Are Fire Alarms Required in a Level 2 Alteration?

[arwat23]

Is a new fire alarm system required in a existing suite / building undergoing a minor alteration? The building is fully sprinklered, but there's no fire alarm other than what's required by IFC/CFC 903.4. We searched every room and didn't find a single strobe, smoke detector, or anything fire alarm related. Alterations are relatively minor, so the tenant understandably doesn't want to spend more money on a new alarm system than the alteration. Project is in a medical office suite, Group B.

Using 2022 California Fire, Building, and Existing Building Codes.

 

[Joe.B]

This stuff is all new to us CA folks, it's been interesting. Short answer, yes, it looks like alarm systems would be required (when required by CBC 907) in the areas that are being modified.

 

[arwat23]

This stuff is all new to us CA folks, it's been interesting. Short answer, yes, it looks like alarm systems would be required (when required by CBC 907) in the areas that are being modified.

So, assuming an alarm required by CBC 907 (which I don't think it is, unless an alteration triggers the requirements for a new building), would the alarm only be required where the actual alteration is happening (a few rooms) or would it need to be installed throughout the suite.

 

[Joe.B]

It's my understanding that a level 2 only requires those items in the areas being altered. Level 3 would require them throughout.