New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 10 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Chapter 25 - STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Part 5 - FIRE PREVENTION AND PUBLIC OCCUPANCY
Section 10.25.5.18 - APPROVAL OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Universal Citation: 10 NM Admin Code 10.25.5.18

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024

Prior to beginning construction or occupancy of any building or structure regulated by the currently adopted New Mexico Building Codes and the NMFC, the contractor shall apply for a permit and submit drawings for plan review by the AHJ and approval of the fire protection system from the SFM or FM, as appropriate, of all fire protection system for the building or structure. The review and approval of fire protection systems is in addition to all review required by CID pursuant to Title 14 of the New Mexico administrative code.

A. Filing drawings with the SFM for review.

(1) Documents required. The contractor shall submit one set of drawings for the building or structure. Submittals shall be in accordance with "Plans Submittal Information" obtained via the SFM website and this rule. For convenience, a contractor may submit additional sets of drawings and an envelope with prepaid postage directly to the SFM for the SFM's use in returning the drawings after review. Electronic filing of fire protection plans will be accepted via electronic plans review software that is compatible with software used by the SFM.

(2) Where to submit. The contractor shall submit drawings of the fire protection system to the fire code enforcement bureau of the SFM in compliance with 10.25.1 NMAC or to an AHJ as required by the AHJ. The SFM shall not accept drawings by facsimile transmission.

(3) Requirements for drawings. The drawings shall clearly indicate fire protection systems in sufficient detail to establish compliance with applicable codes and standards and shall include the signature and seal of the licensed professional engineer in accordance with the New Mexico Engineering and Surveying Practice Act (found at Chapter 61, Article 23 NMSA 1978) that prepared the drawings. Drawings submitted shall comply with plans submittal information provided by the SFM on its website.

(4) Fees. The SFM does not require any fees for review of fire protection systems.

B. Third party review. The FM or FM, as appropriate, in their sole discretion, may require third party review of drawings if specialized expertise or knowledge is needed, and shall so notify the contractor in writing with a cost estimate if so determined. If the contractor agrees to proceed with review, the contractor shall file written approval by the method provided in 10.25.1.8 NMAC and shall pay directly to the third party the cost of such review before the SFM or FM, as appropriate, returns the drawings.

C. Return of drawings. If the SFM or FM, as appropriate, approves the drawings, the drawings shall be stamped "approved", with the SFM or FM, as appropriate, retaining one complete set of drawings or submittals. If the SFM or FM, as appropriate, rejects the drawings or submittals or does not approve the drawings, an explanation for the basis for rejection or non approval shall be given to the contractor. The contractor shall pick up approved drawings if prior arrangements have not been agreed to for return by mail.

D. Rejection. The SFM or FM, as appropriate, may reject fire protection system drawings for the following reasons:

(1) the drawings are incomplete;

(2) the drawings indicate a violation of these rules or applicable codes and standards;

(3) the submitted drawings are not in accordance with Title 16, Chapter 39 NMAC;

(4) no certificate of fitness is on file with the SFM;

(5) the drawings or submittals contain a misrepresentation or inaccuracy;

(6) third party review of the drawings or submittals reveals a violation of these rules, applicable codes or standards;

(7) all SFM or FM requirements have not been included in the submittals; or

(8) any other valid reason as determined by the SFM.

E. Re-submission. If drawings are rejected, the contractor may correct the deficiencies noted in the rejection letter. New submittals shall be submitted by the same process for filing original drawings for review.

F. Construction.

(1) Construction may commence upon approval of plans and issuance of the proper permits.

(2) After installation of the fire protection system has been completed, a request for inspection shall be made to the FM. The request may be made orally or in writing to the FM or as otherwise required by the SFM.

G. Inspection and testing. The SFM or FM, as appropriate, will inspect the fire protection system of a building or structure within a reasonable period of time after a request for inspection. The SFM or FM, as appropriate, shall notify the AHJ of approval or rejection of drawings or of the fire protection system, and, if applicable, the AHJ may request a letter indicating the system is in compliance with approved plans and applicable codes and standards. The SFM or FM, as appropriate, shall not approve the installation if the inspection indicates:

(1) a violation of this rule or applicable codes and standards;

(2) the fire protection system was not installed in compliance with the drawings;

(3) the fire protection system was not installed by a licensed entity and certified journeyman;

(4) no valid certificate of fitness is on file with the SFM;

(5) the final acceptance testing of each fire protection system is not recorded as complete; or

(6) any other valid reason as determined by the SFM.

H. Re-inspection. If the FM does not approve the installation of the fire protection system and the responsible party corrects the deficiencies noted in the inspection, the responsible party may re-apply for inspection following the same procedure as for the initial inspection.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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