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Interpretations Request Input

Original Request

  • Request ID: 8477
  • Requested By: Brad Bailey
  • Requester E-Mail: bbailey@gulfcounty-fl.gov
  • Code Version: 2017
  • Code: BUILDING
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter: Chapter 9-Fire Protection Systems
  • Section: 903
  • Topic: Fire Protection
  • Question: 903.2.11.3 states building over 3 stories must be fire sprinkled. EXCEPTION 1: single and 2 family homes. Does this mean you can build 1&2 family homes 4 story in height using standard construction lumbers without using fire sprinklers or making the ground floor non-combustible?
  • Comment: None

Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request

Input Received:

No. 903.2.8 and 903.2.8.1 state that all R-3's are required to be fire sprinkler protected. A SFD is an R-3. If one constructs an R-3, in accordance with the FBC-Building, it is required to be fire sprinkler protected regardless of size. The 903.2.11.3 Exception 1, is only an exception to the three story an above fire sprinkler requirement from Florida Statute 553.895 (2). Now, if the SFD is constructed in accordance with the FBC-R and is three stories or less in height, then no fire sprinklers would be required as the FBC-R does not have a similar requirement to 903.8 or 903.8.1.
Anthony Apfelbeck on 11/20/2020 at 2:05 PM
Agree, I think Tony has covered it all.
Linda Patrick on 11/25/2020 at 1:59 PM
Doesn't Tony mean that if the 1 and 2 family home is build under the FBC-R it can be any number of stories, not just 3 or less, and doesn't require a sprinkler.
Tom Goldsbury on 12/01/2020 at 12:48 PM
Please disregard my comment, I think I was sleeping. FBC-R is only for up to 3 stories.
Tom Goldsbury on 12/01/2020 at 1:16 PM

Answer:

No. 903.2.8 and 903.2.8.1 state that all R-3's are required to be fire sprinkler protected. A SFD is an R-3. If one constructs an R-3, in accordance with the FBC-Building, it is required to be fire sprinkler protected regardless of size. The 903.2.11.3 Exception 1, is only an exception to the three story and above fire sprinkler requirement from Florida Statute 553.895 (2). Now, if the SFD is constructed in accordance with the FBC-R and is three stories or less in height, then no fire sprinklers would be required as the FBC-R does not have a similar requirement to 903.8 or 903.8.1.
On 12/03/2020 at 5:45 PM

Commentary:

None.

Comments on Draft:

Looks good
Linda Patrick on 12/03/2020 at 5:57 PM
I agree. In the third sentence it should read ..."three story and above..." The 903.2.11.3 Exception 1, is only an exception to the three story an above fire sprinkler requirement from Florida Statute 553.895 (2).
Joseph Belcher on 12/03/2020 at 5:59 PM
Agree with response and Linda's comment
Larry Schneider on 12/03/2020 at 6:09 PM
Agree
Andrew Bruhn on 12/03/2020 at 6:40 PM
Looks good. Agree with Linda on the typo.
Anthony Apfelbeck on 12/03/2020 at 7:03 PM
Whoops, agree with Joe on the typo.
Anthony Apfelbeck on 12/03/2020 at 7:04 PM
agree with those above.
Samuel Greenberg on 12/16/2020 at 5:48 PM
Publish Draft Interpretation