Landlord Fined for Noncompliance with Sprinkler System Rules

The Fire Department issued 12 violation notices to landlord relating to sprinklers and other fire protection requirements. Inspection of eight attached townhouses on two dates showed that landlord failed to arrange for a performance flow test of the residential sprinkler system in the presence of an FDNY representative. Landlord also failed to maintain or produce records for monthly sprinkler inspection, fire safety plan signs and notices, a required sprinkler gauge, and a Certificate of Fitness for monthly sprinkler inspection. Landlord claimed that there was one sprinkler system servicing all the townhouses on a voluntary basis not required by law. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $15,775. Landlord appealed and lost. There was no proof as landlord claimed of one branch line extending through all the townhouses to a single sprinkler system. There also was no proof of any law exempting landlord’s sprinkler system from compliance with the Fire Code. 

Knox Home LP: ECB App. No. 1600426 (4/28/16) [5-pg. doc.]