How to Apply for Fire Sprinkler Exemption for Sober Living in New Hampshire 

Introduction

New Hampshire offers a unique legal exemption to certain fire code requirements for certified recovery residences. Under RSA 153:10-d, recovery homes that are certified by the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR) can receive significant relief from costly commercial fire code requirements that would otherwise apply to group living settings. This exemption makes it much more financially feasible to operate safe, supportive sober living homes while maintaining high safety standards. 

In this article, we walk you through exactly how to apply for the RSA 153:10-d fire code exemption.

Why This Fire Code Exemption Exists

Normally, homes housing multiple unrelated adults may trigger stricter fire safety standards typically applied to commercial lodging, boarding, or rooming houses. These commercial standards often include: 

• Mandatory sprinkler systems 

• Full commercial fire alarm panels 

• Emergency lighting and exit signage 

• Other high-cost retrofits 

Note: For small recovery home operators, these requirements can be financially prohibitive. 

Recognizing this barrier, New Hampshire lawmakers passed RSA 153:10-d to support recovery housing while ensuring safety. The law allows certified recovery residences to operate under modified safety requirements appropriate to their residential, peer-supportive nature, provided certain baseline safety measures are met. 

The exemption is a large part of why New Hampshire works for small operators. The Operating Climate Index scores the state 8 out of 10 for fire and building feasibility (Foote, 2026).

Who Qualifies for the Fire Code Exemption?

To qualify for the RSA 153:10-d exemption, your sober living home must meet all three conditions: 

As of October 2026, the text of RSA 153:10-d offers two routes to eligibility, not one. An owner or operator qualifies by complying with the Department of Health and Human Services rules for the voluntary registry of recovery houses under RSA 172-B:2, V, or by holding certification from the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences.

The application goes to the state fire marshal, who may grant the exemption under RSA 153:5, IV, so plan for state review from the start.

1. Be a peer-based recovery residence (non-clinical sober living home). 

2. Be certified by NHCORR in accordance with NARR standards. 

3. Comply with the fire safety standards outlined in RSA 153:10-d. 

Fire Safety Standards Required Under RSA 153:10-d

While the exemption provides relief from full commercial fire codes, it still requires a meaningful set of safety measures, including: 

• Resident Density: At least 200 gross square feet per resident in the home. 

• Egress: Every sleeping room must have a compliant egress window or direct exterior exit. 

• Multiple Exits: Any floor where travel distance to exit exceeds 75 feet must have two remote means of egress. 

• Fire Alarms: Interconnected, hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups in every bedroom and common area. 

• Fire Extinguishers: Properly mounted on each floor. 

• Evacuation Plan: Approved by the local fire department and posted; conduct and log monthly fire drills. 

• Furnace Protection: One-hour fire-rated separation for heating systems. 

• No Smoking Indoors: And not within 10 feet of the building unless fire department approved. 

• Ongoing Inspections: The local fire department must inspect annually to ensure compliance. 

Important: If your recovery home is properly certified and meets these standards, you may apply for the fire code exemption. 

One figure above has changed. The statute’s source note shows a 2022 amendment (Chapter 88, effective July 19, 2022), and paragraph I(i) now requires a minimum of 50 gross square feet per bed per sleeping room in place of the older 200 gross square feet per resident.

The current list also requires a heating system inspected and tagged annually by a qualified technician, a street number visible from the street, and a direct exit to grade from any basement living space. We found no one-hour furnace separation item in the statute’s lettered list as of October 2026, so confirm that one with your fire marshal.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Fire Code Exemption

Step 1: Complete NHCORR Certification

• You must first achieve full certification through NHCORR. 

• The certification process ensures your property and operations meet the recovery residence standards aligned with NARR. 

Step 2: Schedule a Consultation with the Local Fire Marshal

• Contact your local fire department or municipal fire marshal. 

• Explain that you are applying for the RSA 153:10-d exemption as a certified recovery residence. 

• Request a preliminary walkthrough to identify any necessary modifications. 

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

• Provide a copy of your NHCORR Certificate of Compliance. 

• Prepare your written fire safety policies, evacuation plans, and fire drill logs. 

• Be ready to demonstrate compliance with the specific safety measures listed above. 

Step 4: Formal Fire Marshal Inspection

• The local fire department will conduct a formal inspection to verify that: 

• Smoke/CO detectors are properly installed. 

• Egress windows meet code. 

• Fire extinguishers are properly mounted. 

• Furnace room fire separation is in place. 

• Evacuation plans are posted and drills are logged. 

Step 5: Submit Request to the State Fire Marshal (If Required) 

• In some cases, your local fire department will forward the exemption request to the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

• The State Fire Marshal may review and issue final approval for the exemption. 

Step 6: Obtain Written Exemption Approval

• Once approved, you will receive documentation confirming that your certified recovery residence qualifies for the RSA 153:10-d exemption. 

• Retain this approval for your files and provide copies to your insurance provider as needed. 

Step 7: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• Conduct and log monthly fire drills. 

• Keep safety systems in proper working order. 

• Renew your NHCORR certification annually to maintain eligibility for the exemption. 

• Schedule annual inspections with your local fire department. 

Important Tips for Success

• Be proactive: Involve your local fire officials early in your certification and setup process. 

• Document everything: Keep complete written policies, inspection reports, and drill logs. 

• Train residents and staff: Ensure everyone is familiar with evacuation procedures and basic fire safety. 

• Consult experts if needed: If you’re unsure about fire separation, egress, or alarm installations, consult a contractor familiar with recovery residence standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Hampshire Recovery House Fire Code Exemption

Operators preparing an application usually ask these next.

Does the exemption remove the need for sprinklers?

The lettered requirements in RSA 153:10-d center on alarms, egress, drills, and inspections, and sprinklers are not among them. Read the state fire marshal’s written approval closely, because it defines what is excused; the IRC vs. IBC question shows why that matters.

Can I use basement bedrooms in an exempt recovery house?

Possibly. The statute requires basement living spaces to have an exit directly to grade and every sleeping room to have at least one escape window, so a basement bedroom must meet both.

Does the fire code exemption settle zoning questions too?

No. The exemption covers the state fire code only, while zoning and sober living in New Hampshire run on a separate track, including the 2025 two-per-bedroom occupancy floor.

What happens if my certification lapses?

Eligibility depends on registry compliance or NHCORR certification, so a lapse puts the exemption at risk. Track your renewal date alongside your annual fire department inspection.

Conclusion

The RSA 153:10-d fire code exemption makes it possible for small sober living operators to provide safe, affordable, and fully compliant recovery housing without facing the overwhelming costs of full commercial fire code retrofits. New Hampshire’s approach balances safety with accessibility, ensuring that more recovery beds are available to meet urgent community needs. 

Parting Short: By achieving NHCORR certification and working collaboratively with fire officials, you can successfully secure this important exemption and focus on your mission of helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety. 

Learn more in our article: Fire Safety in Sober Living Homes.

Research & Sources

1. Foote, H. T. (2026). Vanderburgh Sober Living Operating Climate Index, 2026 Edition. Vanderburgh Sober Living. https://www.vanderburghhouse.com/research/operating-climate-index-2026/
2. New Hampshire General Court. (n.d.). RSA 153:10-d, Exemption for recovery houses. https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XII/153/153-10-d.htm
3. New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences. (n.d.). NHCORR. https://www.nhcorr.org/