Debate with AHJ about omission of sprinklers

[makaylaedmonson]

We are installing a fire sprinkler system in a 13R occupancy with V-A construction. This is our second apartment complex this year and we had to appeal the AHJ's decision. They tried to require us to sprinkle the breezeway in both projects because they claimed they were open-ended corridors. They are not open-ended corridors; they are exterior and open to the outside air. We won the first appeal permitting us to omit sprinklers in the breezeway with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and doors. For this second one, we have won our appeal permitting us to omit sprinklers with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and doors. Well, the second complex does not have 1-hour rated doors, they are 20-minute doors. The AHJ informed us that with sprinkler protection in the "open-ended corridor" (breezeway is the correct term, but this is how they refer to the area), the IBC allows a reduction from 1-hour doors to 20-minute doors. I have yet to find anywhere that allows any 20-minute doors. The AHJ adds Table 716.1 (2) and Table 1020.2 and they contradict each other as table 1020.2 states for R occupancy, without a sprinkler system, a "corridor" is not permitted, and with a sprinkler system is states the fire-resistance rating in hours is 0.5c/1d. The he adds the 716.1 (2) which I do not think even applies to this situation. Our office has been studying this for months and I am still not understanding where they are getting the reduction of resistance.

 

[IJHumberson]

The omission of sprinklers would have to meet the allowances set forth in NFPA 13R. Section 6.6.1 of NFPA 13R (2022 ed.) states that "Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas except where omission is permitted by 6.6.2 through 6.6.7. Then, Section 6.6.5 states "Except as provided for in 6.6.5.1 and 6/6/5/2, sprinklers shall not be required in any of the following features that are open and attached: (1) Porches, balconies, lanais, verandas, awnings, or similar areas; (2) Trellis overhangs; (3) Carports; (4) Porte cocheres; (5) Stairs; (6) Corridors that are not part of a means of egress; (7) Other similar features.

Section 6.6.5.2 states "Sprinkler protection shall be provided for corridors and balconies that are part of a means of egress."

If the "breezeway" is part of the means of egress for the apartments, then I would say that it would be difficult to make any argument that sprinklers could be omitted from that area, given that, even if it were open air one one side (as a balcony would be ), it would be required to be sprinklered. With walls on both sides, it would not change the sprinkler protection requirement.

 

[mtlogcabin]

The building code over rides NFPA 13R


[F] 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.
Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R.

The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.

[F] 903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks.
Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units where either of the following conditions exists:

1. The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.

2. Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3.

Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

[F] 903.3.1.2.2 Open-ended corridors.
Sprinkler protection shall be provided in open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.