The last I've heard the State of California will allow you to install a stand alone smoke system with an annunciator panel showing an indicator for each smoke including the machine room and hoistway (if applicable).
The City of Los Angeles is still requiring the smoke system to be tied in to the existing building system if it is monitored. If it is not monitored then it needs to be. This will be a huge additional expense to the building if they are not aware of it going into the Modernization. To save yourself some aggravation you should have the city inspector and the fire department check out your job before you start to clear up any confusion.
I had to leave an elevator down pending final inspection for 2 1/2 months waiting for the city and the fire Dept. to make a decision on what is the correct smoke system.
