Is it possible to calculate a flow rate that is lower than the 1000 GPM prescriptive minimum for Type V-B construction that can be used to submit under a residential building permit review?
Situation: Current City code from per Fire Marshal requires 1000 GPM. Current Flow Rate is 550-800 GPM with a water cert of 650 GPM.
The property owner is installing a mobile home 28 x 38 = 1,064 SF and is under permit application. Fire review occurred late in the permit process, holding up the permit and throwing the owner a financial curve ball. I am attempting to see if there is a legitimate way to present an argument to the City / Fire Marshall that would be a reasonable justification for a lower than prescriptive water flow.
Based upon my (ignorant) knowledge of the IFC, it seems that water flow is based upon the structure size, and there is a calculation for that. Since this is a small footprint, not attached or ancillary structures, and no structures within 50 ft, 1000 GPM seems excessive for that structure. If I could argue that 650 GPM was adequate for that structure based upon IFC measures, and that alternatives would cause financial hardship, the City is actually very accommodating, understanding and willing to consider an alternative if justified.
Otherwise the options are main and hydrant upgrade ($30-50k) or fire sprinklers ($25-30k) plus plan review though DLI...
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Situation: Current City code from per Fire Marshal requires 1000 GPM. Current Flow Rate is 550-800 GPM with a water cert of 650 GPM.
The property owner is installing a mobile home 28 x 38 = 1,064 SF and is under permit application. Fire review occurred late in the permit process, holding up the permit and throwing the owner a financial curve ball. I am attempting to see if there is a legitimate way to present an argument to the City / Fire Marshall that would be a reasonable justification for a lower than prescriptive water flow.
Based upon my (ignorant) knowledge of the IFC, it seems that water flow is based upon the structure size, and there is a calculation for that. Since this is a small footprint, not attached or ancillary structures, and no structures within 50 ft, 1000 GPM seems excessive for that structure. If I could argue that 650 GPM was adequate for that structure based upon IFC measures, and that alternatives would cause financial hardship, the City is actually very accommodating, understanding and willing to consider an alternative if justified.
Otherwise the options are main and hydrant upgrade ($30-50k) or fire sprinklers ($25-30k) plus plan review though DLI...
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!