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Interpretation #8915
Original Request
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Requested By:
Robert Smith
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Requester E-Mail:
rsmith@martin.fl.us
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Code Version:
2021
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Code:
BUILDING
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Code Description:
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Chapter:
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Section:
903.2.1.7
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Topic:
Fire Sprinkler Requirements when (2) separate buildings are combined but separated into multiple fire areas
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Question:
I have an (2) A-3 occupancy buildings roughly around 20' apart from each other. The 20' section in between is being enclosed as a vestibule and will be connecting these two buildings. Each building has around 260 occupants when the vestibule is added to the 2nd building. The two buildings are each considered to have 2 hr fire areas for the buildings. The new vestibule being added, has exits from both existing buildings into the vestibule area, then from the vestibule area, it exits out to the public way. The existing buildings have (2) required exits as per table 1006.3.2 that exit out to the public way, and the exits that exit to the vestibule area are above and beyond the requirements of Table 1006.3.2 (each building currently has the 2 required exits and they exit out to the public way).
Is it the intent of FBC 903.2.1.7 to require sprinklers because of the additional exits that lead to the vestibule for exiting the building appear to make this a combined occupant load of 520 occupants (300 or more). (Refer to Definition of Exit, and Exit Access, and Means of Egress in Chapter 2, for clarification). Definition of means of egress leads me to believe that any exit path would be considered in 903.2.1.7 and would require combing the occupant loads for the multiple A-3 classifications.
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