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24 inch ceiling clearance

MarkF

Member
Joined
May 31, 2014
Messages
12
Location
United States
Not a professional, but I believe I'm being given bad info. I'm being told that the attached pic shows violations of the 24 inch clearance rule ( IFC 312.2.1). Do you agree? For reference, the top of the door frame is 24" from ceiling.Thanks

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MarkF said:
Not a professional, but I believe I'm being given bad info. I'm being told that the attached pic shows violations of the 24 inch clearance rule ( IFC 312.2.1). Do you agree? For reference, the top of the door frame is 24" from ceiling.Thanks
Hello and welcome to The Building Code Forum

You have a better chance if you share more information such as what State this applies to. For example, the 312 section of the 2009 IFC is about vehicle impact so it is not relevant to your situation.

Is this a local fire code or a state fire code?

Did you cite the correct section? I hope that we can help you.
 
I would say no looking straight on

Cannot tell about the right side of the picture, but more than likely no there also.

From 09

315.2.1 Ceiling clearance. Storage shall be maintained 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the ceiling in nonsprinklered areas of buildings or a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings.

The idea for 24 is for instance shelve storage firefighter can stand on one side and shoot the wet stuff over it with no obstructions
 
Fat fingers. It's 315, sorry about that. Found ya'll with a google search for 315.2.1. There was a 3 year old thread about that. I'm in Graham,Texas and the town uses 2006 IFC.I'm afraid I messed up the attachment the first time so I'm doing it again. ThanksView attachment 2373

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cda,

Thanks for the response. What I'm getting told is the pictures and the "Perfect" sign over the door are the problem. Like you said, I thought this section was about obstruction of sprinkler systems or firefighters. I can't see how decorations on the wall do either. We don't have sprinklers anyway.
 
Sorry

Do not agree with call

The 18 is so the sprinkler spray is not obstructed

The 24 is so wet stuff can be shot over something

The pictures and sign will do nothing to slow down firefighting except to add to the fuel load

Monday can ship you some better stuff
 
cda said:
So how is the food at wildcatter ranch???Almost made it there once
Food's good, view is even better.

Where were you coming from?

Thanks for the help and info. You must me smart, you agree with me.:devil I think I'm dealing with a wannabe and wanted a few more bullets before I talk with his boss.
 
I don't enforce fire code. It seems to me that 315 would not apply to store sales areas but would apply to the back room storage area.

Welcome MarkF.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MarkF said:
Food's good, view is even better.Where were you coming from?

Thanks for the help and info. You must me smart, you agree with me.:devil I think I'm dealing with a wannabe and wanted a few more bullets before I talk with his boss.
DFW area just a long jaunt and if I were to stay would want it to be a few nights.

Maybe this fall
 
cda, My wife opened this store a little over a year ago. Last May we were inspected and passed. Come to find out the inspector was the city fire marshall. Changed nothing and were inspected this May by a junior person. He has a reputation of being an arrogant so-and-so. I wasn't there but he evidently lived up to that. When my wife objected to taking down the decorations he told her the 24 inch rule was because most fires start low and pause below the ceiling to give the FD time to respond. (Polite fire, huh?) Things went downhill from there and he ended up bragging about being cussed out all over town. Anyway I've got an appointment with the fire marshall next week. He's a reasonable and respected guy and I think this will all blow over
 
MarkF said:
cda, My wife opened this store a little over a year ago. Last May we were inspected and passed. Come to find out the inspector was the city fire marshall. Changed nothing and were inspected this May by a junior person. He has a reputation of being an arrogant so-and-so. I wasn't there but he evidently lived up to that. When my wife objected to taking down the decorations he told her the 24 inch rule was because most fires start low and pause below the ceiling to give the FD time to respond. (Polite fire, huh?) Things went downhill from there and he ended up bragging about being cussed out all over town. Anyway I've got an appointment with the fire marshall next week. He's a reasonable and respected guy and I think this will all blow over
There is no violation per was is being cited and you are in the right. I would even bring this site to his attention if need be. His peers are telling you there is no problem. I can see how this can be frustrating. Good luck and PLEASE let us know how you made out.
 
MarkF said:
cda, My wife opened this store a little over a year ago. Last May we were inspected and passed. Come to find out the inspector was the city fire marshall. Changed nothing and were inspected this May by a junior person. He has a reputation of being an arrogant so-and-so. I wasn't there but he evidently lived up to that. When my wife objected to taking down the decorations he told her the 24 inch rule was because most fires start low and pause below the ceiling to give the FD time to respond. (Polite fire, huh?) Things went downhill from there and he ended up bragging about being cussed out all over town. Anyway I've got an appointment with the fire marshall next week. He's a reasonable and respected guy and I think this will all blow over
Sounds like he needs to go to fire dynamics 101

Have fun, hopefully the FM can reign the inspector in before he causes to much damage.
 
Not a professional, but I believe I'm being given bad info.
Yes, welcome to the forum. You are correct in receiving "bad information" The photo depicted as sown is in compliance with [315.2.1] since I don't know the array of storage throughout.
 
Well folks I just talked to the Fire Marshall. He was a reasonable, nice guy. I did get him to agree to come do a re-inspection on Wednesday. But he's still locked up on fire load. He gave me the same story about a fire starting low and reaching combustible material close to the ceiling, flaring up and not giving the FD time to respond. At least he didn't say the fire paused. Sounds like their training program has a problem.

As I understand what I read and what ya'll have said the 24 inch rule is about interference with fire fighting/suppression not fire load. Can someone point me to some documentation to support that? cda may have tried but I can't open the file. Can't open my own attachments or edit my profile. I've gotta be logged in because it calls me by name.:-?

cda said:
24 inch....... check 315.2.1
I get this message;

vBulletin Message

MarkF, you do not have permission to access this page.

If I can't get resolution here is there means of appeal? State Fire Marshall? This has happened all over town, at the school etc. I just too hard-headed to quit while I think I'm right.

Thanks,

Mark
 
MarkF said:
Well folks I just talked to the Fire Marshall. He was a reasonable, nice guy. I did get him to agree to come do a re-inspection on Wednesday. But he's still locked up on fire load. He gave me the same story about a fire starting low and reaching combustible material close to the ceiling, flaring up and not giving the FD time to respond. At least he didn't say the fire paused. Sounds like their training program has a problem.As I understand what I read and what ya'll have said the 24 inch rule is about interference with fire fighting/suppression not fire load. Can someone point me to some documentation to support that? cda may have tried but I can't open the file. Can't open my own attachments or edit my profile. I've gotta be logged in because it calls me by name.:-?

I get this message;

vBulletin Message

MarkF, you do not have permission to access this page.

If I can't get resolution here is there means of appeal? State Fire Marshall? This has happened all over town, at the school etc. I just too hard-headed to quit while I think I'm right.

Thanks,

Mark
You have to pay to play in certain areas and to edit

Not sure the minimum, but not that much to support the site,

Some one will post the cost
 
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