SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

[A]101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Puerto Rico Fire Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code." [A]101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding all of the following: 1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices. 2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises. 3. Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation. 4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems. 5. Conditions affecting the safety of fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. [A]101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. [A]101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. [A]101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. [A]101.5 Validity. In the event any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions hereof, which are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this code would have been adopted without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions. SECTION 102 - APPLICABILITY [A]102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this code shall apply to: 1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code. 625 2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code. 3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions where required in Chapter 11. 4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions that, in the opinion of the fire code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property. [A]102.2 Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply to: 1. Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of this code. 2. Existing conditions and operations. [A]102.3 Change of use or occupancy. A change of occupancy shall not be made unless the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the Puerto Rico Existing Building Code. Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, a change of occupancy shall be permitted without complying with the requirements of this code and the Puerto Rico Existing Building Code, provided that the new or proposed use or occupancy is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use or occupancy. [A]102.4 Application of building code. The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the Puerto Rico Building Code, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the Puerto Rico Building Code, shall be made in accordance therewith. [A]102.5 Application of residential code. Where structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the Puerto Rico Residential Code, the provisions of this code shall apply as follows: 1. Construction and design provisions of this code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access and water supplies. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are installed, construction permits required by Section 105.7 and the Joint Regulation shall apply. 2. Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply. [A]102.6 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings or structures shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures identified and classified by the federal, state or local jurisdiction as historic buildings where such buildings or structures do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property. Fire protection in designated historic buildings shall be provided with an approved fire protection plan as required in Section 1103.1.1. [A]102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 80, and such codes and standards shall be considered to be part 626 of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.7.1 and 102.7.2. [A]102.7.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. [A]102.7.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code, the provisions of this code, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard. [A]102.8 Subjects not regulated by this code. Where applicable standards or requirements are not set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or bylaws adopted by the Puerto Rico Fire Department or OGPe-DDEC, compliance with applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized fire safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from the authority of the fire code official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the fire code official's jurisdiction or responsibility. [A]102.9 Matters not provided for. Requirements that are essential for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, that are not specifically provided for by this code, shall be determined by the fire code official. [A]102.10 Conflicting provisions. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. [A]102.11 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law. [A]102.12 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code. PART 2 - ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS The administrative provisions of Part 2 of this Code are derived from provisions established by the Act 161-2009, as amended, the Joint Regulation and the Act 20-2017, as amended.