CS/HB 1061 Summary

• Creates new statute requiring condominium and cooperative associations operating buildings with three or more stories without fire sprinkler systems to post State Fire Marshal-approved warning signs on buildings to alert emergency responders.

• State Fire Marshal must adopt rules governing sign dimensions, color, placement, and timeline for posting on affected buildings while ensuring signs do not diminish aesthetic appearance.

• Modifies fire sprinkler retrofitting requirements for condominiums and cooperatives: buildings 75 feet or less in height are exempt from retrofitting; buildings over 75 feet may forego retrofitting if unit owners vote by two-thirds majority affirmative vote to forego such work.

• Allows associations to accept certificates of compliance from licensed electrical contractors, electricians, or professional engineers as evidence of fire and life safety code compliance for individual units.

• Extends compliance deadlines: associations must initiate building permits by December 31, 2018 (changed from 2016) for required installations, with full compliance deadline of December 31, 2021 (changed from 2019), and no retrofitting completion required before January 1, 2022 (changed from 2020).