(a) On and after July 1, 2002, all new construction projects submitted to the Division of the State Architect pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, hardship applications, that require the approval of the Department of General Services shall include an automatic fire detection, alarm, and sprinkler system as set forth in Section 17074.52 and approved by the State Fire Marshal. These provisions shall entitle the school district to all applicable reductions in code requirements, as provided in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).

(b) On and after July 1, 2002, all modernization projects that have an estimated total cost in excess of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) submitted to the Division of the State Architect pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, hardship applications, that require the approval of the Department of General Services shall include an automatic fire detection and alarm system as set forth in Section 17074.52 and approved by the State Fire Marshal. For a modernization project that is to be completed in more than one phase, the school district may defer installation of the system until the final phase of the modernization project. Solely for purposes of this section, “modernization” means any modification of a permanent structure or construction of a new building on an existing campus.

(c) The Department of General Services shall administer this section based upon the standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 17074.52.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 725, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)