Historic buildings generally must be maintained in their original condition. They may lack fire safety features normally required for new buildings having the same occupancy classification or not comply with means of egress requirements because they were constructed prior to the development of fire and life safety design regulations in model codes and standards.

Unless the building is a distinct hazard, the IFC requires that historic structures be provided with fire protection and life safety features based on an approved fire protection plan.

Click to continue reading more on this excerpt from the Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 IFC.

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