§ 10-50903.3.1. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS.

903.3.1. Standards. Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. Automatic fire sprinklers or fire sprinkler systems not required by the California Fire or Building Codes may be of any type approved by the fire code official.

903.3.1.1. NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems. Where the provisions of this Code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this Section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 80 except as provided for in sections 903.3.1.1.1 through 903.3.1.1.4.

903.3.1.1.2. Bathrooms. In Group R occupancies, other than Group R-4 occupancies, sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m ) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

Exception:

1.

Group R occupancies where fire sprinklers are used as a substitution for any other California Building Code requirements.

903.3.1.1.3. Group R Mixed Occupancy Buildings. Mixed occupancy buildings containing Group R occupancies shall be provided with automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13). The R-2 or R-3 residential portion of a mixed occupancy building shall be provided with fire sprinkler piping and control valves arranged so that the automatic sprinkler system can remain in service independent of non-residential occupancies.

Exceptions:

1.

Mixed occupancy buildings where a vertical fire barrier with no openings is provided in accordance with California Building Code, Section 707 separating the R occupancy from other uses may have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in the residential portion in accordance with Sections 903.3.1.2 (NFPA 13R) or 903.3.1.3 (NFPA 13D) as applicable. Separate control valves shall be installed as indicated above unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

2.

Group R-1 or R-2 occupancies with accessory occupancy groups that do not require installation of fire sprinklers by Section 903.2.

903.3.1.1.4. Joint Live Work Units Quarters. Where joint live/work residential dwelling units are constructed in accordance with Fresno Municipal Code, Chapter 11, Article 7, automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13).

903.3.1.2. NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including three stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 80 except where prohibited in Sections 903.3.1.1.3 and 903.3.1.1.4.

903.3.1.2.1. Balconies and Decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks, ground floor patios, and entryways (enclosed on two or more sides) of dwellings, dwelling units, and sleeping units where the building is of Type V construction, provided there is a roof or deck above. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies, decks, and entryways that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

(Added Ord. 2016-48, § 3, eff. 1-9-17)