The 13R origins and development statement says it all. The standard was
clearly promulgated to facilitate sprinklers in low rise, 4 story or less,
residential facilities. Nowhere is the term mixed use or mixed occupancy
referenced. I believe there's a misconception of what constitutes a
residential or a mixed use.

A residential building with a private parking garage serving the residents
and incidental use spaces such as mail rooms, lobbies, exercise rooms, trash
and utility rooms, manager's office is considered a single R Use pursuant to
the IBC/IFC. This is not a mixed use. 13R is the appropriate standard for
this building. The entire system is classified 13R not a 13/13R "hybrid"
something that simply doesn't exist. Yes you need selected sections of 13 to
sprinkler outside the dwelling units nonetheless its 13R that gets you
there, parts of 13 in effect are a reference, in the end the system is 13R.
(PS, 13R committee, take what you need out of 13 put it in 13R and be done
with it)

A residential building with a public garage, restaurants, offices, retail is
a mixed use building pursuant to the IBC/IFC. This is not a single R Use. 13
is the appropriate standard for this building. The entire system is 13.
Unlike 13R, 13 does not reference 13R. 


Origin and Development of NFPA 13R (Extracted From 2007 NFPA-13R, EMPHASIS
added)

The first edition of NFPA 13R, which was published in 1989, represented a
milestone in the development of sprinkler installation design standards. The
first edition resulted in a standard for the protection of low-rise,
RESIDENTIAL facilities. This standard is intended to provide a higher degree
of life safety and property protection to the INHABITENTS of low-rise,
multifamily DWELLINGS. Promulgated as a document that provides for increased
levels of protection to BUILDING OCCUPANTS, the document also considers the
economic aspects of a sprinklered facility as compared to an unsprinklered
facility. As the number of states and cities that implement sprinkler
ordinances continues to grow, and as the threshold levels for sprinkler
requirements in RESIDENTIAL occupancies in the building codes extend to
certain low-rise structures, it is believed that systems for certain
RESIDENTIAL occupancies can be efficiently and effectively installed in
accordance with this standard. The 1994 edition provided expanded
information on nonmetallic pipe materials, minor changes to clarify the
established design criteria, and a new recommendation on underground pipe
materials. The 1996 edition included several changes that paralleled
amendments in the 1996 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems. Other changes included a number of clarifications
concerning the selection of sprinklers as well as the proper use of
sprinklers. The 1999 edition clarified criteria for nonmetallic pipe and
fittings and established a minimum operating pressure for sprinklers.
Guidance on providing freeze protection using insulation in attics and
antifreeze systems was provided, as was information on the application of
solvent cement for nonmetallic piping. Exceptions for omitting sprinkler
coverage in closets on balconies and underneath garage doors were added. The
2002 edition incorporated revisions to update the standard to comply with
the 2000 edition of the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee
Documents. These revisions included editorially rewording any exceptions as
requirements. The 2002 edition also included changes that further clarified
the scope of the standard, established a minimum design discharge density,
and added protection requirements specifically for garages. The section
addressing spaces where sprinklers are permitted to be omitted was changed
so that the area of full-height tub/shower enclosures would be included in
the area determination for bathrooms, sprinklers would be provided in
concealed spaces with fuel-fired equipment, and the omission of sprinklers
in elevator machine rooms would not be dependent on the room's location.
This 2007 edition now includes spacing and obstruction rules addressing
sloped ceilings, ceiling pockets, ceiling fans, and kitchen cabinets. For
this edition, the requirements for utilizing quick-response sprinklers
within NFPA 13R regulations were clarified, and new requirements addressing
architectural features within dwelling units were added. Additionally, the
requirements covering closets, including obstructions within closets and
protection of mechanical closets, were clarified. Finally, new requirements
were added that are applicable from NFPA 13 to NFPA 13R, to ensure proper
administration of those requirements where relevant. 

Hope that helps.

Sincerely

John Drucker
Fire Protection Subcode Official
Building/Fire/Electrical Inspector

Safe Buildings Save Lives !


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