1 Del. Admin. Code § 706 § 3.0
Fire Protection Systems Required in New Apartment Buildings.
Operative Text
3.1 Fire Alarm Signaling Systems. All new apartment buildings shall be provided with a fire alarm signaling system in accordance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, as adopted and/or modified by these Regulations. Exception: Where each dwelling unit is separated from other contiguous dwelling units by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour, and where each dwelling unit has either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging at grade. Note: This requirement also appears in Regulation 701 and reappears in this specific occupancy Chapter for clarification. 3.2 Local Fire Alarm Signaling Systems. 3.2.1 Where there is a local fire alarm system with pull stations, a sign shall be provided for each pull station. The sign shall read as follows: LOCAL FIRE ALARM ONLY In Case of Fire 1. Activate Pull Station 2. Dial 911 for Fire Department Response or similar wording acceptable to the State Fire Marshal. 3.2.2 The minimum size for each sign shall be three inches high by five inches wide (3”x5”). Note: The sign should be of durable construction and affixed firmly in the immediate vicinity of each pull station. The line of lettering should be a minimum of one half inch (1/2”) high and use a plain font that is easy to read. 3.3 Buildings with less than 12 individual living units are not required to provide off-site monitoring by the fire alarm signaling system for the approved, automatic sprinkler system. Note: This requirement also appears in Regulation 701 and reappears in this specific occupancy Chapter for clarification.
Under 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 § 3.0, all newly constructed apartment buildings in Delaware must be equipped with a fire alarm signaling system that meets the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), with a limited exception for buildings where units are sufficiently separated by fire-resistant barriers and each has its own independent exit. Where local pull-station alarm systems are installed, clearly worded signs of a specified minimum size (3"×5") must accompany each pull station, directing occupants to activate the station and call 911. Buildings with fewer than 12 individual living units are not required to have their fire alarm system connected to off-site monitoring for automatic sprinkler systems.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of new apartment buildings in Delaware must ensure compliance with 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 § 3.0 by installing a fire alarm signaling system that conforms to NFPA 101 standards, unless the building qualifies for the specific fire-barrier and independent-exit exception. Where pull stations are part of a local alarm system, compliant operators post a durable, legible sign (at least 3"×5" with lettering no smaller than ½" high) at each pull station, using the prescribed or State Fire Marshal-approved wording. Operators of buildings with 12 or more living units should also account for the off-site monitoring requirement tied to automatic sprinkler systems, which does not apply to smaller buildings under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in new apartment buildings in Delaware have an interest in knowing that 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 § 3.0 establishes baseline fire alarm requirements designed to protect building occupants. If a building appears to lack required fire alarm signaling equipment or properly posted pull-station signs, tenants may consider reporting concerns to the Delaware State Fire Marshal's office, which oversees enforcement of these regulations. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how fire safety code requirements intersect with habitability standards and what options may be available when a building appears non-compliant.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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