other codes and standards promulgated and adopted with modifications by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Accessibility issues shall be addressed in accordance with Chapter 120-3-20 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Where any of the provisions of this Code chapter require compliance with a building code, it shall be construed that compliance is required as applicable with the International Building Code ( IBC ), as adopted by the Georgia Board of Community Affairs. Also, refer to 120-3-3-.01 , 120-3-3-.02 , 120-3-3-.03 , and 120-3-3-.04(1) of Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. 2. Add a new paragraph 43.7.2.6 to read as follows: 43.7.2.6 "The provisions of 43.7.2.4 and 43.7.2.5 shall be permitted to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction provided the intents and purposes of 102.3, 102.4, and 102.6 of the International Fire Code (IFC) , as adopted by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner are met." 3. Delete subsections 43.10.1 and 43.10.2 in their entirety and substitute in their place the following: 43.10.1 " General Requirements. Table 43.7.3 Hazard Categories and Classifications in 43.7.3 of this Code may be utilized as may be deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction in the evaluation of historic buildings. 43.10.2 Application. The provisions of Chapter 43 shall be deemed as advisory and may be applied to buildings designated as historic to the degree deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction, provided, however, the application of Chapter 43 and 43.10 provisions shall be coordinated as needed to ensure compliance with the requirements, intents, and purposes of 103.3, 102.4, and 102.6 of the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted with modifications by Chapter 120-3-3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner are met." (mm) Modifications to Annex A: Add a new (4) to A.3.3.196.7 to read as follows: (4) "Assisted Living Communities" Delete (5) from A.3.3.196.12 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (5) "Community Living Arrangements with five or more residents" 3. Delete (1) from A.3.3.196.13 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: (1) "One- and two-family dwellings and Community Living Arrangements with fewer than five residents (Chapter 24)" 4. Add a new (4) to A.6.1.5.1 to read as follows: (4) "Assisted Living Communities" 5. Delete (5) from A.6.1.9.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following:" (5) Community Living Arrangements with five or more residents"

(73) NFPA 101A, 2013 Edition, Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new Section 1.4 to read as follows: 1.4 "This document is recognized strictly as a guide that may be used in evaluating systems or methods to determine equivalent compliance alternatives for buildings, structures and facilities which do not conform to the minimum requirements of the LSC adopted by this Chapter. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards including the IFC adopted by this Chapter."

(74) NFPA 102, 2016 Edition, Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures Modifications: 1. The 2016 edition of NFPA 102 is NOT adopted. The basic provisions of this standard have been incorporated into the 2018 Edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3. The provisions of the adopted Life Safety Code shall apply, as appropriate, to new and existing bleachers, grandstands, folding and telescopic seating. The Life Safety Code in coordination with the applicable provisions of the adopted edition of the International Fire Code shall apply to tents and membrane structures. 2. The following apply to facilities constructed prior to the effective date of the current Chapter of 120-3-3 Rules and regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. (a) Facilities constructed after April 1, 1968 but before January 1, 1991, shall be permitted to comply with the 1978 edition of NFPA 102, Standard for Grandstands, Folding, and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures. (b) Facilities constructed after January 1, 1991, but before January 28, 1993, shall be permitted to comply with the 1986 edition of NFPA 102, Standard for Grandstands, Folding, and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures. (c) Facilities constructed after January 28, 1993, but before March 09, 2010, shall be permitted to comply with the 1992 edition of NFPA 102, Standard for Grandstands, Folding, and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures. (d) Facilities constructed after March 09, 2010, but before January 1, 2014, shall be permitted to comply with the 2006 edition of NFPA 102, which had been previously adopted."

(75) NFPA 105, 2019 Edition, Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.6 to read as follows: 1.6 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating the use of door assemblies in openings where the passage of smoke is to be governed. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(76) NFPA 110, 2019 Edition, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems Modifications: None

(77) NFPA 111, 2019 Edition, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems Modifications: None

(78) NFPA 115, 2020 Edition, Recommended Practice on Laser Fire Protection Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating the minimum fire protection criteria for the design, manufacture, installation, and use of lasers and associated equipment. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(79) NFPA 120, 2015 Edition, Standard for Coal Preparation Plants Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this Standard and the adopted edition and any modifications.

(80) NFPA 122, 2015 Edition, Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Metal / Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing facilities Modifications: None

(81) NFPA 130, 2017 Edition, Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems Modifications: None

(82) NFPA 140, 2018 Edition, Standard for Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages and Approved Facilities Modifications: None

(83) NFPA 150, 2019 Edition, Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Modifications: None

(84) NFPA 160, 2016 Edition, Standard for Flame Effects Before an Audience Modifications: None

(85) NFPA 170, 2018 Edition, Standard for Fire Safety Symbols Modifications: None

(86) NFPA 204, 2018 Edition, Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting Modifications: None

(87) NFPA 211, 2019 Edition, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances Modifications: None

(88) NFPA 214, 2016 Edition, Standard on Water-Cooling Towers Modifications: None

(89) NFPA 220, 2018 Edition, Standard on Types of Building Construction Modifications: None

(90) NFPA 221, 2018 Edition, Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls Modifications: None

(91) NFPA 232, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Protection of Records Modifications: None

(92) NFPA 241, 2019 Edition, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations Modifications: None

(93) NFPA 252, 2017 Edition, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies Modifications: None

(94) NFPA 253, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source Modifications: None

(95) NFPA 257, 2017 Edition, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies Modifications: None

(96) NFPA 259, 2018 Edition, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials Modifications: None

(97) NFPA 260, 2019 Edition, Standard Methods of Tests and Classification System for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture Modifications: None

(98) NFPA 261, 2018 Edition, Standard Method of Test for Determining Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Material Assemblies to Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes Modifications: None

(99) NFPA 262, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces Modifications: None

(100) NFPA 265, 2019 Edition, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls Modifications: None

(101) NFPA 268, 2017 Edition, Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitability of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source Modifications: None

(102) NFPA 269, 2017 Edition, Standard Test Method for Developing Toxic Potency Data for Use in Fire Hazard Modeling Modifications: None

(103) NFPA 270, 2018 Edition, Standard Method of Test for Measurement of Smoke Obstruction Using a Conical Radiant Source in a Single Closed Chamber Modifications: None

(104) NFPA 274, 2018 Edition , Standard Test Method to Evaluate Fire Performance Characteristics of Pipe Insulation Modifications: None

(105) NFPA 275, 2017 Edition, Standard Test Method of Fire Tests for the Evaluation of Thermal Barriers Used Over Foam Plastic Insulation Modifications: None

(106) NFPA 276, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Fire Test for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Roofing Assemblies with Combustible Above-Deck Roofing Components Modifications: None

(107) NFPA 285, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Flammability Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Using the Intermediate-Scale, Multistory Test Apparatus Modifications: None

(108) NFPA 286, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth Modifications: None

(109) NFPA 287, 2017 Edition, Standard Methods for Measurement of Flammability of Materials in Cleanrooms Using a Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) Modifications: None

(110) NFPA 288, 2017 Edition, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Floor Fire Door Assemblies Installed Horizontally in Fire Resistance-Rated Floor Systems Modifications: None

(111) NFPA 289, 2019 Edition, Standard Method of Fire Test for Individual Fuel Packages Modifications: None

(112) NFPA 291, 2018 Edition , Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants Modifications: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.1 to read as follows: 1.1.1 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice that may be used in evaluating the design of facilities for the emergency venting of products of combustion. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(113) NFPA 302, 2015 Edition, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft Modifications: None

(114) NFPA 303, 2016 Edition, Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards Modifications: None

(115) NFPA 306, 2019 Edition, Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels Modifications: None

(116) NFPA 307, 2016 Edition, Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves Modifications: None

(117) NFPA 312, 2016 Edition, Standard for Fire Protection of Vessels During Construction, Repair, and Lay-Up Modifications: None

(118) NFPA 318, 2018 Edition, Standard for the Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities Modifications: None

(119) NFPA 326, 2020 Edition, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning or Repair Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for the adopted edition and any modifications.

(120) NFPA 329, 2020 Edition, Recommended Practice for Handling Releases of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(121) NFPA 385, 2017 Edition, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for the adopted edition and any modifications.

(122) NFPA 400, 2019 Edition, Hazardous Materials Code Modifications: None

(123) NFPA 407, 2017 Edition, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-11, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for the adopted edition and any modifications.

(124) NFPA 408, 2017 Edition, Standard for Aircraft Hand Portable Fire Extinguishers Modifications: None

(125) NFPA 409, 2016 Edition, Standard on Aircraft Hangars Modifications: None

(126) NFPA 410, 2020 Edition, Standard on Aircraft Maintenance Modifications: None

(127) NFPA 415, 2016 Edition, Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways Modifications: None

(128) NFPA 418, 2016 Edition, Standard for Heliports Modifications: None

(129) NFPA 423, 2016 Edition, Standard for Construction and Protection of Aircraft Engine Test Facilities Modifications: None

(130) NFPA 424, 2018 Edition, Guide for Airport / Community Emergency Planning Modifications: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.1 to read as follows: 1.1.1 "This document is recognized strictly as a guide to provide information for the elements of an airport/community emergency plan. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(131) NFPA 484, 2019 Edition, Standard for Combustible Metals Modifications: (1) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this standard and the adopted edition and any modifications.

(132) NFPA 495, 2018 Edition, Explosive Materials Code Modifications: (1) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(133) NFPA 496, 2017 Edition, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment Modifications: (1) Refer to Chapter 120-3-10, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(134) NFPA 497, 2017 Edition, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new paragraph 1.1.6 to read as follows: 1.1.6 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice for locations where flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, or combustible liquids are processed or handled and where their release into the atmosphere may result in their ignition by electrical systems or equipment. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(135) NFPA 498, 2018 Edition, Standard for Safe Havens and Interchange Lots for Vehicles Transporting Explosives Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-10, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(136) NFPA 501A, 2017 Edition, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities Modifications: None

(137) NFPA 502, 2017 Edition, Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.5 to read as follows: 1.1.5 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice for the evaluation of the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and fire protection of limited access highways, tunnels, bridges, elevated roadways, depressed roadways and air-right structures. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(138) NFPA 505, 2018 Edition, Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance, and Operations Modifications: None

(139) NFPA 520, 2016 Edition, Standard on Subterranean Spaces Modifications: None

(140) NFPA 551, 2019 Edition, Standard on Evaluation of Fire Risk Assessments Modifications: None

(141) NFPA 555, 2017 Edition, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Potential for Room Flashover Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new paragraph 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly a guide for evaluating the potential for room flashover from fire involving the contents, furnishings, and the interior finish of a room. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(142) NFPA 557, 2020 Edition, Standard for Determination of Fire Loads for Use in Structural Fire Protection Design Modifications: None

(143) NFPA 600, 2015 Edition, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Delete subsection 1.1.3 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized as a recommended practice for the establishment of the minimum requirements for organizing, operating, training and equipping industrial fire brigades. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(144) NFPA 652, 2019 Edition, Standard on Fundamentals of Combustible Dust Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this Standard and the adopted edition and any modifications.

(145) NFPA 654, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this Standard and the adopted edition and any modifications.

(146) NFPA 655, 2017 Edition, Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this Standard and the adopted edition and any modifications.

(147) NFPA 664, 2017 Edition, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-24, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the application of this Standard and the adopted edition and any modifications if Standard industry code is specified in paragraph 1(b) of rule 120-3-24-.02 . All other applications shall be as specified in the 2007 edition of this standard without modification.

(148) NFPA 701, 2019 Edition, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films Modifications: None

(149) NFPA 703, 2018 Edition, Standard for Fire-Retardant-Treated Impregnated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials Modifications: None

(150) NFPA 704, 2017 Edition, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response Modifications: None

(151) NFPA 705, 2018 Edition, Recommended Practice for a Field Flame Test for Textiles and Films Modifications: None

(152) NFPA 715, 2023 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning Equipment Modifications: None

(153) NFPA 720, 2015 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment Modifications: None

(154) NFPA 750, 2019 Edition, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems Modifications: None

(155) NFPA 780, 2020 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Lighting Protection Systems Modifications: None

(156) NFPA 790, 2018 Edition, Standard for Competency of Third Party Field Evaluation Bodies Modifications: None

(157) NFPA 791, 2018 Edition, Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Evaluation Modifications: None

(158) NFPA 801, 2014 Edition, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials Modifications: None

(159) NFPA 804, 2015 Edition, Standard for Fire Protection for Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants Modifications: None

(160) NFPA 805, 2015 Edition, Performance-Based Standard for Fire Protection for Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants Modifications: None

(161) NFPA 806, 2015 Edition, Performance-Based Standard for Fire Protection for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Electric Generating Plants Change Process Modifications: None

(162) NFPA 820, 2020 Edition, Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities Modifications: None

(163) NFPA 850, 2015 Edition, Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.1 to read as follows: 1.1.1 "This document is recognized strictly a recommended practice for fire prevention and fire protection for electric generating plants and high voltage direct current converter stations except as specified in 1.1. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(164) NFPA 851, 2010 Edition, Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Hydroelectric Generating Plants Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.1 to read as follows: 1.1.1 "This document is recognized strictly a recommended practice for fire prevention and fire protection for hydroelectric generating plants. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is not in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards."

(165) NFPA 853, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems, 2020 Edition (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 Where the requirements of this standard are in conflict with the International Building Code as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs or the International Fire Code as adopted and modified by this Chapter, the most restrictive requirements shall apply unless otherwise approved by the State Fire Marshal.

(166) NFPA 855, Standard for Installation for Stationary Energy Storage Systems, 2020 Edition (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.1 to read as follows: 1.1.1 Where the requirements of this standard are in conflict with the International Building Code as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs or the International Fire Code as adopted and modified by this Chapter, the most restrictive requirements shall apply unless otherwise approved by the State Fire Marshal.

(167) NFPA 909, 2017 Edition, Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties - Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.5 to read as follows: 1.1.5 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice for fire prevention and fire protection for various cultural resources. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it is not adopted as a minimum state code or standard. It may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards, or it may be adopted and enforced by a local jurisdiction under local ordinance." (b) Modification to Chapter 3: 1. Delete the definition 3.3.25 for Fire Hazard and substitute in its place the following: 3.3.25 " "Fire Hazard" means for the intents and purposes of this Code , an activity, circumstance, condition, situation, combination of materials, material process, use or improper use of heat sources, or that on the basis of applicable documentation, data, or information sources deemed reliable by the authority having jurisdiction, can cause an unwanted fire, a fire out of control, an explosion, or a related condition, such as panic from a fear of smoke, fire, or explosion, that the authority having jurisdiction determines to be a risk to persons, to property, or to the health, safety, and or welfare of the jurisdiction."

(168) NFPA 914, 2019 Edition, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Add a new subsection 1.1.3 to read as follows: 1.1.3 "This document is recognized strictly as a recommended practice for fire prevention and fire protection of historic structures. Recommendations may be based on the document where deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction. The document is in the form of a stand-alone enforceable code or standard, however, it is not adopted as a minimum state code or standard. It may be used in conjunction with and in the support of applicable provisions of other adopted codes or standards, or it may be adopted and enforced by a local jurisdiction under local ordinance." (b) Modifications to Chapter 3: 1. Delete the definition 3.3.30 for Fire Hazard and substitute in its place the following: 3.3.30 " "Fire Hazard" means for the intents and purposes of this Code , an activity, circumstance, condition, situation, combination of materials, material process, use or improper use of heat sources, or that on the basis of applicable documentation, data, or information sources deemed reliable by the authority having jurisdiction, can cause an unwanted fire, a fire out of control, an explosion, or a related condition, such as panic from a fear of smoke, fire, or explosion, that the authority having jurisdiction determines to be a risk to persons, to property, or to the health, safety, and or welfare of the jurisdiction."

(169) NFPA 1122, 2018 Edition, Code for Model Rocketry Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(170) NFPA 1123, 2018 Edition, Code for Fireworks Display Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(171) NFPA 1124, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(172) NFPA 1125, 2017 Edition, Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(173) NFPA 1126, 2016 Edition, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(174) NFPA 1127, 2018 Edition, Code for High-Power Rocketry Modifications: (a) Refer to Chapter 120-3-22, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, for adopted edition and any modifications.

(175) NFPA 1142, 2017 Edition, Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting Modifications: None

(176) NFPA 1225 Standard for Emergency Services Communications (a) Modifications to Chapter 1 (1) Add a new subsection 1.3.1 to read as follows: 1.3.1 Chapters 1 through 3 and Chapter 18 shall be the standard for In-Building Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems. 2. Add a new section 1.6 Enforcement Requirement: 1.6 Enforcement Requirement Except for 1.3.1 it is intended that this standard shall be administered and enforced by the authority having jurisdiction designated by the local governing authority. (b) Modifications to Chapter 2 1. Add a new subsection 2.2.1 to read as follows: 2.2.1 Refer to the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3 for the NFPA publication editions that apply to Chapter 18. (c) Modifications to Chapter 18 1. Add a new paragraph 18.2.1.1 to read as follows: 18.2.1.1 Where buildings or facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner as set forth in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), Title 25, Chapter 2, and for State owned facilities and State occupied facilities that are not provided with a facility fire department, it is intended that the provisions of chapter 18 and subsection 20.3.10 and subparagraph 20.3.10.1 be administered by the local Fire Chief and/or Fire Code Official responsible for providing fire or other emergency response to the buildings or facilities and the frequency license holder(s). 2. Delete subsection 18.8.3 in its entirety and replace with a new subsection 18.8.3 to read as follows: 18.8.3 Critical areas, including fire command centers complying with Section 508 of the International Fire Code as adopted in the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3, fire pump rooms, exit stairs, exit passageways, elevators, elevator lobbies, standpipe cabinets, sprinkler sectional valve locations, and other areas deemed critical by the AHJ, shall be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage.

(177) NFPA 1221, 2019 Edition , Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems Modifications: None

(178) NFPA 1961, 2013 Edition, Standard on Fire Hose Modifications: None

(179) NFPA 1962, 2018 Edition, Standard for the Inspection, Care, and Use of Fire Hose, Couplings, and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose Modifications: None

(180) NFPA 1963, 2019 Edition, Standard for Fire Hose Connections Modifications: None

(181) NFPA 2001, 2018 Edition, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Modifications: (a) Modification to Chapter 8: 1. Delete subsection 8.1.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.1.2 "All persons who could be expected to inspect, test, or maintain, fire extinguishing systems shall be licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and thoroughly trained and kept thoroughly trained in the functions they are expected to perform." 2. Delete subsection 8.4 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 8.4 "At least annually, all systems shall be thoroughly inspected and tested for proper operation by personnel qualified in the installation and testing of clean agent extinguishing systems and licensed and/or permitted in accordance with Chapter 12 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Discharge tests shall not be required."

(182) NFPA 2010, 2015 Edition, Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems Modifications: None

(183) International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) , 2012 Edition Modifications: (a) Modifications to Chapter 1: 1. Delete section 101.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 101.1 " Title. The International Fire Code , 2012 edition, published by the International Code Council , shall be known as a Georgia State Wildland-Urban Interface Code , hereafter referred to as "this Code "." 2. Delete section 101.2 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following: 101.2 " Scope. The provisions of this Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises within the wildland-urban interface areas designated by local jurisdictions by ordinance."(Note: See sample Ordinance on page xi of this Code for application and designated fire area.) Buildings or conditions in existence at the time of the adoption of this Code are allowed to have their use or occupancy continued, if such condition, use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this Code , provided such continued use does not constitute a distinct danger to life or property. Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this Code for new buildings or structures. 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted by local ordinance."

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-3-.07

(1) This Rule shall apply to every new and existing hotel, motel and dormitory that comes within O.C.G.A. Section 25-2-13(b) ; and every apartment building three or more stories in height that comes within O.C.G.A. Section 25-2-13(b) ; and every personal care home licensed for seven or more persons. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall apply to condominiums or any individually owned residential unit within any of the aforesaid buildings. (a) Every sleeping room located in any such hotel, motel, dormitory, apartment or personal care home shall contain the following fire safety information on a placard or decal language meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) herein, which shall be prominently affixed on the inside of every exit access door contained in any of the aforesaid rooms. When affixed, said placard or decal shall be unobstructed by curtains, shades or other materials. Exception: Single story hotels and motels where each guestroom has a door opening directly outside at street or ground level. "SAFETY TIPS" 1. Never smoke in bed. 2. Locate fire exits on this floor. (Note: Do NOT consider elevators as exits.) 3. Count the number of doors to the nearest exit, and check for any possible obstructions. 4. (When applicable: Locate fire alarm pull stations on this floor.) 5. (When applicable: Locate fire extinguishers on this floor.) 6. Check any windows to see if they can be opened; if so determine how they open. 7. Keep your room key on a table next to your bed. 8. If you leave your room, keep door closed and take your key. 9. Write down the number for the local fire department and keep it next to the phone. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT NUMBER IS __. "IN CASE OF FIRE"DON'T PANIC; remain calm. 1. Report fire to front desk or fire department as appropriate. 2. If room is smoky, get on hands and knees (or stomach) and crawl to door. 3. Feel door knob; If HOT , do NOT open door; if cool, open slowly. 4. If hallway is smoky, stay next to wall and count the doors as you crawl to exit. 5. Do NOT use any elevators. 6. Do NOT prop open doors to exit staircase. 7. Hang on to handrail and WALK DOWN exit staircase. 9. (When applicable: Pull fire alarm as you evacuate.) "IF YOU CANNOT LEAVE THIS ROOM" 1. Notify (or Call) front desk (or manager, fire department, or other appropriate person) and let them know where you are. 2. Wet sheets, towels or clothing and stuff them in all cracks around doors and vents. 3. (When applicable: Turn on bathroom fan.) 4. Check to see if there is smoke OUTSIDE window; if NO smoke and if any window can be opened, hang a sheet or light colored material outside. 5. (When applicable: Fill bathtub (or sink) with cold water for firefighting.) 6. Using ice bucket or other container, keep doors and walls wet. 7. If room is smoky, fold a wet towel in a triangle and tie over your nose and mouth; stay low. 8. Make yourself visible to rescue personnel through any window or balcony; DO NOT JUMP! 9. Keep fighting fire until help arrives; DON'T GIVE UP! FOR YOUR SAFETY, THIS BUILDING HAS THE FOLLOWING: (List all of the following and any additional items as applicable.) 1. Automatic sprinkler protection in every room. 2. Automatic sprinkler protection in every hallway. 3. Automatic smoke detectors in every room. 4. Automatic smoke detectors in every hallway. 5. Fire extinguishers on every floor. 6. Fire alarm pull stations at every exit. 7. Posted evacuation plans in every room. 8. Pressurized staircase with self-closing doors. (NOTE: In case of fire, do NOT prop doors open.) 9. Fire safety staircase with self-closing doors. (NOTE: In case of fire, do NOT prop doors open.) 10. Emergency lighting and exit lights. 11. Fire resistant drapery and bedding. 12. An alternative fire exit to the roof. ( NOTE : To be used ONLY if heavy smoke is encountered when walking DOWN the exit staircase.) (b) Every owner or manager of any such apartment building shall furnish to all tenants therein the fire safety information specified in subparagraph (a) herein on a placard or decal meeting requirements of paragraph

(2) herein, and shall request each tenant to affix the placard or decal in a prominent location so as to be visible to the tenant and to any visitors.

(2) The information specified in subparagraph (a) of main paragraph (1) herein shall be contained on a placard or decal at least 8-1/2 inches by 14 inches (215.9 mm by 355.6 mm) in size. The text shall be legibly printed in a minimum of twelve-point bold type. The headings contained therein shall be legibly printed in a minimum of 48-point type and the wording shall be in the English language. Exception No. 1: Fire safety information placards or decals are not required on resident sleeping room doors in personal care homes and apartments provided there are records, signed by the individual residents of the facility, which indicates that they have received the same information as required above in the facilities operations, policy or similar manual. Fire safety information shall be reviewed during Fire Drills performed in accordance with the appropriate occupancy chapter of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, as adopted by this Chapter. Exception No. 2: Existing fire safety information placards or decals at least 8-1/2 inches by 14 inches (215. mm by 355.6 mm) in size with legibly printed text in a minimum of twelve-point leaded, one- point type and whose headings are legibly printed in a minimum of 48-point type in the English language. Example of 48-point type: "SAFETY TIPS" Example of 12-point type: Emergency lighting and exit lights.

(3) The information specified in subparagraph (a) of paragraph (1) herein is intended to be a minimum list of fire safety tips and emergency procedures. The owner or manager of the building may modify the text of the information specified in subparagraph (a) of paragraph (1) herein as follows: (a) To correspond with the structural features of any such building, or any room located therein; (b) To facilitate the communication of such information upon consideration of the age or primary language of the guests, residents or students occupying any such building; and (c) To add other appropriate information to the extent deemed necessary by local fire safety personnel.

(4) A placard or decal shall be affixed above the call button for every elevator located in any such hotel, motel, dormitory or apartment building which shall state in bold and conspicuous type: "IN THE EVENT OF FIRE, DO NOT USE THIS ELEVATOR."In conjunction with such placard or decal, an evacuation route shall be posted with arrows indicating the direction of the nearest fire exit.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-7-.08

(1) Every manufacturer who manufactures manufactured homes in Georgia and every manufacturer who manufactures manufactured homes outside the State of Georgia and who sells or offers for sale said manufactured homes in Georgia shall apply for and obtain a license from the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division on the prescribed form and accompanied by the fee as provided in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-135(1) and (2) . For licensing purposes, each plant location shall be treated as a separate entity and shall adhere to all licensing requirements. The applicant for licensure shall specify the actual physical location where manufactured homes are built or assembled. Every manufacturer receiving a license shall display the license in the place of business and shall make such license available upon request for verification by an authorized representative of the Commissioner.

(2) Every retailer and retail broker who sells or offers for sale to consumers three (3) or more new or previously owned manufactured or mobile homes in a twelve (12) month period in Georgia shall apply for and obtain a license from the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division on the prescribed form and accompanied by the fee as provided in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-135(3) and (5) . For licensing purposes, each retailer lot or location and retail broker location shall be treated as a separate entity and shall adhere to all licensing requirements. The applicant for licensure shall specify the actual physical address where manufactured or mobile homes are located. Every retailer or retail broker receiving a license shall keep the license in the place of business and shall make such license available upon request for verification by an authorized representative of the Commissioner. The application for said license shall include a complete authorization form prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance which allows the verification of criminal history by the department.

(3) Every installer who installs new or previously owned manufactured or mobile homes anywhere within the State of Georgia in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 8-2-161(1) shall apply for and obtain a license from the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division, to operate as a licensed installer, on the prescribed form and accompanied by the fee as provided in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-161(1) . The applicant shall specify an actual physical location where the installer's business is based and where records are maintained. The application for said license shall include a completed authorization form as prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance which allows the verification of criminal history by the department. (a) The application for licensure for each installer shall be accompanied by proof of successful completion of an installation training course and corresponding examination, authorized or approved by the Commissioner, and designated for licensure. The course must have been taken within 12 months prior to the initial application for licensure. Continuing education courses approved by the Commissioner shall be taken every 24 months thereafter. (b) A licensed installer may employ or contract with other authorized accountable personnel to assist with the installations of manufactured or mobile homes. The licensee shall be required to be at the installation site at all times, unless at least one authorized accountable personnel is continually at the installation site while the installation work is in progress and is accountable to the licensee. The licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that any installation performed under said license be in compliance with the applicable instructions and the licensee shall be responsible for providing remedial action when required. Proof of licensure and/or authorization of accountable personnel, shall be maintained at the installation site at all times for verification by local code officials and authorized representatives of the Commissioner. The proof may be in the form of the original license, copy of the original license or on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. Local jurisdictions are authorized to require proof of licensure prior to issuing any permits necessary to perform installations of manufactured and mobile homes. "Authorized accountable personnel" is defined as a person or persons who have successfully completed the installation training course, and any applicable continuing education courses, and their corresponding examinations, approved by the Commissioner. A certificate of Completion will be provided by the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division to these individuals upon proof of successful completion of these courses and examinations. Any retailer or retail broker licensed under the provisions of the Manufactured Housing Act who uses the services of or otherwise employs a person, partnership, corporation, entity, etc. that is not licensed as an installer in the State of Georgia shall be subject to the revocation of said retailer's and retail broker's license or other penal measures as prescribed by this Regulation. Any failure to comply with the provisions contained herein shall be considered a violation of the Manufactured Housing Act and be subject to penal measures prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance, including but not limited to, the revocation of any applicable license. (c) An individual who transports a manufactured or mobile home to the site of installation shall be excluded from licensure as an installer provided he or she performs only such temporary blocking as is necessary to stabilize the home and shall not, under these circumstances, be considered to be an installer. However, any further blocking of the home by the carrier shall be considered to be an installation of the unit, and the carrier shall comply with licensure requirements of an installer and the installation must be performed in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 8-2-160 et seq. and the applicable rules of the Commissioner. A partial installation of a manufactured or mobile home is not allowed under the Manufactured Housing Act. (d) Any installer who is discovered by a state or local inspector to have performed an installation in a manner contrary to the methods indicated by the manufacturers installation instruction manual and Rule 120-3-7-.21 , as applicable, shall be deemed to be in violation of the Manufactured Housing Act and shall be subject to revocation of his or her license and/or other penal measures as prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance, this Regulation or other applicable Georgia law. (e) In all cases in which the installation is arranged by and/or paid for by the retailer or retail broker, the retailer and retail broker shall assume responsibility for the proper set up of the mobile or manufactured home. Failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection shall be deemed a violation of the Manufactured Housing Act and shall be subject to the revocation of the retailer's or retail broker's license or other penal measures as prescribed by this Regulation or other applicable Georgia law. This subsection shall not relieve any installer from any responsibilities and applicable penalties.

(4) Applications for licensure must be approved by the Commissioner or his or her delegate before engaging in any activities contemplated by the Manufactured Housing Act and requiring licensure for manufacturers, retailers, retail brokers or installers. Each license shall be valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year in which the license is issued. License fees shall not be prorated for the remainder of the year in which the application is made but shall be paid for the entire year regardless of the date of application. All licenses are non-transferable regarding ownership and/or location. Any licensed entity changing the business name, or any other information not referenced herein, presented on the original application for licensure shall notify the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division of any change of information contained in the original application for licensure within twenty (20) days and shall complete a revised application.

(5) Applications for renewal licenses for manufacturers, retailers, retail brokers and installers shall be obtained and submitted to the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division on or before January 1 of each year and shall be accompanied by a completed consent form allowing a criminal history background check by the Safety Fire Commissioner's Office. On or before December 1 of each year, the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division shall forward a Notice of Renewal by electronic mail to each licensee at the last known email address on the records of the Safety Fire Commissioner. After sending the Notice of Renewal by electronic mail, the Manufactured Housing Section shall have no further duty or obligation to notify the licensee of the expiration of annual license. The fee for delinquent renewal applications received after January 10 of each year shall be double the regular annual fee.

(6) A license may be refused or a license duly issued may be suspended or revoked or the renewal of such license may be refused by the Commissioner if he or she finds that the applicant or the holder of a license: (a) has violated any provision of the Act, the Standards, the Manufactured Homes Act or these Rules and Regulations; (b) has intentionally made any misstatement or misrepresented or concealed any material fact in the application for the license; (c) has obtained or attempted to obtain a license by fraud or misrepresentation; (d) has been determined to have engaged in, or to be engaging in, a fraudulent or dishonest practice or to have demonstrated a lack of trustworthiness or lack of competence; (e) has been convicted by final judgment in any state or federal court of a felony; or (f) has willfully failed to comply with or has willfully violated any proper order, rule or regulation issued by the Commissioner or the Secretary. (g) in the case of a license application, if any person having control of the applicant is subject to any of the grounds for refusal stated in subparagraphs (a) through (f) above, the license may be refused. For purposes of this subparagraph, control shall be presumed if the person owns ten percent or more of the applicant, or if the person owns ten percent or more of the voting securities of a corporate applicant.

(7) Before any license application shall be refused or any license shall be suspended or revoked or the renewal thereof refused as provided for in this Rule, the Commissioner shall give notice of his or her intention to do so to the applicant or the holder of a license in accordance with the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, O.C.G.A. Chapter 50-13, and O.C.G.A. 25-2-29 , and applicable Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner.

(8) In situations where persons otherwise would be entitled to a hearing prior to an order, the Commissioner may issue an order to become effective within twenty (20) days from the date of the order, unless persons subject to the order request a hearing within ten (10) days after receipt of the order. Failure to make a request shall constitute a waiver of any provision contained herein for the hearing.

(9) Any person who engages in any activities identified by the Manufactured Housing Act as requiring licensure as a manufacturer, retailer, retail broker or installer without having first obtained the appropriate license or who conducts said business without proper licensure or with an expired license shall be deemed to be in violation of the Manufactured Housing Act and shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in O.C.G.A. §§ 8-2-141 or 8-2-166 after notice and hearing as prescribed by this Regulation.

(10) Lists of licensees shall be made available to the general public upon request pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-7-.13

(1) In addition to the licensure requirements of Rule 120-3-7-.08(3) of these Regulations, any installer performing any installation of a new or used manufactured or mobile home in the State of Georgia shall first purchase a permit from the Commissioner. The cost of each permit is prescribed in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-164(2) . Each installer shall provide any information required by the Commissioner to obtain a permit. The installation permit shall be attached by the installer to the panel box of each manufactured or mobile home upon completion of the installation. The prescribed permit shall be designed by the Commissioner. A permit shall be issued only to a licensed installer, and shall not be transferable.

(2) Whenever the manufacturer's instructions do not stipulate certain installation requirements, or when clarification is needed, or when the manufacturer's instructions state that the issue is left to the regulatory authority having jurisdiction, then the installation instructions incorporated herein by reference in Rule 120-3-7-.21 of these Regulations shall be followed. Manufacturers of manufactured homes constructed under the provisions of the Act shall provide an installation manual with each manufactured home as required by the Act. The manual shall describe a foundation and anchorage system and provide instructions for site preparation and utility connections. O.C.G.A. § 8-2-165 requires compliance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 8-2-165 , previously occupied manufactured and mobile homes which do not have the manufacturer's instructions as required by the Act shall be installed in accordance with said Rule 120-3-7-.21 of these Regulations. (a) Each new manufactured home shall bear a data plate to be affixed in a permanent manner near the main electrical panel or other readily accessible and visible location as required by the Act. The data plate shall contain the name of the manufacturer, the serial number and model designation, the date the home was manufactured, the design-approval agency, factory-installed equipment and the wind, roof load, and thermal zones for which the unit was constructed. Local jurisdictions shall not prohibit the placement of any manufactured home built in compliance with the design standards for the zone in effect on the date that the data plate indicates the home was constructed. Manufactured homes shall not be placed in any zone(s) which exceed the design limitation for which the manufactured home was constructed as identified by the data plate. (b) The manufactured or mobile home shall be placed on a properly prepared stand. The site shall have a grade that will allow water to drain away from the home stand, and all organic matter, debris, grass, grass sod and other foreign matter shall be removed where footings or pier foundations are to be installed. A written contractual agreement between the homeowner, the retailer, retail broker and/or installer shall determine which party is to perform the site preparation which shall include proper drainage of water away from the home. The existence of said contractual agreement shall not relieve the installer of the responsibility of set up on a properly prepared stand. Installations of manufactured or mobile homes shall not be performed on improperly prepared stands. (c) Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §§ 8-2-167 and 43-14-13(k) , a person licensed as a manufactured or mobile home installer pursuant to these Regulations shall not be subject to the electrical and plumbing licensure requirements of O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 14 when performing the functions specified in O.C.G.A. § 43-14-13(k) . (d) The following shall not be the responsibility of the installer unless contracted in writing by the homeowner and/or dealer/retailer and/or installer to provide for same: 1. Skirting. When required by local jurisdiction and provided pursuant to contractual agreement, skirting shall be installed in accordance with the skirting manufacturer's instructions or Rule 120-3-7-.21(13)(d) of these Regulations. 2. Masonry curtain walls. Load bearing masonry curtain walls shall not be required by local jurisdictions for manufactured or mobile homes. Non-load bearing masonry curtain walls may be provided by contractual agreement between the homeowner, the dealer/retailer, and/or installer and shall be constructed in accordance with drawings and/or instructions provided in the manufacturer's installation manual, or instructions and other drawings or procedures approved by the Commissioner. Non-load bearing walls shall have no contact with the manufactured home or any portion thereof for the purpose of structural support. 3. Stairs and landings. When required by local jurisdiction and provided by contractual agreement, stairs and landings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the State Minimum Standard Building Codes which are enforced by local jurisdiction. (f) These installation requirements established by the Manufactured Housing Act are applicable only to manufactured and mobile homes as defined in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-131 and the Act.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 120-3-7-.18

(1) Installation instructions provided with manufactured homes must be followed for installation. These instructions are designed to be applicable when certain aspects of the manufacturer's installation instructions are not explicit, not stipulated or need clarification, or when the manufacturer's instructions indicate that the requirement may be left to the authority having jurisdiction. The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Program ( 24 C.F.R. 3280, 3282 and 3283) requires that all manufactured homes be provided with installation instructions covering foundation, anchoring, utility connections, and other items. Such installation instructions shall be utilized and followed for the installation of all new manufactured homes. Previously occupied manufactured homes and mobile homes which do not have manufacturer's installation instructions shall be installed according to requirements herein. The term mobile home shall be synonymous with the term manufactured home when used herein. Manufactured homes located within rental communities shall not be required to have poured concrete or permanent foundations.

(2) Definitions: (a) Anchoring Equipment: Straps, cables, turnbuckles and chains, including tensioning devices, that are used with ties to secure a manufactured home to ground anchors; (b) Anchoring System: A combination of ties, anchoring equipment and ground anchors that will, when properly designed and installed, resist the overturning of the home or the moving of the home sideways by wind; (c) Footing: That part of the support system that sits directly on the ground at, below or partly below grade to support the piers; (d) Ground Anchor: A device at the manufactured home stand designed to transfer manufactured home anchoring loads to the ground; (e) Pier: That portion of the support system between the footing and the manufactured home, exclusive of caps and shims. Types of piers include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Manufactured steel stands; 2. Manufactured concrete stands; 3. Concrete blocks; 4. Other approved or listed equivalent. (f) Radius Clips: Means or method to protect strapping from sharp edges during loading. (g) Site, Manufactured Home: A parcel of land designed and designated for the location of one manufactured home, its accessory buildings or structures, and accessory equipment for exclusive use of the home; (h) Stabilizing Devices: All components of the anchoring and support systems such as piers, footings, ties, anchoring equipment, ground anchors, or any other materials and methods of construction which support and secure the manufactured home to the ground; (i) Stand, Manufactured Home: That area of a manufactured home site which has been reserved for placement of a manufactured home; (j) Support System: A combination of footings, piers, caps and shims that will, when properly installed, support the manufactured home; (k) Tie: Strap, cable or securing device used to connect the manufactured home to ground anchors; (l) Vertical Tie: A tie intended to resist the uplifting and overturning forces.

(3) Foundation Systems for New Manufactured Homes. (a) A manufactured home foundation system is one constructed in accordance with the foundation system included in the manufacturer's installation instructions. (b) The manufacturer or homeowner shall be permitted to design for unusual installation not provided for in these regulations or in the manufacturer's standard installation directions provided the design is approved in writing by a licensed professional engineer or architect and a copy provided to the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division. (c) The manufacturer's instructions include a typical foundation system designed by a registered professional engineer or architect to support the anticipated loads specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions for the design zone (including climate) of installation, and shall be deemed to meet the requirements of these regulations. These instructions shall be provided to the homeowner as required by Rule 120-3-7-.18 .

(4) Foundation Systems for Previously Owned Manufactured Homes. (a) Foundation systems for previously owned manufactured homes shall be according to requirements contained herein. Previously occupied manufactured homes can be installed according to manufacturer's installation instructions if available. (b) Subparagraph (7) contains information for the design of manufactured home foundation systems which meet the minimum criteria established in this regulation. (c) The manufacturer or homeowner shall be permitted to design for an unusual installation not provided for in the manufacturer's installation instructions, or these Regulations, provided that the design is approved in writing by a licensed professional engineer or architect and a copy sent to the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division and the manufacturer.

(5) Stabilizing Devices and Design. (a) Each new or previously owned manufactured home being installed on a manufactured home stand shall have stabilizing devices and shall be installed on a foundation constructed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions for new manufactured homes or standards included within these regulations for previously occupied manufactured homes. (b) Stabilizing devices not provided with the manufactured home shall be listed or labeled to meet or exceed the design and capacity requirements of the manufactured home manufacturer's installation instructions and these regulations.

(6) Anchoring. (a) Each manufactured ground anchor shall be listed and installed in accordance with the terms of its listing and the anchor manufacturer's instructions and shall include means of attachment of ties meeting the requirements of the manufacturer's installation instructions for new manufactured homes or subparagraph (6)(h) of these regulations for previously occupied manufactured homes. (b) Ground anchor manufacturer's installation instructions shall include tensioning adjustments which may be needed to prevent damage to the manufactured home. (c) Each ground anchor shall have the manufacturer's identification and listed model identification number marked thereon so that the number is visible after installation. (d) Instructions shall accompany each listed ground anchor specifying the types of soil for which the anchor is suitable under the requirements of Section E. (e) Ground anchors, including means for attaching ties, shall be located to effectively match the anchoring system instructions provided by the manufactured home manufacturer, or for previously occupied manufactured homes, in accordance with the requirements of this section. (f) Concrete slabs or footings: If concrete slabs or continuous footings are used in lieu of ground anchors to transfer the anchoring loads to the ground, steel rods cast in concrete, or deadman, or concrete anchors shall be required and shall be capable of resisting loads as specified in subparagraph 6)(g)1. (g) Anchors: 1. Capacity of Anchors: Each approved single head ground anchor, when installed, shall be capable of resisting an allowable working load at least equal to 3,150 pounds, plus a 50% overload (4,725 pounds), without failure when pulled in the direction of the tie. Anchors designed for connection of multiple ties shall be capable of resisting the combined working load and overload as outlined in this Section. Anchor type and size to be determined by soil probe test. Probe test must be performed within 2 feet of each corner of unit. 2. Anchoring Equipment: Anchoring equipment shall be capable of resisting an allowable working load equal to or exceeding 3,150 pounds and shall be capable of withstanding a 50% overload (4,725 pounds) without failure of either the anchoring equipment or the attached point on the manufactured home. When the stabilizing system is designed by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect, alternative working loads may be used provided the anchoring equipment is capable of withstanding a 50% overload. All anchoring equipment shall be listed or labeled as being capable of meeting all the requirements of this section. 3. Selection of Helical Anchors: Anchor selection shall be based on a determination of the soil class at the depth the anchor helical plate will be installed. 4. Other Anchoring Devices: Other anchoring devices meeting requirements of this section shall be permitted if acceptable to the Manufactured Housing Section of the Safety Fire Division. 5. Depth of Anchors: All anchors shall be installed to the full depth shown in the anchor manufacturer's installation instructions. 6. Anchors installed in line with the pull must be of sufficient additional length to compensate for loss of depth. 7. Anchors are to be placed within 2 feet of each end of each section in Zone I and II. In addition: (i) Zone I anchors must be placed 8 feet on center maximum along the length of both exterior sidewalls. (ii) Zone II anchors must be placed 6 feet on center maximum along the length of both exterior sidewalls. (iii) Both Zone I and II must have two longitudinal ties and anchors at each end of each section attached to the main "I"Beams. For pier heights exceeding 49 inches, anchors must be strapped to both "I"Beams. NOTE: Zone II homes produced since July 1994 must have vertical ties at each diagonal tie location. 8. Anchor length and/or type must be determined by probe testing all four corners, within two feet of corners. Results may be averaged and used to determine anchors based on the anchor manufacturer's installation and/or user manual requirements. 9. Approved alternate systems of anchoring may be used when proof that the manufacturer has approved such systems is provided. (h) Ties: 1. Strappings or other approved methods or materials shall be used for ties. All ties shall be fastened to ground anchors and drawn tight with turnbuckles or other adjustable tensioning devices or devices supplied with the ground anchor. Strapping must be protected at sharp edges with radius clips. NOTE: Splicing for vertical ties only; overlap strap 12 inches minimum with two clips (one facing each way), double crimp each clip with proper crimping tool. 2. Tie materials shall be capable of resisting an allowable working load of 3,150 pounds and shall withstand a 50% overload (4,725 pounds total). Ties shall comply with 24 CFR 3280.306 . 3. Ties shall connect the ground anchor to the top portion of the main structural steel frame (I-beam or other shape) which runs lengthwise under the manufactured home. Ties shall not connect to steel outrigger beams which fasten to and intersect the main structural frame unless specifically stated in the manufacturer's installation instructions. 4. Number of Ties: The minimum number of ties per side for various lengths of manufactured homes in Wind Zone I and Wind Zone II shall be in accordance with subparagraph (g). 5. Location of Ties: When continuous straps are provided as vertical ties, such ties shall be positioned at rafters and studs. Where a vertical tie and diagonal tie are located at the same place, both ties shall be permitted to be connected to a single ground anchor, provided that either the anchor used is capable of carrying both loadings, or that the load capacity of the total number of anchors used is equal to 3,150 pounds working load plus 50% overload (4,725 pounds) times the number of ties specified in subparagraph (g). 6. Shearwall and/or other provided ties and/or brackets must be anchored with same anchor as probe test results required for remainder of home. 7. When longitudinal brackets are provided, strapping material and anchors as described in Subparagraph (g) must be installed. 8. Special Ties: Clerestory roofs and add-on sections of expandable manufactured homes shall have provisions for vertical ties at the exposed ends. When not originally installed by manufacturer, over-the-roof or vertical ties shall not be required for manufactured homes constructed with "A"Line and shingle roofs. 9. Alternate Method Using Cable Ties: Connection of the cable frame tie to the manufactured home I beam or equivalent main structural frame member may be by a 5/8 drop-forged closed eye bolt through a hole drilled in the center of the I-beam web or other approved methods. The web shall be reinforced if necessary to maintain designed I-beam strength. Cable ends shall be secured with at least three (3) U bolt-type cable clamps with the U portion of the clamp installed on the short (dead) end of the cable to assure strength equal to that required by Section E(8). 10. Tensioning Device Design: Tensioning devices such as turnbuckles or yoke-type fasteners shall be ended with a clevis or forged or welded eyes. 11. Permanency of Connections: Anchoring equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent self-disconnection, lateral deflection or failure. (i) Resistance to Weather Deterioration: All portions of the anchor which are exposed to weathering shall have a resistance to weather deterioration. The remainder of the anchoring equipment shall have resistance at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on steel of not less than 0.30 ounces per square foot on each side of the surface coated, as determined by ASTM Standard Methods of Test for Weight of Coating on Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Iron or Steel Articles (ASTM A90-81).

(7) Foundation Standards. (a) Unless the entire support system is designed by a professional engineer or architect, the support system shall be designed in accordance with this standard. (b) Footings shall be sized to support the loads shown in the manufacturer's instructions. Where no manufacturer's instructions are available, subparagraph (7) shall apply. (c) All grass and organic material shall be removed from the pier foundation location(s), and the pier foundation placed on stable soil at a depth sufficient to protect the footings from the effects of frost heave. For purpose of the installation of a manufactured or mobile home in the State of Georgia, all footers must be protected from the effects of frost heave. When properly designed by a registered professional engineer, a "floating slab"system may be used above the frost line. The design shall accommodate the anchorage requirements identified within this regulation and/or the manufacturer's installation instructions. (d) The pier foundation shall be a 16"x16"x4"solid concrete pad, precast or poured in place, or other approved methods/materials. Where poured concrete foundations are required by local authority for multiple section homes, the footing size shall be 24"x24"x6"filled with poured concrete, or other approved materials/methods. Concrete in footings shall have an ultimate compressive strength of not less than 2500 psi at 28 days. Footer size may vary on piers used with alternate anchoring systems, when installed per system manufacturer's instructions, and marriage wall piers as required by manufacturer's instructions. 1. For the purpose of installing a manufactured/mobile home in the State of Georgia . The bases of concrete or other pad types are to be placed at or below the frost line. Other types of footings such as pans, domes, or open pans are to be placed with the topmost point that serves as the base set at or below the frost line, so as to avoid the effects of frost heave. The frost line in the State of Georgia is determined to be: (i) 4"for the following counties and all counties to the north of these counties: Troup, Meriwether, Pike, Lamar, Monroe, Jones, Baldwin, Washington, Jefferson, and Burke; (ii) 2"for the following counties and all counties to the south of these counties: Harris, Talbot, Upson, Crawford, Bibb, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Johnson, Emanuel, Jenkins, and Screven. (e) Footings or pier foundations (unless approved by a registered professional engineer) when required, shall be placed level on firm undisturbed soil or on controlled fill which is free of grass or organic materials to minimum load-bearing capacity of 1000 psf. (f) Piers and Spacing: 1. Piers or load-bearing supports or devices shall be designed and constructed to evenly distribute the loads. 2. Double piers are to be placed within 2 feet of each end of each main I-beam, and remaining piers spaced no more than 6 feet on center for the remaining length of each main I-beam. 3. Piers are to be placed on each side of exterior wall opening 4 feet wide or greater (footers at these openings may be 4"x 8"x 16", or equivalent product). 4. Piers shall be placed on each side of exterior door opening (footers may be 4"x 8"x 16", or equivalent). Openings for endwalls with full headers or cross members do not require piers and footings for the openings. 5. The marriage line of multiple section manufactured homes shall be supported by piers spaced no more than 20 feet apart and shall have piers located within 2 feet of each end of the home, under the marriage line, in conjunction with these piers, piers must be placed at each end of openings 6 feet wide or more. Marriage line piers must support both marriage line floor rails. Footers must be a minimum of 16"x 16"x 4"or equivalent. 6. Load-bearing supports or devices shall be listed or approved and shall be designed by a registered professional engineer or architect and shall be approved for the use intended or piers shall be constructed as follows: (i) Piers less than 40 inches in height shall be constructed of open or closed cell, 8 inch by 16 inch, concrete blocks with open cells vertically placed upon the footing. The pier shall be covered with a 2 inch by 16 inch by 8 inch wood or nominal concrete plate. (ii) Piers between 40 inches and 80 inches in height and all corner piers shall be double blocked with blocks interlocked and capped with a 4 inch by 16 inch by 8 inch solid concrete block or equivalent or 2 inch by 8 inch nominal pressure treated wood or hardwood covering the cell area. (iii) Piers over 80 inches in height must be designed and approved by a registered professional engineer. (iv) Steel piers, or other approved piers, when used, shall be in compliance with subparagraph (6)(i) after fabrication to provide corrosion protection. (v) Load bearing and non-load bearing walls constructed on site shall be constructed of concrete, masonry, pressure treated wood or any other approved material or system. Minimum thickness shall be that required to resist lateral pressure from adjacent earth and support design loads as determined by acceptable engineering practice. (vi) Plates, Shims and Wedges: Nominal 2"x 8"x 16"pressure treated wood, hardwood, 4"concrete caps or the equivalent, shall be placed on top of the pier for the purpose of a top plate. Plate must cover cell area in both single or double stack blocks. Any gap between the top plate and the I-beam frame may be filled with pressure treated wood or hardwood, nominal minimum size of 8"x 4"x 1", fitted and driven tight. Wedges shall not occupy more than one inch of vertical space and shall be at least 3"wide and 6"long, fitted from both sides and driven tight together between the I-beam and plate or shim. Wood and wedges may occupy no more than 4"of the space between the pier and main frame.

(8) Placement of Manufactured Homes. (a) Clearance Under Homes: A minimum clearance of 12 inches shall be maintained beneath the lowest member of the main frame (I-beam or channel-beam) in the area of utility connections. No more than 25% of the underside of the main frame of the home shall be less than 12 inches above grade. (b) Elevated Manufactured Homes: When the manufactured home is installed on a basement or split entry type foundation over a habitable lower-level area, the foundation system shall be designed by a registered professional engineer or architect.

(9) Ventilation of Manufactured Homes. (a) Ventilation of Underfloor Areas: 1. Provisions shall be made to minimize condensation in underfloor areas through ventilation openings or other suitable means. A 6 mill poly vapor barrier, or equivalent, must be placed on the ground area in the crawl space. A minimum of 90 percent of the ground area must be covered, not to include area under footers. 2. If combustion air for heat-producing appliance(s) is taken from within the underfloor areas, ventilation shall be adequate to assure proper operation of the appliance(s). This requirement shall take precedence over the provisions of subparagraph (9)(a)1. Note: This is in addition to the crawl space requirement. 3. A minimum of four ventilation openings totaling no less than four square feet of net free vent area, must be provided. One shall be placed at or near each corner as high as practicable. Crawl space ventilation net free requirement shall be calculated as follows: a=A/1500 where: A=the area of the crawl space, square foot a=the total net free vent space. If the manufacturer's installation instructions require additional vents or openings, the manufacturer's instructions shall apply. 4. Openings shall provide cross ventilation on at least two opposite sides. The openings shall be covered with corrosion resistant wire mesh not less than 1/8 inches, and not more than 1/2 inches in any dimension or with screened louvered openings to retard entry of dry vegetation, waste materials, or rodents. As an option to individual vents, ventilation can be provided by means of vinyl material which has openings for air ventilation as provided in the minimum requirements above. (b) Intake air for ventilation purposes shall not be drawn from underfloor spaces of the home. (c) Moisture producing devices, such as dryers, shall be vented to the atmosphere in such a manner to insure that moisture laden air is carried beyond the perimeter of the home. (d) Skirting: Skirting, if used, shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. It shall be secured, as necessary, to assure stability, to minimize vibrations, to minimize susceptibility to wind damage, and to compensate for possible frost heave. Access opening(s) not less than 18 inches in any dimension and not less than 3 square feet in area shall be provided to allow for access and inspection of the home. Such access panel(s) or door(s) shall not be fastened in a manner requiring the use of a special tool to remove or open same. On-site fabrication of skirting shall meet the venting requirements of subparagraph (9)(a).

(10) Maintenance of Anchoring Systems: The homeowner shall be advised that tie tension should be checked and adjusted when necessary.

(11) Plumbing. (a) Each manufactured home site shall be provided with a water supply and sewer located and arranged to permit attachment to the manufactured home in a workmanlike manner. (b) When the entire system has been completed, install permanent drain line supports at 4' on center. (c) Proper slopes and connector sizes: Drain lines must slope at least 1/4"fall per foot of run. EXCEPTION: 1/8"fall per foot is allowed when a clean out is installed at the upper end of the run. Connect the main drain line to the site sewer hookup. Plumbing drain lines must be supported so as to slope at least 1/4"fall per foot of run or 1/8"fall per foot of run when full-size clean out is located in upper end of line.

(12) Manufactured Home Electrical Connections. (a) When a manufactured home consists of two or more sections, all electrical connections from one section to another shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation requirements. In the absence of manufacturer's instructions, electrical connections shall be made in accordance with the National Electrical Code. (b) Manufactured homes may have the service equipment mounted on or in the unit provided such units comply with all of the following conditions: 1. Installed on a private or owner's lot; 2. Permanent utility connections provided; 3. Located on a properly constructed foundation; 4. Unit is properly anchored and tied down; 5. Unit is constructed in accordance with HUD Construction Standards; 6. Service equipment complies with Article 230 and 250 of the Georgia (National) Electrical Code. (c) All manufactured home utility services shall be connected to the supply sources with only approved materials. (d) When a manufactured home is designed to have a meter mounted on home, the electrical service supply is allowed to be installed directly on the home subject to compliance with subparagraph (12)(b), above. (e) Temporary Electrical Service: The authority having jurisdiction shall allow for temporary electrical service for the installation of the manufactured home when the home consists of two or more sections.

(13) Retail Display. (a) All manufactured homes and mobile homes displayed for retail sales on dealership or retailer lots shall be stabilized to such a degree as to not allow damage to occur while the home is on display. 1. Piers for multi-section homes shall consist of a minimum of twelve (12) piers and shall be located one under each I-beam in the front of each axle area and at each end of the manufactured home. 2. Piers for single section homes shall consist of a minimum of six (6) piers one located under each I-beam at each end of the home and in front of the axle area.

(14) Sites Prone to Flooding. Special elevations and anchoring techniques are required when locating a home in an area prone to flooding. Consult an engineer and the local building official to make sure that the design and construction of the foundation system conform to applicable federal, state, and local codes and regulations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publication FEMA 85, "Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas,"contains design and anchoring systems that will allow the foundation system to resist flood forces. This publication is available from FEMA, Washington, DC 20472. Further information may be obtained from the Manufactured Housing Section of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. In areas where a community meets the eligibility requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program, the local jurisdiction having authority shall have the authority to change, delete or modify these regulations in order to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended and/or Rules and Regulations of FEMA addressing the installation of manufactured and mobile homes in areas subject to flooding.

(15) Additional Installation Requirements for Previously Owned Multi-Section Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes. The floor sections, roof sections and wall sections are to be fitted together tightly. Connections must be sufficiently sealed to prevent air infiltration. Connection of multi-section manufactured homes and mobile homes (two or more sections), when manufacturer's installation instructions are not available shall be as follows: (a) Floor Connection: All floors of multi-section manufactured homes and mobile homes shall be securely fastened together with 5/16 inch lags 4 inches long and 16 inches on center entire length of home. All sections shall be leveled and aligned making sure the floors are even on top. (b) Roof and Ridge Beams: All roof and ridge beams of multi-section manufactured homes and mobile homes shall be securely fastened together. 1. Metal roof connections to be minimum 30 gauge galvanized metal, 12 inches wide, fastened with #8 x 1 1/4 screws minimum, at 4"on center around perimeter of the entire length of the cap. 2. Wood/shingle roofs fastened with one of the following options: (i) Minimum 30 gauge galvanized metal, 10 inches wide by length of roof. Fastened with minimum 1 1/2"fasteners at 4 inches on center along entire perimeter of the cap. (ii) Minimum 5/16 inch by 6 inch lag screws 16 inches on center, entire length of roof. (iii) 1 1/2 inch by 12 inch 26 gauge galvanized metal straps placed within 2 feet of each end and 8 feet on center entire length of units, fastened with # 8 x 1 1/2 inch screws, 5 each side of ridge joint. (c) End Walls: End walls of multi-section manufactured homes and mobile homes shall be securely fastened together. 1. Minimum #8 screws 8 inches on center entire height of end walls, with minimum of 1 inch penetration into the receiving member. If toe screw method is used, must have 1 1/2 inch penetration. 2. 1/4 inch lag screws 24 inches on center with minimum 1 1/2"penetration into receiving member. 3. 1 1/2"galvanized strapping placed 12 inches on center, entire height of stud, fastened with #10 nails minimum 2 each end of strap. 4. Siding and trim pieces are to be installed at the connection of the sections. (d) Roof Covering: The joints at the ridge of the roof shall be secured and weather tight. (e) Plumbing drain lines must be supported off the ground. Unless specified in other sections of this Rule, all lines under the manufactured home shall be supported every 4' on center. (f) Crossover, heating, and other ducts: Heating and duct work is to be connected for proper heating/cooling operation. 1. Securely connect each end of the crossover duct underneath each section to the dropout connection; 2. Wrap/cover all seams and joints with approved UL181 tape or equivalent; 3. Wrap or cover exposed metal with insulation to reduce heat loss; 4. Strap and support crossover duct 4 feet on center minimum. Duct must be supported off the ground.

(16) Miscellaneous. (a) Where the means of egress from a manufactured home is not substantially level, such differences in elevation shall be negotiated by stairs or ramps. (Not applicable to egress windows.) (b) Auxiliary Structures: All auxiliary structures (such as porches, decks, awning, cabanas, stairs, etc., unless provided and approved by the manufacturer) shall be entirely self-supporting, unless designed and approved by a professional engineer or registered architect. All such structures shall be constructed in accordance with the Georgia State Building Codes or local authority having jurisdiction.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 121-3-.01 Statewide Electrical Contractor License

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 121-3-.01 Statewide Electrical Contractor License

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 121. STATE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD

Chapter 121-3. APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 121-3-.01. Statewide Electrical Contractor License

(1)

Statewide

Class I Electrical Contractor licenses are restricted to electrical contracting

involving single-phase electrical installations that do not exceed 200 amperes

at the service drop or the service lateral. Class II Electrical Contractor

licenses are unrestricted.

(2)

To

obtain a statewide Class I or Class II Electrical Contractor license, a person

must be at least 21 years of age, submit a completed application, meet the

experience requirements as described in this rule, obtain a minimum score of

seventy (70) on the appropriate examination, and pay the fees required by the

Board.

(3)

An applicant must submit

three (3) references on the required form from persons who can attest to the

applicant's electrical experience to the satisfaction of the Division. At least

one of the three references must be from a licensed electrical contractor who

shall include his or her registration number on the form.

(4)

Applicants for statewide Electrical

Contractor license must document a minimum of 4 years of Primary experience in

the electrical field as would be covered by the Georgia Electrical Code or the

National Electrical Code.

(a)

Primary

Experience shall mean working experience gained through the direct installation

of electrical systems and directly related activities of a type covered by the

National Electrical Code. The public welfare and overall life safety

responsibility require that an electrical contractor have actual in-the-field

experience and be competent in all phases of electrical work.

(5)

Applicants may be credited up

to one (1) year of experience based on Secondary Experience or Education.

Secondary Experience time will be credited at a rate of fifty percent (50%).

(For example, three (3) years of Primary Experience and two (2) years of

Secondary Experience would meet the 4 years of required experience.)

(a)

Secondary Experience shall mean work or

training experience related to electrical contracting work involving electrical

systems covered by the National Electrical Code. Examples of Secondary

Experience include:

(i)

Instruction received

on electrical installation, theory, and code by a full-time secondary or

post-secondary instructor in an established class at a recognized learning

center.

(ii)

Inspection of

electrical wiring by a full-time municipal or county inspector.

(iii)

Electrical engineering design by a

registered professional engineer.

(iv)

Work performed for a licensed electrical

contractor with the applicant having sole responsibility in at least three (3)

of the following areas: estimating; project management; scheduling and

assigning work; preparing progress charts (CPM or other flow charts); sales and

cash flow responsibilities such as budgetary, preparation of pay request, and

invoices.

(v)

Installation of

electrically lighted signs.

(b)

Education may be applied toward the

experience requirements as follows:

(i)

Completion of a 2-year academic diploma program as 2 years of

experience.

(ii)

Completion of a

2-year academic certificate program offered by a vocational-technical school as

2 years of experience.

(6)

Applicants for Class II Licenses must

document experience with installations in excess of single phase, 200 amperes

systems.

(7)

Class I applicants

must document experience in at least five (5) of the following, plus item (h),

and Class II applicants must document work experience in all of the following

areas:

(a)

Installation of raceway systems,

including pull boxes, junction boxes, conduit bodies and the connections in the

system and to cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, and boxes, which meet all

Code use and installation requirements.

(b)

Installation of conductors, including

flexible cords, cables, splices, taps, terminations, bonding jumpers,

overcurrent protective devices, and metering devices, in cabinets, panelboards,

switchboards, boxes, and conduit, which meet all Code use and installation

requirements, such as to sizing, ampacity, and voltage.

(c)

Installation of service entrances,

metering devices, cabinets, switchboards, service risers and fasteners,

overcurrent protective devices, disconnecting means, ground electrodes, main

bonding jumpers, and ground fault protectors which all meet Code installation

requirements, such as to sizing, rating, clearances, and

weatherproofing.

(d)

Installation

of motors and generators with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protective

devices, disconnect means, and controllers, all of which meet Code installation

requirements, such as sizing, rating, usage, and location.

(e)

Installation of switches, disconnects,

and controls that supply lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical circuits,

controls for heating and air conditioning equipment, and other utilization and

general use equipment, according to use and Code installation

requirements.

(f)

Installation of

materials and equipment required for use in special occupancies according to

use and Code installation requirements, as defined by Chapter 5 of the National

Electrical Code.

(g)

Bonding of

interior metal piping systems, installation of properly sized equipment

grounding conductors, grounding of exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of

electrical equipment, and protection of grounding conductors from physical

damage.

(h)

Determination of

general lighting loads, minimum branch circuits, minimum ampacity of conductors

in feeder and branch circuits, maximum allowable conductor fill for raceways,

net loads, using specified or optional methods, rates or demand factors, and

derating factors given in the Code.

(8)

Applicants who can demonstrate six (6)

years of electrical contracting experience to the satisfaction of the Division

are not required to demonstrate Primary Experience gained through the direct

installation of electrical systems.

(a)

Applicants shall notify the Division that he or she has the necessary knowledge

of technology and related work experience for the license Class for which they

are applying.

(b)

Education will be

credited at a rate of 50%, and no more than two (2) years of experience may be

based on Education. (For example, four (4) years of experience and four (4)

years of education would meet the required six (6) years of

experience.)

(c)

Applicants shall

provide at least one (1) reference from a licensed architect, professional

engineer, or electrical engineer who shall include his or her licensed number

on the form and can attest to the applicant's submitted experience.

(9)

Nothing in these rules shall

be construed to permit the unlicensed practice of Electrical

Contracting.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R.

& Regs. R. 121-3-.01

Authority: O.C.G.A.

§§ 43-14-1,

43-14-5,

43-14-6,

43-14-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Applications" was filed as Emergency Rule

121-3-1-0.3-.01 on July 28, 1980;

effective July 22,

1980, the date of adoption, to remain in effect for a period of

120 days or until the effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same

subject matter superseding this Emergency Rule, as specified by the

Agency.

Amended: Emergency Rule 121-3-1-0.3-.01 repealed and

Emergency Rule 121-3-1-0.9-.01 entitled "Application and Examination for

Licensure," adopted. Filed September 29,

1980; effective September

25, 1980, the date of adoption, to remain in effect for a

period of 120 days or until the effective date of a permanent Rule covering the

same subject matter superseding this Emergency Rule, as specified by the

Agency.

Amended: Emergency Rule repealed and permanent Rule of

same title adopted. Filed November 7,

1980; effective November

27, 1980.

Amended: Emergency Rule 121-3-1-0.13-.01 was filed on

January 26, 1981, effective

January 21, 1981,

the date of adoption, to remain in effect for a period of 120 days or until the

effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same subject matter superseding

this Emergency Rule, as specified by the Agency. (Said Emergency Rule repealed

paragraph (7) and adopted a new paragraph (7).)

Amended: Rule repealed by Emergency Rule

121-3-0.15-.01 entitled "Application for Statewide License." Filed

April 28, 1981; effective

April 22, 1981, the

date of adoption, to remain in effect for a period of 120 days or until the

effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same subject matter superseding

this Emergency Rule, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: Emergency Rule 121-3-0.15-.01 repealed and

permanent Rule 121-3-.01, of same title, adopted. Filed

July 30, 1981; effective

August 19,

1981.

Amended: Filed December 8,

1982; effective January 1,

1983, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: Rule repealed by Emergency Rule

121-3-0.22-.01. Filed March 22, 1983;

effective March 16,

1983, the date of adoption, to remain in effect for a period of

120 days or until the effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same

subject matter superseding this Emergency Rule, as specified by the Agency.

(Said Emergency Rule expired July 13, 1983.)

Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of same title

adopted. Filed July 13, 1983; effective

August 2,

1983.

Amended: Filed July 31,

1984; effective August

20, 1984.

Amended: Filed May 30,

1985; effective June 19,

1985.

Amended: Emergency Rule 121-3-0.35 containing

paragraph 121-3-0.35-.01(2) was filed and effective on

June 6, 1986, to remain in

effect for a period of 120 days or until the adoption of a new paragraph

superseding this Emergency Rule, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: Emergency Rule repealed and Rule amended.

Filed September 4, 1986; effective

September 24,

1986.

Amended: F. Oct. 26,

1989; eff. Nov. 15,

1989.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F.

Feb. 22, 1990; eff.

Mar. 14,

1990.

Amended: F. Jun. 6,

1991; eff. Jun. 26,

1991.

Amended: F. Dec. 10,

1992; eff. Dec. 30,

1992.

Amended: F. Jun. 18,

1993; eff. July 8,

1993.

Amended: New Rule entitled "Statewide Electrical

Contractor License" (i.e., Rule

121-2-.01 renumbered as Rule

121-3-.01). F. Feb. 27, 2025; eff.

Mar. 19,

2025.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 180-3-.05 Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 180-3-.05 Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 180. GEORGIA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS BOARD

Chapter 180-3. QUALIFICATIONS: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER AND ENGINEER-IN-TRAINING

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 180-3-.05. Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

(1)

As used in this Rule:

(a)

"Military" means the United States armed forces, including the National Guard.

(b)

"Military spouse" means the spouse of a service member or transitioning service member.

(c)

"Professional Engineer" or "PE" means a person who is registered as a Professional Engineer under the provisions of Chapter 15 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

(d)

"Land Surveyor" or "LS" means a person who is registered as a Land Surveyor under the provisions of Chapter 15 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

(e)

"Service member" means an active or reserve member of the United States armed forces, including the National Guard.

(f)

"Transitioning service member" means a member of the military or active duty status or on separation leave who is within 24 months of retirement or 12 months of separation.

(2)

Expedited applications. Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of a license application by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets all requirements for a license issued under Chapter 15 of Title 43.

(3)

Licensure by comity of service members, transitioning service members, and military spouses. A service member, transitioning service member, or military spouse may qualify for a license by comity where the applicant:

(a)

holds a license in good standing from another state for which the training, experience, and testing substantially meets or exceeds the requirements under Georgia law to obtain a license as a PE or LS;

(b)

submits to the Board a verification of licensure from the appropriate licensing agency of another state showing that the applicant's active license is in good standing in that state;

(c)

submits documentation satisfactory to the Board which verifies the applicant's status as a service member, transitioning service member, or military spouse;

(d)

submits a completed application for licensure by comity on a form approved by the Board, pays the required fee, and requests a license by comity.

(4)

Education, training, and experience obtained while in the military. A service member, transitioning service member, or military spouse may obtain credit for education and experience obtained while in the military that is required for licensure by Chapter 15 of Title 43 if he or she:

(a)

submits documentation of graduation from a college or university with the major and/or hourly requirements that substantially meet or exceed the requirements under Georgia law for licensure as a PE or LS;

(b)

submits documentation showing years of experience doing acceptable work performed under the supervision of a person whose credentials are acceptable to the Board which meet the requirements for licensure under Georgia law;

(c)

submits documentation satisfactory to the Board which verifies the applicant's status as a service member, transitioning service member, or military spouse;

(d)

submits proof of passing the examinations required for licensure; and

(e)

submits a completed application on a form approved by the Board for approval to take the licensure examination or for licensure and pays the required fee.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 180-3-.05

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-34, 43-15-4, 43-15-6, 43-15-9, 43-15-13, 43-15-14, 43-15-16.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses" adopted. F. Sep. 25, 2020; eff. Oct. 15, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 180-6-.03 Rules of Practice

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 180-6-.03 Rules of Practice

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 180. GEORGIA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS BOARD

Chapter 180-6. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 180-6-.03. Rules of Practice

(1)

The engineer or

land surveyor shall perform services only in areas of his/her competence. The

engineer or land surveyor shall undertake to perform engineering or land

surveying assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the

specific technical field of professional engineering or land surveying

involved.

(2)

The engineer or land

surveyor may accept an assignment requiring education or experience outside of

his/her own field of competence, but only to the extent that his/her services

are restricted to those phases of the project in which he/she is qualified. All

other phases of such project shall be performed by qualified associates,

consultants or employees who shall sign, seal, and be responsible for such

other phases or technical segments of the project.

(3)

The professional engineer who develops

the design criteria and engineering concept for a project, provides analysis,

and is responsible for the preparation of the construction documents shall be

responsible for the design of the project within his/her contractual area of

engineering services and shall be known as the engineer of record.

(4)

In the event that a professional engineer

who is not the engineer of record is used for specific portions of the work,

that individual shall be a registered engineer in the State of Georgia and

shall seal, sign, and date his/her own reports, calculations, and drawings.

He/she shall coordinate his/her work with the engineer of record and shall be

responsible to the engineer of record for that specific portion of the project

design. He/she shall be known as the specialty engineer.

(5)

The engineer or land surveyor shall not

affix his/her signature and/or seal to any engineering or land surveying plan,

document, or plat unless such plan, document, or plat is prepared by the

registrant or an individual in the employ of the registrant. All plans,

documents, and plats prepared by non-registrants must be prepared under the

direct supervisory control of the registrant on a daily basis.

(6)

The term "Direct supervisory control" as

referenced in O.C.G.A. § 43-15, as related to engineering shall require

the certifying registrant to provide guidance and direction to personnel in the

preparation of engineering plans, documents, or drawings in each phase of the

preparation of the calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, and all

other work products completed by said personnel. "Personnel" shall be defined

as any registrant or non-registrant employee or contract registrant or

non-registrant (whether full-time or part-time) or sub-consultant to the

certifying registrant who are members of the team producing work product to be

certified by the certifying registrant. The term "Direct supervisory control"

referenced in O.C.G.A. § 43-15, as related to land surveying, shall

require the certifying land surveying registrant to provide daily guidance and

direction to personnel in the performance and calculations related to field

work and the preparation of land surveying drawings and other related

documents. Land surveying personnel must be employed and managed directly by a

registrant or firm licensed to practice land surveying in Georgia. Direct

supervisory control may be typically established at a location (address) where

both the certifying registrant and personnel are employed and there is a direct

connection between the certifying registrant and the personnel. If the

certifying registrant and the personnel are not located at the same location,

then the certifying registrant must be able to demonstrate how direct

supervisory control is maintained over the personnel and how the certifying

registrant and the personnel maintain a direct connection for the direct

supervisory control of the engineering or surveying work as indicated above, if

requested by the Board. Satisfactory proof of direct supervisory control from

the certifying registrant over the personnel includes, but is not limited to,

written guidance or directions to the personnel; written records of ongoing

communication during the project; and work product mark-ups by the certifying

registrant to the personnel. The Board shall determine if such direct

supervisory control provided by the certifying registrant is acceptable to the

Board.

(7)

In the event a question

arises as to the competence of an engineer or land surveyor to perform an

assignment, the Board may require him/her to submit to an appropriate

examination, as determined by the Board. That action by the Board shall be

required only if the question cannot be otherwise resolved to the Board's

satisfaction.

(8)

Renovation or the

retrofitting of a building or structure is considered as the practice of

engineering when the work involves the addition or reduction of weight or

loading; analysis of structural systems or members; removal or addition of

structural elements; analysis of drainage systems on or below the roof surface;

changes to the drainage characteristics; or changes required for the building

or structure to conform to current jurisdictional building codes. Nothing in

this rule is intended to restrict the normal practice by registered architects.

Nothing in this rule is intended to restrict the normal practice of roofing

contractors insofar as repairing or the replacement of like kind of roofing

systems so long as no additional weight is added.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R.

& Regs. R. 180-6-.03

Authority: O.C.G.A.

§§ 43-1-25,

43-15-4,

43-15-6, and

43-15-22.

History. Original Rule entitled "Rules of Practice" was filed and effective

as Emergency Rule on July 31,

1975, to remain in effect for a period of 120 days or until a

permanent Rule covering the same subject matter has been adopted superseding

this Emergency Rule.

Amended: Permanent Rule adopted. Filed

November 4, 1975; effective

November 24,

1975.

Amended: F. Aug. 9,

1990; eff. Aug. 29,

1990.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F.

Feb. 25, 1993; eff.

Mar. 17,

1993.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F.

Jan. 17, 1996; eff.

Feb. 6, 1997.

Amended: F. Nov. 13,

1997; eff. Dec. 3,

1997.

Amended: F. May 30,

2017; eff. June 19,

2017.

Amended: F. Jan. 12,

2026; eff. Feb. 1,

2026.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 310-2-.01

(1) An application for licensure as a Landscape Architect by examination shall be submitted on a form provided by the Board and may be received at any time during regular business hours at the office of the Board. (a) Each applicant sitting for the examination must obtain written approval from the Board prior to taking any portion (written and/or computer based) of any examination offering that occurs at any time during the year. Scores obtained by an applicant from an examination for which there was not prior written approval by the Board will not be accepted by the Board for the purpose of licensure.

(2) An examination/application fee shall accompany the application.

(3) All portions of the application must be completed and the Board reserves the right to require the applicant to furnish proof of the statements made therein. Failure to supply additional evidence within the dates prescribed by the Board, or failure to appear before the Board, if requested, may be considered just and sufficient cause for denial of the application as an incomplete application.

(4) The Board reserves the right to retain any and all documents submitted.

(5) The Board may require evidence to support the adequacy of the training required. Successive periods of employment of less than 10 weeks may not be considered as part of a training described on the application.

(6) In order to be acceptable to the Board, the 18 months of training required in O.C.G.A. 43-23-7 as a prerequisite for the examination must be in the actual full-time practice of landscape architecture under the direct supervision of a registered landscape architect. Exceptions to the supervision requirements provided for in this paragraph will be considered by the Board on a case by case basis. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide adequate documentation to show evidence of having met the training requirement provided for in this paragraph. Full-time is defined as a minimum of 40 hours worked per week. In order for part-time work to fulfill the training requirement, 36 months of training with a minimum of 20 hours worked per week is required.

(7) Applicants who hold a Master of Landscape Architecture degree or a Master of Science degree in landscape architecture but who do not hold a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture, must complete the training requirements provided for in O.C.G.A. 43-23-7 as a prerequisite for the examination.

(8) The Board or its designated provider will provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The written request for an accommodation by an individual with a disability must be submitted to the Board office with the application along with appropriate documentation, as indicated in the Request for Disability Accommodation Guidelines.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 310-6-.01

(1) The Board reserves the right to exercise its discretion in the registration of an applicant through reciprocity, by requiring the applicant to qualify by passing the regular written examination or to have a satisfactory examination record from another state.

(2) The applicant seeking registration under this section shall submit satisfactory proof of registration in good standing in the state of prior registration.

(3) Registration under this section shall be granted only upon the basis of evidence that the applicant has qualified for registration in another state where the qualifications are substantially equal to those in Georgia at the date of application. The applicant shall be required to pass additional examination subjects which, in the opinion of the Board, will be the equivalent of the requirements in the State of Georgia.

(4) The applicant shall submit transcripts documenting education and information documenting employment history. The applicant shall submit any additional information requested by the Board.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 50-2-.03 Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 50-2-.03 Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 50. GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Chapter 50-2. REGISTRATION TO PRACTICE UNDER TITLE OF ARCHITECT

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 50-2-.03. Licensure of Veterans and Military Spouses

(1)

As used in this Rule:

(a)

"Military" means the United States armed

forces, including the National Guard.

(b)

"Military spouse" means the spouse of a

service member or transitioning service member.

(c)

"Registered Architect" means a person who

is technically and legally qualified and currently registered with the board to

practice architecture in the State of Georgia.

(d)

"Service member" means an active or

reserve member of the United States armed forces, including the National

Guard.

(e)

"Transitioning service

member" means a member of the military or active duty status or on separation

leave who is within 24 months of retirement or 12 months of

separation.

(2)

Expedited

applications. Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning

service members may qualify for expedited processing of a license application

by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service

member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets all requirements for a

license issued under Chapter 4 of Title 43.

(3)

Licensure by reciprocity of service

members, transitioning service members, and military spouses. A service member,

transitioning service member, or military spouse may qualify for a license by

reciprocity where the applicant:

(a)

holds a

license in good standing from another state for which the training, experience,

and testing substantially meets or exceeds the requirements under Georgia law

to obtain a license as an architect;

(b)

submits to the Board a verification of

licensure from the appropriate licensing agency of another state showing that

the applicant's active license is in good standing in that state;

(c)

submits documentation satisfactory to the

Board which verifies the applicant's status as a service member, transitioning

service member, or military spouse;

(d)

submits a completed application for

licensure by reciprocity on a form approved by the Board, pays the required

fee, and requests a license by reciprocity.

(4)

Education, training, and experience

obtained while in the military. A service member, transitioning service member,

or military spouse may obtain credit for education and experience obtained

while in the military that is required for licensure by Chapter 4 of Title 43

if he or she:

(a)

submits documentation of

graduation from a college or university with the major and/or hourly

requirements that substantially meet or exceed the requirements under Georgia

law for licensure as an architect;

(b)

submits documentation showing acceptable

experience doing architectural work performed under the supervision of a person

whose credentials are acceptable to the Board which meet the requirements for

licensure under Georgia law;

(c)

submits documentation satisfactory to the Board which verifies the applicant's

status as a service member, transitioning service member, or military

spouse;

(d)

submits proof of

passing the examination required for licensure; and

(e)

submits a completed application on a form

approved by the Board for approval to take the licensure examination or for

licensure and pays the required fee.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R.

& Regs. R. 50-2-.03

Authority: O.C.G.A.

§§ 43-1-34,

43-4-9,

43-4-10,

43-4-11,

43-4-31,

43-4-32,

43-4-35,

43-4-36.

History. Original Rule

entitled "Certificates to Be Recorded" adopted. F. and eff.

June 30, 1965.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Signing and Sealing

Documents as Registered Architect" adopted. F. Nov.

14, 1975; eff. Dec. 4,

1975.

Amended: F. Dec. 16,

1982; eff. Jan. 5,

1983.

Repealed: F. May 19,

2004; eff. June 8,

2004.

Adopted: New Rule entitled "Licensure of Veterans and

Military Spouses." F. Oct. 20, 2020; eff.

Nov. 9,

2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 50-4-.02 Applications for Examinations

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 50-4-.02 Applications for Examinations

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 50. GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Chapter 50-4. EXAMINATIONS

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 50-4-.02. Applications for Examinations

(1)

The applicant for examinations shall

submit an application on a form approved by the Board. In addition to the

information called for on the form, the applicant must also submit the

following:

(a)

An applicant with a

professional degree in Architecture applying under Code Section

43-4-11(b)(1) or

with a bachelor's degree applying under Code Section

43-4-11(b)(3)

shall submit an official copy of the college transcript on which shall be shown

the degree attained and the date of attainment. In addition, applicants who

claim credit for a second professional degree in Architecture shall submit an

official copy of the transcript of the course work for the second Professional

Degree on which shall be shown the degrees attained and the date of

attainment.

(b)

An applicant

without a Professional Degree in Architecture applying under Code Section

43-4-11(b)(2)

shall submit an official copy of the high school transcript, or an official

copy of the high school diploma, or other official proof of having completed

the equivalent of the high school course.

(c)

Official proof must also be submitted for

all other college courses, technical courses, and other educational credits

claimed by the applicant.

(d)

Statements of employers, references, and other supporting information must be

received on forms approved by the Board as set forth in the

application.

(e)

The appropriate

fee as determined by the Board must be paid.

(f)

All of the documents required by (a),

(b), (c), (d) and (e) above must be received prior to evaluation of the

application by the Board. If requested, the applicant shall furnish additional

information that may be required by the Board to clarify or substantiate

statements made in the application.

(2)

Reasonable accommodation will be provided

to a qualified applicant with a disability in accordance with the Americans

with Disabilities Act. The request for an accommodation by an individual with a

disability must be made in writing and received in the Board office at least 60

days prior to the examination administration along with the appropriate

documentation as indicated in the Request for Disability Accommodation

Guidelines.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R.

& Regs. R. 50-4-.02

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs.

43-1-7,

43-4-9,

43-4-11,

43-19-11.

History. Original Rule entitled

"Application for Examination" adopted. F. and eff.

June 30, 1965.

Repealed:

New Rule entitled "Applications for Examinations" adopted. F.

Nov. 14, 1975; eff.

Dec. 4, 1975.

Repealed:

New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 16,

1982; eff. Jan. 5,

1983.

Amended:

F. Oct. 18, 1985; eff.

Nov. 7, 1985.

Repealed:

New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 27,

1987; eff. Mar. 19,

1987.

Amended:

F. Aug. 10, 1989; eff.

Aug. 30, 1989.

Amended:

F. Apr. 19, 1993; eff.

May 9, 1993.

Amended:

F. Aug. 14, 2002; eff.

Sept. 3,

2002.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-1-.04 Obtaining a License

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-1-.04 Obtaining a License

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 520. GEORGIA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 520-1. LICENSURE AND BROKERAGE

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 520-1-.04. Obtaining a License

(1)

Fees. Whenever an individual applicant activates an original license, that applicant shall pay an activation fee and a renewal fee which shall cover all fees due the Commission until the applicant's month of birth in the fourth calendar year following the calendar year in which the license was activated. Whenever a firm applicant activates an original license, that firm shall pay an activation fee and a renewal fee which shall cover all fees due the Commission until the month of the fourth anniversary of the activation of a license by the firm.

(a)

Fees for all licenses and services performed by the Georgia Real Estate Commission shall be as follows:

1.

The activation fee for original licensure as an individual broker, associate broker, salesperson, community association manager shall be $45.00 which includes $20.00 for the Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund; and the activation fee for original licensure as a firm or an approved school or instructor shall be $75.00 which includes $20.00 for the Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund;

2.

Renewal fees for the four year renewal period shall be $125.00 for each firm licensed as a broker and each approved school and $125.00 for each individual licensee and each approved instructor if submitted and paid in any manner other than through the Commission's Internet on-line renewal system and $100.00 for each firm licensed as a broker and $100.00 for each individual licensee and each approved instructor if submitted and paid through the Commission's Internet on-line system.

3.

In addition to the renewal fee due, the fee for reinstatement of any license or approval which lapsed for nonpayment of fees or for failure to meet education requirements shall be as follows:

i.

if the license or approval is reinstated within four months of the date of lapsing, $100.00;

ii.

if the license or approval is reinstated more than four months after the date of lapsing, $100.00 plus an additional fee of $25.00 for an individual or instructor or $50.00 for a firm or school for each month or portion of a month beyond six months from the date of lapsing; and

4.

$25.00 (1) for failure to notify the Commission in writing within 30 days of a change of address, of the opening or closing of a designated trust account, of transferring to a new company, or of leaving a firm to go on inactive status; (2) for failure to affiliate with a new company or to apply to go on inactive status within 30 days of the Commission's receipt of notice that the broker holding the licensee's license no longer wishes to do so and has mailed a letter to the licensee's last known address indicating that the broker is returning the license to the Commission; and (3) whenever it is necessary for the Commission to return an application because of the application is incomplete;

5.

$100.00 for submitting to the Commission a check that is returned unpaid or for disputing a charge to a credit card for a fee owed to the Commission when the dispute results in a chargeback to the Commission's account; and

6.

Whenever an instructor or school applicant applies for an original approval, that applicant shall pay an activation fee and a renewal fee which shall cover all fees due the Commission until December 31st in the fourth calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicant's approval is granted.

(2)

Required Experience for Brokers License.

(a)

When a candidate for licensure seeks to meet the experience requirement for a broker's or an associate broker's license based on experience in another licensing jurisdiction and that jurisdiction's licensing agency is unable to certify that the applicant maintained a license in active status for at least three of the five years immediately preceding the filing of an application with the Commission because complete records are not available, the candidate for licensure must meet the following two conditions in order for the Commission to consider the application:

1.

the candidate for licensure obtained the experience within five years prior to date of making application in Georgia; and

2.

the candidate for licensure's former licensing jurisdiction is able to certify that the applicant was licensed at some time during the prior five years;

(b)

In addition, to the requirements of paragraph (a) above, the Commission may consider other credible evidence of the required experience such as:

1.

transactions files reflecting real estate brokerage activity within the last five years;

2.

an affidavit from any licensed broker with whom the applicant was affiliated and who remains currently licensed stating that (1) the broker is licensed, (2) the dates that the applicant was affiliated with the broker, and (3) the approximate number and type(s) of transactions in which the applicant participated; or

3.

if the candidate for licensure was a broker in the other state, an affidavit from the candidate for licensure stating that:

(1)

he or she was licensed,

(2)

the dates that the candidate for licensure was licensed,

(3)

the approximate number and type(s) of transactions in which the candidate for licensure participated, and

(4)

affidavits from three other brokers who can attest that the candidate for licensure operated as a broker and for what period of time.

(3)

Examinations.

(a)

Candidates for licensure must take a Commission approved examination and make a passing score as determined by psychometrically sound criterion-related methods associated with assessment of minimal competence. The methods used and the minimum passing score shall be published prior to the administration of the examination.

(b)

Any candidate for licensure who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or on active duty in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States including the National Guard, for a period of one year or more, of which at least 90 days were served during wartime or during any conflict when military personnel were committed by the President of the United States, shall be entitled to a credit of five points. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination in order to become licensed as a community association manager or a salesperson, said points shall be added to the grade made by the candidate for licensure in answering all questions in any such examination. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination to become licensed as a broker, said points shall be added to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Information Gathering section of the examination and to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Decision Making section of the examination.

(c)

Any candidate for licensure who is disabled who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or on active duty in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States including the National Guard, during wartime or during any conflict when military personnel were committed by the President of the United States shall be entitled to a credit of five points if the disability was for an injury or illness incurred in line of duty and such disability is officially rated at less than 10 percent at the time of taking said examination. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination in order to become licensed as a community association manager or a salesperson, said points shall be added to the grade made by the candidate for licensure in answering all questions in any such examination. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination to become licensed as a broker, said points shall be added to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Information Gathering section of the examination and to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Decision Making section of the examination.

(d)

Any candidate for licensure who is a disabled veteran and who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or on active duty in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, during wartime or during any conflict when military personnel were committed by the President of the United States shall be entitled to a credit of ten points if the disability was for an injury or illness incurred in line of duty and such disability is rated at 10 percent or above at the time of taking said examination. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination in order to become licensed as a community association manager or a salesperson, said points shall be added to the grade made by the candidate for licensure in answering all questions in any such examination. If such candidate for licensure is taking the examination to become licensed as a broker, said points shall be added to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Information Gathering section of the examination and to the grade such candidate for licensure makes on the Decision Making section of the examination.

(e)

The provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) above as to points to be allowed to veterans shall apply to any candidate for licensure, male or female, who comes within the classes herein specified; except that they shall not apply in any instance to a candidate for licensure who has not been honorably discharged.

(f)

Any candidate for licensure seeking to qualify for veterans preference points under the provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) above must:

1.

have served in a branch of the armed forces which participated in the war or conflict during which the candidate for licensure served at least ninety (90) days of active duty;

2.

have served at least ninety (90) days during a period of time when the Congress of the United States formally declared a state of war or when the Joint Chiefs of Staff authorized issuance of a campaign badge for service in a campaign or expedition in which the President committed military personnel; and

3.

submit proof of the candidate's service on official forms available through the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense which clearly identify active duty time and percentage of disability for an injury or illness incurred in line of duty.

(g)

A candidate for licensure for licensure who has moved to Georgia from another state or a candidate for licensure for non-resident licensure may be granted a license without further examination or education if such candidate for licensure produces, from the licensing body of each state which has licensed the candidate for licensure, an original certification issued no more than twelve months prior to the candidate for licensure making application for licensure which shows that the candidate for licensure:

1.

has passed an examination for the type of license for which such candidate for licensure seeks licensure in Georgia;

2.

has met all prelicense and continuing education requirements required by such other state(s) for that license;

3.

is licensed in good standing at the time of the certification; and

4.

has not had any disciplinary action imposed by such state's licensing body. A candidate for licensure whose certification from the other state(s) does not comply with all of the conditions in the preceding sentence must take and pass the qualifying examination for the Georgia license which such candidate for licensure seeks. Rather than the written certification required of applicants by this paragraph, the Commission, in its sole discretion, may choose to accept some electronic form of the certified data from other states, which applicants must submit, or by some other procedure that reduces paperwork.

(h)

If the criminal history report from another state of such a candidate for licensure a prior criminal conviction(s) or if the candidate for licensure has a prior professional license disciplinary action, the candidate for licensure shall comply with the provisions in paragraphs (8) and (9) of this rule and said candidate for licensure shall be subject to the provisions of 43-40-15 (a) et seq.

(i)

Any examinee, applicant, candidate for licensure, or licensee who without proper authorization supplies to others, or attempts to supply to others, any information concerning the content of any qualifying examination, administered by or approved by the Commission shall be grounds for denial of license or the imposition of any sanction permitted by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-25.

(j)

Approved instructors, approved schools, or their staff members are prohibited from:

1.

obtaining from examinees information concerning the content of any qualifying examination administered by or approved by the Commission;

2.

accepting such information except as provided or approved by the Commission; and

3.

using such information in non-approved courses operated by or in association with any approved instructor or approved school or their staff. Violation of this paragraph may be grounds for denial of approved status, withdrawal of approved status, suspension of approved status, or imposing any sanction permitted by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-25 upon both instructors and school.

(k)

Unless a person first obtains written permission of the Commission, a person may not take any qualifying examination offered by the Commission except:

1.

to qualify for or to reinstate the license for which the examination is designed;

2.

when:

a.

such person holds a license issued by the Commission by reciprocity rather than by examination,

b.

such person is applying to another state for licensure by reciprocity, and

c.

the state to which such person is applying requires that an applicant for reciprocity must have passed an examination in Georgia as a condition of receiving a license by reciprocity in that state; or

3.

when such person is required to take a qualifying examination by an Order of the Commission in a disciplinary matter.

(4)

Applications. Applications for licensure, for renewal of license, for transfer of license, for any change in status of a license, and for any change in the name of a firm required to be filed with the Commission, must be on Commission approved forms. Each Commission approved form may require the email address of an applicant and his or her affiliated firm (s), if an email address is maintained by such applicant or firm. Changes in other information required to be filed with the Commission such as changes in trust accounts, address changes, email address changes and individuals' name changes may be done by letter or email.

(a)

Any such application, change of information, or fee required to be filed with the Commission may be filed with the Commission by:

1.

personal delivery to the Commission's offices during regular business hours;

2.

mail in a letter postmarked by the United States Postal Service;

3.

private courier or delivery service; or

4.

electronic facsimile (fax) transmission or email if the application does not require the payment of a fee.

(b)

The effective date of the filing of the application or fee shall be the United States Postal Service postmarked date, if mailed, or if otherwise filed, the date the Commission dates receipt of the application or fee. In the event that receipt by the Commission of an application or fee occurs later than the deadline for the filing of such application or fee, the applicant or licensee shall bear the burden of proof that the application or fee was timely filed.

(c)

If an applicant or a candidate for licensure submits an application on a form which is no longer in use by the Commission and pays the correct fee in effect on the date of the application, the Commission may require the applicant to submit a new application on its latest form at no further cost to the applicant.

(d)

A licensee, an applicant, or a candidate for licensure must supply all information requested on any form the licensee submits to the Commission. Failure to supply all information shall cause the application to be incomplete. An application is incomplete if the applicant or a candidate for licensure fails to include the proper fee, to attach any required documents, to provide all requested biographical or other data, to include required signatures, or to include legible responses. Failing to disclose each and every criminal conviction, as defined by O.C.G.A. § 43-40-15(a), or license disciplinary action that the applicant may have in this state or any other jurisdiction may constitute a falsified application.

(e)

The Commission may assess the fees cited in Substantive Regulation 520-1-.04(1) on any incomplete application and may return any incomplete application, or any obsolete application, or any application on a non-approved form to a licensee or applicant by mail at either (1) the address listed on the incomplete or incorrect application or (2) the last known business address of record in the Commission's files if the incomplete or incorrect application contains no address.

(f)

The Commission will provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified candidate for licensure with a disability in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The request for an accommodation by an individual with a disability must be made in writing and received in the Commission's office by the application deadline along with appropriate documentation, as indicated in the Commission's Request for Disability Accommodation Guidelines.

(g)

Whenever an applicant or a candidate for licensure submits to the Commission an original application on paper for licensure as, including but not limited to, a broker, an associate broker, a salesperson, a community association manager, a sole proprietor firm, a corporation, a limited liability company, or a partnership or for approval as a school or an instructor, the Commission shall maintain the paper record for a period of 15 years and may then destroy the application. Whenever a licensee submits any other application to the Commission on paper, the Commission shall maintain the paper record for a period of one year and may then destroy the application. The Commission shall maintain all electronic licensing records for a period of at least 15 years.

(5)

Application Deadlines.

(a)

Any person who has taken the community association manager's examination and successfully passed the examination and any person who has taken the salesperson's examination and successfully passed the examination must make application for an active or inactive license within three months from the date of the examination taken, or after three months, must pay a fee equal to two times the original application fee. Any person who fails to activate a community association manager's or a salesperson's license by making application therefore within twelve months from the date of the examination taken must retake the examination. In addition to passing the qualifying examination, an applicant who applies for a community association manager's license must submit evidence of successful completion of the Community Association Manager's Prelicense Course (or an approved equivalency as set forth in Chapter 520-2) and an applicant who applies for a salesperson's license must submit evidence of successful completion of the Salesperson's Prelicense Course (or an approved equivalency as set forth in Chapter 520-2).

(b)

Any person who has taken the broker's examination and successfully passed the examination must activate a broker's or associate broker's license by making application therefore within 12 months from the date of the examination taken, or after 12 months must retake the examination. An applicant must show proof of having held a license in active status for at least three years of the five years immediately preceding the filing of an application to become a broker or an associate broker. Applicants whose prior active licensure was in a licensing jurisdiction other than Georgia must present an original certification of licensure from that licensing jurisdiction; and if the applicant was a broker in that licensing jurisdiction, the applicant must present an original certification of licensure of the firm or firms the applicant served as broker. The certification of licensure must have been issued no more than twelve months prior to the applicant's making application.

(6)

Name of Firm on Application.

(a)

A broker operating as a sole proprietor shall supply the Commission with the name in which the broker intends to conduct business on the broker's application for licensure as a sole proprietor and the same name shall be shown on the broker's certificate of licensure.

(b)

Any corporation applying for licensure as a broker shall submit with its application a copy of its corporate charter as registered with the Corporation Division of the Secretary of State's Office. In the event a corporation wishes to conduct business under a trade name, it shall also submit with its application a certified copy of its trade name, certified to by the Clerk of the County in which such certificate is on file. The corporate name as is shown on the corporate charter, or the trade name which appears on said certified copy, if the corporation has filed a trade name registration, shall be shown on the broker's certificate of licensure issued to the corporation. In the event a corporation chooses to conduct business under a trade name or change the name under which it is conducting business at any time after issuance of its initial certificate of licensure, it shall submit a certified copy of its trade name; and such trade name shall be shown on a new broker's certificate of licensure issued the corporation.

(c)

Any partnership applying for licensure as a broker shall submit with its application a copy of its partnership agreement and a certified copy of its Certificate of Trade Name, certified to by the Clerk of the County in which such certificate is on file. The trade name that appears on said certified copy shall be shown on the broker's certificate of licensure issued to the partnership.

(d)

Any limited liability company applying for licensure as a broker shall submit with its application a copy of its certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia as issued by the Secretary of State's office. In the event a limited liability company wishes to conduct business under a trade name, it shall also submit with its application a certified copy of its trade name, certified to by the clerk of the county in which such certificate is on file. The limited liability company's name that appears on its certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia, or the trade name which appears on the certified copy of its trade name, if the limited liability company has filed a trade name registration, shall be shown on the broker's certificate of licensure issued to the limited liability company. In the event a limited liability company chooses to conduct business under a trade name or change the name on its certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia at any time after issuance of the initial certificate of licensure, it shall submit a certified copy of its trade name or a copy of its revised certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia; and such new name shall be shown on its broker's certificate of licensure.

(e)

The trade name of any franchisee applying for licensure as a broker shall include the franchise name in a manner reasonably calculated to discern it from any other firm registered with the Commission by including both the franchise name and either: said firm's name as it appears on its corporate charter, partnership agreement, or certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia; or said firm's trade name, unique from the franchise name, as registered with each county in which it is doing business.

(7)

Criminal History Report. No more than 60 days prior to making application, each candidate for licensure or applicant for a license or an instructor approval shall obtain, at the expense of the candidate for licensure or applicant, and attach to the application for licensure or approval:

(a)

a certified criminal history report issued by the Georgia Crime Information Center of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, indicating whether the candidate for licensure or the applicant has any record of a criminal history;

(b)

for candidates for licensure or applicants for licensure who have not lived in Georgia, a certified criminal history report from their resident state, province, or territory that is equivalent to the report required in sub-paragraph (a) of this sub-section.

If that report indicates that the candidate for licensure or the applicant has a record in another jurisdiction, or if the applicant is unable to obtain a report as set forth in subparagraph (b) of this sub-section, the applicant must, at the applicant's expense, provide any necessary fingerprints, fees, authorization, or other requirements for the Commission to obtain a Federal Crime Information Center report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(8)

Applicants with Convictions. Whenever a candidate for licensure or an applicant reveals that such candidate or applicant for licensure has a criminal conviction, as that term is defined in O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-15(b)(1)(A), and whenever any licensee is convicted of any offense that the licensee is required to report to the Commission, such candidate for licensure, applicant, or licensee must supply to the Commission a certified copy of:

(a)

the citation, accusation, information, or indictment that led to the conviction; and

(b)

a certified copy of the sentence.

(9)

Applicants with Disciplinary Actions. Whenever a candidate for licensure or an applicant reveals that such candidate or applicant for licensure, has been the subject of a disciplinary action before any licensing agency, and whenever any licensee has been the subject of a disciplinary action before any licensing agency that the licensee is required to report to the Commission, such candidate for licensure, applicant, or licensee must supply the Commission with a certified copy of:

(a)

any allegations that preceded the final order; and

(b)

the final order of that licensing agency.

(10)

Incomplete Applications. The Commission, in its discretion, may deem an application for licensure as incomplete unless the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) are met and may elect not to process such an application unless and until those requirements are met.

(11)

Preliminary Decisions for Candidates for Licensure Having Convictions or Disciplinary Actions. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 43-40-15 provides in part that the Commission may deny a license to an applicant who has a prior criminal conviction(s) or a disciplinary action(s) imposed by any occupational licensing body. An applicant for licensure is a person who has met all experience, education, and examination requirements for the license sought. Because of the time and expense involved in becoming an applicant for licensure, the Commission affords an individual who has not yet become an applicant the opportunity to request that the Commission make a preliminary decision on the conviction(s) or the prior disciplinary action(s) before the individual takes the required education and examination for license. The purpose of a preliminary decision is merely to provide advisory guidance. Preliminary decisions are not binding. However, the Commission may elect to allow a favorable preliminary decision to become its final decision without further investigation or hearing when the individual becomes an applicant for licensure.

(a)

Required Information. An individual seeking a preliminary decision must submit to the Commission a certified copy of any indictment and conviction or a disciplinary action imposed by another licensing regulatory authority. An individual seeking a preliminary decision may also provide the Commission with any additional information that the individual believes may assist the Commission in rendering a preliminary decision.

(b)

Adverse Preliminary Decisions. A preliminary decision by the Commission that is unfavorable to the individual shall not prevent the individual from becoming an applicant for licensure by successfully completing all education, experience, and examination requirements for the license. Whenever the Commission denies a license based on a prior conviction or prior disciplinary action, it must provide the applicant the opportunity for notice and a hearing.

(12)

Request for hearing after Commission Denies an Application. If the Commission denies an application for licensure or reinstatement of licensure after an applicant has met the age, education, and examination requirements as described in O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-8 and 43-40-9 and the Rules and Regulations of the Commission and has paid all required fees for the license, that applicant may request a formal hearing concerning that denial. The applicant must make that request in writing to the Real Estate Commission within sixty (60) days of the Commission's mailing notice to the applicant to the address on the application that the Commission has reviewed the applicant's application and voted to deny the application.

(a)

If the applicant does not make written application for a formal hearing within sixty (60) days the application shall lapse and the applicant may not make another application for a license without again standing and passing any qualifying examination that may be required for that license and paying any required fees.

(b)

If the applicant makes written application for a formal hearing within sixty (60) days and is granted the opportunity for a formal hearing and the Commission affirms its denial of the application, the applicant may not make another application for a license without again standing and passing any qualifying examination that may be required for that license and paying any required fees.

(13)

Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Member Applications. Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of any license application submitted to the Commission by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets the requirements for a license under the law and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-1-.04

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§43-40-2, 43-40-3.1, 43-40-7, 43-40-9, 43-40-13, 43-40-14, 43-40-16, 43-40-25.

History. Original Rule entitled "Purchasing Equities" adopted as ER. 520-1-0.1-.04. F. and eff. July 12, 1973, the date of adoption.

Amended: Permanent Rule entitled "Advertising" adopted. F. Dec. 7, 1973; eff. Dec. 27, 1973.

Amended: F. Dec. 21, 1976; eff. Jan. 10, 1977.

Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. May 12, 1978; eff. June 1, 1978.

Amended: F. June 13, 1979; eff. July 3, 1979.

Amended: F. May 7, 1980; eff. June 1, 1980, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Nov. 13, 1981; eff. Dec. 2, 1981.

Amended: F. Mar. 11, 1982; eff. Mar. 31, 1982.

Amended: Authority changed. F. Aug. 5, 1982; eff. Nov. 1, 1982, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Feb. 10, 1983; eff. Mar. 3, 1983, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. May 9, 1985; eff. July 1, 1985, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Feb. 12, 1987; eff. Mar. 4, 1987.

Amended: F. May 15, 1989; eff. July 1, 1989, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Sept. 13, 1990; eff. Oct. 3, 1990.

Amended: F. Nov. 16, 1993; eff. Dec. 6, 1993.

Amended: F. Apr. 7, 1994; eff. Apr. 27, 1994.

Amended: F. July 19, 1994; eff. August 8, 1994.

Amended: F. Dec. 15, 1994; eff. Jan. 4, 1995.

Amended: F. June 14, 1996; eff. July 4, 1996.

Amended: F. Feb. 21, 1997; eff. Mar. 13, 1997.

Amended: F. Feb. 12, 1998; eff. Mar. 4, 1998.

Amended: F. Oct. 19, 1998; eff. Nov. 8, 1998.

Amended: F. May 13, 1999; eff. June 2, 1999.

Amended: F. June 10, 1999; eff. June 30, 1999.

Amended: F. Apr. 12, 2001; eff. May 2, 2001.

Amended: F. May 9, 2002; eff. May 29, 2002.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Obtaining a License" adopted. F. Nov. 12, 2003; eff. Dec. 2, 2003.

Amended: F. Dec. 10, 2003; eff. Dec. 30, 2003.

Amended: F. Sept. 21, 2004; eff. Oct. 11, 2004.

Amended: F. Dec. 8, 2004; eff. Dec. 28, 2004.

Amended: F. Jan. 14, 2005; eff. Feb. 3, 2005.

Amended: F. June 8, 2005; eff. June 28, 2005.

Amended: F. Dec. 19, 2005; eff. Jan. 8, 2006.

Amended: F. Feb. 15, 2006; eff. Mar. 7, 2006.

Amended: F. Aug. 9, 2006; eff. Aug. 29, 2006.

Amended: F. Oct. 12, 2006; eff. Nov. 1, 2006.

Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2007; eff. Sept. 4, 2007.

Amended: F. Jun. 5, 2013; eff. Jun. 25, 2013.

Amended: F. Jan. 24, 2014; eff. Feb. 15, 2014, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Aug. 28, 2017; eff. July 1, 2017, as specified by the Agency.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-1-.07 Management Responsibilities of Real Estate Firms

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-1-.07 Management Responsibilities of Real Estate Firms

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 520. GEORGIA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 520-1. LICENSURE AND BROKERAGE

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 520-1-.07. Management Responsibilities of Real Estate Firms

(1)

Name of Firm. A broker shall not conduct business under any name other than the one in which the broker's license is issued.

(2)

Responsibilities of Brokers or Qualifying Brokers.

(a)

A real estate broker or qualifying broker shall be held responsible for any licensee whose license is affiliated with the broker or the broker's firm who violates any of the provisions of O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-40 and its attendant Rules and Regulations.

(b)

Every broker or qualifying broker shall be responsible to instruct licensees affiliated with the broker or the broker's firm of the provisions set forth in the License Law and its Rules and Regulations.

(c)

The broker or qualifying broker shall notify the Georgia Real Estate Commission of any violation of the License Law and its Rules and Regulations.

See also O.C.G.A. §§ 43-40-1, 43-40-2, & 43-40-18.

(3)

Change of Qualifying Broker.

(a)

Whenever the qualifying broker of a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation dies, resigns, or is discharged unexpectedly, the partnership, limited liability company, or corporation must secure a new qualifying broker within 60 days or cease all real estate brokerage activity until it does secure a new qualifying broker.

(b)

During the period of time that the firm is seeking a new qualifying broker to replace a qualifying broker who dies, resigns, or is discharged unexpectedly, the firm must designate a partner, if a partnership; a member, if a limited liability company; or an officer, if a corporation, to sign any documents and applications which must be filed with the Commission and to disburse trust funds from the firm's designated trust account(s) as may be required by any contracts or agreements authorizing the firm to hold such trust funds.

(4)

Qualifying Brokers Affiliated with Multiple Firms.

(a)

A person licensed by the Commission as a broker or qualifying broker for a licensed firm may serve as the broker or qualifying broker with one or more other licensed firms.

(b)

A person licensed as an associate broker and affiliated with a licensed firm may serve as the broker or qualifying broker for one or more other licensed firms provided such person has notified in writing the broker with whom he or she is affiliated as an associate broker of his or her intended services as a broker or qualifying broker with another firm.

See also O.C.G.A. §§ 43-40-2, 43-40-14, & 43-40-25.

(5)

Transferring Licensees Into or Out of a Firm.

(a)

Any broker seeking to have a licensee affiliate with the broker's firm shall enter into a written agreement specifying the terms under which the licensee will be compensated for work during the time of their affiliation and specifying how the licensee will be compensated for work begun but not completed prior to the termination of their affiliation. Other than to determine that such agreements are entered into by licensees and their broker, the Commission shall not regulate the content of such agreements or enforce the provisions of such agreements. A dispute between licensees as to whether the terms of this agreement have been met shall not be grounds for the broker's refusal to sign a release and to forward the wall certificate of licensure to the Commission nor for either party to file a complaint with the Commission.

(b)

When a licensee requests that a release form be signed, the releasing broker shall immediately sign the release and forward the wall certificate of licensure of the departing licensee to the Commission or notify the Commission in writing that the wall certificate of licensure has been forwarded to the new broker for whom the licensee will act. If a licensee assumes the responsibility of delivering the wall certificate to a new broker, then the wall certificate must be delivered as soon as practically possible after the licensee receives it from the releasing broker.

(c)

Any licensee transferring shall not take, nor have in the licensee's possession, nor use any written brokerage engagement secured through the office or through licensed affiliates of the releasing broker, unless specifically authorized by the broker. The names of all prospective customers or clients given in writing to the departing licensee during the tenure of the affiliation with the releasing broker shall be accounted for to that broker. All plats of property, keys and other property which the releasing broker owns or for which the releasing broker is responsible,"for sale" signs, notebooks, listing cards, or records of any kind that have been used in connection with the listing or selling of property or with the management of property or community associations shall be returned in person by the departing licensee to the person designated by the releasing broker. Any broker seeking to have a licensee affiliate with the broker's firm shall enter into a written agreement expressing the terms under which the provisions of this paragraph shall be fulfilled upon the licensee's transferring from the broker. Failure of a departing licensee to meet the requirements of this paragraph shall not be grounds for the broker's refusal to sign a release and to forward the wall certificate of licensure to the Commission, but shall be grounds for the filing with the Commission of a formal written complaint against the departing licensee.

(d)

Whenever a broker returns to the Commission a wall certificate of licensure of a licensee affiliated with the broker's firm, the certificate shall be accompanied by a release signed by both the broker or authorized associate broker and the licensee or by a signed statement that such a release has been signed by both parties. The licensee shall then transfer the license to another broker or apply to place the license on inactive status within one month of the Commission's receipt of the licensee's wall certificate of licensure. If a broker is releasing a licensee for reasons other than the licensee's request and is unable for any reason to obtain the licensee's signature on the release, the broker or authorized associate broker shall send to the Commission a copy of a letter from the broker or authorized associate broker mailed to the licensee's last known address indicating that the broker is returning the license to the Commission. The broker's letter to the licensee should state clearly that the licensee has one month from the Commission's receipt of the licensee's wall certificate of licensure to apply to transfer to another broker or to apply to place the license on inactive status.

(e)

Whenever a licensee decides to terminate an affiliation with a firm, such licensee may not have any contact with any of the firm's clients that the licensee is serving under a listing, a management agreement, or other brokerage engagement until the expiration of such a brokerage engagement, except as may be expressly approved in writing by the broker or qualifying broker of the firm that the licensee is leaving.

(f)

Applications for sponsoring broker forms and applications for transfer or release may be signed only by the broker or an associate broker if the broker permits the associate broker such authority in writing. Such written authority shall be permanently maintained by the broker.

(g)

Duplicate certificates of licensure and/or pocket cards shall be issued upon satisfactory proof of loss of the original.

See also O.C.G.A. §§ 43-40-2, 43-40-7, 43-40-11, 43-40-14, & 43-40-25.

(6)

Utilizing Support Personnel - Task Guidelines.

(a)

Whenever a firm or a licensee who is affiliated with a firm engages support personnel to assist the firm or the affiliated licensee in the conduct of the real estate brokerage business, both the firm and the affiliated licensee are responsible for the acts of the support personnel and for assuring that the support personnel comply with the requirements of this rule and the license law. Support personnel may not perform any real estate brokerage activities of a real estate licensee when engaged as support personnel and may perform only ministerial duties, those that do not require discretion or the exercise of the support personnel's own judgment.

(b)

Nothing in this rule shall prohibit an individual employed by a firm to assist in the management of property from undertaking those activities permitted by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-29(10).

(c)

An individual actively licensed with one firm may work as support personnel for a different firm or for a licensee(s) of a different firm with the written consent of the broker of each firm. An individual whose license is on inactive status may work as support personnel for a firm or any affiliated licensee.

(d)

Any firm which employs (or engages under an independent contractor agreement) support personnel to assist such firm or an affiliated licensee of said firm in carrying out his or her real estate brokerage activities must:

1.

enter into a written agreement with the support personnel specifying the duties that the support personnel may undertake on behalf of the firm or an affiliated licensee of the firm and the tasks that support personnel are prohibited from performing on behalf of the firm or an affiliated licensee of the firm;

2.

if applicable, enter into a written agreement with the affiliated licensee authorizing the use of the support personnel, specifying the duties that the support personnel may undertake on behalf of the affiliated licensee of the firm and the tasks that support personnel are prohibited from performing, and approving any compensation arrangement the affiliated licensee has with the support personnel;

3.

if applicable, assure that the affiliated licensee of the firm and the support personnel have entered into a separate written agreement specifying the duties that the support personnel may undertake on behalf of the affiliated licensee of the firm, the tasks that support personnel are prohibited from performing, and the compensation arrangement the affiliated licensee has with the support personnel.

(e)

In order to provide reasonable guidelines for firms, affiliated licensees and support personnel, but without defining every permitted or prohibited activity, the Commission has identified the following tasks that support personnel may perform:

1.

answer the telephone and forward calls and emails to a licensee;

2.

submit data on listings to a multiple listing service;

3.

check on the status of loan commitments after a contract has been negotiated;

4.

assemble documents for closings;

5.

secure documents that are public information from a courthouse and other sources available to the public;

6.

have keys made for firm listings and install or remove lock boxes from firm listings;

7.

write advertisements and promotional materials for the approval of the firm and any affiliated licensee;

8.

place advertisements in the media as defined in Rule 520-1-.09(1)(b) and as directed by the firm;

9.

record, and deposit earnest money, security deposits, and rents;

10.

type contract forms as directed by the firm or affiliated licensee of the firm;

11.

monitor personnel files and license reports from the Commission;

12.

compute commission checks;

13.

place signs on real estate and remove such signs;

14.

order items of routine repair as directed by the firm or affiliated licensee;

15.

act as courier for such purposes as delivering documents or obtaining documents and keys;

16.

schedule appointments with an owner or an owner's agent in order for a licensee to show listed real estate;

17.

arrange dates and times for inspections;

18.

arrange dates and times for a mortgage application, a pre-closing walk through, or a closing;

19.

schedule an open house;

20.

accompany a licensee to an open house or a showing only for security purposes; or

21.

perform physical maintenance on real estate.

(f)

The Commission has identified the following tasks that support personnel shall not perform:

1.

make cold calls by telephone, in person, or through any media as defined in Rule 520-1-.09(1)(b) or otherwise contact the public for the purpose of securing prospects for listings, leasing, sales, exchanges, or property management of real estate;

2.

host open houses, kiosks, home show booths, or fairs;

3.

prepare promotional materials or advertisements without the review and approval of an affiliated licensee and firm;

4.

show real estate;

5.

answer any questions on title, financing, or closings (other than the time and place);

6.

answer any questions regarding a listing except for information on price and amenities expressly authorized in writing by the licensee;

7.

discuss or explain a contract, listing, lease, agreement, or other real estate document with anyone outside the firm;

8.

negotiate or agree to any commission, commission split, management fee, or referral fee on behalf of a licensee;

9.

discuss the attributes or amenities of real estate, under any circumstances, with a prospective purchaser or lessee;

10.

discuss with the owner of real estate, the terms and conditions of the real estate offered for sale or lease;

11.

collect or hold deposit monies, rent, other monies or anything of value received from the owner of real estate or from a prospective purchaser or lessee; or

12.

provide owners of real estate or prospective purchasers or lessees with any advice, recommendations or suggestions as to the sale, purchase, exchange, or leasing of real estate that is listed, to be listed, or currently available for sale or lease.

(g)

Unlicensed support personnel or inactive licensed support personnel shall not hold themselves out in any manner, orally or in writing, as being actively licensed or affiliated with a particular firm or real estate broker as a licensee.

(7)

Sharing Commissions with Non-Resident Brokers. A licensed broker in this state is hereby permitted to divide or share a real estate commission with a licensed broker in another state. If a broker licensed in another licensing jurisdiction refers prospective clients or customers to a Georgia broker, the Georgia broker may pay a fee to such licensed broker. Such brokers who refer prospective clients or customers to a Georgia broker may not perform any of the other acts of a broker with regard to property located in this state unless they first obtain a nonresident's license or enter into a written agreement with a Georgia broker as permitted by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-9.

See also O.C.G.A. §§ 43-40-2, 43-40-9, & 43-40-25.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-1-.07

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-40-2, 43-40-14, 43-40-25.

History. Original Rule entitled "Broker or Salesman Attempting to Act in Dual Capacity" adopted as ER. 520-1-0.1-.07. F. and eff. July 12, 1973, the date of adoption.

Amended: Permanent Rule entitled "Closing" adopted. F. Dec. 7, 1973; eff. Dec. 27, 1973.

Amended: Authority changed. F. Aug. 5, 1982; eff. Nov. 1, 1982, as specified by the Agency.

Repealed: F. May 9, 1985; eff. July 1, 1985, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: New Rule entitled "Real Estate Brokers and Qualifying Brokers" adopted. F. Feb. 13, 1986; eff. Apr. 1, 1986, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. July 19, 1994; eff. August 8, 1994.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Management Responsibilities of Real Estate Firms" adopted. F. Nov. 12, 2003; eff. Dec. 2, 2003.

Amended: F. Oct 10, 2014; eff. November 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-2-.04 Real Estate Courses

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 520-2-.04 Real Estate Courses

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 520. GEORGIA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 520-2. STANDARDS FOR REAL ESTATE COURSES

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 520-2-.04. Real Estate Courses

(1)

Developing and Offering Courses.

(a)

Purpose. The Commission intends that all courses offered by its approved schools to meet the requirements of this Chapter shall be educational in nature. Schools should not specifically orient courses to the passing of state licensing examinations or other examinations. The courses should introduce students to the language of the profession and basic theory underlying the duties and responsibilities of real estate licensees. They should also seek to improve licensee's skills in handling the normal business activities of a licensee. Courses must require practice in the skills being taught and provide a significant number of exercises for practice of those skills. All courses should make students aware of the need for further study and the perfection of practical skills.

(b)

Course Code. An approved school may not hold out a course as meeting the requirements of this Chapter until the course is posted on the Commission's electronic record of the school's courses or the school receives other written authorization from the Commission.

(2)

Instructors. Only instructors approved by the Commission under the standards of this Chapter may instruct Salespersons Prelicense, Brokers Prelicense, or Community Association Managers Prelicense courses. Only instructors with appropriate experience and knowledge of the content areas of Salespersons Postlicense or continuing education courses may teach these courses.

(3)

Hours of Instruction. For all courses under the requirements of this chapter, an "instructional hour" means a period of time of at least fifty minutes of instruction or other learning activity. In-class instruction and testing in any course shall not exceed seven and one-half hours per day. The school shall hold all in-class instruction between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. with breaks totaling at least fifteen minutes every two hours. The schedule must allow reasonable time for preparation for each classroom session. All in-class instruction for Brokers Prelicense course students shall be separate from all in-class instruction for Salespersons Prelicense course students. Instructors shall utilize no more than thirty minutes of audio or video material toward meeting any required in-class (or makeup) hours of instruction unless the Commission grants written authorization for such material prior to its use.

(4)

Prelicense Courses.

(a)

Documentation Required for Offered Courses. For each prelicense course, the approved school must maintain and make readily available to an authorized representative of the Commission the following documentation:

(1)

Course Outline. A detailed course outline that identifies the hours to be spent on each subject area to be covered in the course and all planned exercises that students are required to complete.

(2)

Learning Objectives. A detailed list of learning objectives for each instructional hour of the course. A learning objective is part of the overall goal of the course. An objective states, in terms that are measurable, what the student should be able to do, explain, or demonstrate upon mastery of the content of each hour of instruction.

(3)

Texts. A list of text materials utilized in the course;

(4)

Evaluation Materials. Copies of daily tests, final examinations, or other materials used to evaluate student performance;

(5)

Student Records. - Records that identify each student and the student's attendance record and final grade for any course; and

(6)

Course Evaluations. Written summaries of student evaluations of the courses.

(7)

Ethics. Every course offered by an approved school for prelicense credit must include acknowledgment and coverage of the ethical implications of the subject matter of the course.

(8)

Additional Subjects. Schools may offer units of instruction on subjects other than those required for courses cited in this Rule only with prior written authorization from the Commission.

(9)

Reading Assignments and Exercises. For all prelicense courses cited in this Rule, schools must include with each instructional unit appropriate reading assignments for completion out of class. The school shall also require that students complete out of class extensive written exercises that the school grades.

(10)

Student Certifications. Each out of class written assignment a student submits for grading must include the following:

I certify that I have personally completed this assignment.

Date Student's Signature

The school shall refuse to grade any out of class written assignment on which the student does not sign this statement.

(11)

An approved instructor and/or the school coordinator/director must grade the written course work required of students.

(b)

Community Association Managers Prelicense Course. A Community Association Managers Prelicense Course must provide for a minimum of twenty-five instructional hours. Schools may not count time students spend on breaks as part of in-class instruction time. Time students spend in taking graded exercises and tests or final examinations may not constitute more than ten percent of in-class instruction time. The course must cover fundamentals in the following areas:

1.

property law including Georgia laws on common interest ownership, public rights and limitations, and fair housing laws;

2.

forms of ownership including planned unit development (PUD), homeowner's associations, condominiums, cooperatives, timeshares, townhouses, and master association relationships and how to interpret community association governing documents;

3.

contracts and transaction documents including the content and negotiation of management agreements, the nature and content of insurance documents, and resale certificates;

4.

real estate instruments and conveyances including notices, proxies, and liens and amendments to documents and the requirements for reinstatement;

5.

law of agency including identifying and understanding agency relationships and duties between community association managers and association boards, members, and tenants of members; single and dual agency; and agency disclosure;

6.

financing instruments and basic accounting practices including principles of accounting for trust accounts, for common interest associations, and for lender requirements for recertification;

7.

Georgia real estate license law;

8.

ethics in community association management;

9.

environmental laws;

10.

safety precautions; and/or

11.

such other areas as the Commission may from time to time require or authorize.

(c)

Salespersons Prelicense Course. A Salespersons Prelicense Course must provide for a minimum of seventy-five instructional hours. Schools may not count time students spend on breaks as part of the required instruction time. Time students spend in taking graded exercises and tests or final examinations may not constitute more than ten percent of the required instruction time. The course must cover fundamentals in the following areas:

1.

real estate contracts including completing and presenting form real estate sales contracts with extensive practice with problems involving new FHA, VA, and conventional loans; loan assumptions; brokerage engagements; and leases (students must demonstrate proficiency in completing such form contracts by passing a school developed and administered test or by satisfying such other assessment measurements established by the school as the Commission may authorize);

2.

real estate instruments and conveyances;

3.

closing procedures (RESPA) including a salesperson's responsibilities at a loan closing conducted by someone else and an explanation of standard closing procedures and documents used in the salesperson's services area;

4.

law of agency including agency disclosure;

5.

pricing real property (students must demonstrate proficiency in preparing forms which document such pricing by passing a school developed and administered test or by satisfying such other assessment measurements established by the school as the Commission may authorize);

6.

real estate financing including extensive practice in estimating costs of selling and purchasing property and estimating monthly payments (students must demonstrate proficiency in completing forms which document such estimates by passing a school developed and administered test or by satisfying such other assessment measurements established by the school as the Commission may authorize);

7.

Georgia's Residential Mortgage Fraud law and methods for identifying possible fraud in transactions and properly reporting alleged fraud;

8.

community association management activities and property management activities;

9.

environmental laws;

10.

taxation;

11.

city and urban development;

12.

fair housing;

13.

anti-trust laws;

14.

safety precautions;

15.

Georgia's real estate license law; and/or

16.

such other areas as the Commission may from time to time require or authorize.

(d)

Brokers Prelicense Course. A Brokers Prelicense Course must provide for a minimum of sixty instructional hours. Schools may not count time students spend on breaks as part of the required instruction time. Time students spend in taking graded exercises and tests or the final examination may not constitute more than ten percent of the required instruction time. The Brokers Prelicense Course must review all subject areas covered in the Salespersons Prelicense Course so that students may learn advanced concepts in those areas. In addition, the course must include significant components covering conducting loan closings, real estate office management, personnel policies, trust account record keeping, discharging a broker's responsibility for associate licensees, and/or such other areas as the Commission may from time to time require or authorize.

(5)

Sales Postlicense Course.

(a)

Documentation Required for Offered Courses. For each postlicense course, the school must maintain and make readily available to an authorized representative of the Commission the following documentation:

(1)

Course Outline. A detailed course outline that identifies the hours to be spent on each subject area to be covered in the course and all planned exercises that students are required to complete;

(2)

Learning Objectives. A detailed list of learning objectives for each instructional hour of the course. A learning objective is part of the overall goal of the course. An objective states, in terms that are measurable, what the student should be able to do, explain, or demonstrate upon mastery of the content of each hour of instruction;

(3)

Texts. A list of text materials utilized in the course;

(4)

Evaluation Materials. Copies of daily tests, final examinations, or other materials used to evaluate student performance;

(5)

Student Records. Records that identify each student and the student's attendance record; and

(6)

Course Evaluations. Written summaries of student evaluations of the courses.

(7)

Ethics. Every course offered by an approved school for postlicense credit must include acknowledgment and coverage of the ethical implications of the subject matter of the course.

(b)

A Sales Postlicense Course must provide for a minimum of twenty-five instructional hours. Schools may not count time students spend on breaks as part of the required instruction time. Time students spend in taking graded exercises and tests or final examinations may not constitute more than ten percent of the required instruction time. The curriculum of the course must focus on legal fundamentals and/or basic practices in sales or management of residential, agricultural, commercial, or industrial properties. If the subject matter of the course addresses residential sales, then the course must include a component on Georgia's Residential Mortgage Fraud law and methods for identifying possible fraud in transactions and properly reporting alleged fraud.

(6)

Continuing Education Courses. Every approved school must offer every calendar year a course designed to help licensees meet the continuing education requirements of O.C.G.A. § 43-40-8(e). This course or courses shall be in addition to the Community Association Managers Prelicense, Salespersons Prelicense, Sales Postlicense, or Brokers Prelicense Course.

(a)

Documentation Required for Offered Courses. For each continuing education, course, the approved school must maintain and make readily available to an authorized representative of the Commission the following documentation:

(1)

Course Outline. A detailed course outline that identifies the hours to be spent on each subject area to be covered in the course and all planned exercises that students are required to complete

(2)

Learning Objectives. A detailed list of learning objectives for each instructional hour of the course. A learning objective is part of the overall goal of the course. An objective states, in terms that are measurable, what the student should be able to do, explain, or demonstrate upon mastery of the content of each hour of instruction.

(3)

Texts. A list of text materials utilized in the course;

(4)

Student Records. Records that identify each student and the student's attendance record; and

(5)

Course Evaluations. Written summaries of student evaluations of the courses.

(b)

Duration of Classes. No school may offer a continuing education course of fewer than three credit hours. A credit hour is defined as an "instructional hour" means a period of time of at least fifty minutes of instruction or other learning activity. In-class instruction and testing in any course must not exceed seven and one-half clock hours per day.

(c)

Subject Areas. In order to provide reasonable guidelines for approved schools but without defining every area or topic of continuing education, the Commission has identified the following areas or topics of continuing education that are considered appropriate for continuing education in addition to the areas or topics found in paragraph (4) of this Rule. These areas or topics of continuing education are:

1.

all forms of real estate including agricultural, commercial, and industrial;

2.

real estate development and construction

3.

real estate legal descriptions, plats, and surveys;

4.

land use and zoning;

5.

property management, landlord/tenant issues;

6.

real estate ad valorem taxes;

7.

real estate title issues;

8.

water rights;

9.

real estate income tax issues;

10.

real estate inspections;

11.

business brokerage;

12.

real estate auctions;

13.

ethics; and

14.

such other subjects as the Commission may deem appropriate.

The Commission has identified the following areas or topics that may not be considered appropriate areas or topics of continuing education unless the area or topic has the prior written authorization of the Commission. Courses designed for the personal growth, business development, or to specifically benefit the real estate licensee are discouraged. The areas or topics of continuing education that may not be considered appropriate for continuing education include, but are not limited to:

1.

the psychology of selling;

2.

personality assessments;

3.

business development;

4.

personal real estate investing;

5.

retirement planning;

6.

personal or business branding such as dress and presentation techniques;

7.

motivational classes or seminars;

8.

time management classes;

9.

sales and marketing techniques unrelated to real estate;

10.

instruction in the use of technology, computers, or other devices; and

11.

training in social media;

Courses that have already been issued a course approval code may continue until such time as further approval may be required.

(d)

Courses Exceeding Twenty-Four Hours. The Commission will accept any course for continuing education credit that exceeds twenty-four classroom hours in length only if such course also meets all requirements for approval as a Sales Postlicense course.

(e)

Repeating Courses. A licensee who has successfully completed a course to meet any part of such licensee's continuing education credit may not repeat that course unless at least one full year has passed since the completion of that course.

(f)

Effective July 1, 2020, any course developed to qualify as a continuing education course on the topic of license law under Rule 520-1-.05(1)(e) shall have a minimum of three credit hours and shall contain a review of material limited to the following areas of license law:

(1)

The effects on license status by a licensee of prohibited conduct found in O.C.G.A. § 43-40-15(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (m);

(2)

Requirements of a qualifying broker and an affiliated licensee upon transfer of a license from one firm to another under O.C.G.A. 43-40-19 and Rule 520-1-.07(5);

(3)

Requirements of a qualifying broker and affiliate licensee concerning trust or escrow accounts under O.C.G.A. § 43-40-20 and under Rule 520-1-.08;

(4)

Unfair trade practices prohibited by O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25(b);

(5)

Brokerage relationships under Rule 520-1-.06;

(6)

Management responsibilities of real estate firms under Rule 520-1-.07(4), (5) and 6;

(7)

Advertising under O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25(b)(1), (2), (11), (12) and (21) and Rule 520-1-.09;

(8)

Handling real estate transactions under Rule 520-1-.10; and

(9)

Licensees acting as principals under Rule 520-1-.11.

(7)

Teaching Methods. While instructors may use such teaching methods as lecture, discussion, questions and answers, etc. in in-class sessions, instruction should also include role play, simulations, or other similar instructional techniques designed to assist students in mastering such skills as writing offers, presenting offers, calculating costs, pricing property, and complying with fair housing laws.

(8)

Interactive Instruction Required. Schools must present courses to students through interactive instructional techniques. Examples of interactive instruction include such teaching techniques as providing a student (1) the opportunity for immediate exchange with an instructor in a classroom setting and (2) immediate assessment and remediation through computer assisted or other audio or audiovisual interactive instruction. Schools shall not attempt to provide instruction primarily by having students (a) read text material, (b) listen to audio tapes, (c) watch video tapes or films, or (d) study questions similar to those on the state licensing examinations or by combining elements of (a) through (d) above.

(9)

Distance Education Courses. Distance education is comprised of courses in which instruction does not take place in a traditional classroom setting but rather through other media in which distance and time separate teacher and student. Schools generally deliver distance education courses through such media as telecommunications or by computer. The Commission approves distance education courses:

(a)

that meet all of the requirements of this chapter, or

(b)

for which the applicant provides satisfactory documentation that the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) has certified the course as meeting its distance education standards. Any Commission approval based on such an ARELLO certification will cease immediately upon notice from ARELLO that ARELLO has discontinued such certification of the course for any reason. Synchronous Internet Courses or "Webinar" Courses require ARELLO certification. In distance education courses, a credit hour is defined as sixty minutes of instruction.

(10)

Computer-Based Courses. The Commission approves the offering of computer-based courses that meet the specific standards of this Rule and all other applicable requirements of this Chapter.

(a)

Teach to Mastery. Every course offered under this Rule must teach to mastery. Teaching to mastery means that the course must, at a minimum:

1.

divide the material into major units as approved by the Commission;

2.

divide each of the major units of content into modules of instruction for delivery on a computer;

3.

specify the learning objectives for each module of instruction. The learning objectives must be comprehensive enough to insure that if all the objectives are met, the student will master the entire content of the course;

4.

specify an objective, quantitative criterion for mastery used for each learning objective;

5.

implement a structured learning method by which each student is able to attain each learning objective;

6.

provide means of diagnostic assessment of each student's performance on an ongoing basis during each module of instruction. This assessment process must measure what each student has learned and not learned at regular intervals throughout each module of instruction, and the diagnostic assessment must specifically assess the mastery of each concept covered in the content material.

7.

provide a means of tailoring the instruction to the needs of each student as identified in (10) (a) 5. above. The process of tailoring the instruction must insure that each student receives adequate remediation for specific deficiencies identified by the diagnostic assessment;

8.

continue the appropriate remediation on an individualized basis until the student demonstrates achievement of each mastery criterion;

9.

require that the student demonstrate mastery of all material covered by the learning objectives for the module before the student completes the module; and

10.

consist of interactive computer-based instructional material which will reasonably require a student completing the course to expend the number of hours for which the school offers the course.

(b)

Documentation of Methodology. Prior to the development of specific computer-based courses to be offered to meet prelicense, postlicense, and continuing education requirements, a school must submit to the Commission for its approval satisfactory documentation of the method by which the course will accomplish each element of mastery in paragraph (a) of this Rule. If the Commission authorizes that method, the school may utilize that method in developing any courses it may offer to meet licensees' education requirements under this chapter. The school must base the rationale for the educational processes implemented with computer-based study on sound instructional strategies systematically designed and proven effective through educational research and development. The school must specify the basis and rationale for any proposed instructional approach in any request for approval.

(c)

Required Testing and Evaluation of Courses. Courses offered under this Rule must also meet the criteria outlined in this Rule except those covering in-class instruction. Except where the Commission has granted permission in writing to do otherwise, persons developing computer-based courses must:

1.

when developing prelicense courses for salespersons and community association managers, utilize at least nine persons in testing programs in order to evaluate for the developer the quality of content and the user friendliness of software and hardware. Of those nine persons, at least three must be unlicensed, at least three must be licensed salespersons or community association managers, and at least six must be non-educators. Persons developing any other courses for education credit for licensees must utilize at least six persons in testing programs in order to evaluate for the developer the quality of the content and the user friendliness of software and hardware. Of those six persons at least four must be non-educators and no more than two may be brokers, unless the course will only be offered to brokers. Persons developing such courses must document that those testing the programs have varying skill and knowledge levels of computers and real estate; and

2.

make reasonably available to an authorized representative of the Commission documentation on the development and testing processes utilized in its computer-based courses.

(d)

The Commission has determined that the following types of programs do not meet the requirements of this Rule:

1.

those programs that consist primarily of text material presented on a computer or other audio or audiovisual programs rather than in printed material;

2.

those programs that consist primarily of questions similar to those on the state licensing examination;

3.

Those programs that consist primarily of combinations of the elements in 1. and 2. above.

(e)

An approved instructor and/or the school coordinator/director must supervise the grading of the written course work required of students in computer-based courses.

(f)

Every computer-based course for the Community Association Managers Prelicense Course must consist of interactive computer-based programs that will reasonably require the student to expend at least twenty-five hours in completing the content areas identified in paragraph (4) of this Rule. Every computer-based course for the Salespersons Prelicense course must consist of interactive computer-based programs that will reasonably require the student to expend seventy-five hours in completing the content areas identified in paragraph (4) of this Rule. Every computer-based course for the Sales Postlicense Course must consist of interactive computer-based programs that will reasonably require the student to expend twenty-five hours in completing the content areas identified in paragraph (4) of this Rule. Every computer-based course for the Brokers Prelicense course must consist of interactive computer-based programs that will reasonably require the student to expend sixty hours in completing the content areas identified in paragraph (4) of this Rule. Every computer-based course for continuing education must consist of interactive computer-based instructional material that will reasonably require the student completing the course to expend the number of hours for which the school offers the course.

(g)

Every school offering a computer-based course under the requirements of this Chapter must offer those courses under an instructor. For the Community Association Managers, Salespersons Prelicense, and Brokers Prelicense courses, the school must offer those courses under an approved instructor. Every instructor in a computer-based course must:

1.

be available to answer students' questions or provide them assistance as necessary;

2.

provide reasonable oversight of students' work in order to insure that the student who completes the work is the student who is enrolled in the course;

3.

certify students as successfully completing a computer-based course only if the student:

(i)

has completed all instructional modules required to demonstrate mastery of the material,

(ii)

has attended any hours of live instruction and/or testing required for a given course, and

(iii)

has passed the final examination for the Community Association Managers, Salespersons Prelicense, Sales Postlicense, Brokers Prelicense or any test required by a continuing education course.

4.

obtain from each student the following certification statement:

I certify that I have personally completed each assigned module of instruction. I understand that if any other person has completed any module of instruction or any part of this course required for completion of the course, the school may not award credit for the course or may withdraw credit already awarded for the course.

Date Student's Signature

A school or instructor may permit a student to complete this statement in an electronic or internet format in any computer-based or distance learning course. A school must provide prior documentation or demonstration to the Commission of the method by which the school will acquire this statement. The Commission must authorize the method of requiring this certification.

(h)

Schools may provide homework exercises, contract forms, or other assessment exercises required in courses in a computer-based or internet delivery format. A school must provide prior documentation or demonstration to the Commission of the delivery methods prior to offering such exercises or assessments. The Commission must authorize the delivery method offered by the school.

(i)

Schools may permit students in computer-based or distance-learning courses to complete written homework exercises, standard forms, or other assessment exercises. Each written assignment a student submits for completion of a computer-based or distance learning course must include the following:

"I certify that I have personally completed this assignment. I understand that if any other person has completed any assignment, contract form, or other written assessment required for completion of the course, the school may not award credit for the course or may withdraw credit already awarded for the course."

Date Student's Signature

(11)

Course Examinations. Every Community Association Managers Prelicense, Salespersons Prelicense, Sales Postlicense, and Brokers Prelicense Courses must conclude with an examination administered by the approved school.

(a)

Scheduling. Schools shall administer final examinations for every Salesperson Prelicense and Brokers Prelicense Courses on a day when the course holds no in-class instruction. Schools may administer final examinations for every Community Association Managers Prelicense Course and Salespersons Postlicense Course on the last day of in-class instruction.

(b)

Passing Score. On final examinations administered for Community Association Managers Prelicense, Salespersons Prelicense, Sales Postlicense, and Brokers Prelicense Courses, schools must require that students achieve a passing score on the final examination that is consistent with the passing score required on state qualifying examinations for these licenses unless a school has first obtained the written permission of the Commission to require a different passing score.

(c)

Retaking a Course Examination. Schools may elect to allow any student who fails to achieve a passing score to take another examination on another day without repeating instruction. If a student fails to achieve a passing score on a second final examination, the student must repeat all instruction of that course before taking another examination.

(d)

Security. Schools must maintain at least two forms of a final examination for each course and must provide the Commission, upon its request, with reasonable assurances that examinations are secure from distribution to students except upon administration of an examination. These final examinations are evaluation tools, not teaching tools. While schools may supply students with information regarding their individual proficiency in areas of the examination, they must not review specific questions from these examinations with students. The Commission may impose any sanction permitted by law on the approval of any school and/or instructor that fails to provide proper security for examinations.

(e)

Content Areas for Salespersons Prelicense Examination. The final examination for the Salespersons Prelicense Course must include at least five questions each on (a) brokerage engagements, (b) legal descriptions and legal aspects of contracts, (c) methods of payment and earnest money, (d) special stipulations and writing sales contracts, (e) leases and fair housing, (f) licensees acting as principals, (g) anti-trust laws, (h) basic finance, (i) loan types, (j) pricing property, (k) seller's costs, (l) qualifying purchasers and purchaser's costs, (m) contract closing, and (n) such other matters as the Commission may from time to time require or authorize.

(f)

Examination Formats. Final Examinations for prelicense and postlicense courses should attempt to measure the student's competence in the knowledge or skills taught in the course. A school need not submit a course final examination to the Commission if: (1) the examination consists of multiple choice questions with a minimum of four choices of answers for each question; (2) the final examination for the Salespersons Prelicense Course and the Brokers Prelicense Course consists of no fewer than one hundred questions; and (3) the final examination for the Community Association Managers Prelicense Course and the Sales Postlicense Course consists of no fewer than fifty questions. A school must submit to the Commission for approval any course final examination that does not meet the above criteria prior to the examination's being administered for the course.

(g)

Proctoring. Schools must provide proctors for all final examinations for prelicense and postlicense courses and for any continuing education courses that require the passing of a final examination in order to receive credit for the course. The school director, coordinator, approved instructor, or other person designated by the school director or coordinator may administer or proctor final examinations in courses. The school director or coordinator must insure that examinations are conducted according to the requirements of this chapter.

(12)

Alternatives for Meeting Prelicense Course Requirements.

(a)

College Courses. Applicants for examination may qualify to sit for examination by presenting college transcripts that show courses in real estate subjects of at least ten quarter hours or six semester hours if the application is for the salesperson's examination or fifteen quarter hours or nine semester hours if the application is for the broker's examination. Applicants for the community association manager's examination may qualify to sit for the examination by presenting college transcripts that show real estate courses of at least four quarter hours or two semester hours with a concentration in community associations and community association management.

1.

Applicants must submit an official transcript at the time of making application for examination; and the applicant may be required to provide a description of the course or courses from the school's catalogue or bulletin.

2.

Only courses which count towards the student's obtaining a major in the field of real estate or courses dealing with principles, fundamentals, or essentials of real estate and only courses in agency, real property law, and contract law at a school of law will satisfy this requirement. College correspondence courses and courses that qualify for continuing education units do not satisfy the requirements of this Rule.

(b)

Credits for Instructors. The Commission shall approve as meeting the education requirements for examination any instructor who submits satisfactory proof that he or she has taught a course or courses named in this Rule within two years prior to making application to sit for an examination.

(c)

Sales I, Sales II, and Sales III. Applicants who successfully completed all three of the Sales I, Sales II, and Sales III courses prior to January 1, 1993, may present certificates of completion of those courses from approved schools in order to sit for the qualifying examination for a salesperson's license.

(d)

Courses Approved by Other Jurisdictions. Prelicense education courses for community association managers, salespersons, and brokers authorized by the regulatory body that regulates real estate licensees in any state, district, territory, possession, or province of the United States or Canada are approved as meeting the corresponding prelicense education requirements in Georgia provided that such courses are similar in credit hours earned to Commission required prelicense courses and are offered through classroom instruction or through computer-based instruction that is consistent with the standards of these regulations.

(13)

Alternatives for Meeting Continuing Education Requirements.

The Commission shall deem a licensee to have met the continuing education requirement of O.C.G.A. § 43-40-8(e) for a renewal period if the licensee successfully completes in a renewal period any of the following courses that have at least the total number hours of instruction the law requires the licensee to complete:

(a)

Prelicense and Post-license Courses. Licensees may obtain continuing education credits by successfully completing during a renewal period a Community Association Managers Prelicense, Salespersons Prelicense, Sales Post-license, or Brokers Prelicense course. Salespersons who complete the twenty-five hour Sales Post-license course in their first year of licensure may count that course as meeting nine (9) hours of the continuing education requirement for the first renewal period.

(b)

College Courses. A licensee may obtain continuing education credit for a renewal period by completing at an accredited college or university any course of four quarter hours or two semester hours

1.

which counts toward obtaining a major in the field of real estate or courses dealing with principles, fundamentals, or essentials of real estate;

2.

which counts toward obtaining a major in business administration, accounting, finance, or marketing offered by a college or university accredited by one the regional accrediting associations recognized by the United States Department of Education; and

3.

in courses in agency, real property law, and contract law at an accredited school of law. Licensees may not use college correspondence courses or college continuing education courses to qualify under this Rule.

(c)

Credits for Instructors. The Commission shall deem the continuing education requirement for a real estate renewal period as met by any instructor who submits satisfactory written proof that he or she has taught any of the courses offered under the requirements of this Chapter for a total of the hours required under Rule 520-1-.05(1) (d) during the renewal period in which the instructor is applying for a renewal of a real estate license.

(d)

Non-resident Licensees. The Commission shall deem the continuing education requirement as met by any nonresident licensee who submits satisfactory written proof that he or she has met the continuing education requirement of his or her state of residence during the renewal period in which the licensee is applying for a renewal of a real estate license. If the state of residence of a nonresident licensee does not require continuing education, then such nonresident licensee must meet the continuing education requirements of a resident licensee.

(e)

Courses Approved by Other Jurisdictions. Licensees may use continuing education courses authorized by the regulatory body that regulates real estate licensees in any state, district, territory, possession, or province of the United States or Canada to count toward meeting the continuing education requirement for real estate licensees in Georgia. The Commission deems such courses as meeting continuing education requirements only if a school offers the courses through classroom instruction or through computer based instruction that is consistent with the standards for computer based courses or distance education described in this Rule and only if the course is for three or more credit hours.

(14)

Verification of Course Completion.

The Commission may require licensees completing courses under this Rule to submit transcripts or other verification of completion that the Commission deems necessary and adequate.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-2-.04

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-40-2, 43-40-8, 43-40-25.

History. Original Rule entitled "Instructors and School Directors/Principals" adopted as ER. 520-2-0.2-.04. F. and eff. July 5, 1974, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: Permanent Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 26, 1975; eff. Oct. 16, 1975.

Amended: F. Jan. 17, 1977; eff. Feb. 6, 1977.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Resident Course for Broker's Examination" adopted. F. June 13, 1979; eff. July 3, 1979.

Amended: F. June 5, 1980; eff. July 1, 1980, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Aug. 5, 1982; eff. Nov. 1, 1982, as specified by the Agency.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Salesperson's First Year and Second Year Courses" adopted. F. Nov. 14, 1983; eff. Jan. 1, 1984, as specified by the Agency.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Course Examinations" adopted. F. July 10, 1986; eff. January 1, 1987, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Sept. 15, 1988; eff. Oct. 5, 1988.

Amended: F. Nov. 10, 1988; eff. Dec. 1, 1988, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Nov. 16, 1990; eff. Dec. 6, 1990.

Amended: F. June 13, 1991; eff. July 3, 1991.

Amended: F. Aug. 17, 1993; eff. Sept. 6, 1993.

Amended: F. Apr. 7, 1994; eff. Apr. 27, 1994.

Amended: F. Sept. 8, 1995; eff. Sept. 28, 1995.

Amended: F. June 14, 1996; eff. July 4, 1996.

Amended: F. Nov. 14, 1996; eff. Jan. 1, 1997, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Mar. 2, 1999; eff. Mar. 22, 1999.

Amended: F. Feb. 14, 2002; eff. Mar. 6, 2002.

Amended: F. Apr. 11, 2002; eff. May 1, 2002.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Real Estate Courses" adopted. F. May 2, 2005; eff. May 22, 2005.

Amended: F. Jan. 12, 2006; eff. Feb. 1, 2006.

Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2007; eff. Sept. 4, 2007.

Amended:Nov. 2, 2011; eff. Nov. 22, 2011.

Amended: F. July 10, 2014; eff. August 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.

Amended:Aug. 14, 2014; eff. Sept. 3, 2014.

Amended: F. June 9, 2016; eff. June 29, 2016.

Amended: F. Jan. 21, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-10-.01 Inactive Status

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-10-.01 Inactive Status

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-10. INACTIVE LICENSE

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-10-.01. Inactive Status

(1)

Inactive Status for licensees choosing to refrain or retire from active practice as a residential or general contractor: A residential or general contractor may request the license be placed on inactive status under the following provisions:

(a)

Holds a valid residential or general contractor's license in the state of Georgia with a current expiration date.

(b)

Notifies the Board that the licensee chooses to refrain or retire from active practice as a residential or general contractor by submitting an Inactive Status application, as established by the Board, along with the required fee.

(c)

If the licensee is the sole qualifying agent for a business organization, the business organization shall have 120 days from the date of inactive status to submit an application to the Board for another Qualifying Agent, unless the respective Division receives other substantiated information that the company is no longer in business.

(d)

Shall not engage in contracting and shall not hold themselves out to the public as being available to provide residential or general contractor services.

(e)

Shall not be required to maintain continuing education credits.

(f)

Shall not be assessed a renewal fee for the period that the license is inactive.

(2)

Inactive Status for Qualifying Agent after disaffiliation from company: A license pertaining to a residential or general contractor who acts as a qualifying agent for a residential or general contractor company shall be placed on inactive status under the following provisions:

(a)

Holds a valid residential or general contractor's license in the state of Georgia with a current expiration date.

(b)

The licensee properly notifies the Board by submitting a Disaffiliation form, as established by the Board, that the licensee has disaffiliated from the company as required under O.C.G.A. § 43-41-9(e);

(c)

The company properly notifies the Board by submitting a Disaffiliation form, that the licensee has disaffiliated from the company as required under O.C.G.A. § 43-41-9(e);

(d)

The respective Division receives other substantiated information that the qualifying agent is no longer affiliated with the company; or

(e)

The respective Division receives other substantiated information that the company is no longer in business.

(f)

If the licensee is the sole qualifying agent for a business organization, the business organization shall have 120 days from the date of inactive status to submit an application to the Board for another Qualifying Agent, unless the respective Division receives other substantiated information that the company is no longer in business.

(3)

Contracting with an inactive license shall be considered unlicensed practice and is subject to disciplinary action.

(4)

If a residential or general contractor whose license has been placed on inactive status seeks to reactivate the inactive license, the licensee may be returned to active status if the following requirements are met:

(a)

A reactivation application, as established by the Board, along with the required fee, must be submitted to the Board.

(b)

Submit evidence of attendance of the required Board approved continuing education for each biennium that the license was inactive.

(c)

Provide evidence that licensee is in good standing in all states in which he or she has ever been licensed.

(d)

Submit proof of current general liability insurance and worker's compensation as required by law for the license type that is to be reactivated.

(e)

Submit proof of financial responsibility as is required for the license type that is to be reactivated.

(f)

Submit proof of active and compliant registration with the Georgia Corporations Division for the business organization as is required for the license type that is to be reactivated.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-10-.01

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-41-5(a)(7), 43-41-5(a)(9), 43-41-9(e).

History. Original Rule entitled "Inactive License" adopted. F. Sept. 5, 2008; eff. Sept. 25, 2008.

Amended: New title "Inactive Status." F. July 12, 2019; eff. August 1, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.01 Examination Exemption Provisions - Residential Contractor Division

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.01 Examination Exemption Provisions - Residential Contractor Division

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-2. EXAMINATION EXEMPTION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-2-.01. Examination Exemption Provisions - Residential Contractor Division

As prescribed in O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8, certain persons are eligible to receive a residential contractor license from the residential contractor division without examination, provided that such persons submit a proper application and proofs, pay or have paid the required fees, otherwise meet the requirements of Code Section 43-41-6 for licensure, and are not otherwise in violation of Chapter 41 of Title 43 of the Georgia Code. Said completed applications and request for exemption and necessary proofs must be received between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006. from the following eligible persons:

(1)

Any person who, among other items enumerated in O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8(a)(1), holds a current and valid license to engage in residential contracting issued to him or her by any governing authority of any political subdivision of this state, and meets all requirements contained in that statute; and

(2)

Any person who has successfully and efficiently engaged in residential contracting in this state and meets all requirements contained in that statute.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-2-.01

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Examination Exemption Provisions - Residential Contractor Division" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.06 Burden of Proof for Obtaining the Residential Contracting Examination Exemption

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.06 Burden of Proof for Obtaining the Residential Contracting Examination Exemption

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-2. EXAMINATION EXEMPTION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-2-.06. Burden of Proof for Obtaining the Residential Contracting Examination Exemption

Any applicant for issuance of a residential contractor license under this title who shall seek exemption from the examination requirement under subsection (f) of Code Section 43-41-6, on any basis set forth above, shall have the burden of establishing to the satisfaction and within the discretion of the division that the requirements for such exemption have been satisfied. The decision of the division as to the satisfaction of the requirements for such exemption from taking the examination shall be conclusive.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-2-.06

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Burden of Proof for Obtaining the Residential Contracting Examination Exemption" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.07 Examination Exemption Provisions - General Contractor Division

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.07 Examination Exemption Provisions - General Contractor Division

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-2. EXAMINATION EXEMPTION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-2-.07. Examination Exemption Provisions - General Contractor Division

As prescribed in O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8, certain persons are eligible to receive a general contractor license from the general contractor division without examination, provided that such persons submit a proper application and proofs, pay or have paid the required fees, otherwise meet the requirements of Code Section 43-41-6 for licensure, and are not otherwise in violation of Chapter 41 of Title 43 of the Georgia Code. Said completed applications and request for exemption and necessary proofs must be received between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006, from the following eligible persons:

(1)

Any person who, among other items enumerated in O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8(a)(1), holds a current and valid license to engage in general contracting issued to him or her by any governing authority of any political subdivision of this state, and meets all requirements contained in that statute; and

(2)

Any person who has successfully and efficiently engaged in general contracting in this state and meets all requirements contained in that statute.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-2-.07

Authority: Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Examination Exemption Provisions - General Contractor Division" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.12 Burden of Proof for Obtaining the General Contracting Examination Exemption

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.12 Burden of Proof for Obtaining the General Contracting Examination Exemption

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-2. EXAMINATION EXEMPTION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-2-.12. Burden of Proof for Obtaining the General Contracting Examination Exemption

Any applicant for issuance of a residential or general contractor license under this title who shall seek exemption from the examination requirement under subsection (f) of Code Section 43-41-6, on any basis set forth above, shall have the burden of establishing to the satisfaction and within the discretion of the division that the requirements for such exemption have been satisfied. The decision of the division as to the satisfaction of the requirements for such exemption from taking the examination shall be conclusive.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-2-.12

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Burden of Proof for Obtaining the General Contracting Examination Exemption" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.13 General Contractor Division Applicants Seeking Licensure by Reciprocity

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-2-.13 General Contractor Division Applicants Seeking Licensure by Reciprocity

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-2. EXAMINATION EXEMPTION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-2-.13. General Contractor Division Applicants Seeking Licensure by Reciprocity

(1)

Any person desiring licensure by reciprocity as a General Contractor, who holds a license in another state or territory of the United States, where such state or territory has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the board and division for the recognition of contractor licenses issued in that state or territory, shall meet the following requirements:

(a)

a completed application furnished by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors;

(b)

application fee (the application fee is non-refundable);

(c)

proof of license or certification in another state or territory that is substantially equivalent to Georgia's current license criteria, including successful completion of an examination;

(d)

compliance with all the Board's laws, rules and policies;

(e)

compliance with all state requirements to transact business in Georgia;

(f)

passage of Georgia Business and Law examination.

(2)

The issuance of any license shall be at the sole discretion of the division and such division may deny the license or approve such license with any conditions it may deem necessary.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-2-.13

Authority: Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 45-1-7, 45-1-19, 45-41-5, 45-41-6, 45-41-8.

History. Original Rule entitled "Reciprocity" reserved. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 5, 2005.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "General Contractor Division Applicants Seeking Licensure by Reciprocity" adopted. F. Nov. 4, 2010; eff. Nov. 24, 2010.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.01 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Basic Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.01 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Basic Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-3-.01. Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Basic Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

(1)

An individual person seeking issuance of a Georgia license in his or her own name for purposes of engaging in the profession of residential-basic contracting in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietorship shall file an application on a form provided by the residential contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared by the residential contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the residential contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-basic contractor by the residential contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(c)

Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, predominantly in the residential-basic category, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division; and

(d)

Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residential-basic category in the two years immediately preceding application.

(e)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. In completing and submitting the application to the residential contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. The application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed residential-basic contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance of not less than $300,000 for the residential-basic category and satisfactory proof of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide their social security numbers. The decision of the residential contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the residential contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, on his or her own behalf, must notify the residential contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination for applicants for residential-basic licenses for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential-basic contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such residential-basic contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a residential-basic contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-basic contractors, construction, workers´ compensation, insurance, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the residential contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the residential contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a sole proprietor, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. The residential contracting license shall indicate that the licensee is qualified as residential-basic.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A residential-basic contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-3-.01

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-6.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Basic Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.02 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.02 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-3-.02. Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

(1)

An individual person seeking issuance of a Georgia license in his or her own name for purposes of engaging in the profession of residential-light commercial contracting in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietorship shall file an application on a form provided by the residential contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared by the residential contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the residential contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-light commercial contractor by the residential-light commercial subdivision if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a residential contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division; and

(d)

Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residence-light commercial category in the four years immediately preceding application. To prove "successful performance and completion" the applicant must include, together with the application for licensure, an appropriate reference letter from a Georgia registered architect, a designer, a licensed professional engineer (predominately practicing structural engineering), or any other reference acceptable to the subdivision.

(e)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. In completing and submitting the application to the residential contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. In order to satisfactorily prove "financial responsibility", each applicant must submit satisfactory proof as required by the application for licensure. In addition, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed residential-light commercial contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance of not less than $500,000 for the residential-light commercial category and satisfactory proof of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide their social security numbers. The decision of the residential contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the residential contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, on his or her own behalf, must notify the residential contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination for applicants for residential-light commercial licenses for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential-light commercial contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such residential-light commercial contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a residential-light commercial contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-light commercial contractors, construction, workers´ compensation, insurance, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the residential contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the residential contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a sole proprietor, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. The residential contracting license shall indicate that the licensee is qualified as residential-light commercial.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A residential-light commercial contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-3-.02

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-6.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Amended: F. Dec. 1, 2005; eff. Dec. 21, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.03 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Basic Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.03 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Basic Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-3-.03. Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Basic Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

(1)

An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of residential-basic contracting in the name of the business organization in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9 shall file an application on a form provided by the residential contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared by the residential contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the residential contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement or where the applicant is an individual acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization and has previously obtained and maintained continuously a license issued by the residential contractor division.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-basic contractor by the residential contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(c)

Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, predominantly in the residential-basic category, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division; and

(d)

Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residential-basic category in the two years immediately preceding application.

(e)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. In completing and submitting the application to the residential contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. The application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed residential contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance of not less than $300,000 for the residential-basic category and satisfactory proof of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide the federal taxpayer identification numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent. The decision of the residential contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the residential contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf of the business organization so qualified, must notify the residential contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the business organization's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination for applicants for residential-basic licenses for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential-basic contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such residential-basic contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a residential-basic contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-basic contractors, construction, workers´ compensation, insurance, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the residential contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the residential contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. The residential contracting license shall indicate that the licensee is qualified as residential-basic.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A residential-basic contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-3-.03

Authority: Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-6.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Basic Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.04 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Light Commercial Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-3-.04 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Light Commercial Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-3-.04. Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Light Commercial Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

(1)

An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of residential-light commercial contracting in the name of the business organization in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9 shall file an application on a form provided by the residential contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared by the residential contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the residential contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement or where the applicant is an individual acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization and has previously obtained and maintained continuously a license issued by the residential contractor division.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-light commercial contractor by the residential-light commercial subdivision if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a residential contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division; and

(d)

Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residence-light commercial category in the four years immediately preceding application. To prove "successful performance and completion" the applicant must include, together with the application for licensure, an appropriate reference letter from a Georgia registered architect, a designer, a licensed professional engineer (predominately practicing structural engineering), or any other reference acceptable to the subdivision.

(e)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. In completing and submitting the application to the residential contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. In order to satisfactorily prove "financial responsibility", each applicant must submit satisfactory proof as required by the application for licensure. In addition, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed residential contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance of not less than $500,000 for the residential-light commercial category and satisfactory proof of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide the federal taxpayer identification numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent. The decision of the residential contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the residential contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf of the business organization so qualified, must notify the residential contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the business organization's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The residential contractor division shall conduct an examination for applicants for residential-light commercial licenses for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential-light commercial contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such residential-light commercial contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a residential-light commercial contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-light commercial contractors, construction, workers´ compensation, insurance, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the residential contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the residential contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. The residential contracting license shall indicate that the licensee is qualified as residential-light commercial.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A residential-light commercial contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-3-.04

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-41-5, 43-41-6.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of Residential-Light Commercial Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization" adopted. F. Oct. 14, 2005; eff. Nov. 3, 2005.

Amended: F. Dec. 1, 2005; eff. Dec. 21, 2005.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.01 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.01 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-4. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - GENERAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-4-.01. Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship

(1)

An individual person seeking issuance of a Georgia license in his or her own name for purposes of engaging in the profession of general contracting in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietorship shall file an application on a form provided by the general contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination approved by the general contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the general contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a general contractor by the general contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity, and financial responsibility; and

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.

(d)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b) and (c) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. Applicants seeking to engage in general contracting shall affirm a minimum net worth in the amount of $150,000. Additionally, in completing the application and submitting it to the general contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. Much proof of this will come as detailed in (3)(d) above. Additionally, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed general contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000 and of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide their social security numbers. Applicants shall also provide suitable verification of tax payments in a form and manner and for the duration prescribed by the general contractor division. Such proof of verification shall be submitted by the applicant as directed by the application for licensure and any form(s) that might accompany the application. The decision of the general contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the general contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, on his or her own behalf, must notify the general contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the general contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the general contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a sole proprietor, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A general contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-4-.01

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-41-5(a)(7), 43-41-6(a),(d),(e), 43-41-9.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship" adopted. F. Nov. 3, 2005; eff. Nov. 23, 2005.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 7, 2010; eff. June 27, 2010.

Note: Correction of typographical error in Rule title on SOS Rules and Regulations website, error discovered June 2019. "Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship" corrected to "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship," as originally adopted. Effective July 2, 2019.

Amended: F. June 12, 2019; eff. July 2, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.02 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.02 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-4. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - GENERAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-4-.02. Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization

(1)

An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of general contracting in the name of the business organization in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9 shall file an application on a form provided by the general contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination approved by the general contractor division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the general contractor division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement or where the applicant is an individual acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization and has previously obtained and maintained continuously a license issued by the general contractor division.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a general contractor by the general contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity and financial responsibility; and

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.

(d)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b) and (c) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. Applicants acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in general contracting, shall affirm that the business organization possesses a minimum net worth in an amount of $150,000. Additionally, in completing the application and submitting it to the general contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. Much proof of this will come as detailed in (3)(d) above. Additionally, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed general contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000 and of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide the federal taxpayer identification numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent. Applicants shall also provide suitable verification of tax payments by the business organization in a form and manner and for the duration prescribed by the general contractor division. Such proof of verification shall be submitted by the applicant as directed by the application for licensure and any form(s) that might accompany the application. The decision of the general contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the general contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf of the business organization so qualified, must notify the general contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the business organization's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

(a)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(b)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding, and liens.

(c)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the general contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the general contractor division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

A general contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements therefore upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-4-.02

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-41-5(a)(7), 43-41-6(a),(d),(e), 43-41-9.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization" adopted. F. Nov. 3, 2005; eff. Nov. 23, 2005.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 7, 2010; eff. June 27, 2010.

Amended: F. June 10, 2019; eff. June 30, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.05 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship - General Contractor Limited Tier

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.05 Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship - General Contractor Limited Tier

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-4. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - GENERAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-4-.05. Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship - General Contractor Limited Tier

(1)

An individual person seeking issuance of a Georgia license in his or her own name for purposes of engaging in the profession of general contracting at the general contracting limited tier in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietorship shall file an application on a form provided by the general contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination approved by the general contractor division unless exempted from examination pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a general contractor limited tier by the general contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity, and financial responsibility; and

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.

(d)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b) and (c) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when directed to do so by the application. Applicants seeking to engage in limited tier general contracting shall affirm a minimum net worth in the amount of $25,000. Additionally, in completing the application and submitting it to the general contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. Much proof of this will come as detailed in (3)(d) above. Additionally, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed general contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000 and of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide their social security numbers. Applicants shall also provide suitable verification of tax payments in a form and manner and for the duration prescribed by the general contractor division. Such proof of verification shall be submitted by the applicant as directed by the application for licensure and any form(s) that might accompany the application. The decision of the general contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the general contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, on his or her own behalf, must notify the general contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(a)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding, and liens.

(b)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the general contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the general contractor division shall issue to the applicant a limited tier license to engage in business as a general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a sole proprietor, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

Upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board, a limited tier general contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements for licensure.

(8)

There is established a limited tier general contractor license type that is limited as to any contract of no more than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00).

(9)

In order to move from the General Contractor Limited tier to the General Contractor tier, a contractor must submit an application for the General Contractor license and meet the financial requirements and other requirements for that license type.

(10)

Any Change Orders as defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-91-2 may not exceed the maximum amount allowed per contract for a project to be completed.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-4-.05

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-41-5.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship - General Contractor Limited Tier" adopted. F. May 8, 2008; eff. May 28, 2008.

Amended: F. Jan. 4, 2010; eff. Jan. 24, 2010.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 7, 2010; eff. June 27, 2010.

Amended: F. Mar. 29, 2019; eff. Apr. 18, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.06 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization - General Contractor Limited Tier

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 553-4-.06 Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization - General Contractor Limited Tier

Georgia Administrative Code

Department 553. RULES OF STATE LICENSING BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Chapter 553-4. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE - GENERAL CONTRACTOR DIVISION

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 24, 2026

Rule 553-4-.06. Licensure Requirements for an Individual Acting as a Qualifying Agent for a Business Organization Seeking to Engage in the Profession of General Contracting in the Name of the Business Organization - General Contractor Limited Tier

(1)

An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of general contracting at the general contracting limited tier in the name of the business organization in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9 shall file an application on a form provided by the general contractor division, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board.

(2)

Additionally, such applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination approved by the general contractor division unless exempted from examination pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8.

(3)

A person shall be eligible for licensure as a general contractor limited tier by the general contractor division if the person:

(a)

Is at least 21 years of age;

(b)

Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity and financial responsibility; and

(c)

Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

1.

Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

2.

Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

3.

Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.

(d)

In order to satisfactorily prove (a), (b) and (c) above, each applicant must swear on the application for licensure that the applicant satisfies each requirement and submit satisfactory proof of such when and where directed to do so by the application. Applicants acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in limited tier general contracting, shall affirm that the business organization possesses minimum net worth in an amount of $25,000. Additionally, in completing the application and submitting it to the general contractor division, the applicant consents to the division performing a background check, including a criminal history, on the applicant if the division so chooses.

(4)

Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. Much proof of this will come as detailed in (3)(d) above. Additionally, the application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed general contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Additionally, all applicants shall provide satisfactory proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000 and of workers´ compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. All applicants shall also provide the federal taxpayer identification numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent. Applicants shall also provide suitable verification of tax payments by the business organization in a form and manner and for the duration prescribed by the general contractor division. Such proof of verification shall be submitted by the applicant as directed by the application for licensure and any form(s) that might accompany the application. The decision of the general contractor division as to the qualifications of applicants shall be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the general contractor division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf of the business organization so qualified, must notify the general contractor division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the business organization's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.

(5)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(a)

The general contractor division shall cause to be conducted an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding, and liens.

(b)

If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the general contractor division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the general contractor division shall issue to the applicant a limited tier license to engage in business as a general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9.

(6)

Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(7)

Upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board, a limited tier general contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the requirements for licensure.

(8)

There is established a limited tier general contractor license type that is limited as to any contract of no more than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00).

(9)

In order to move from the General Contractor Limited tier to the General Contractor tier, a contractor must submit an application for the General Contractor license and meet the financial requirements and other requirements for that license type.

(10)

Any Change Orders as defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-91-2 may not exceed the maximum amount allowed per contract for a project to be completed.

Cite as Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 553-4-.06

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-41-5.

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for an Individual to Practice as a General Contractor in the Individual's Own Name or Doing Business as an Individual in a Trade Name or as a Sole Proprietorship - General Contractor Limited Tier" adopted. F. May 8, 2008; eff. May 28, 2008.

Amended: F. Jan. 4, 2010; eff. Jan. 24, 2010.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 7, 2010; eff. June 27, 2010.

Amended: F. Mar. 29, 2019; eff. Apr. 18, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r 620-4-.01

(1) Use of licenses or registration cards for any purpose other than identification is unlawful.

(2) No person shall make any claim in any form of advertising that inspections or permits are required, authorized, endorsed or approved by the Commission or any agency of the State or Federal Government.

(3) While pest control licensees are not required to maintain performance bonds, any licensee who advertises or otherwise represents itself as being bonded shall: (a) Maintain a master or blanket bond in an amount equal to five (5) percent of the previous year's gross sales or gross liability assumed during the previous year, whichever is higher, up to a maximum of $100,000 or; (b) Provide a separate bond for each job; (c) Advise each customer in writing, as a part of every proposal or contract, whether or not such proposal or contract is covered by such bond; (d) Submit to the Commission proof of the existence and the type of bonding which the licensee has in force; (e) Not advertise in any way that the licensee is bonded, unless the licensee has complied with the foregoing requirements.

O.C.G.A. § t40-ch9

Georgia Code Title 40, Chapter 9 (2023) - REPORTING ACCIDENTS; GIVING PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY :: 2023 Georgia Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

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                Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8)
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                Chapter 9 - REPORTING ACCIDENTS; GIVING PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (§§ 40-9-1 — 40-9-103)








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                                2023 CODE OF GEORGIA

Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) Chapter 9 - REPORTING ACCIDENTS; GIVING PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (§§ 40-9-1 — 40-9-103)

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                                                        Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-9-1 — 40-9-12)




                                                        Article 2 - REPORTING ACCIDENTS; GIVING SECURITY FOR DAMAGES (§§ 40-9-30 — 40-9-41)




                                                        Article 3 - UNSATISFIED JUDGMENTS (§§ 40-9-60 — 40-9-63)




                                                        Article 4 - GIVING PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE (§§ 40-9-80 — 40-9-82)




                                                        Article 5 - ASSIGNED RISK PLANS, SELF-INSURERS, AND "SPOT" INSURANCE (§§ 40-9-100 — 40-9-103)














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O.C.G.A. § 43-14-8.3

(a) After June 30, 1994, no person may be employed as a utility manager unless that person holds a current utility manager certificate issued by the Division of Utility Contractors.

(b) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this chapter who satisfy the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter. Persons wishing to qualify for utility manager certification shall submit a completed application form documenting required experience and other qualifications as prescribed by the board with the required fees and shall pass an examination. In order to obtain a utility manager certificate, an applicant must submit proof of completion of a course of safety training in utility contracting approved by the division. In order to continue to hold such certificate, the certificate holder must present proof to the division of completion of a safety training course approved by the division at least every two years from the date of the completion of the initial safety training course.

(c) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination.

O.C.G.A. § 43-14-8.4

(a) After June 30, 1994, no person may be employed as a utility foreman unless that person holds a current utility foreman certificate issued by the Division of Utility Contractors.

(b) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this chapter who satisfy the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter. One requirement for such certification shall be the successful completion of a course of safety training in utility contracting approved by the division. In order to continue to hold such certificate, the certificate holder must submit proof to the division of completion of a safety training course approved by the division at least every two years from the date of the completion of the initial safety training course. In lieu of safety training any person desiring to be issued a utility foreman certificate may submit a completed application on or before December 31, 1994, which documents to the satisfaction of the division at least two years of experience as a utility foreman during the period between January 1, 1984, and June 30, 1994. Any person who does not submit a completed application for certification on or before December 31, 1994, must complete the required safety training in order to be certified.

(c) After June 30, 1994, no utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or repaired unless a certified utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current certification is present at the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of the utility system.

O.C.G.A. § 43-40-12

(a) To pay the expense of the maintenance and operation of the office of the commission and the enforcement of this chapter, the commission shall establish reasonable fees in accordance with Code Sections 43-40-13 and 43-40-3 and in accordance with its rule-making authority. No fee or portion of a fee required under this chapter which is paid to the commission shall be refunded. Each licensee shall be responsible for filing his or her own fees.

(b) When the commission administers an examination, at the time an application for examination is submitted, the commission shall collect from the applicant a fee for the examination and an investigation fee if necessary. If an applicant fails to pass an examination, upon filing a new application and paying an additional fee, the applicant may take another examination as soon as scheduling permits.

(c) Prior to the issuance of an original license, each applicant who has passed the examination required by Code Section 43-40-8, each firm which is an applicant for a broker's license, and each corporation, limited liability company, or partnership which is an applicant for an associate broker license or a salesperson license shall pay an activation fee in advance.

(d) All licenses shall be renewed periodically as determined by the commission in its rules and regulations, and the commission shall charge a fee for any such license renewed. When renewing a license, a broker must complete a form prescribed by the commission regarding the status of such broker's trust account or accounts and any trust account or accounts that the broker allows affiliated licensees to maintain. The time for renewal of a license and the number of years for which it may be renewed shall be in the discretion of the commission. All fees shall be deposited into the state treasury for the expenses of the commission. This Code section shall not obviate any other fees or conditions required to maintain such license in accordance with this chapter. A license not renewed in accordance with this subsection shall be viewed as lapsed.

(e) Applications and fees must be filed personally in the commission's offices during regular business hours or may be mailed to the commission's offices in a letter postmarked by the United States Postal Service. The commission, through its rules and regulations, may establish standards for the filing of applications and fees by electronic means or by courier services.

(f) Any licensee whose license lapses for failure to pay a renewal fee may reinstate that license within two years of the date of its lapsing by paying the total amount of all renewal fees and late charges which would have been due during the period when the license was lapsed plus a reinstatement fee. If any licensee who has passed an examination administered by or approved by the commission allows a license to lapse for a period longer than two years and less than five years due solely to a failure to pay a renewal fee, the licensee may reinstate that license by paying the total amount of all renewal fees and late charges which would have been due during the period when the license was lapsed plus a reinstatement fee and by successfully completing any educational course or courses which the commission may require. Any licensee whose license has lapsed for longer than five years for failure to pay a renewal fee and who seeks to reinstate that license shall meet the education and examination requirements for that license as set forth in Code Section 43-40-8. Any nonresident licensee whose license lapses for failure to pay a renewal fee may reactivate that license by paying the fee required of an original applicant if such nonresident licensee has maintained an active license in his or her state of residence during the period that his or her license lapsed and has met its continuing education requirements. Any licensee whose license has lapsed for longer than one year and who is not subject to the continuing education requirements of subsection (e) of Code Section 43-40-8 and who reinstates such license under the terms of this subsection shall thereafter be subject to the continuing education requirements of subsection (e) of Code Section 43-40-8.

(g) Any real estate broker who does not wish to be actively engaged in the brokerage business or any licensee who is temporarily not actively engaged on behalf of a broker may continue a license by making a written request within 30 days of ceasing work that the license be placed on inactive status. Any licensee whose license has been placed on an inactive status shall not engage in the real estate brokerage business except in connection with property owned by the licensee. To reinstate a license held on inactive status, a licensee other than a broker shall secure the signature of the broker for whom the licensee wishes to act; and a broker shall make application to the commission prior to resuming brokerage activity. Any individual licensee who seeks to activate a license which has been on inactive status shall first meet the continuing education requirement of subsection (e) of Code Section 43-40-8 which would have been required had such person been on active status unless such person maintained an active license in another state that has continuing education requirements while such licensee's license was on inactive status in Georgia.

(h) Any licensee who places a license on inactive status shall be required to pay the license renewal fee provided for in subsection (d) of this Code section. Whenever any licensee on inactive status fails to pay the required renewal fees, the licensee's license shall be lapsed. If a licensee on inactive status changes address, the licensee shall notify the commission of the new address, in writing, within 30 days.

(i) Any check which is presented to the commission as payment for any fee which the commission is permitted to charge under this chapter and which is returned unpaid may be cause for denial of license or for imposing any sanction permitted under Code Section 43-40-25.

(j) Any licensed broker or associate broker who wishes to be licensed as a salesperson may do so by surrendering that broker's license and applying for a license as a salesperson. No examination shall be required of a licensed broker or associate broker who surrenders that license and applies for a salesperson's license. In the event that such person later wishes to be relicensed as a broker, no additional broker's examination shall be required. When a licensee changes status as contemplated in this subsection, the licensee shall be required to pay the same fee as an original applicant.

(k) Should a license be suspended or revoked, as provided for by this chapter, said suspension or revocation shall prevent the licensee from making either application as set out in subsection (j) of this Code section.

(l) Any school approved to offer required education courses under this chapter and instructors approved to teach those courses shall pay the same original application fee and renewal fee established by the commission for broker applicants and licensees. If such approvals lapse, the school or instructor may reinstate the approval by paying the total amount of all renewal fees and late charges which would have been due during the period the approval was lapsed plus a reactivation fee and by successfully completing any educational course or courses which the commission may require.

(m) A reasonable fee, not to exceed the renewal fee charged broker licensees, may be imposed by the commission on a licensee who:

(1) Fails to notify the commission in writing within 30 days of a change of address, of the opening or closing of a designated trust account, of transferring to a new company, or of leaving a firm to go on inactive status;

(2) Fails to affiliate with a new company or to apply to go on inactive status within 30 days of the commission's receipt of notice that the broker holding the licensee's license no longer wishes to do so and has mailed a letter to the licensee's last known address indicating that the broker is returning the license to the commission;

(3) Fails to respond within 30 days to a written inquiry from the commission requesting further information on any application the licensee has filed with the commission; and

(4) Submits to the commission a check that is returned unpaid.

(n) Whenever a licensee who resides in a county designated as a disaster area by state or federal authorities suffers uninsured major damage or loss to such licensee's residence or place of business, the commission may extend such licensee's renewal period for up to two years without further payment of any fee by the licensee upon satisfactory proof of the licensee's uninsured major damage or loss. The commission is further authorized to make appropriate adjustments in deadline dates mandated by this chapter for applications filed by applicants and licensees located in counties designated as disaster areas by state or federal authorities.

O.C.G.A. § 43-40-15

(a) Licenses shall be granted only to persons who bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence to transact the business of a licensee in such manner as to safeguard the interest of the public and only after satisfactory proof of such qualifications has been presented to the commission. The commission may deny a license to a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership if a stockholder, member, or partner or any combination thereof which owns more than a 20 percent interest therein does not bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity; has been convicted of any of the crimes enumerated in subsection (b) of this Code section; or has been disciplined by any legally constituted regulatory agency for violating a law regulating the sale of real estate.

(b) (1) As used in this Code section, the term:

(A) "Conviction" means a finding or verdict of guilty or a plea of guilty to a charge of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been brought; a sentencing to first offender treatment without an adjudication of guilt pursuant to a charge of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or a plea of nolo contendere to a charge of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

(B) "Felony" means any offense committed:

(i) Within this state and deemed a felony under the laws of this state or under the laws of the United States; or

(ii) In another state and deemed a felony under the laws of that state or the laws of the United States.

(1.1) No person who has a conviction shall be eligible to become an applicant for a license or an approval authorized by this chapter unless such person has successfully completed all terms and conditions of any sentence imposed for such conviction, provided that if such individual has multiple convictions, at least five years shall have passed since the individual satisfied all terms and conditions of any sentence imposed for the last conviction before making application for licensure or approval; and provided, further, that if such individual has a single conviction, at least two years shall have passed since the individual satisfied all terms and conditions of any sentence imposed for the last conviction before making application for licensure or approval.

(1.2) A person who has a conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction of this state or any other state shall be eligible to become an applicant for a licensure or an approval authorized by this chapter only if:

(A) Such person has satisfied all terms and conditions of any conviction such person may have had before making application for licensure or approval, provided that if such individual has multiple convictions, at least five years shall have passed since the individual satisfied all terms and conditions of any sentence imposed for the last conviction before making application for licensure or approval; and provided, further, that if such individual has been convicted of a single felony or of a single crime of moral turpitude, at least two years shall have passed since the individual satisfied all terms and conditions of any sentence imposed for the last conviction before making application for licensure or approval;

(B) No criminal charges for forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, a felony, a sexual offense, a probation violation, or a crime involving moral turpitude are pending against the person; and

(C) Such person presents to the commission satisfactory proof that the person now bears a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence to transact the business of a licensee in such a manner as to safeguard the interest of the public.

(2) Where an applicant for any license or approval authorized by this chapter has been convicted of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or other like offense or offenses or has been convicted of a felony, a sexual offense, a probation violation, or a crime involving moral turpitude and has been convicted thereof in a court of competent jurisdiction of this state or any other state such conviction in itself may be sufficient ground for refusal of a license or approval authorized by this chapter. An applicant for licensure as an associate broker or a broker who has been convicted of any offense enumerated in this paragraph may be licensed by the commission as an associate broker or a broker only if:

(A) At least ten years have passed since the applicant was convicted, sentenced, or released from any incarceration, whichever is later;

(B) No criminal charges are pending against the applicant; and

(C) The applicant presents to the commission satisfactory proof that the applicant now bears a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence to transact the business of a licensee in such a manner as to safeguard the interest of the public.

(c) Where an applicant or licensee has been found guilty of a violation of the federal fair housing law or Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 by an administrative law judge or a court of competent jurisdiction and after any appeal of such conviction is concluded, such conviction may in itself be a sufficient ground for refusal of a license or the imposition of any sanction permitted by this chapter.

(d) Where an applicant or licensee has made a false statement of material fact on his or her application or caused to be submitted or been a party to preparing or submitting any falsified application to the commission, such action may, in itself, be a sufficient ground for the refusal, suspension, or revocation of the license.

(e) Grounds for suspension or revocation of a license, as provided for by this chapter, shall also be grounds for refusal to grant a license.

(f) The conduct provided for in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (h) of this Code section which relates to the denial of a real estate license to an applicant shall also be grounds for imposition of any sanction permitted by this chapter when the conduct is that of a licensee.

(g) Whenever the commission initiates an investigation as permitted by Code Section 43-40-27 to determine whether a licensee has violated any provision of this chapter or its rules and regulations and such licensee has:

(1) Surrendered or voluntarily surrenders the license to the commission;

(2) Allowed or allows the license to lapse due to failure to meet educational requirements provided by law; or

(3) Allowed or allows the license to lapse due to failure to pay any required fees,

the commission may issue an order revoking such licensee's license. The order shall be effective ten days after the order is served on the licensee unless the licensee makes a written request for a hearing before the commission, in which event, the commission shall file a notice of hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." Service shall be accomplished as provided for in Code Section 43-40-26.

(h) Whenever any occupational licensing body of this state or any other state has disciplined the license of an applicant for any license authorized by this chapter or whenever such an applicant has allowed a license to lapse or has surrendered a license to any occupational licensing body of this state or any other state after that body has initiated an investigation or a disciplinary process regarding such applicant's license, such discipline, lapsing, or surrender in itself may be a sufficient ground for refusal of a license. Whenever any occupational licensing body of this state or any other state has revoked the license of an applicant for any license authorized by this chapter or whenever such an applicant has allowed a license to lapse or has surrendered a license to any occupational licensing body of this state or any other state after that body has initiated an investigation or a disciplinary process regarding such applicant's license, the commission may issue an associate broker's or a broker's license only if:

(1) At least ten years have passed since the date that the applicant's occupational license was revoked or surrendered;

(2) No criminal charges are pending against the applicant at the time of application; and

(3) The applicant presents to the commission satisfactory proof that the applicant now bears a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence to transact the business of a licensee in such a manner as to safeguard the interest of the public.

(i) Whenever any licensee is convicted of any offense enumerated in subsection (b) of this Code section, the licensee shall immediately notify the commission of that conviction. The licensee's license shall automatically be revoked 60 days after the licensee's conviction unless the licensee makes a written request to the commission for a hearing during that 60 day period. Following any such hearing requested pursuant to this subsection, the commission in its discretion may impose upon that licensee any sanction permitted by this chapter.

(j) Whenever the commission revokes or suspends the license of a community association manager, a salesperson, an associate broker, or a broker, then any school or instructor approval which such licensee holds shall also be revoked or suspended. Whenever a licensee surrenders a real estate license as provided for in subsection (g) of this Code section, any school or instructor approval which such licensee holds shall also be subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section.

(k) Where an applicant or licensee has been found not in compliance with an order for child support as provided in Code Section 19-6-28.1 or 19-11-9.3, such action shall be sufficient grounds for refusal of a license or suspension of a license. In such actions, the hearing and appeal procedures provided for in those Code sections shall be the only such procedures required under this chapter.

(l) Where an applicant or licensee has been found to be a borrower in default who is not in satisfactory repayment status as provided in Code Section 20-3-295, such status shall be sufficient grounds for refusal of a license or suspension of a license. In such cases, the hearing and appeal procedures provided for in Code Section 20-3-295 shall be the only such procedures required under this chapter.

(m) Where the commission has previously sanctioned any applicant for a license under Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," such sanction may in itself be a sufficient ground for refusing the license.

O.C.G.A. § 43-40-9

(a) A nonresident holding a license on July 1, 1991, shall not be required to meet the requirements of this Code section in order to continue to hold a license unless such nonresident allows that license to lapse or applies for a different type of license.

(b) The commission may grant a license to a nonresident of this state who is not licensed in such nonresident's state of residence if that applicant meets the age, education, and examination requirements prescribed in Code Section 43-40-8.

(c) In order to be licensed in this state, nonresidents who are licensed in another state must meet any requirements established by the commission, which may include:

(1) Show satisfactory proof of current licensure in the applicant's state of residence;

(2) Pay any required fees;

(3) Sign a statement which states that the applicant has read this chapter and its rules and regulations and agrees to abide by its provisions in all brokerage activity in this state;

(4) Affiliate with a resident or nonresident broker if the applicant is an individual community association manager, salesperson, or associate broker. If a nonresident licensee terminates the affiliation with a broker licensed by the commission, the license of such nonresident shall automatically be terminated unless such nonresident places the license on inactive status or affiliates with another broker licensed by the commission within 30 days. No license shall be issued to any member, officer, independent contractor, employee, or partner of a nonresident firm until said firm qualifies for a broker's license. A nonresident corporation or limited liability company must obtain from the proper agency and maintain a certificate of authority to transact business in this state;

(5) Provide any documentation required by the commission of the applicant's licensure in any other state and copies of the records of any disciplinary actions taken against the applicant's license in that or other states. The imposition of a disciplinary action by any other lawful licensing authority may be grounds for denial of license to a nonresident or for suspension or revocation of a license issued to a nonresident;

(6) File with the commission a designation in writing that appoints the real estate commissioner to act as the licensee's agent, upon whom all judicial and other process or legal notices directed to such licensee may be served. Service upon the real estate commissioner shall be equivalent to personal service upon the licensee. Copies of such appointment, certified by the real estate commissioner, shall be deemed sufficient evidence thereof and shall be admitted in evidence with the same force and effect as the original thereof might be admitted. In such written designation, the licensee shall agree that any lawful process against the licensee which is served upon the real estate commissioner shall be of the same legal force and validity as if served upon the licensee, and that authority shall continue in force so long as any liability remains outstanding in this state. Upon the receipt of any such process or notice, the real estate commissioner shall immediately mail a copy of the same by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the last known business address of the licensee; and

(7) Agree in writing to cooperate with any investigation initiated by the commission by promptly supplying any documents any authorized investigator of the commission may request and by personally appearing at the commission's offices or other location in this state as the commission's investigator may request. If the commission sends a notice to produce documents or to appear for an interview with an authorized investigator of the commission by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the last known business address of a nonresident licensee and the nonresident licensee fails to comply with that request, the commission may impose on the nonresident licensee any disciplinary sanction permitted under this chapter.

(d) The commission in its discretion may enter into written agreements with similar licensing authorities of other states as may be necessitated by those states' laws to assure for Georgia licensees nonresident licensure opportunities comparable to those afforded to nonresidents by this Code section. Whenever the commission determines that another state does not offer nonresident licensure to Georgia licensees with requirements substantially comparable to those afforded to licensees of that state by this Code section, the commission shall require licensees of such state who apply for nonresident licensure to meet education, experience, and examination requirements substantially comparable to those required by that state with respect to Georgia licensees who seek nonresident licensure, not to exceed such requirements as prescribed in Code Section 43-40-8.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, a licensed broker of another state may enter into a written agreement with a Georgia broker to conduct the real estate brokerage business in Georgia without first obtaining a Georgia license. The Georgia broker shall be responsible for all real estate brokerage acts performed by the out-of-state broker under such written agreement and for determining that the out-of-state broker has and maintains an active license in the out-of-state broker's state of residence. For purposes of this subsection, a "licensed broker of another state" means the licensed broker and other brokers or salespersons licensed under such broker. The Georgia broker shall maintain for at least three years after its expiration date a copy of any written agreement into which such Georgia broker enters with a licensed broker of another state. Each written agreement shall provide:

(A) For procedures to be followed in the event of the out-of-state broker's performing any of the acts of a broker on real property located in Georgia;

(B) How the brokers will divide any earned commissions;

(C) That any listing or property management agreement for Georgia real property in which the out-of-state broker will participate shall be in the name of the Georgia broker;

(D) That the out-of-state broker shall conduct negotiations with any client of a Georgia broker only with the express permission of the Georgia broker;

(E) That any advertisement by any means of Georgia real property shall identify the listing Georgia broker;

(F) That any contracts, agreements, or offers on Georgia real property shall clearly identify the Georgia broker and the out-of-state broker with the statement that the out-of-state broker is not licensed by the Georgia Real Estate Commission; that said contract, agreement, or offer shall be construed under Georgia law; and that the superior courts of this state shall have jurisdiction over any actions which may be brought against either broker as a result of such contract, agreement, or offer;

(G) That any trust funds obtained in any transaction involving any real property in Georgia by an out-of-state broker shall be held in the trust account of the Georgia broker unless agreed otherwise in writing by the party or parties having any interest in said trust funds; and

(H) Such other matters as the commission may require by rule and regulation.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, the commission in its discretion may enter into written agreements with similar licensing authorities of other states to permit persons licensed in those states to conduct real estate brokerage business in Georgia without obtaining a license in Georgia, provided that such other states afford the same opportunities to Georgia licensees.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, when a licensed broker of another state is acting only as a referral agent which involves only the mere referral of one person to another and such referring broker is not involved in the actual negotiations, execution of documents, collection of rent, management of property, or any other real estate brokerage activity, a licensed broker in Georgia may divide or share a real estate commission with such licensed broker in another state.

(f) Whenever an out-of-state broker operating under a written agreement permitted by subsection (e) of this Code section violates any provision of this chapter, for such violation by the out-of-state broker the commission shall be limited to suspending or revoking the Georgia broker's right to enter into such written agreements with out-of-state brokers unless the Georgia broker participated in or ratified the violation of the out-of-state broker or failed to include in such written agreement all provisions required by subsection (e) of this Code section and the commission's rules and regulations.

(g) Reserved.

O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17

(a) The licensing requirements imposed by this chapter and the sanctions and consequences relating thereto shall not become effective and enforceable until July 1, 2008. On and after such date, no person, whether an individual or a business organization, shall have the right to engage in the business of residential contracting or general contracting without a current, valid residential contractor license or general contractor license, respectively, issued by the division under this chapter or, in the case of a business organization, unless such business organization shall have a qualifying agent as provided in this chapter holding such a current, valid residential contractor or general contractor license on behalf of such organization issued to such qualifying agent as provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, persons seeking licensure under this chapter and exemption from examination under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-8 shall submit their applications, including all necessary proof of the basis of exemption from examination for such license, starting January 1, 2006. The period for submission of such applications and requests for exemption from the examination requirements shall extend thereafter for a period of 18 months. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing, any person seeking licensure under this chapter and exemption from examination under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-8 may submit his or her application, including all necessary proof of the basis of such exemption starting January 1, 2007, and continuing thereafter.

(b) As a matter of public policy, any contract entered into on or after July 1, 2008, for the performance of work for which a residential contractor or general contractor license is required by this chapter and not otherwise exempted under this chapter and which is between an owner and a contractor who does not have a valid and current license required for such work in accordance with this chapter shall be unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor. For purposes of this subsection, a contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the effective date of the original contract for the work, if stated therein, or, if not stated, the date the last party to the contract executed such contract, if stated therein. If the contract does not establish such a date, the contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the first date upon which the contractor provided labor, services, or materials under the contract. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a contract is rendered unenforceable under this subsection, no lien or bond claim shall exist in favor of the unlicensed contractor for any labor, services, or materials provided under the contract or any amendment thereto. This subsection shall not affect the rights of parties other than the unlicensed contractor to enforce contract, lien, or bond remedies. This subsection shall not affect the obligations of a surety that has provided a bond on behalf of an unlicensed contractor. It shall not be a defense to any claim on a bond or indemnity agreement that the principal or indemnitor is unlicensed for purposes of this subsection.

(c) Any person who holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the business of residential or general contracting, but only as prescribed by the license, throughout the state and no municipality or county may require any such person licensed under this chapter to comply with any additional licensing requirements imposed by such municipality or county relative to the performance of construction work subject to the licensing requirements under this chapter. However, nothing in this chapter shall preclude the implementation and enforcement by any municipality or county of a local rule, regulation, ordinance, order, or other requirement in effect and operation as of July 1, 2004, that requires a person to obtain a locally issued license, registration, or certification in order to:

(1) Engage in the construction of improvements to real property to the extent such activities are not encompassed by this chapter or by Chapter 14 of this title; or

(2) Engage in residential or general contracting within such jurisdiction; provided, however, that:

(A) The requirements and criteria for issuance of such local license, registration, or certification shall have been at least as strict and stringent, in the sole judgment of the board, as those for the issuance of a corresponding state-wide license issued under this chapter;

(B) Such local license, registration, or certification shall only apply to activities performed within the geographical limits of such municipality or county; and

(C) Such requirement shall not prevent or foreclose any contractor not holding such local license, registration, or certification but holding a valid and current state-wide license issued under this chapter or Chapter 14 of this title from the transaction of contracting business in such local jurisdiction within the scope of his or her state-wide license.

(d) Any person qualified by the Department of Transportation to perform construction work on roads, streets, bridges, highways, sidewalks, or other grading, paving, or repaving projects; airport runways or taxiways; or railroads, and services incidental thereto, for the department shall not be required to be licensed under this chapter in order to perform any such work for the department or for any other owner requiring similar work to be performed. The general contractor division of the board, in agreement with the Department of Transportation, shall, by rule, define "services incidental thereto" for the purposes of this subsection only and shall likewise define any other necessary terms as to the scope of the exemption provided by this subsection.

(e) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent any person holding a valid license issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, or any division thereof, pursuant to Chapter 14 of this title from performing any work defined in the Code sections under which the license held by said person was issued. Furthermore, nothing in this chapter shall preclude a person licensed under Chapter 14 of this title to perform plumbing, conditioned air contracting, utility contracting, electrical contracting, or low-voltage contracting from offering to perform, performing, engaging in, or contracting to engage in the performance of construction work or services directly with an owner, which work would otherwise require a license under this chapter, where the total scope of the work to be performed is predominantly of the type for which such contractor is duly licensed to perform under Chapter 14 of this title such that any other work involved is incidental to and an integral part of the work performed within the scope of such license under said chapter and does not exceed the greater of $10,000.00 or 25 percent of the total value at the time of contracting of the work to be performed; provided, however, that such contractor may not delegate or assign the responsibility to directly supervise and manage the performance of such other work to a person unless such person is licensed under this chapter and the work being performed by such person is within the scope of that person's license.

(f) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a specialty contractor from offering or contracting to perform or undertaking or performing for an owner limited, specialty, or specific trade contractor work. However, nothing in this chapter shall permit a specialty contractor to perform work falling within the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of this title where such specialty contractor is not duly licensed under such chapter to perform such work. The board shall by rule or policy by January 1, 2008, identify specialty contractors or other criteria to determine eligibility under the exemption of this subsection. The specialty contractor otherwise exempted from license requirements under this chapter may perform work for an owner that would otherwise require a license under this chapter where the total scope of the work to be performed is predominantly of the type for which such specialty contractor is duly recognized as exempt under this subsection by the board, provided that such other work involved is incidental to and an integral part of the exempt work performed by the specialty contractor and does not exceed the greater of $10,000.00 or 25 percent of the total value at the time of contracting of the work to be performed.

(g) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a person from offering or contracting to perform or undertaking or performing for an owner repair work, provided that the person performing the repair work discloses to the owner that such person does not hold a license under this chapter and provided, further, that such work does not affect the structural integrity of the real property. The board shall by rule or regulation further define the term "repair" as used in this subsection and any other necessary terms as to the scope of this exemption.

(h) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude any person from constructing a building or structure on real property owned by such person which is intended upon completion for use or occupancy solely by that person and his or her family, firm, or corporation and its employees, and not for use by the general public and not offered for sale or lease. In so doing, such person may act as his or her own contractor personally providing direct supervision and management of all work not performed by licensed contractors. However, if, under this subsection, the person or his or her family, firm, or corporation has previously sold or transferred a building or structure which had been constructed by such person acting without a licensed residential or general contractor within the prior 24 month period, starting from the date on which a certificate of occupancy was issued for such building or structure, then such person may not, under this subsection, construct another separate building or structure without having first obtained on his or her own behalf an appropriate residential or general contractor license or having engaged such a duly licensed contractor to perform such work to the extent required under this chapter, or it shall be presumed that the person, firm, or corporation did not intend such building solely for occupancy by that person and his or her family, firm, or corporation. Further, such person may not delegate the responsibility to directly supervise and manage all or any part of the work relating thereto to any other person unless that person is licensed under this chapter and the work being performed is within the scope of that person's license. In any event, however, all such work must be done in conformity with all other applicable provisions of this title, the rules and regulations of the board and division involved, and any applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes, permitting, or inspection requirements.

(i) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude an architect licensed pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, an interior designer registered pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, or an engineer registered pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title from performing work or providing services within the scope of his or her registration for the practice of architecture or interior design or license for practicing engineering.

(j) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude an architect licensed pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, an interior designer registered pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, or an engineer registered pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title from offering to perform or offering or rendering design-build services to an owner; provided, however, that such offer or contract shall clearly indicate at the time of such offer or contract that all services of a general contractor incident to the design-build performance shall be performed by a duly licensed general contractor in compliance with other provisions of this chapter and that all services so offered or provided falling within the scope of the licensing requirements of this chapter are offered and rendered by a licensed general contractor in accordance with this chapter.

(k) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings classified as an agricultural occupancy or that are used for agricultural storage or agricultural purposes.

(l) A contractor licensed under this chapter shall not be required to list on the face of a bid or proposal envelope the license number of any contractor licensed under Chapter 14 of this title that may or will be engaged to perform any work within the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of this title which comprises part of the work for which such bid or proposal is submitted.

(m) Dams, including both earth dams and concrete dams, designed for electrical generation, water storage, or any other purpose may be constructed by either a general contractor licensed under this chapter or by a utility contractor licensed pursuant to Chapter 14 of this title.

(n) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the construction or installation of manufactured homes as defined in paragraph (4) of Code Section 8-2-131.

O.C.G.A. § 43-41-6

(a) Anyone seeking to be licensed as a residential contractor or as a general contractor in this state shall file an application on a form provided by the residential contractor or general contractor division, respectively, accompanied by an application fee as provided by the board. Such an application may be submitted either by:

(1) An individual person seeking issuance of a license in his or her own name for purposes of engaging in the profession of residential or general contracting in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietorship; or

(2) An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of residential or general contracting in the name of the business organization in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9.

Additionally, all applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared by, prepared for, or approved by the appropriate division, except where an applicant is otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the appropriate division requirements and regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from the examination requirement or where the applicant is an individual acting as a qualifying agent for a business organization and has previously obtained and maintained continuously a license issued by the appropriate division, either as an individual doing business in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietor or as a qualifying agent for another business organization.

(b) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-basic contractor by the residential contractor division if the person:

(1) Is at least 21 years of age;

(2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(3) Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, predominantly in the residential-basic category, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division; and

(4) Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residential-basic category in the two years immediately preceding application.

(c) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-light commercial contractor by the residential-light commercial subdivision if the person:

(1) Is at least 21 years of age;

(2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and integrity;

(3) Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

(A) Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

(B) Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

(C) Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a residential contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division; and

(4) Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residence-light commercial category in the four years immediately preceding application.

(d) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a general contractor by the general contractor division if the person:

(1) Is at least 21 years of age;

(2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility; and

(3) Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

(A) Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;

(B) Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the employment of a general contractor or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or

(C) Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the employment of a general contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision, or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.

(e) Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division or general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity, and financial responsibility. The application shall include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be affiliated with as a licensed residential contractor or general contractor, whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership, or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Applicants for a general contractor license shall provide proof of a minimum net worth in an amount which is specified by the general contractor division. Additionally, all applicants shall provide proof of general liability insurance and of workers' compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state in their name. However, if and to the extent the applicant is submitted as a person seeking to act as a qualifying agent of a particular business organization, such proofs and information shall relate and pertain to such business organization rather than the individual applicant, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (d) of Code Section 43-41-9. All applicants shall also provide their social security numbers, if applying as an individual, or the federal taxpayer identification numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent. Applicants for a general contractor's license shall also provide suitable verification of tax payments in a form and manner and for the duration prescribed by the general contractor division; provided, however, that where the application is seeking license as a qualifying agent of a business organization, such tax verification and information shall relate and pertain to that business organization. The decision of the appropriate division as to the qualifications of applicants shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive. A certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the appropriate division and shall be a condition of renewal. A licensee, on his or her own behalf or where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf of the business organization so qualified, must notify the appropriate division in writing within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's and, if the licensee is acting as a qualifying agent for any business organization, such business organization's current mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities. (f)(1) The residential contractor division and the general contractor division shall each conduct or cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants, except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8.

(2) The residential contractor division shall conduct or cause to be conducted separate examinations for applicants for residential-basic and residential-light commercial licenses for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential contracting in the particular subcategory for which a license is sought; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such residential contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a residential contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-basic and residential light-commercial contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, and liens.

(3) The general contractor division shall conduct or cause to be conducted an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting; the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding, and liens.

(4) If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the appropriate division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the appropriate division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential or general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own name as a sole proprietor or as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. A residential contracting license shall indicate for which of the two subcategories, residential-basic or residential-light commercial, the licensee is qualified.

(g) Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination a third or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the last examination and shall submit an application with the appropriate examination fees.

(h) A residential contractor license, indicating whether relating to the residential-basic or residential-light commercial category, or general contractor license shall be issued to an applicant who successfully completes the respective requirements therefor upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.

(i) Such licenses shall be renewable biennially. Licenses may be renewed subsequent to their expiration within six months of the date of expiration by submitting a renewal as prescribed by the board and paying a late renewal fee as determined by the board. After six months has elapsed from the date of expiration, such license may be reinstated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the board.

(j) The division director shall give advance notice to each person holding a license under this chapter of the date of the expiration of the certificate of registration and the amount of the fee required for renewal at least one month prior to the expiration date, but the failure to receive such notice shall not avoid the expiration of any license not renewed in accordance with this Code section.

(k) As a condition of renewal, the appropriate division may require licensees to complete division approved continuing education of not more than three hours annually for a residential-basic license, six hours annually for a residential-light commercial license, and eight hours annually for a general contractor license.

O.C.G.A. § 43-41-8

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the following persons desiring to qualify for a residential contractor license or a general contractor license under the provisions of this chapter, either individually or as a qualifying agent, shall be eligible for issuance of such a license by the appropriate division without examination, provided that such person submits a proper application and proofs, pays or has paid the required fees, otherwise meets the requirements of Code Section 43-41-6 for licensure, and is not otherwise in violation of this chapter:

(1) Any person who holds a current and valid license to engage in the comparable category of residential or general contracting issued to him or her by any governing authority of any political subdivision of this state which requires passing an examination which is substantially similar to the state examination for residential or general contractors, provided that such person is a Georgia resident and citizen, if an individual applying in his or her own behalf, or is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent for a business organization incorporated in Georgia or otherwise authorized and certified to transact business in Georgia with a regular office and place of business in Georgia currently and having had such office and place of business continuously for the five years immediately preceding such application; provided, further, that the examination results are made available to the appropriate division. Such application and request for exemption must be submitted within the time limits set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-17;

(2) Any person who has successfully and efficiently engaged in the comparable category of residential or general contracting in this state as provided in this Code section; provided, however, that such person shall be either a resident and citizen of the State of Georgia or, if applying as a qualifying agent for a business organization, such business organization shall be either incorporated in Georgia or is a business organization otherwise authorized and certified to transact business in Georgia with a regular office and place of business in Georgia currently and having had such office and place of business continuously for the five years immediately preceding such application; provided, further, that such application and request for exemption is submitted within the time limits set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-17. To prove that he or she has successfully engaged in residential-basic or residential-light commercial projects, the person shall be required to give evidence of three successful projects located in Georgia which were successfully completed over the period of five years immediately prior to the time of application; evidence of ten successfully completed residential-basic or residential-light commercial projects located in Georgia over the period of ten years immediately prior to the time of application; or evidence that he or she has participated in or been engaged in residential-basic or residential-light commercial construction in a supervisory or management capacity for seven of the ten years immediately prior to the time of application. To prove that he or she has successfully engaged in commercial general contracting, the person submitting the application shall be required to give evidence of five successful general contracting projects located in Georgia which were successfully completed over the period of five years immediately prior to the time of application or evidence of ten successful general contracting projects located in Georgia which were successfully completed over the period of ten years immediately prior to the time of application, such projects having been performed either by such person acting as an individual or by a business organization in which such individual person was affiliated by employment or ownership and over which such person had general oversight and management responsibilities;

(3) Any person who holds a current and valid license to practice a comparable category of residential or general contracting issued by another state or territory of the United States, where either such state or territory has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the board and divisions for the recognition of contractor licenses issued in that state or territory, or such application is pursuant to and in accordance with the regulations and requirements for reciprocity promulgated by the divisions in accordance with subsection (b) of Code Section 43-41-5. Additionally, such application shall meet the following requirements:

(A) The criteria for issuance of such license or certification by such other state or territory, including the requirement to successfully complete an examination, were substantially equivalent to Georgia's current license criteria;

(B) The application requirements and application form submitted to the other state or territory upon which such license was issued are available for review by the appropriate division and the examination results are made available to the appropriate division;

(C) The applicant shall demonstrate that he or she meets the qualifications, requirements, and criteria set forth in subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Code Section 43-41-6; and

(D) The applicant is otherwise in compliance with all requirements of this state for transaction of such business within this state; provided, however, that such application and request for exemption shall be submitted in accordance with subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-17; and

(4) Any person who holds a current and valid license issued under this chapter to engage in the comparable category of residential or general contracting which license was issued to him or her in their capacity either as an individual licensee or as a qualifying agent for a business organization.

(b) Any applicant for issuance of a residential contractor or general contractor license under this title who shall seek exemption from the examination requirement under this Code section, on any basis set forth above, shall have the burden of establishing to the satisfaction and within the discretion of the appropriate division that the requirements for such exemption have been satisfied. The decision of such division as to the satisfaction of the requirements for such exemption from taking the examination shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive.

(c) Any business organization that had an applicant submit a complete and satisfactory application pursuant to this Code section, but was not issued a license due to the death of the qualifying agent applicant prior to the issuance of the license, shall remain eligible for consideration under this Code section with the submission of a new qualifying agent applicant for such business entity.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)