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NFPA 101 Requirements for New Buildings

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Establishes comprehensive fire safety and life safety requirements for new building construction.

NFPA 101 Chapter 4 and following chapters address new construction requirements. Buildings must have fire detection and alarms activated by automatic detectors or manual pull stations. Exit signs must be illuminated and visible from all directions. Emergency lighting must function for 90 minutes during power loss. Sprinkler systems are required in certain occupancies and building sizes. Means of egress must provide minimum two exits for occupant loads exceeding 50 or buildings exceeding single-exit thresholds. Exit corridors must be properly rated and protected. Stairways must meet dimensional standards with handrails on both sides. Door swing direction must permit rapid egress. Barrier-free accessibility must be provided throughout buildings.

TAGS
nfpanfpa-101new-construction
DETAILS
section
4
category
Life Safety
code body
NFPA
code year
2022
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