(a) Each high-rise building constructed after July 1, 1974, shall be protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices as approved by the authority with jurisdiction. (b) (1) This section does not apply to a building that is less than 75 feet in height above grade level if: (i) the local fire department has at least one approved first line piece of aerial equipment that is capable of reaching the roof of the building; and (ii) accessibility to the building is provided on two sides of the perimeter of the building by a public way that is: 1. kept accessible at all times to the local fire department; and 2. close enough to the building to allow the fire department aerial equipment to reach 75 feet in height. (2) For purposes of this subsection, height above grade level shall be determined by using the lowest elevation of the public way as a reference datum. (c) (1) Beginning July 1, 2024, the owner of a residential rental high- rise building that is not protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system shall post notice in the building in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. (2) Notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall: (i) state, in lettering that is at least 1 inch high and on a contrasting background, "WARNING: THIS HIGH-RISE BUILDING IS NOT PROTECTED THROUGHOUT BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM"; and (ii) be conspicuously posted at all main building entrances as approved by the authority having jurisdiction. (d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2025, and continuing until a residential rental high-rise building is protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system, the owner of a residential rental high-rise building that is not protected shall include in any lease agreement conspicuous notice indicating that the building is not currently protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system. (2) Notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be initialed by the tenant. (e) (1) The Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, shall identify funding sources that may be available to the owner of a residential rental high-rise building or the governing body of a condominium or cooperative housing corporation to aid the owner or governing body in protecting the building with a complete automatic sprinkler system. (2) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall publish information on funding sources identified under paragraph (1) of this subsection on the Department of Housing and Community Development's website.
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