Burlington applies the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code, which requires fire sprinklers in many new multi-family, commercial, and assembly buildings. Single-family homes are not required to be sprinklered statewide.
Vermont enforces the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code through the Division of Fire Safety, drawing on NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and related standards rather than a blanket adoption of the IBC. Sprinkler requirements are triggered by occupancy type, building height, and total square footage. New apartment buildings above the small-multi-family threshold, dormitories at UVM and Champlain College, hotels, larger restaurants, and assembly venues typically require automatic sprinkler systems. Existing buildings undergoing major renovation or change of use can be pulled into the requirement. The Burlington Fire Marshal's office coordinates plan review with the state for projects within the city.
Stop-work orders, denial of certificates of occupancy, and civil penalties for occupying or operating buildings without required sprinkler protection.
See how Burlington's fire sprinkler requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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