How Chicago’s Updated Building Code Impacts Fire Alarm Design in Multifamily Buildings

How Sentry Security Provides Fully Compliant, Ready-for-Inspection Fire Alarm Solutions

Chicago’s updated building code places stronger requirements on fire alarm design for multifamily buildings, especially properties with 16+ residential units, mid-rise structures, and high-rise towers. While the city references NFPA 72, Chicago applies stricter interpretations around voice evacuation, CO detection, ADA strobes, and documentation.

Sentry Security delivers complete, fully compliant fire alarm solutions—design, engineering, installation, monitoring, inspection, and integrated life-safety enhancements—so property owners can meet every requirement quickly and confidently.

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What Chicago’s Updated Code Means for Multifamily Buildings

Stricter Requirements. Detailed Documentation. Higher Enforcement Standards.

Chicago’s code changes affect:

• Fire alarm system design and engineering.
• Voice communication systems in high-rise properties.
• CO detection in residential corridors.
• Notification devices and ADA strobe placement.
• Pull station placement rules.
• Annual testing and NFPA 72 inspection documentation.

Sentry Security ensures fire alarm plans, designs, and installations meet every requirement from the start.

Professional engineering support: System Design & Engineering

How Sentry Security Helps Multifamily Owners Stay Fully Compliant

1. Manual Fire Alarm System Requirements

Multifamily buildings with 16 or more dwelling units require a compliant manual fire alarm system.

Sentry Security designs systems with code-correct pull stations, audibility levels, corridor coverage, and device layout—preventing failed inspections.

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2. High-Rise Voice Evacuation Solutions

Chicago requires voice evacuation systems in residential buildings over 80 feet.

Sentry Security provides:

• High-rise voice evacuation design.
• Speaker coverage for corridors and elevator lobbies.
• Intelligibility testing.
• Integrations with mass notification systems and emergency communication platforms.

Voice and communication enhancements: Mass Notifications & 911inform Integration

3. Supervised CO Detection for Residential Corridors

Chicago mandates CO detectors connected to the fire alarm system and supervised by a monitoring station.

24/7 protection: Fire Alarm Monitoring

4. ADA-Compliant Notification Appliances

Sentry Security ensures ADA-compliant strobe placement, proper candela settings, and coverage for:

• Corridors.
• Amenity rooms.
• Fitness centers.
• Package rooms.
• Staff work areas.
• Storage rooms.
• Mechanical spaces.

Verification & testing: Maintenance & Inspection Services

5. Pull Station Compliance

Even in fully sprinklered multifamily buildings, Chicago requires specific manual pull station locations. Sentry Security determines correct placement and provides documentation for plan review.

6. Documentation for Chicago Review

Chicago requires precise documentation for approval. Sentry Security provides:

• NFPA 72–compliant shop drawings.
• Riser diagrams.
• Voltage drop and battery calculations.
• Test results.
• Annual inspection reports.

Inspection support: Maintenance & Inspection Services

Integrated Building Safety Solutions for Multifamily Properties

Sentry Security can integrate fire alarms with building-wide security systems to improve safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

For AOR compliance in high-rise and mid-rise buildings: Area of Rescue Systems

Quick Multifamily Compliance Checklist

Before submitting your fire alarm project for approval, confirm:

• Correct R-2 occupancy classification.
• Manual pull station on exit level.
• Voice evacuation required for 80+ ft buildings.
• ADA-compliant strobe placement.
• Supervised CO detection in corridors.
• NFPA 72 documentation is complete.
• 24/7 monitoring is active.
• Annual inspection plan is scheduled.

Sentry Security manages every step for you.

Get a Fire Alarm System Designed to Pass Chicago Review the First Time

Sentry Security delivers fully compliant fire alarm design, engineering, installation, monitoring, and inspection services for multifamily buildings across Chicago, Cook County, and surrounding suburbs.

Request a consultation or schedule a code compliance review:
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