3. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, all buildings used as dormitories, in whole or in part, or similar accommodations to house students at a public or private school or at a public or private institution of higher education, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system in accordance with the provisions of this section. For the purpose of this act:

(1) “Dormitories” means buildings, or portions thereof, containing rooms which are provided as residences or for overnight sleeping for individuals or groups, and includes those residences utilized by fraternities or sororities which are recognized by or owned by a school or institution of higher education, but does not include those residences or multiple dwellings which are not recognized by or owned by a school or institution of higher education.

(2) “Equipped throughout” means installed in the common areas as well as in the areas utilized for sleeping within a dormitory.

(3) “Common areas” means those areas within a building which are normally accessible to all residents, including the corridors, lounge or lobby areas, and areas which contain elements of fire hazards, such as boiler rooms.

(4) “School” means a secondary school, military school, or a boarding school.

b. Within 120 days of the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.), each entity responsible for a building subject to the requirements of this section shall file with the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs a plan outlining the installation of automatic fire suppression systems in those buildings as required pursuant to subsection a. of this section. A plan may cover installation projects which were begun within a 12 month period prior to the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.). Each plan shall provide that:

(1) at least 25 percent of the required installation will be completed no later than the last day of the 12th month next following the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.);

(2) at least 50 percent of the required installation will be completed no later than the last day of the 24th month next following the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.);

(3) at least 75 percent of the required installation will be completed no later than the last day of the 36th month next following the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.); and

(4) all required installation shall be completed no later than the last day of the 48th month next following the effective date of P.L.2000, c.56 (C. 52:27D-198.7 et al.).

Upon application by an entity, the Commissioner of Community Affairs may, at the commissioner’s discretion, extend the time frames set forth in this section, upon a showing that the time frame would pose an unreasonable hardship for the entity, or that performance of the installation is impossible for reasons outside the control of the entity by the date set forth under this section. When the request for an extension concerns a building containing asbestos or an historic building, there shall be a presumption in favor of granting the extension.

L.2000,c.56,s.3.