Interpretation #6947

Published March 08, 2012

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Original Request

Code Version
2007
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
1
Section
602.2 and Table 601
Topic
Sprinklers in inaccessible spaces

Question

Is it the intent of Section 602.2 and Table 601 to require sprinklers to be installed in the inaccessible space under movie theater stadium seating where the inaccessible space is wholly enclosed with one-hour fire-rated construction? The construction type is IIA. The individual supporting members are not individually one-hour fire resistant. The walls, floors, and steps (all vertical and horizontal surfaces defining the volume) are all composed of one-hour fire rated construction.

Answer Published 03/08/2012 at 10:41 AM

No, section 602.2 and Table 601 deal with construction type
and fire rating of structural components; they do not
specify when and where sprinklers are required. However,
this does not necessarily mean that sprinklers are not
required.

Commentary

The area in question appears to meet FBC 903.3.1.1.1 Exemption 4.