Well maybe there is a code that allows for just sprinklers and no fire alarms.
[/quote]
I’ve heard of this for some smaller buildings (e.g. stand-alone McDonalds), but a 20-story apartment building?!
[/quote]
I was reading the NYC building code, and this is the best answer I could come up with. From what I understand from this code the building is a R-2 occupancy.
[quote] 907.2.9 Group R-2. A fire alarm system without alarm notification appliances and smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with this section in Group R-2 occupancies, other than student apartments, where such occupancy satisfies any one of the following conditions:1.Any dwelling unit is located three or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge, including dwelling units in penthouses of any area;
2.Any dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling
unit;
or 3.The building contains more than 16 dwelling units.
[/quote]