(1) Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to require the placement of an identifying symbol on structures constructed with a lightframe
truss component in a manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations of the
existence of light-frame truss-type construction in the structure.
(2) Definitions.
(a) “Light-frame truss-type construction” means a type of construction whose primary structural elements are formed by a
system of repetitive wood or light gauge steel framing members.
(b) “Approved symbol” means a Maltese Cross measuring 8 inches horizontally and 8 inches vertically, of a bright red
reflective color, designed in accordance with Figure 1.
(3) Any commercial, industrial, or multiunit residential structure of three units or more, which uses horizontal or vertical lightframe
truss-type construction in any portion shall be marked with an approved symbol. Townhouses are not multiunit residential
structures and therefore not subject to this rule. Each approved symbol shall include within the center circle one of the following
designations:
(a) Structures with light-frame truss roofs shall be marked with the letter “R”.
(b) Structures with light-frame truss floor systems shall be marked with the letter “F”.
(c) Structures with light-frame truss floor and roof systems shall be marked with the letters “RF.”
(4) The approved symbol shall be placed within 24 inches to the left of the main entry door and:
(a) Be permanently attached to the face of the structure on a contrasting background, or
(b) Be mounted on a contrasting base material which is then permanently attached to the face of the structure.
(5) The distance above the grade, walking surface or the finished floor to the bottom of the symbol shall be not less than 4 feet
(48 in.).
(6) The distance above the grade, walking surface or the finished floor to the top of the symbol shall be not more than 6 feet (72
in.).
(7) In single tenant structures with multiple main entry doors, such as big box retail stores, department stores and grocery stores,
the authority having jurisdiction is authorized to require that other main entry doors of the structure be marked with an approved
symbol to carry out the purpose in subsection (1) above.
(8) In Multiple tenant structures and covered mall structures with multiple main entry doors, the authority having jurisdiction is
authorized to require that other main entry doors of the structure be marked with an approved symbol to carry out the purpose in
subsection (1) above.
(9) In multiple tenant structures and covered malls with multiple main entry doors, the authority having jurisdiction is
authorized to require that other main entry doors be marked with an approved symbol to carry out the purpose in subsection (1)
above. In such structures, approved symbols shall be marked on one side of the structure only and spaced not closer than 100 feet or
at each end of the structure when such structure is less than 100 feet in length.
(10) The owner of each new structure required to comply with this section shall mark the structure with the approved symbol
prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy.
(11) The owner of each existing structure required to comply with this section shall mark the structure with the approved
symbol within 90 days of the effective date of this rule.
(12) Where the owner of the structure and the authority having jurisdiction disagree as to the use of light-frame truss-type
construction within the structure, the owner shall be granted not more than 45 days to provide written verification from a licensed
engineer or licensed architect; otherwise, the owner shall comply with the rule.
Figure 1:
Light-frame “Roof” only
Light-frame “Floor” only
Light-frame “Floor & Roof”