Is a Sprinkler system needed?

[Glenn Rogers jr.]

House was built in 1920. Originally a single family. Got approved and converted to a three unit(2024). I need clarity on the wording "newly  constructed" when it comes to a sprinkler system. The code says "newly constructed" after 1990. What does "newly constructed" mean? Does converting a single family into a 3 unit fall under "newly constructed" or a renovation? Is "newly constructed" referring to building from scratch? We already planned on building a fire escape for the units. Do we also need a sprinkler system?

§9–204.

    (a) Each sprinkler system required under this section shall:

        (1) be installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices that meet the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies under the regulations of the State Fire Prevention Commission or the local authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire and building codes;

        (2) meet the requirements of the current National Fire Protection Association standards; and

        (3) be approved by the State Fire Marshal or the local authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire codes.

    (b) (1) In a jurisdiction in which building permits are issued, a sprinkler system shall be installed in:

            (i) each newly constructed dormitory, hotel, lodging or rooming house, or multifamily residential dwelling for which the initial building permit is issued on or after July 1, 1990; and

            (ii) each newly constructed town house for which the initial building permit is issued on or after July 1, 1992.

        (2) In a jurisdiction in which building permits are not issued, a sprinkler system shall be installed in:

            (i) each dormitory, hotel, lodging or rooming house, or multifamily residential dwelling on which construction begins on or after July 1, 1990; and

            (ii) each town house on which construction begins on or after July 1, 1992.

    (c) If a dwelling unit is not serviced by a public water system, subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply.