(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.