2015 IBC [F] 905.3 Required installations. Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.8.Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.
Exception: Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies. [F] 905.3.1 Height. Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access. Exceptions: 1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 2. Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. 3. Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures, provided that the hose connections are located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section 905.5. 4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. 5. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following: 5.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less. 5.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible John Drucker, CET Fire and Electrical Subcode Official Building Inspector Building Department Borough of Red Bank, NJ Cell/Text 732-904-6823 From: Sprinklerforum [[email protected]] on behalf of Taylor Schumacher [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2018 8:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Building Heights Requiring Standpipes We had already walked through the IBC and all the pictures but he wants more solid info. I’ve reached out to the State Fire Marshal and they had agreed to write up an explanation. Like Steve explained, the access to the building and stairwells is at grade plane, which is first floor in this case, and is where the fire fighting appurtenances are located. Thanks, Taylor Schumacher From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steele, Andrew Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2018 5:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Building Heights Requiring Standpipes Good example diagrams are in the ICC Fire /Bldg Code Commentary books. On Aug 8, 2018 18:01, Jim Davidson <[email protected]> wrote: Go to the Building Code for the definition of height above lowest level of FD Access, if ICC’s IBC then call for a code interpretation and if needed ask for a written response. The ICC has been through this problem a few times. Some jurisdictions specifically define the height above the lowest level of FD access. Have a fire safe day! Jim Davidson From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Taylor Schumacher Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5:55 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Building Heights Requiring Standpipes I have an AHJ that is adamant that a 3-story 13R project I have requires Class I standpipes because the underground parking level will exceed the 30’ height requirement. I have always viewed these heights as from the parking lot closest to main entry or where the FDC is located rather than the fire truck driving into the garage. Have I been looking at this wrong? Taylor Schumacher _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
