Automatic sprinkler system question: 2 stories?

[palikona]

I'm currently working on the schematic design for a dental office in Tampa Florida. It has a small overall footprint @ 2,700 sf.
Because of the tight site, we're looking at raising the office up to the second floor and floating it over a small parking lot below on Level 1. Also on Level 1 will be a small lobby, elevator and stair access to the floor above. Actual enclosed space on Level 1 will only be a few hundred square feet, so the aggregate area of the building will be around 3,000 sf.
The practice will have 3 treatment rooms, so it doesn't qualify as an ambulatory care facility. Based on all this, does this building need an automatic sprinkler system?
FYI, the structure hasn't been designed yet, but I'm assuming it will be a concrete slab with concrete columns for Level 1 and wood framing above on Level 2. It also could be a steel structure on Level 1, to handle the spans over the small parking lot below.
Anyway, I don't think we need an automatic sprinkler system based on my code research, but I'd appreciate your thoughts here.
Thank you!!

 

[steveray]

You are going to want to start with IBC 406.....What is the construction type...?

 

[mtlogcabin]

Along with IBC 414 if you have medical gas in the facility.
The maximum allowable percentage decreases per story.

 

[palikona]

You are going to want to start with IBC 406.....What is the construction type...?

I'll review 406. It's construction type 5B.

 

[palikona]

I need to add this bit of info: there will be 6 parking spaces under the floating level 2, which will be constructed of cast in place concrete (ignore post above).

Am I under the area requirement for an automatic sprinkler system (the open parking lot is about 2,000 sf). Or do all parking lots under buildings now need a sprinkler system, regardless of size? I’m seeing conflicting info online.

Thank you!

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I need to add this bit of info: there will be 6 parking spaces under the floating level 2, which will be constructed of cast in place concrete (ignore post above).

Am I under the area requirement for an automatic sprinkler system (the open parking lot is about 2,000 sf). Or do all parking lots under buildings now need a sprinkler system, regardless of size? I’m seeing conflicting info online.

Thank you!

Don't look on-line. Read the code.

 

[palikona]

Don't look on-line. Read the code.

Sorry, I have read the code as well and am confused since this parking lot is so small.

 

[jar546]

but I'm assuming it will be a concrete slab with concrete columns for Level 1 and wood framing above on Level 2

The second-floor framing will create two problems: an insurance issue for the owner and a resale value problem since you are in a hurricane zone—just an FYI.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It's under the second story. It's not a parking "lot," it's a parking garage. Next -- is it a private garage, or a public garage? Who gets to park there? If parking will be limited to only the owner and tenants (not customers and clients of the tenants), it may qualify as a private garage (see definitions) and would be classified as use group U. Otherwise, it's an open public garage and is classified as S-1 Storage.

 

[palikona]

It's under the second story. It's not a parking "lot," it's a parking garage. Next -- is it a private garage, or a public garage? Who gets to park there? If parking will be limited to only the owner and tenants (not customers and clients of the tenants), it may qualify as a private garage (see definitions) and would be classified as use group U. Otherwise, it's an open public garage and is classified as S-1 Storage.

The clients of the dental practice and owner/staff would park there. Does that mean it's S-1?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The clients of the dental practice and owner/staff would park there. Does that mean it's S-1?

Yes, if clients park there it's a public garage classified as S-1.

 

[palikona]

Yes, if clients park there it's a public garage classified as S-1.

Thanks.

 

[Jay Smith]

I think you need to look at the required construction types in 406.5.1. Enclosed parking garages require sprinklers per 406.6.3, so you need this structure to comply with the requirements of an open parking garage (406.5) to avoid a sprinkler requirement.

 

[palikona]

I think you need to look at the required construction types in 406.5.1. Enclosed parking garages require sprinklers per 406.6.3, so you need this structure to comply with the requirements of an open parking garage (406.5) to avoid a sprinkler requirement.

Hi - the footprint is about 2,700 sf and is under the second floor. The lot is mainly open on all sides, except for two stairways at opposite corners and an elevator core. So it’s not enclosed. Do you think I still need a sprinkler system?

 

[Jay Smith]

Hi - the footprint is about 2,700 sf and is under the second floor. The lot is mainly open on all sides, except for two stairways at opposite corners and an elevator core. So it’s not enclosed. Do you think I still need a sprinkler system?

No, not a sprinkler system. Just another way of looking at construction types instead of VB. Look at section 510.7 in particular.