32A-124 57 King St R-3 Addition Sprinkler Review (2)May 1, 2013
Code Review, Sprinklers in addition at 57 King St A2Z
Actual code wording is italicized
IECC Chapter 10 Additions
“1001.1 Scope. An addition to a building or structure shall comply with the International Codes as
adopted for new construction without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with any
requirements of those codes or of these provisions, except as required by this chapter. Where an addition
impacts the existing building or structure, that portion shall comply with this code.”
“1002.3 Fire protection systems. Existing fire areas increased by the addition shall comply with Chapter 9
of the International Building Code.” This section was deleted by Mass amendment 1002.3.
Section 1002.3 refers specifically to existing fire areas; deleting this section deletes the requirements
that the existing fire area involved (in this case, the existing R-3 use area) comply with Chapter 9 (have
sprinklers installed). 1002.3 does not address the addition (area of new construction); 1001.1 would still
apply, requiring sprinklers in the area of new construction but not in the existing R-3 area.
IBC Chapter 9, table 902.3 (as amended); Sprinkler systems are required in all R use areas. Note A
requires sprinklers installed in accordance with NFPA 13 in R use areas of mixed use buildings (Note a –
“For Use Group R and I-1 Buildings with an aggregate building area of 12,000 sq. ft. or more, and Mixed
Use Buildings, the sprinkler system shall be designed and installed throughout the structure in
accordance with NFPA 13”).
In accordance with Chapter 34, section 104.10 I would consider granting a modification to allow
sprinklers installed in accordance with 903.3.1.2 (NFPA 13R) throughout the R-3 use portion of the
building as an alternative to an NFPA 13 system in the addition(new construction).
Chapter 34
104.10 Modifications (as amended).
“Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building
official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner
or owner’s representative, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason
makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and
purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety,
or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in
the files of the building official and a copy forwarded to the BBRS within seven days. A building official
may seek assistance from the district’s state building inspector for modifications.”