BCAB #1583 - Fire Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13D, Sentences 9.10.1.3.(8), 3.2.5.13.(6)

June 20, 2003

BCAB #1583

Re: Fire Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13D, Sentences 9.10.1.3.(8),  3.2.5.13.(6)

Project Description

The subject building is a house (single family dwelling) less than 600 m² in building area and built under Part 9 of the Building Code. The building is sprinklered due to a requirement of a local government bylaw.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 9.10.1.3.(8) states “Where sprinkler, standpipe and hose stations are installed, they shall be installed in conformance to Part 3”.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends the requirement to sprinkler any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly relates to protecting the roof assembly . This is done in lieu of the roof assembly having a fire resistance rating. For Part 9 residential buildings, Sentence 9.10.8.1.(1) does not require a fire-resistance rating for a roof assembly. Therefore in this case, sprinklering for the purpose of protecting the structural integrity of a roof assembly would be redundant.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official considers that Sentence 3.2.5.13.(6) is applicable to all sprinkler systems, including NFPA 13D for Part 9 residential houses.

Appeal Board Decision #1583

The Board determines that Sentence 3.2.5.13.(6) is applicable to this Appeal.  

However, the Board makes the following comment in this regard. This requirement was intended to apply to buildings other than those which are equipped with a NFPA 13D sprinkler system. This intent is supported by a proposed Code change and the Appendix note.

George Humphrey, Chair