WSR 22-13-109
EMERGENCY RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed June 15, 2022, 2:03 p.m., effective June 15, 2022, 2:03 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Extend emergency rule to amended chapter 51-50 WAC of the International Building Code, regarding Chapter 35 Reference Standards and section 903, specifically addressing elevator pit sprinklers.
Also, extend emergency rule to amended chapter 51-54A WAC of the International Fire Code, regarding Chapter 80 Reference Standards and section 903, specifically addressing elevator pit sprinklers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New 2.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031.
Other Authority: RCW 19.27.074.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: The requirement for fire sprinklers in pits of hydraulic elevators is predicated by the amount of debris that is collected in the pit and the potential of an ignition source that could cause a fire. With the advent of hydraulic fluids that are combustible but at flashpoints near 450°F., the lack of ignition sources (cigarette use in buildings has significantly decreased), the reduction of combustible materials found in elevator pits, and the significant reduction nationally in the amount of elevator pit fires (see NFPA data attached), the need for a fire sprinkler in the pit and elevator equipment room [has] been significantly reduced. NFPA 13 has included language in the code commentary that the requirement of sprinklers in the pit needs to be evaluated for benefit compared to the additional cost to install sprinklers, additional detection, and a shunt trip to accommodate shutting off the power to the elevator before fire sprinklers are activated. Further, when the power [is] turned off to the elevators it could trap someone who is using the elevator. For that reason, some fire departments do not use elevators during a fire event as they would not have full control of it and responders could become trapped in the elevator.
Identical or substantially similar emergency rules may not be adopted in sequence unless conditions have changed or the agency has filed notice of its intent to adopt the rule as a permanent rule, and is actively undertaking the appropriate procedures to adopt the rule as a permanent rule. The council adopted the permanent rule on April 22, 2022, with an effective date of July 1, 2023 (WSR 22-13-093 and 22-13-094).
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: February 15, 2022.
Tony Doan
Chair
OTS-3418.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-21-021, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20)
WAC 51-50-0903Section 903Automatic sprinkler systems.
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than one-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or not less than two-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
 
2. Bottom of the elevator hoistway in an enclosed and noncombustible elevator shaft.
903.2.1.8 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this code.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group E occupancies where the fire area has an occupant load of 51 or more, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Portable school classrooms with an occupant load of 50 or less calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2, provided that the aggregate area of any cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 6,000 square feet (557 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code; or
 
2. Portable school classrooms with an occupant load from 51 through 98, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2, and provided with two means of direct independent exterior egress from each classroom in accordance with Chapter 10, and one exit from each class room shall be accessible, provided that the aggregate area of any cluster of portable classrooms does not exceed 6,000 square feet (557 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code; or
 
3. Fire areas containing day care and preschool facilities with a total occupant load of 100 or less located at the level of exit discharge where every room in which care is provided has not fewer than one exit discharge door.
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group I-1 Condition 1 facilities.
 
2. Where new construction house ((sixteen))16 persons receiving care, an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted for Group I-1, Condition 2, assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 388-78A WAC and residential treatment facilities licensed under chapter 246-337 WAC.
 
3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in additions to existing buildings where both of the following situations are true:
 
3.1. The addition is made to a building previously approved as Group LC or Group R-2 that houses either an assisted living facility licensed under chapter 388-78A WAC or residential treatment facility licensed under chapter 246-337 WAC.
 
3.2. The addition contains spaces for ((sixteen))16 or fewer persons receiving care.
903.2.6.1 Group I-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in fire areas containing Group I-4 occupancies where the fire area has an occupant load of 51 or more, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required for Group I-4 day care facilities with a total occupant load of 100 or less, and located at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer than one exterior exit door.
 
2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care and the level of exit discharge and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than areas classified as an open parking garage.
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy, where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. Where a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
EXCEPTION:
Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply:
 
1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 square feet and is used for recreational use only.
 
2. The Group R fire area is only one story.
 
3. The Group R fire area does not include a basement.
 
4. The Group R fire area is no closer than 30 feet from another structure.
 
5. Cooking is not allowed within the Group R fire area.
 
6. The Group R fire area has an occupant load of no more than 8.
 
7. A hand held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area.
903.2.9.3 Group S-1 upholstered furniture and mattresses. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group 5-1 fire area where the area used for storage of upholstered furniture exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
EXCEPTION:
Self-service storage facilities no greater than one story above grade plane where all storage spaces can be accessed directly from the exterior.
903.2.11 Specific building areas and hazards. In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.7.
903.2.11.7 Relocatable buildings within buildings. Relocatable buildings or structures located within a building with an approved fire sprinkler system shall be provided with fire sprinkler protection within the occupiable space of the building and the space underneath the relocatable building.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Sprinkler protection is not required underneath the building when the space is separated from the adjacent space by construction resisting the passage of smoke and heat and combustible storage will not be located there.
 
2. If the building or structure does not have a roof or ceiling obstructing the overhead sprinklers.
 
3. Construction trailers and temporary offices used during new building construction prior to occupancy.
 
4. Movable shopping mall kiosks with a roof or canopy dimension of less than 4 feet on the smallest side.
903.3.5.3 Underground portions of fire protection system water supply piping. The installation or modification of an underground water main, public or private, supplying a water-based fire protection system shall be in accordance with NFPA 24 and chapter 18.160 RCW. Piping and appurtenances downstream of the first control valve on the lateral or service line from the distribution main to one-foot above finished floor shall be approved by the fire code official. Such underground piping shall be installed by a fire sprinkler system contractor licensed in accordance with chapter 18.160 RCW and holding either a Level U or a Level 3 license. For underground piping supplying systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, a Level 2, 3, or U licensed contractor is acceptable.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-21-021, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20)
WAC 51-50-3500Chapter 35Referenced standards.
Add the reference standards as follows:
Standard reference number
Title
Referenced in code section number
ANSI/APA PRG-320-18
Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber (revised 2018)
602.4, 2303.1.4
NFPA 130-17
Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems
3101.1, 3114
NFPA 13-16
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (except 8.15.5.3(5))
403.3.3, 712.1.3.1, 903.3.1.1, 903.2, 903.3.8.2, 903.8.5, 904.13, 905.3.4, 907.6.4, 1019.3
OTS-3419.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-04-003, filed 1/20/21, effective 2/20/21)
WAC 51-54A-0903Automatic sprinkler systems.
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than one-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or not less than two-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code, or both.
 
2. Bottom of the elevator hoistway in an enclosed and noncombustible elevator shaft.
903.2.1.6Assembly occupancies on roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2, and 300 for other Group A occupancies, the building shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
EXCEPTION:
Open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction.
903.2.1.8 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this code.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group E occupancies where the fire area has an occupant load of 51 or more, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Portable school classrooms with an occupant load of 50 or less calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2, provided that the aggregate area of any cluster of portable classrooms does not exceed 6,000 square feet (557 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code; or
 
2. Portable school classrooms with an occupant load from 51 through 98, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2, and provided with two means of direct independent exterior egress from each classroom in accordance with Chapter 10, and one exit from each class room shall be accessible, provided that the aggregate area of any cluster of portable classrooms does not exceed 6,000 square feet (557 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code; or
 
3. Fire areas containing day care and preschool facilities with a total occupant load of 100 or less located at the level of exit discharge where every room in which care is provided has not fewer than one exit discharge door.
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group I-1 Condition 1 facilities.
 
2. Where new construction or additions house less than ((sixteen))16 persons receiving care, an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.2.8.3 shall be permitted for Group I-1, Condition 2, assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 388-78A WAC and residential treatment facilities licensed under chapter 246-337 WAC.
903.2.6.1 Group I-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in fire areas containing Group I-4 occupancies where the fire area has an occupant load of 51 or more, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.2.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where Group I-4 day care facilities with a total occupant load of 100 or less, and located at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer than one exterior exit door.
 
2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care and the level of exit discharge and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than areas classified as an open parking garage.
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
EXCEPTION:
Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply:
 
1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 square feet and is used for recreational use only.
 
2. The Group R fire area is on only one story.
 
3. The Group R fire area does not include a basement.
 
4. The Group R fire area is no closer than 30 feet from another structure.
 
5. Cooking is not allowed within the Group R fire area.
 
6. The Group R fire area has an occupant load of no more than 8.
 
7. A hand-held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area.
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.9.3 Group S-1 Upholstered furniture and mattresses. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group S-1 fire where the area used for the storage of upholstered furniture exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
EXCEPTION:
Self-service storage facilities no greater than one story above grade plane where all storage spaces can be accessed directly from the exterior.
903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22,860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where new walls, partitions or other similar obstructions are installed that increase the exit access travel distance to more than 75 feet, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
903.2.11.7 Relocatable buildings within buildings. Relocatable buildings or structures located within a building with an approved fire sprinkler system shall be provided with fire sprinkler protection within the occupiable space of the building and the space underneath the relocatable building.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Sprinkler protection is not required underneath the building when the space is separated from the adjacent space by construction resisting the passage of smoke and heat and combustible storage will not be located there.
 
2. If the building or structure does not have a roof or ceiling obstructing the overhead sprinklers.
 
3. Construction trailers and temporary offices used during new building construction prior to occupancy.
 
4. Movable shopping mall kiosks with a roof or canopy dimension of less than 4 feet on the smallest side.
903.3.5.3 Underground portions of fire protection system water supply piping. The portion of the installation or modification of an underground water main, public or private, dedicated to supplying a water-based fire protection system shall be in accordance with NFPA 24 and chapter 18.160 RCW. Piping and appurtenances downstream of the first control valve on the lateral or service line from the distribution main to one-foot above finished floor shall be approved by the fire code official. Such underground piping shall be installed by a fire sprinkler system contractor licensed in accordance with chapter 18.160 RCW and holding either a Level U or a Level 3 license. For underground piping supplying systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, a Level 2, 3, or U licensed contractor is acceptable.
EXCEPTION:
Portions of underground piping supplying automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-02-086, filed 1/2/19, effective 7/1/19)
WAC 51-54A-8000Referenced standards.
NFPA 13-16: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (except 8.15.5.3(5)). . . .903.3.1.1,
903.3.2, 903.3.8.2, 903.3.8.5, 904.13, 905.3.4, 907.6.4, 914.3.2, 1019.3, 1103.4.8, 3201.1, 3204.2, 3205.5, Table 3206.2, 3206.4.1, 3206.10, 3207.2, 3207.2.1, 3208.2.2, 3208.2.2.1, 3208.4, 3210.1, 3401.1, 5104.1, 5104.1.1, 5106.5.7, 5704.3.3.9, Table 5704.3.6.3(7), 5704.3.7.5.1, 5704.3.8.4
NFPA 96-07 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations . . . .609.3
NFPA 720-15 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment in Dwelling Units . . . .1103.9
NFPA 130-17 Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems . . . .3901.1