(Effective until July 1, 2023)
Section 903—Automatic sprinkler systems.
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 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 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.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-0903, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20; WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-0903, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.074,
19.27.020, and
19.27.031. WSR 14-24-089, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/1/14, effective 5/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-0903, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: Chapter
19.27 RCW. WSR 10-24-059, § 51-50-0903, filed 11/29/10, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-0903, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.190,
19.27.020, and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 08-01-110, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.074,
19.27.020, and chapters
70.92, 19.27, and
34.05 RCW. WSR 07-01-091, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.020,
19.27.031,
19.27.074, and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 05-24-070, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/5/05, effective 7/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 04-01-108, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]
(Effective July 1, 2023)
Section 903—Automatic sprinkler systems.
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 3114. |
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 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 1004.5, 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 house 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 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 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. |
903.2.8 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. |
903.2.11 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.
903.2.11.1.3 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. |
903.3.1.2 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 shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.
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.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, § 51-50-0903, filed 6/14/22, effective 7/1/23; WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-0903, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20; WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-0903, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.074,
19.27.020, and
19.27.031. WSR 14-24-089, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/1/14, effective 5/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-0903, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: Chapter
19.27 RCW. WSR 10-24-059, § 51-50-0903, filed 11/29/10, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-0903, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.190,
19.27.020, and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 08-01-110, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.074,
19.27.020, and chapters
70.92, 19.27, and
34.05 RCW. WSR 07-01-091, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.020,
19.27.031,
19.27.074, and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 05-24-070, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/5/05, effective 7/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 04-01-108, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]