TITLE: Relating to fire protection sprinkler systems in residential high-rise buildings in certain municipalities.

SUMMARY: Relating to fire protection sprinkler systems in residential high-rise buildings in certain municipalities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to fire protection sprinkler systems in residential high-rise buildings in certain municipalities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 766, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Cto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER C. FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS IN RESIDENTIAL HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES Sec. 766.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "fire protection sprinkler system" and "residential high-rise building" have the meanings assigned by Section 766.051. Sec. 766.102. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to a municipality with a population of not less than 750,000 nor more than 850,000. Sec. 766.103. REQUIREMENT FOR FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN BUILDINGS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a municipality may not adopt or enforce an ordinance or other measure that requires the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system in a residential high-rise building that: (1) was not required to have a sprinkler system at the time the building was initially constructed; or (2) is designated as a historically or archeologically significant site by the Texas Historical Commission or the governing body of the county or municipality in which the building is located. (b) A municipality may adopt or enforce an ordinance or other measure that requires the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system in a residential high-rise building described by Subsection (a)(1) if the building is not a building described by Subsection (a)(2) and: (1) the building qualifies for the housing for older persons exemption to the federal Fair Housing Act under 42 U.S.C. Section 3607; or (2) at least 50 percent of the occupants of the building are individuals with a handicap as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 3602. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.