Fire Alarm Systems to Be Required in Skokie, Ill., for Apartments, Condo Buildings

A new law in Skokie, Ill., requires that condo or apartment buildings three stories or greater, or with 12 or more units, must have a fire alarm system installed by 2010.

The law is essentially replicated from a similar new state law, and specifically requires the alarm systems be installed in "common areas" of these buildings, such as lobbies, basements, laundry areas, common entertainment locations and other such shared locations.

While the ordinance gives building owners five years to get the systems installed, according to a report in the Skokie Review, many building owners are being proactive and seeking to get the work done sooner rather than later.