SAFETY AND PRESERVATION FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Vermont has an unusually high proportion of older buildings. These buildings contribute substantially to the sense of community and place that makes Vermont unique. At the same time, these buildings may be particularly challenging to adaptively reuse. Owners of older and historic buildings should seek the assistance of experienced designers specializing in the preservation of these structures. Division for Historic Preservation and Division of Fire Safety staff will assist in using the features of this Code to preserve and enhance historic buildings. Clear and comprehensive information on the significant historic features needs to be provided to the Division to facilitate review.

There are a number of codes that are part of this Code specifically written for existing and historic buildings:

• NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code, primarily addresses maintenance and the operation of buildings with performance guidelines for historic buildings.
• NFPA 73, Residential Electrical Code, addresses electrical code requirements in existing residential units.
• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, principally addresses life safety issues and has specific chapters for existing buildings.
• NFPA 909, Protection of Cultural Resources including Museums, Libraries and places of worship, brings together the design and implementation of fire protection plans designed to protect both people and property.
• NFPA 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, addresses the identification of existing conditions, planning and fire protection practices for historic buildings.

The regional offices of the Division of Fire Safety are staffed with safety professionals who have training and experience in developing solutions to meet both safety and historic preservation concerns. If a solution to a problem has not been developed after plan review or inspection, the owner or designated representative should contact the regional manager for assistance. With more experience and resources to draw on the regional manager often will develop a solution without requesting a formal variance.

For many buildings there are alternatives for certain code requirements that will provide an equivalent level of safety for the people using the building. To facilitate the review process for historic buildings, a fire safety plan should be developed. Guidance for that plan is found in Section 11.3.2 of NFPA 914 and Section 2.2 of NFPA 909.

Historic Variance Statute, 20 V.S.A. §2732

FIRE PREVENTION & BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS
A FIELD GUIDE

Table of Contents/Foreword - Introduction, Fundamental Requirements, Basic Terminology
Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 (5 mb) - Doors, Transoms, Emergency Lighting, Smoke & Fire Detection, Exit Signs
Chapter 3 - Chapter 5 - Egress, Stairs, Fire Escapes, Outside Stairs
Chapter 6 & Chapter 7 - Railings, Balconies, Sprinklers
Appendix