Wednesday, 13 October 2021 / Published in Base4

Developers—Do I need sprinklers everywhere?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has a complex code structure to regulate fire safety according to different categories of occupancies. As you know, multifamily projects are trending, and developers need to know how these complex codes affect the project. When it comes to fire safety codes, there’s one thing that all developers ask, “Do I need sprinklers everywhere?”

Do I Need a Fire Sprinkler System?

When it comes to fire safety codes, the International Building Code (IBC) section 903.3.1.2 group R occupancies allows the NFPA 13R system for “up to and including 4 stories… where the building height is not exceeding 60 feet.”

What Is the NFPA 13R System?

NFPA 13R (R=residential) facilities are “partially sprinklered” to provide a moderate level of building protection. In other words, NFPA 13R requirements provides for a level of protection that allows occupants to escape a building in the event of a fire.

With NFPA 13R, you can save money and maintain safety.

NFPA 13R has concessions for the omission of sprinklers for the following areas:

NRPA 13R has other advantages, including:

NFPA 13 VS. NFPA 13R

NFPA 13—protected buildings are considered ‘fully sprinklered’ to provide both life safety and protection to the facility and its assets. NFPA 13 are for commercial properties likes hotels and commercial building. On the other hand, the NFPA 13R are ‘partially sprinklered’ to provide life safety and a moderate level of building protection. The NFPA 13R are for residential occupancies like apartments building.

Thanks to these concessions and their potential cost savings, it’s easy to understand why many multifamily developers want to install NFPA 13R systems in their buildings if the project qualifies.

BASE4 Is Here to Help!

Here at BASE4, we are aware that fire safety codes can be confusing! That is why our team of dedicated fire safety experts are here to advise you on the best and practical solutions for your multifamily project.

Let’s Build a Multifamily Development!

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