sprinklernotes
Sprinklers in Closets
The following information was provided: NFPA 13-2019 section 9.2.4.2 allows the
omission of sprinklers in closets under 24 ft2. “Sprinklers are not required in
clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries within dwelling units in hotels
and motels where the area of the space does not exceed 24 ft2. and the walls
and ceilings are surfaced with non-combustible or limited-combustible
materials.”
You asked the following question: Are fire sprinklers required in closets less
than
24 ft2 in a condominium hotel with and occupancy classification of R-2?
In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition.
Our informal interpretation: The intent of section 9.2.4.2 is to omit
sprinklers in small closets in hotels and motels due to their transient
occupancy. Because the primary use of an R-2 occupancy could include
semi-permanent residency with the possibility of long-term storage in the
closets, sprinklers should be installed.
The 2018 IBC provides examples of R-2 occupancies in section 310.3 which
includes the following:
• Apartment houses
• Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with more than 16
occupants
• Boarding Houses
• Convents
• Dormitories
• Fraternities and sororities
• Monasteries
• Hotels (nontransient)
• Live/work units
• Motels (nontransient)
• Vacation timeshare properties
The 2018 IBC specifically calls out that when the designation of hotels and
motels are used for R-2 occupancies, the occupancy is nontransient. Because of
this designation, sprinklers should be installed in the closets. AFSA intends
to submit clarifying language for the 2025 edition to address this discrepancy.
Relief could be provided if NFPA 101 is applicable to the jurisdiction where
this building is being constructed. Per NFPA 101-2018 for Lodging and Rooming
Houses and New Apartment Buildings:
26.3.6.2.4 In buildings sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 closets less
than 12 ft2 (1.1 m2) in area in individual dwelling units shall not be required
to be sprinklered.
30.3.5.3* In buildings sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13, closets shall
meet the following requirements:
(1) Closets of less than 12 ft2 (1.1 m2) in individual dwelling units shall
not be required to be sprinklered.
(2) Closets that contain equipment such as washers, dryers, furnaces, or
water heaters shall be sprinklered, regardless of size.
