IBC 3412 B to R-2

[Mr. Inspector]

I have an architect that wants to use IBC 3412 for a change of occupancy from an existing B to R-2 so they don't need to use sprinklers. Can he do that. I thought IBC 3412 was only used to get a C. O. for existing buildings before any changes.

 

[Frank]

yes it can be used for change of use, unless locally amended

 

[fatboy]

3412.2.1 allows it........unless as Frank said, amended locally........

 

[mtlogcabin]

Agree it can be used and sprinklers may not be required if the score can be met without them. Be careful when reviewing the numbers they use

Example

3412.6.17.1 Categories.

The categories for automatic sprinkler system protection are:

1. Category a—Sprinklers are required throughout; sprinkler protection is not provided or the sprinkler system design is not adequate for the hazard protected in accordance with Section 903.

2. Category b—Sprinklers are required in a portion of the building; sprinkler protection is not provided or the sprinkler system design is not adequate for the hazard protected in accordance with Section 903.

Some designers will try and use Category B claiming a 13R system does not require sprinkler protection "throughout" the building and thus take a -3 instead of the required -6 in Category A.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

thanks guys

 

[RLGA]

Whoa, back up a minute. Before pressing on, you have to realize that Section 3412 only applies to a certain category of buildings. Per Section 3412.2, Applicability, the jurisdiction is supposed to insert a date. Any building constructed after this date cannot use Section 3412. Verify with your local amendments to see what date was used, and if the existing building was constructed after that date, then the compliance alternatives cannot be used and the project will need to comply with Section 3408.

 

[cda]

interesting::::

3412.2 Applicability.

Structures existing prior to ,,,,,,,,,,, [DATE TO BE INSERTED BY THE JURISDICTION. NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS DATE COINCIDE WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF BUILDING CODES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION], ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to comply with the requirements of this section or the provisions of Sections 3403 through 3409. The provisions in Sections 3412.2.1 through 3412.2.5 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, S and U. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or I.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I just got the evaluation cals form rhe desiger and it works without sprinklers but then a read this section:

IBC 3412.3.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code.

So in the IFC:

IFC 102.3 Change of use or occupancy. No change shall be made in the use or occupancy of any structure that would place the structure in a different division of the same group or occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the International Building Code. Subject to the approval of the fire code official, the use or occupancy of an existing structure shall be allowed to be changed and the structure is allowed to be occupied for purposes in other groups without conforming to all the requirements of this code and the International Building Code for those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.

IFC 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.

The designer said he used IBC 3412 in other areas and got the ok from the BCO's t do this without sprinklers. Does anyone know some where in the IFC that this can be done?