Service Update: Sprinkler Systems Required for Ambulatory Health Care and Animal Service Facilities
Local Law 78 of 2015 takes into effect come December 31, 2016. This law states that animal service facilities must adhere to with retroactive requirements as outlined in the NYC Building Code section 903.2.2.2 outlining that automatic sprinkler systems requirement for animal care facilites. This only means that owners of these facilities will need to file a report with the DOB that certifiees the facility has an installed sprinkler system or that their facility is subject to the exceptions that has been set forth within the said section.
Ambulatory health care and animal service facilities should have their facilities updated and sprinkler systems installed before the law takes effect, refer to the Local Law 78 of 2015 for the specifics.
Facilities included are those with 4 or more care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation or 1 or more care recipients who is incapable of self-preservation and is found at other than the level of exit discharge.
Animal service facilities include:
- Animal hospitals
- Veterinary clinics
- Pounds
- Pet shops
- Kennels
Exceptions to the rule are:
- Animal service facilities that provide 24-hour in-person administration of animals cared for therein and that the facility has smoke alarms installed.
- Animals service facilities that are in operation on or before the deadline (Dec. 31, 2016) and have automatic smoke detection systems installed.
Keep in mind that the law is retroactive and applies to all the specified facilities. The law takes into effect by December 31, 2016 and all included facilities need to be in compliance. If you need help in compliance with the said law, don’t wait till the deadline, contact us now and we will gladly assist you.