To Sprinkle or not to sprinkle that is the Question

[my250r11]

2015 IEBC & 2015 IBC & 2015 IFC. We are having a disagreement with Fire Marshall on this one. We believe that sense it is not a change of Occ. and not 50% and will not be anymore than was before does not need sprinklers.

Would like to get the opinion of the forum. thanks in advance.

 

[RLGA]

What code year edition? What was the occupant load before the alteration?

 

[RLGA]

Sorry, you provided the code year in your post. You should also put it on the drawings.

 

[mtlogcabin]

903 of the IFC and the IBC apply to new buildings and structures only. The Fire Marshall does not have a dog in this fight to require one or not. You have to use the IEBC to get to 903 in the IBC or IFC. The designer can choose Chapter 13 also in lieu of the work area compliance method which may not require sprinklers

 

[JCraver]

No sprinklers req'd. Tell the FM he's out of luck.

 

[RLGA]

You only go to the IBC when the IEBC directs you there. Per IEBC Section 804.2.2, subparagraph 1, there is a reference to the IBC when the work area is required to be sprinklered per the IBC. IBC Section 903.2.1.2, subparagraph 2, requires a sprinkler system when the occupant load is greater than 100. Since you show an occupant load of 135 just in the dining room (assuming it is the dining room that is being altered), then you must provide a sprinkler system. One thing to keep in mind is the definition of "Work Area." It includes the area of all reconfigured spaces, so if two rooms have a combined area of 5,000 sq. ft. and the wall between them is moved, both spaces are reconfigured and the work area is 5,000 sq. ft. So, if in your dining room one portion is permanently reconfigured, then the entire dining room is essentially reconfigured and the work area includes the entire dining room floor area, which may be more than 50% of the total building floor area, thus triggering the sprinkler requirement of IEBC Section 804.2.2, subparagraph 2.

The reason I asked about what the occupant load was prior to the alteration is to look at this using the IEBC Prescriptive Compliance Method rather than the Work Area Compliance Method. If the occupant load hasn't changed or is reduced, then, per IEBC Section 403.1, then the building is "no less conforming to the provisions of the International Building Code than the existing building or structure was prior to the alteration." If the occupant load increases, then you would need to conform to the sprinkler requirements of the IBC. This is something I've discussed with ICC a few years ago for another restaurant project and they concured, since the occupant load for the alteration was less than the original occupant load.

The IFC has requirements for existing buildings (Chapter 11), but they only apply to existing buildings as they currently exist and not based on any alteration work. The sprinkler requirements of

 

[RLGA]

I should add that IEBC Section 804.2.2, subparagraphs 1 and 2, are both needed to make the sprinkler required. As I mentioned in my previous post, look closely at the work area and the floor area of all reconfigure spaces--it is very likely that the area will exceed 50% of the total floor area (unless the kitchen and all other areas not affected by the alteration exceed 50% of the floor area).

If the work area is truly under 50% of the total floor area, then no sprinkler is required using the Work Area Compliance Method.

 

[my250r11]

This is how the BO and I both read it. the AND at the end of #1 requires both to kick in the sprinklers.
They are changing very little of the floor plan.
We are trying to find info on the bldg. I have been around here since 1985 and it was here then. Our records do not go back that far trying to get some info from assessor.

 

[my250r11]

 

[my250r11]

The fire Marshall is sticking to the occ. load being over 100.(for new const.)
This is the cheapest and one of the only local Arch. we always sending back to get more info.
Hope you can see the plans.
Thanks for the replies so far!!

 

[my250r11]

The work is mostly in the restrooms & kitchen. They are removing some counter top in the dining area, which wouldn't even require a permit if not for the other work being done.(105.2 #7)