So I'm in a bit of a last minute situation which is very political in nature. We have a private school whom acquired a former credit union and is intending on using it as a pre-school. We were unaware of it until yesterday, they have filed no paperwork and we don't know what, if anything, they have modified in the structure, I will leave the political implications to the side for the time being.
The only info that I have at this point is the structure was originally built around 1997 as a credit union; it's single floor (no basement), approximately 4500 square feet. Following 2006 IFC with state amendments. To my knowledge, a sprinkler system would only be required if the square footage exceeded 20,000 square feet. Does occupant loading factor into this? I would think not since most other occupancy classification state either a square footage requirement OR an occupant load requirement for sprinklers, this section does not have that restriction.
"903.2.2 Group E.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 square feet (1858 m2) in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level."
Now onto fire alarms; depending on the details, it would appear that at least a manual fire alarm system will be required:
"907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.
2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
2.3 Shops and laboratories involving dust or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other listed detection devices.
2.4. Off-premises monitoring is provided.
2.5. The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.
2.6. In buildings where normally occupied spaces are provided with a two-way communication system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location."
Barring any other minor details at this point, am I on the correct path in presuming that it is possible that no sprinkler system will be required but a fire alarm system will be?
Thank you to everyone who has helped me; I've gotten more assistance from this forum than most any other location, I will be donating to support this community and try to be more vigilant in replying to posts, I know I haven't kept my end up as I should.
The only info that I have at this point is the structure was originally built around 1997 as a credit union; it's single floor (no basement), approximately 4500 square feet. Following 2006 IFC with state amendments. To my knowledge, a sprinkler system would only be required if the square footage exceeded 20,000 square feet. Does occupant loading factor into this? I would think not since most other occupancy classification state either a square footage requirement OR an occupant load requirement for sprinklers, this section does not have that restriction.
"903.2.2 Group E.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 square feet (1858 m2) in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level."
Now onto fire alarms; depending on the details, it would appear that at least a manual fire alarm system will be required:
"907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.
2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
2.3 Shops and laboratories involving dust or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other listed detection devices.
2.4. Off-premises monitoring is provided.
2.5. The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.
2.6. In buildings where normally occupied spaces are provided with a two-way communication system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location."
Barring any other minor details at this point, am I on the correct path in presuming that it is possible that no sprinkler system will be required but a fire alarm system will be?
Thank you to everyone who has helped me; I've gotten more assistance from this forum than most any other location, I will be donating to support this community and try to be more vigilant in replying to posts, I know I haven't kept my end up as I should.
