Requires notice to be given to the fire department with jurisdiction over a residential building where construction will utilize truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the executive law by adding a new section S 382-b that establishes notification requirements for the use of truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction in residential structures. The phrase "truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction" means either conventional wood trusses built up from solid sawn material, usually 2X pieces, or heavy timber trusses (e.g. bowstring truss) built up from large-section pieces meeting the dimensional requirements of heavy timber as defined by the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Subdivision 1. Upon applying for a building permit for the erection or rehabilitation of a residential structure where truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction is being utilized, the property owner or the property owner's representative shall indicate on the permit application and a form provided by the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council that truss type construction is being used. Upon receipt of the permit application and form, the municipality must notify the Chief of the fire district, fire department or fire company with jurisdiction over the structure, that truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction is being utilized. As a condition of the final receipt of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, a sticker designed and approved by the Council must be affixed to the exterior of the electric pan box.

Subdivision 2. Requires the local building department or local code enforcement official having jurisdiction over the residential structure to consult with the county fire coordinator, local 911 and fire protection dispatchers and the local fire protection provider, to determine the manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations of the existence of truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction in the structure.

Subdivision 3. Directs the Department of State's State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council to promulgate rules and regulations it deems necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this section including, but not limited to, the dimensions and color of such sign or symbol.

Subdivision 4. Directs local governments to provide by local law or resolution for the enforcement of the provisions of this act.

Section 2 directs the secretary of state, and the state fire administrator to incorporate into existing uniform fire prevention and building code training, and other safety training, educational information highlighting truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction and safety precautions.

Section 3. Sets the effective date.

Justification

While truss construction is very durable, when weakened by a fire, major components of a truss foundation can collapse suddenly without warning. When responding to a fire emergency, firefighters are unable to differentiate between a building constructed of truss foundation or another type of construction. As a result, in recent years truss constructions have been the cause of many preventable deaths of firefighters. It is imperative that firefighters are notified of the use of truss type construction so they can take appropriate measures that will protect the lives of residents and ensure their own safety. With the enactment of this bill, emergency responders will be able to take proper precautions in responding to a fire in a residential structure where truss type construction was utilized.

Prior legislative history

A.4857 (2012); A.11362 (2010)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed within 180 days after the date on which this act shall have become a law.