§ 54-93. Fire protection sprinkler systems requirements.

(a)

Except as otherwise provided, supervised fire protection sprinkler systems shall be required for all new hotels and dormitories as described in this subsection and shall be required for existing hotels and dormitories as described in section 54-94. NFPA 13R sprinkler systems shall be allowed in structures up to and including four stories in height. All buildings over four stories in height shall be protected by a NFPA 13 sprinkler system.

(b)

Except as otherwise provided, supervised fire protection sprinkler systems shall be required for all new apartment buildings two stories or more in height. NFPA 13R sprinkler systems shall be allowed in structures up to and including four stories in height. All buildings over four stories in height shall be protected by a NFPA 13 sprinkler system. All balconies and storage closets accessed from the balcony shall be protected by the fire protection sprinkler system.

(c)

Exception: Fire protection sprinkler systems are not required for new single story hotels, dormitories and apartment buildings with exit doors leading directly outside from each dwelling unit.

(d)

All existing hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings that undergo a substantial renovation costing more than the building's or structure's assessed value (according to county tax records) at the time of such renovation, a change in the classification of occupancy, or a fire of serious consequence, shall meet the requirements of this Code.

(e)

Except as otherwise provided, all new board and care occupancies (personal care homes) with four or more clients and all community living arrangements shall be equipped with an approved sprinkler system.

(f)

Sections 903.3.1.2.1, 903.4, 903.4.1, 903.4.2, and 903.4.3 of the International Fire Code adopted in section 54-52 are adopted for enforcement on new installations and buildings that undergo substantial renovation or a change in the classification of occupancy.

(Ord. of 2-27-07; Ord. of 7-24-07; Amd. of 2-24-09; Amd. of 2-26-13; Amd. of 2-23-16)