Interpretation #6941
Published March 08, 2012
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2007
- Code
- EXTBLDG
- Code Description
- Existing Building
- Chapter
- 10
- Section
- 1001.2
- Topic
- A2 Restaurant - Fire Sprinklers
Question
Can an existing (A-2) restaurant, with more than 100 seats, add an outdoor open-air patio without installing a fire sprinkler system in the existing building under the premise of Section 1001.2?
Answer Published 03/08/2012 at 10:44 AM
This is best answered by the local building official after
reviewing the specific details of the patio arrangement.
Example: use of "Fire Areas" or if the patio has a
separate, properly identified means of egress arrangement
(number of exits, exit signs and emergency lighting) that
discharges directly to a public way, then the local
building official may decide to accept an "alternate
design" showing that there is sufficient safety in the
proposed design to look at the patio occupant load as not
increasing the safety hazard in the under roof restaurant
space. However, if any portion of the means of egress from
the patio is required to egress through the restaurant,
then the patio should clearly be includded in determing if
the 100 person threshold is tripped and fire sprinlker
protection is required.
reviewing the specific details of the patio arrangement.
Example: use of "Fire Areas" or if the patio has a
separate, properly identified means of egress arrangement
(number of exits, exit signs and emergency lighting) that
discharges directly to a public way, then the local
building official may decide to accept an "alternate
design" showing that there is sufficient safety in the
proposed design to look at the patio occupant load as not
increasing the safety hazard in the under roof restaurant
space. However, if any portion of the means of egress from
the patio is required to egress through the restaurant,
then the patio should clearly be includded in determing if
the 100 person threshold is tripped and fire sprinlker
protection is required.
Commentary
Plumbing code would require that the entire seating
capacity (indoor and outdoor) be used to determine the
required fixture count.