Fire Sprinkler Requirements in an Existing Clubhouse Building

[fj80]

I'm doing a code analysis of an existing clubhouse building at an apartment complex, in North Carolina. Codes are 2012 North Carolina Building Code and 2015 North Carolina Existing Building Code.

I'm trying to figure out whether or not we need to provide fire sprinklers in the building. We have not visited the site yet but from the pictures we have it appears there are none currently. (This is a brand new project lead that just came in.) According to the 2015 North Carolina Existing Building Code 603.1 Fire Protection: "Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection that is existing." So this makes me think we are not required to add sprinklers.

There is however an existing guest suite (Residential use group) which according to 2012 North Carolina Building Code 903.2.8 "an automatic sprinkler system... shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area." Then an exception that states: "An automatic sprinkler system is not required in Group R-1 temporary overflow shelters."

So, would the guest suite qualify as a temporary overflow shelter? I'm guessing that's a stretch since the word shelter implies emergency housing... not sure.

Any opinions are much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[cda]

So why are you there??

Place going to be remodeled ?

Just visiting because owner wants a code analysis ?

New owner?

And what year was it actually built?

 

[fj80]

Building is going to be remodeled. I've been asked to do a code analysis for my employer so he can provide basic code information to the owner during their first visit and design charrette. I don't know when it was built, but from photos it looks relatively new, maybe early 2000's as a wild guess. Same owner. Just a remodel.

 

[cda]

More cosmetic??

Or add / delete sleeping rooms

My guess would be that no sprinklers required.

Guess a question back to owner ,, what is the guest suite used for??? Manager/ employees??

 

[fj80]

More than cosmetic renovation. They want to demo the existing stairs and add stairs in another location, remove some exterior walls to make the fitness center larger. They are not adding or deleting any sleeping rooms. There is one existing sleeping room that will remain as it is. I have a call into the owner asking what the guest suite is used for.

 

[fj80]

A related question: Table 1018.1 for corridor fire-resistance rating. The existing guest suite (R occupancy) has an occupant load of 4, which is under the "Greater than 10" requirement in the table, and the Business occupancy next to the guest suite has an occupant load of 14 which is under the "Greater than 30" requirement in the table, so does that mean that the corridor wall along both occupancies does not have to be rated at all?

 

[cda]

A related question: Table 1018.1 for corridor fire-resistance rating. The existing guest suite (R occupancy) has an occupant load of 4' date=' which is under the "Greater than 10" requirement in the table, and the Business occupancy next to the guest suite has an occupant load of 14 which is under the "Greater than 30" requirement in the table, so does that mean that the corridor wall along both occupancies does not have to be rated at all?[/quote']With out a floor plan, I am guessing it is currently rated, and would still need to be rated.

 

[mtlogcabin]

The Existing Building Code is where you will determine if sprinklers are required based on the work. You as a designer will get to pick one of three methods offered within the Existing Building code. Do not use the Building Code unless the Existing Building Code directs you there to a specific Chapter or Section.

301.1.1 Prescriptive compliance method.

Repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy complying with Chapter 4 of this code in buildings complying with the International Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

301.1.2 Work area compliance method.

Repairs, alterations, additions, changes in occupancy and relocated buildings complying with the applicable requirements of Chapters 5 through 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

301.1.3 Performance compliance method.

Repairs, alterations, additions, changes in occupancy and relocated buildings complying with Chapter 14 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.

Work Area and Performance Area Compliance methods are your best choices. Personally I would choose the Work Area Compliance Method. You are probably under a Level 2 alteration and a quick perusal of the NC edition says unless you are increasing the fire area or the occupant load within that fire area a fire suppression system would not be required.