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 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or not less than 2-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.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).

2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

EXCEPTION:

For fixed guideway transit and passenger rail system stations, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with Section 4901.

903.2.1.6 Assembly 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 1004.5.

EXCEPTIONS:	1. Portable school classrooms with an occupant load of 50 or less calculated in accordance with Table 1004.5, 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 1004.5, 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 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.
	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 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 1004.5.

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 (46 m2) 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 (9144 mm) 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 eight.
	7. A hand-held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area.

903.2.8.5 Adult family home. An adult family home with a capacity of seven or eight that serves residents who require assistance during an evacuation must install an automatic sprinkler system that meets the requirements of NFPA 13D.

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 (22,860 mm), the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

903.2.11.5 Commercial cooking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct systems where an automatic sprinkler system is used to comply with Section 904.

EXCEPTION:

An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required to protect the ductwork that is in excess of 75 feet (22,860 mm) when the commercial kitchen exhaust hood is protected by a system listed per UL 300.

Table 903.2.11.6

Additional Required Fire Protection Systems

Note:

Add section and subject to existing model code table.

Section	Subject
322.4.2.3	Lithium-ion and lithium metal battery storage

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 (1219 mm) on the smallest side.

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18,288 mm) in height above grade plane shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R. The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 of the International Building Code shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.

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 1 foot (305 mm) 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.

EXCEPTIONS:	1. Portions of underground piping supplying automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
	2. Portions of underground water mains serving sprinkler systems that are designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 and are less than 4 inches (100 mm) in nominal diameter.

PDFWAC 51-54A-0903

Automatic sprinkler systems.