Ryan Judy
Registered User
Looking to convert a 2 family to a 3 family in Massachusetts and getting different answers on if I will need sprinklers. The building commissioner says yes, the fire chief says no and my architect wants me to wait until I apply for permits to find out.
From my searches on here there is no question that Sprinklers are required in a R-3 to R-2 conversion per IEBC - 1012.1
However for the sprinkler requirements it then refers to chapter 9 of the IBC , where Massachusetts has amended this under section 903.2 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter148/Section26i (the town- Marlborough has adopted)
Which implies that it would not be required unless it was significantly rehabilitated. However this doesn't address the "conversion" which is where I am lost.
Hoping anyone with experience on this can chime in , or point me to the right professional that could help.
From my searches on here there is no question that Sprinklers are required in a R-3 to R-2 conversion per IEBC - 1012.1
However for the sprinkler requirements it then refers to chapter 9 of the IBC , where Massachusetts has amended this under section 903.2 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter148/Section26i (the town- Marlborough has adopted)
In a city, town or district which accepts the provisions of this section, any building hereafter constructed or hereafter substantially rehabilitated so as to constitute the equivalent of new construction and occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than four dwelling units including, but not limited to, lodging houses, boarding houses, fraternity houses, dormitories, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, hotels, motels and group residences, shall be equipped with an approved system of automatic sprinklers in accordance with the provisions of the state building code. In the event that adequate water supply is not available, the head of the fire department shall permit the installation of such other fire suppressant systems as are prescribed by the state building code in lieu of automatic sprinklers. Owners of buildings with approved and properly maintained installations may be eligible for a rate reduction on fire insurance.
Which implies that it would not be required unless it was significantly rehabilitated. However this doesn't address the "conversion" which is where I am lost.
Hoping anyone with experience on this can chime in , or point me to the right professional that could help.