VT H0862

Division of Fire Safety must amend the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code by July 1, 2027 to establish minimum standards for indoor sound control and reverberation in certain public buildings

Nonresidential rooms and spaces in public buildings (excluding dwelling units and utility rooms) must have ceilings with sound-absorbing materials having a noise reduction coefficient of at least 0.75, covering at least 50% of available ceiling area

Amendments may include additional requirements for limiting sound transmission through interior and exterior walls, as well as impact-related sound through floor-ceiling assemblies

"Available ceiling area" is defined as ceiling surfaces visible to occupants, excluding structural beams, skylights, ductwork, and other components where sound-absorbing materials cannot be attached

Act takes effect July 1, 2026