Approved Existing means which of the following?

• A. The newest construction that complies with the edition.
• B. Past construction strictly outside the edition's requirements.
• C. That which is already in existence on the date this edition goes into effect and is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
• D. A hypothetical design approved by the AHJ.

Answer: (C)

Approved Existing refers to the portion of a building that was already in place when the current edition of NFPA 101 becomes effective and that the authority having jurisdiction has deemed acceptable to continue in use. This concept recognizes that older buildings may not meet every new requirement, so as long as the existing conditions are considered safe by the AHJ and life-safety features are maintained, those structures can remain as they are. It’s not about newly built projects, nor about past construction that would be judged noncompliant, nor about hypothetical designs—it's about existing, pre‑existing conditions that the AHJ approves to stay in use.