DETERMIND SQUARE FOOTAGE FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENT IN FLORIDA

[EDDIE D POTTS]

I HAVE AN EXISTING BUILDING FOR A RESTURANT.
IT SAYS OF PROPOERTY APPRASIERS WEB SITE 8100
SQUARE FOOT.

DO YOU TAKE THE DIMENSIONS FOR INSIDE TO INSIDE TO CALCULATE
SQUARE FOOTAGE FOR THIS PURPOSE?

IF I USE INSIDE DIMS IT IS SMALLER THAN THEIRS.

PLEASE HELP

 

[cda]

Welcome

What occupant load do you come up with ??

 

[cda]

NOT sure how the fire code reads???







[F] 903.2.1.2 Group A-2

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group A-2 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5 m2).
2. 
   The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
   
   Exception: A restaurant, cafeteria, or similar dining facility, including an associated commercial kitchen, is required to have sprinklers only if it has a fire area occupancy load of 200 patrons or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancieS

 

[RLGA]

It is probably based on the gross floor area that includes the building footprint on the property. In other words, from the outside of the exterior wall to the outside of the exterior wall.

 

[cda]

FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above

 

[RLGA]

Keep in mind that calculating building area for many applications does not follow the method used for calculating building area per the building code. Even many zoning ordinances do not use the building area as determined by the building code for calculation of lot coverage.

Here's the definition of lot coverage for the City of Phoenix:

"The total structural coverage provided on a lot or site inclusive of all roofed areas or structures capable of supporting a roof divided by the net area of the lot or size. The first three feet of roof overhang or projection shall not be included in the lot coverage."​

​

Notice that it would create a larger floor area than what the building code would provide, especially for buildings with deep overhangs.