Ch. 423 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(k) An approved automatic fire sprinkler system may be installed in lieu of a
smoke detection system when approved by the Fire Prevention Commission. This option
shall not nullify any other requirements of the code nor be construed as exempting any
occupancy from such requirements where clearly applicable under the text of the code.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, the provisions of this
section shall apply in Baltimore City. In the city, the city fire department shall enforce
these provisions and any appeals concerning these provisions shall be made to the city
fire board.

(m) The provisions of subsections (a) through (1) of this section shall have no
effect upon the existing public local laws or regulations as of July 1, 1982 which require
smoke detectors in occupancies with less than ten dwelling units.

(n) A minimum of 1 smoke detector shall be installed on each level, including a
basement, but excluding an attic, of all dwelling units:

(1) Containing alternating current (AC) electrical service;

(2) Classified residential as defined in the National Fire Protection
Association Life Safety Code, 1985 Edition; and

(3) For which a building permit is issued for construction of new
residential dwelling units on or after January 1, 1989.

(o) If 2 or more smoke detectors are required under subsection (n) of this
'section, the smoke detectors shall be of a type and installed in a manner so that
activation of any 1 smoke detector causes activation of all other required smoke
detectors in the residential dwelling unit.

(P) A SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL
BE OF A TYPE THAT OPERATES BOTH BY BATTERY AND ON AN
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) PRIMARY SOURCE OF ELECTRIC POWER IF
THE SMOKE DETECTOR IS INSTALLED IN A NEW RESIDENTIAL
DWELLING UNIT:

(1) CONTAINING ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) ELECTRICAL
SERVICE;

(2) DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED BY 1 OR MORE FAMILIES; AND

(3) FOR WHICH A BUILDING PERMIT IS ISSUED FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTION ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1990.

[(p)] (Q) The provisions of subsections (n) [and], (o), AND (P) of this section:

(1) May be enforced by any county fire chief, fire administrator, or
municipal fire chief; and

(2) Do not prevent any county from enacting more stringent provisions of
law relating to smoke detectors.

- 1804 -