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Interpretations Request Input

Original Request

  • Request ID: 8488
  • Requested By: Matthew DeVito
  • Requester E-Mail: matthew.devito@southeasternce.com
  • Code Version: 2017
  • Code: BUILDING
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter: Chapter 5-General Building Heights and areas
  • Section: 504
  • Topic: Sprinklers In Four Story Residence
  • Question: Table 504.4 states that newly constructed one and two family residences (R-3) of Type V-B construction shall have a sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.2.8.1 if they are 4 stories in height. 903.2.8.1 directs you to 903.3.1.3, which says to install sprinkler in accordance with NFPA 13D. However, 903.2.11.3 states that single and two family dwellings are an exception and would not need a sprinkler system . So would one and two family dwellings not require a fire sprinkler system to be installed?
  • Comment: None

Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request

Input Received:

Yes, if built per the FBC-B based on the 4 story height and not meeting the limitations found for the FBC- Residential.
Table 504.4, R-3 lists NS with footnotes d & h; a 13R system and a full 13 system.
Footnote d. is only used in evaluation of existing bldg. height per the FBC-Existing.
Footnote h is for new group R occupancies and sends you to Section 903.2.8
Section 903.2.8 requires installations in accordance with 903.3.1.3 (R-3)
Section 903.3.1.3 is for the NFPA 13D sprinkler system.
Linda Patrick on 11/25/2020 at 4:07 PM
Yes, fire sprinklers would be required in any one or two family residence constructed under the Florida Building Code-Building. The 903.2.11.3 is just a exception from the blanket statutory requirement in 553.895. The provisions of 903.2.11.3 does not create an exemption from 903.2.8.1.

I think the above is consistent with what the intent of Linda wrote but the requestor is writing the question as a negative so, we need to be careful with how the answer is phrased. This appears related to the other informal we just completed.
Anthony Apfelbeck on 11/26/2020 at 2:59 PM

Answer:

Yes, fire sprinklers would be required in any one or two family residence constructed under the Florida Building Code-Building. The 903.2.11.3 is an exception from the blanket statutory requirement in 553.895. The provisions of 903.2.11.3 does not create an exemption from 903.2.8.1.
On 12/08/2020 at 7:12 PM

Commentary:

If designed and permitted under the Florida Building Code - Residential volume, which limits the structure to three (3) stories, the exemption applies. When designed and built under the Florida Building Code - Building volume, R-3 structures require sprinklers. There is no reference to R-3 in the Residential volume, they are referred to as One and Two Family Dwellings.

Comments on Draft:

looks good
Linda Patrick on 12/08/2020 at 7:28 PM
I agree with the interpretation
Pedro Quintela on 12/08/2020 at 7:50 PM
I agree.
Robert Reading on 12/08/2020 at 8:08 PM
I agree.
Anthony Apfelbeck on 12/08/2020 at 10:35 PM
I'm Good.
Brad Schiffer on 12/09/2020 at 3:20 PM
Go for it . . . .
Larry Schneider on 12/11/2020 at 2:39 PM
Agree.
Samuel Greenberg on 12/16/2020 at 5:55 PM
Publish Draft Interpretation