Change of use.....Sprinklers?

[steveray]

1012.2.1 Fire sprinkler system.

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs.

Scenario: Existing mixed use VB building, A-3, B, R-2 uses. Owner would like to convert some of the B use into another R-2 dwelling unit.

QUESTION: Is it the intent of Section 804.1.1(2003 w/ CT amend to match 2012 IEBC) to provide sprinkler protection in the area of the newly changed occupancy (or throughout the building) when it is changed from B to R-2 even though the R-2 is an approved use in the building already?

Taking a poll here as our State office seems to say not required.....I have requested a formal written interp from them.....

 

[hlfireinspector]

Level 1,2 3????????????????????????



804.2.1.1 Supplemental automatic sprinkler system

requirements. Where the work area on any floor

exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, Section 804.2.1

shall apply to the entire floor on which the work area is

located.

Exception: Tenant spaces that are entirely outside

the work area.



Greater than 50 % ?



505.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area

exceeds 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building.

 

[steveray]

Strictly change of use....no appreciable amount of work....Only Chapter 10 for those of you on more modern codes....still on the amended 03 and Chapter 8 here......

 

[mtlogcabin]

It is a change of occupancy not a Level I, II or III alteration.

Start in Chapter 9

904.1 General.

Fire protection requirements of Section 912 shall apply where a building or portions thereof undergo a change of occupancy classification.

912.1 General.

The provisions of this section shall apply to buildings or portions thereof undergoing a change of occupancy classification. This includes a change of occupancy classification within a group as well as a change of occupancy classification from one group to a different group

912.2.1 Fire sprinkler system.

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code , such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs.

912.2.2 Fire alarm and detection system.

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs that requires a fire alarm and detection system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code , such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs. Existing alarm notification appliances shall be automatically activated throughout the building. Where the building is not equipped with a fire alarm system, alarm notification appliances shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs and shall be automatically activated.

You only have to sprinkle the new R-2 units not the whole building or existing units if no work is being performed in those units.

Chapter 9 Change of Occupancy. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for the circumstances when an existing building is subject to a change in occupancy or a change in occupancy classification. A change of occupancy is not to be confused with a change of occupancy classification. The International Building Code® (IBC®) defines different occupancy classifications in Chapter 3, and special occupancy requirements in Chapter 4. Within specific occupancy classifications there can be many different types of actual activities that can take place. For instance, a Group A-3 occupancy classification deals with a wide variation of different types of activities, including bowling alleys and courtrooms, indoor tennis courts and dance halls. When a facility changes use from, for example, a bowling alley to a dance hall, the occupancy classification remains A-3, but the different uses could lead to drastically different code requirements. Therefore, this chapter deals with the special circumstances that are associated with a change in the use of a building within the same occupancy classification as well as a change of occupancy classification.

 

[steveray]

(Add) 804.1.1 Fire sprinkler system. Where a change of occupancy classification occurs that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code, such system shall be provided throughout the building or portion thereof where the change of occupancy occurs.

That is our amendment.....the State offices opinion is that because the R-2 exists in the building it is not really a change of use.....but the wording in the code where it states "part" or "portion" makes me think otherwise....

 

[mtlogcabin]

the State offices opinion is that because the R-2 exists in the building it is not really a change of use

So does the A-3 and the B. I wonder if the state really thought this one out. With their logic the owner could expand the A-3 throughout the entire building and never require a sprinkler system.

 

[steveray]

My thought exactly.....and the property owner will....it's just a matter of time.....

So does the A-3 and the B. I wonder if the state really thought this one out. With their logic the owner could expand the A-3 throughout the entire building and never require a sprinkler system.