A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.9.through 907.2.9.2.in Group R-2 occupancies where:
1. Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located three or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge;
2. Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit;
3. The building contains more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units; or
4. The building is used as a congregate living facility; dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity, sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant load of 20 or more.
Exception: A fire alarm system is not required in buildings not over two stories in height where all dwelling units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least one-hour fire partitions and each dwelling unit has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or yard.
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by automatic means. Automatic fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms, trash-collection rooms, shops, laundry rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, storage rooms, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors serving as required means of egress.
Exception: System fire and smoke detectors are not required when an approved automatic fire extinguishing system is installed throughout the building.
Activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
Dwelling unit smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.shall not be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Connection of such alarms for annunciation only.