Does Arizona Recognize NFPA Fire Codes?
No, Arizona does not adopt NFPA fire codes directly; instead, the state adopted the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) as the “Arizona Fire & Medical Authority Fire Code,” and individual jurisdictions can have additional local amendments to the base codes. While some jurisdictions may reference NFPA standards as guidelines or for specific areas, such as fire sprinklers, the primary state-level building and fire safety standards are based on the International Code Council (ICC)’s International Fire Code, not the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes. The degree of adoption and the specific versions used vary depending on the local authority.
Key details on how NFPA codes are used in Arizona:
- Widespread reference: NFPA standards are widely used in Arizona as the national benchmark for fire and life safety. For example, the Phoenix Fire Department requires that licensed fire protection contractors work in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Adoption of the IFC: The state has adopted the International Fire Code (IFC), which frequently references and defers to specific NFPA standards. For example, the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority’s adoption of the 2018 IFC also adopts the most recent edition of NFPA codes and standards.
- Local jurisdiction authority: Local jurisdictions, or Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), can amend or adopt different editions of the codes.
- For instance, the City of Maricopa has adopted the 2018 IFC with its own specific amendments.
- Some jurisdictions may use older versions of the codes, so it’s best to check with the local AHJ to see which edition applies.
- Specific NFPA standards: NFPA codes such as NFPA 72 (fire alarm systems) are often specifically cited for fire system installations. Other specialized standards, like those for battery energy storage systems, reference NFPA 68 and 69.
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