Condo Fire Systems Causing Hiccups in Pittsfield

A compliance situation came to light this week issue when trying to obtain smoke/carbon certificates for a condo in a 6+ unit building in Pittsfield.  The Pittsfield Fire Department recently determined that several local condo complexes had failed to comply with state fire updates made in 1989.  In many cases, the Condo board president may have received a letter, much like this sample letter provided by Inspector Randy Stein, explaining the existing requirements and their intent to make sure all buildings are up to code by April 25th, 2021.  Please make sure that both the seller and buyer agent’s take special note of the requirements and try to address any issues as soon as known, rather than having to delay a closing.  In speaking to Inspector Stein, he agreed they would be willing to issue smoke/carbon certificates for closing if (1) the individual unit is compliant and (2) the condo board has pulled a permit and engaged a contractor to perform the work to bring the common areas into compliance. Thanks to the agents at Gelinas Real Estate for bringing this situation to our attention!