§ 23-28.1-6. Applicability to new or existing structures. (a) All regulations contained in this code apply to all structures unless specifically exempted. Prior to a building permit, other than a foundation permit, being issued, all plans for buildings regulated under this code shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction shall approve or disapprove the completed set of plans within a reasonable time not to exceed fifteen (15) days for fire alarm, smoke detection and/or carbon monoxide detector plans. The authority having jurisdiction shall further approve or disapprove a completed set of plans, covering any other project, within the specific time lines recommended by the state fire marshal, and established on or before October 15, 2010 within the rules and regulations of the state fire safety code board. In no case shall the authority having jurisdictional review of a completed set of plans exceed ninety (90) days to complete that review without the express written approval of the state fire marshal. The failure of an authority having jurisdiction to comply within the timelines established pursuant to this section, may result in the issuance of a building permit. The above examination of plans may be waived by the authority having jurisdiction when the plans for the erection or alteration of a building are prepared by a professional engineer or architect, licensed and/or registered by the State of Rhode Island, and the professional engineer or architect has stated in a written, signed and stamped document, that he or she has supervised the preparation of the applicable architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire alarm and/or sprinkler design contract documents, and that he or she will review and approve all working drawings for construction, conduct on-site supervision of the construction process throughout the project, and that the project shall, to the best of his or her knowledge conform to all provisions of the fire safety code, and all rules and regulations, formal interpretations and blanket variances adopted under its provisions. When a change of use or type of occupancy is made in an existing building, the building shall conform to the requirements established by the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing buildings and structures, or if the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing structures is not applicable, to the requirements for new structures as related to the proposed use or type of occupancy.

(b) In existing structures, since it is not always practical or efficient to strictly apply all of the provisions of the code, the authority having jurisdiction shall have the power to implement and enforce the provisions of the code as provided for in the Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) with annexes, as applicable to existing structures, consistent with such rules and regulations as may be adopted and such decisions as may be rendered by the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review.

(c) Application of the code to new and existing structures shall be consistent with such blanket variances, variances, and rules, as may be approved by the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review, and such modifications as may be issued in writing by the authority having jurisdiction, in accordance with NFPA 101, with annexes.

History of Section. (P.L. 1966, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 185, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 290, § 3; P.L. 2003, ch. 106, § 3; P.L. 2003, ch. 107, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 151, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 155, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 2010, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 83, § 1.)