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Interpretation #8477

Original Request

  • Date: December 03, 2020
  • 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?

Answer on 12/03/2020 at 12:45 PM

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.

Commentary:

None.