Standpipe for >1,000 SF stages removed in 2024?

[PatrickGSR94]

Checking standpipe requirements for a community theater project, it appears that in 2024 ICC codes, the requirement for standpipes at stages greater than 1,000 SF has been omitted. Am I correct on this?

The project is an existing event arena building, with a large convention center addition, and a new community theater going in part of the existing building (converting existing ballroom space into theater).

Type I-B construction, full sprinkler, steel and heavy timber.
Fire alarm with voice evac
100K+ SF existing
100K+ SF addition
Many exit doors all around
All one story (new addition), and there are no stories more than 30 feet above or below fire department access levels in the existing arena building.
It's not an underground building, no heliports, marinas, or vegetative roofs.

So, using 2024 codes, it seems to me that no standpipes are required, right?

 

[RBK]

Standpipe requirements for stages were removed in the 2024 IBC. The requirement for stages over 1,000 sq. ft. in 905.3.4 of previous IBC editions was removed, as was the requirement in 905.5.1 for Class II standpipes at stages in A-1 & A-2 occupancies with occupant loads over 1,000. Standpipes are still required at the rear of the auditorium and on the balcony for those larger A-1 and A-2 occupancies.

 

[steveray]

Safer stage lighting with LEDs now so less stage fires?

 

[RLGA]

Here is the reason statement provided by the proponent for Proposed Change G85-21:

"Delete requirement for standpipes on stages. This requirement goes back 100+ years when most stages were staffed by trained employees and the standpipe with hose was intended for occupant fire fighting, not the fire service. Today, when most stages are in public schools without full time staff trained to fight fires on stages, it makes no sense. It is an archaic requirement. More and more building and/or fire officials request or require these not be installed or, where installed, request these be removed, to discourage or prevent non-fire service occupants from fighting fires. I do not believe fire service would use these, located in the space where the fire is."

 

[steveray]

Here is the reason statement provided by the proponent for Proposed Change G85-21:

"Delete requirement for standpipes on stages. This requirement goes back 100+ years when most stages were staffed by trained employees and the standpipe with hose was intended for occupant fire fighting, not the fire service. Today, when most stages are in public schools without full time staff trained to fight fires on stages, it makes no sense. It is an archaic requirement. More and more building and/or fire officials request or require these not be installed or, where installed, request these be removed, to discourage or prevent non-fire service occupants from fighting fires. I do not believe fire service would use these, located in the space where the fire is."

Who can argue with that logic? We used to have trained people on site for safety and now we don't so we should remove more safety....I would be interested to see if there was any data on this...

I get it if no one is going to use them anyway or more often sprinklering the buildings these days, but sometimes laugh at the way some stuff gets approved... Maybe we will go back and forth on this like extinguishers...

 

[Tim Mailloux]

Who can argue with that logic? We used to have trained people on site for safety and now we don't so we should remove more safety....I would be interested to see if there was any data on this...

I get it if no one is going to use them anyway or more often sprinklering the buildings these days, but sometimes laugh at the way some stuff gets approved... Maybe we will go back and forth on this like extinguishers...

I am waiting for to CT mess this up and add the standpipe provision back in the upcoming code cycle.