Occ. change at T.I. space - does it trigger sprinklers in entire building?

[Yikes]

A church is currently located in 2 tenant spaces in a Type III-N building constructed in 1997 at an industrial park in California. It was previously approved as an A-3 occupancy

They now want to expand into 4 adjacent spaces (total 9600 SF), changing those spaces from their original F-2 occupancy to A3 occupancy. The existing building and all existing uses in the building are unsprinklered.

Table 505.2 indicates the new A-3 use will need to be sprinklered, just to achieve allowable area. Question that I'm sure my church client will ask: In your opinion, does this mean the entire building needs to be sprinklered? There is a concrete party wall separating the proposed A-3 use from the remaining F-2 use in the building.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The basic rule is the a "building" is not considered to be sprinklered unless the entire building is sprinklered.

The question then becomes (which I don't have time at the moment to research for you) is whether the change is use/occupancy requires the "building" to be sprinklered, or if it would allow for just the fire area to be sprinklered.

 

[steveray]

Typically in the IEBC, a separation is allowed and just sprinkler the COO area....

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

From the 2021 IBC:

1011.2.1 Fire Sprinkler System​

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or where there is a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the International Building Code that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code. The installation of the automatic sprinkler system shall be required throughout the building or within the area of the change of occupancy and areas of the building not separated horizontally and vertically from the change of occupancy by one of the following:

1. Nonrated permanent partition and horizontal assemblies.
2. Fire partition.
3. Smoke partition.
4. Smoke barrier.
5. Fire barrier.
6. Fire wall.

[emphasis added]

 

[Yikes]

Thanks, and I think the code reference was to the IEBC, which our state fire marshal has adopted.

 

[JPohling]

I would concur Yes, the entire building