Sprinklers yes or no

[Examiner]

Working on an existing building

Code in use: 2006 IBC

Occupancy use is not going to change. It is Group B

Construction Type II-B

Currently it has a second floor but not completely over the first floor. New design will remove some of the upper floor making that area even smaller.

It is a small building with 10,150-sf on the ground floor and the second floor is 1,900-sf.

Total gutting of interior partition, ceilings, hvac, electrical and some plumbing.

I have looked at IBC Chapter 34 and the IEBC. Do not know much about these parts of the Codes, so could someone provide me with some input?

The Boss has asked me; because of the value of the gutting, if a sprinkler system will be required? From what I see in the IEBC the work will be a Level 3 which also requires compliance with Levels 1 & 2. I just did not see anything that would require the building to have a sprinkler system for a Business occupancy use group.

Input please?

 

[Coug Dad]

If built new, it probably would not require a sprinkler system

 

[jpranch]

Not required. Even if the building was new.

 

[Builder Bob]

not required unless a conference room on hte second floor exceeds 750 SF........then you have an asssembly on the floor above exit discharge - move it to the first floor and call it good if adequate exits are provided directly to the exterior.

 

[brudgers]

not required unless a conference room on hte second floor exceeds 750 SF........then you have an asssembly on the floor above exit discharge - move it to the first floor and call it good if adequate exits are provided directly to the exterior.

BTW, in their infinite effort to cast every exception as a loophole, IBC 2009 removes the 750 SF of assembly exception to mixed occupancy classification.

 

[Builder Bob]

thanks brudgers --- one day SC will be in the new fangled code.....2006 ed. here

 

[brudgers]

thanks brudgers --- one day SC will be in the new fangled code.....2006 ed. here

That will be a bad day. The IBC gets worse with each edition, not better.

 

[Codegeek]

I'm with jpranch. IEBC says for Level 2 it must meet all of the requirements, and for new construction it would not be required.

 

[Builder Bob]

That will be a bad day. The IBC gets worse with each edition, not better.

I am not to sure about all things....... I think the 2003 was a vast improvement over the 2000 I-codes.. However, I do think the third party inspections being required for every small store that may have a fire rated door in it is to the extreme... especially when i saw a post on another BB that their minimum charge is $750 for a fire door inspection.

High rises, Instituitional, large assemblies (greater than 300 OL) and educational ----- Yes, I can see it, but not on small retail stores.

 

[RJJ]

I agree with JP and the codegeek

 

[Examiner]

thank you all for the input.

 

[peach]

If it's not required in new construction, it complies with the current code without one.