Section 903 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply¶

with this section.

903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted instead of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official.

Exceptions & meaning →

903.2 Where required.¶

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-1 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-1 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
The fire area contains a multiple-theater complex.

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903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-2 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-2 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m ² ).
The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

4. The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m ² ), contains more than one fire area containing a Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4- hour fire-resistance rating without openings.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

4. The structure exceeds 12,000 square feet (1155 m ² ), contains more than one fire area containing exhibition and display rooms, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without open- ings.

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-4 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-4 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m ² ).

903.2.1.5.1 Spaces under grandstands or bleach- ers. Enclosed spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 where either of the following exist:

The enclosed area is 1,000 square feet (93 m ² ) or less and is not constructed in accordance with Section 1029.1.1.1.
The enclosed area exceeds 1,000 square feet (93 m ² ).

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

903.2.1.6 Assembly occupancies on roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2 and 300 for other Group A occupancies, all floors between the occupied roof and the level of exit discharge shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

Exception: Open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction.

903.2.1.7 Multiple fire areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 300 or more.

903.2.2 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:

Four or more care recipients are incapable of selfpreservation.
One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.

In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.

Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.

903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ) in area.
The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.

The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

4. In rooms or areas with special hazards such as lab- oratories, vocational shops and other such areas where hazardous materials in quantities not exceed- ing the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.

5. Throughout any Group E structure greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ) in area, which con- tains more than one fire area, and which is sepa- rated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.

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6. For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19.

7. For public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12 ^th grade, see Section 903.2.20.

903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m ² ).
A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m ² ).

903.2.4.1 Woodworking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m ² ) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials. [SFM] A fire wall of less than 4-hour fire- resistance rating without openings, or any fire wall with openings, shall not be used to establish separate fire areas.

903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.

903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies.

903.2.5.2 Group H-5 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system shall be not less than that required under the California Building Code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2.

Where the design area of the sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.

TABLE 903.2.5.2 GROUP H-5 SPRINKLER DESIGN CRITERIA

903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).

903.2.5.4 Group H occupancies located on the 11 ^th

story and above. The fire sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11 ^th story and above.

903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.

Exceptions:

1. Those areas exempted by Section 407.6 of the California Building Code.

2. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113 (d), Group I-2 occupancies, or any alter- ations thereto, located in Type IA construction in existence on March 4, 1972.

903.2.6.1 Group I-2. An existing, unsprinklered Group I-2, nurses’ station open to fire-resistive exit access corridors shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system located directly above the nurses’ station. It shall be permitted to connect the automatic sprinkler system to the domestic water service.

903.2.6.2 Group I-3. Every building, or portion thereof, where inmates or persons are in custody or restrained shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13. The main sprinkler control valve or valves and all other control valves in the system shall be locked in the open position and electrically supervised so that at least an audible and visual alarm will sound at a constantly attended loca- tion when valves are closed. The sprinkler branch pip- ing serving cells may be embedded in the concrete construction.

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m ² ).
A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m ² ).

5. [SFM] The structure exceeds 24,000 square feet (465 m ² ), contains more than one fire area contain- ing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.

903.2.7.1 High-piled storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided as required in Chapter 32 in

LOCATION	OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
Fabrication areas	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Service corridors	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Storage rooms without dispensing	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Storage rooms with dispensing	Extra Hazard Group 2
Corridors	Ordinary Hazard Group 2

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The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m ² ).
A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m ² ).
A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m ² ).

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the California Building Code, as shown:

Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m ² ).
Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m ² ).

903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m ³ ) shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code where either of the following conditions exists:

Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
Where the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.

Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.

903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m ² ).

903.2.11 Specific buildings areas and hazards. In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.

903.2.11.1 Stories without openings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all stories, including basements, of all buildings where the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139 m ² ) and

all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.

903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.

Exceptions:

1. Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies not housing bedridden clients, not housing nonambulatory clients above the first floor, and not housing clients above the second floor.

2. Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies housing only one bedridden cli- ent and complying with Section 435.8.3.3 of the Cal- ifornia Building Code.

3. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13113, occupancies housing ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill children or children with intellectual disabilities, and the buildings or portions thereof in which such children are housed are not more than two stories in height, and build- ings or portions thereof housing such children have an automatic fire alarm system activated by approved smoke detectors.

4. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13143.6, occupancies licensed for protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over).

When not used in accordance with area or height increases for automatic fire sprinklers allowed in the California Building Code, an automatic sprin- kler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be allowed in Group R-2.1 occupan- cies.

An automatic sprinkler system designed in accor- dance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall not be utilized in Group R-2.1 or R-4 occupancies.

903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies.

903.2.8.2 Reserved.

903.2.8.3 Group R-4. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group R-4 occupancies.

903.2.8.4 Group R-3.1 . An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3.1 occupancies with six or fewer individuals in a single-family dwelling.

903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m ² ).
A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

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where the story does not comply with the following criteria for exterior wall openings:

Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1011 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1012. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on not fewer than one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).
Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling not less than 20 square feet (1.86 m ² ) in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on not fewer than one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm). The height of the bottom of the clear opening shall not exceed 44 inches (1118 mm) measured from the floor.

903.2.11.1.1 Opening dimensions and access. Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm). Access to such openings shall be provided for the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner such that fire fighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.

903.2.11.1.2 Openings on one side only. Where openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from such openings, the story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings shall be provided on not fewer than two sides of the story.

903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

903.2.11.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes shall have additional sprinkler heads installed at alternate floors and at the lowest intake. Where a rubbish chute extends through a building more than one floor below the lowest intake, the extension shall have sprinklers installed that are recessed from the drop area of the chute and protected from freezing in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Such sprinklers shall be installed at alternate floors, beginning with the second level below the last intake and ending with the floor

above the discharge. Access to sprinklers in chutes shall be provided for servicing.

903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 feet or more in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings that have one or more stories with an occupant load of 30 or more located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, measured to the finished floor.

Exceptions:

Open parking structures.
Occupancies in Group F-2.

903.2.11.4 Ducts conveying hazardous exhausts. Where required by the California Mechanical Code, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in ducts conveying hazardous exhaust or flammable or combustible materials.

Exception: Ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than 10 inches (254 mm).

903.2.11.5 Commercial cooking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct systems where an automatic sprinkler system is used to comply with Section 904.

903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems. In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.

903.2.12 During construction. Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3314.

903.2.13 Reserved.

903.2.14 Motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and produc- tion locations.

903.2.14.1 Existing Sound Stages and Approved Pro- duction Facilities. All existing sound stages and approved production facilities equipped with an auto- matic fire sprinkler system shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions in this chapter.

903.2.14.2 New sound stages. All new sound stages shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system. The system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Fire Code, Chapter 9, and shall meet the minimum design requirements of an Extra Hazard, Group 2 system.

903.2.15 Automatic sprinkler system – existing high-rise buildings. Regardless of any other provisions of these reg- ulations, every existing high-rise building of Type II-B, Type III-B or Type V-B construction shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13.

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TABLE 903.2.11.6 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

SECTION	SUBJECT
914.2.1	Covered and open mall buildings
914.3.1	High-rise buildings_and Group I-2 occupancies_ having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
914.4.1	Atriums
914.5.1	Underground structures
914.6.1	Stages
914.7.1	Special amusement buildings
914.8.2	Airport traffic control towers
914.8.3, 914.8.6	Aircraft hangars
914.9	Flammable finishes
914.10	Drying rooms
914.11.1	Ambulatory care facilities
1029.6.2.3	Smoke-protected assembly seating
1103.5.1	Existing Group A occupancies
1103.5.2	Pyroxylin plastic storage in existing buildings
1103.5.3	Existing Group I-2 occupancies
1103.5.4	Existing Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies
1103.5.4	Pyroxylin plastics
2108.2	Dry cleaning plants
2108.3	Dry cleaning machines
2309.3.2.6.2	Hydrogen motor fuel-dispensing area canopies
2404.2	Spray finishing in Group A, E, I or R
2404.4	Spray booths and spray rooms
2405.2	Dip-tank rooms in Group A, I or R
2405.4.1	Dip tanks
2405.9.4	Hardening and tempering tanks
2703.10	HPM facilities
2703.10.1.1	HPM work station exhaust
2703.10.2	HPM gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures
2703.10.3	HPM exit access corridor
2703.10.4	HPM exhaust ducts
2703.10.4.1	HPM noncombustible ducts
2703.10.4.2	HPM combustible ducts
2807.3	Lumber production conveyor enclosures
2808.7	Recycling facility conveyor enclosures
3006.1	Class A and B ovens
3006.2	Class C and D ovens
Table 3206.2	Storage fire protection
3206.4	Storage
3704.5	Storage of more than 1,000 cubic feet of loose combustible fibers
5003.8.4.1	Gas rooms

(continued)

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TABLE 903.2.11.6—continued ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

SECTION	SUBJECT
5003.8.5.3	Exhausted enclosures
5004.5	Indoor storage of hazardous materials
5005.1.8	Indoor dispensing of hazardous materials
5104.4.1	Aerosol product warehouses
5106.3.2	Aerosol display and merchandising areas
5306.2.1	Exterior medical gas storage room
5306.2.2	Interior medical gas storage room
5306.2.3	Medical gas storage cabinet
5606.5.2.1	Storage of smokeless propellant
5606.5.2.3	Storage of small arms primers
5704.3.7.5.1	Flammable and combustible liquid storage rooms
5704.3.8.4	Flammable and combustible liquid storage warehouses
5705.3.7.3	Flammable and combustible liquid Group H-2 or H-3 areas
6004.1.2	Gas cabinets for highly toxic and toxic gas
6004.1.3	Exhausted enclosures for highly toxic and toxic gas
6004.2.2.6	Gas rooms for highly toxic and toxic gas
6004.3.3	Outdoor storage for highly toxic and toxic gas
6504.1.1	Pyroxylin plastic storage cabinets
6504.1.3	Pyroxylin plastic storage vaults
6504.2	Pyroxylin plastic storage and manufacturing
California Building Code Section 440	Horse racing stables
California Building Code Section 441	Pet kennels
California Building Code Section 449	Public libraries

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.023 m ³ .

903.2.15.1 Existing R-1 and R-2 high-rise buildings fire-extinguishing systems. Automatic fire-extin- guishing systems installed in any existing high-rise structure in which a Group R-1 or a Group R-2 occu- pancy is located shall have an approved flow indica- tor electrically interconnected to the required fire alarm system.

903.2.16 Group L occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings housing Group L occupancies. Sprinkler systems for Group L occupancy shall be designed for the square footage area of the Group L occupancy based on an area of sprinkler operation of 2,500 square feet (232 m ² ) and design density of 0.20 gpm/sf.

In mixed occupancies, portions of floors with Group L occupancies, but not classified as Group L, shall be pro- vided with a sprinkler protection system per NFPA 13.

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903.2.16.1 Group L occupancies located on the 11 ^th

story and above. The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11 ^th story and above.

903.2.17 Fixed guideway and passenger rail transit sys- tems.

903.2.17.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all stations of fixed guideway transit systems.

Exceptions:

1. Guideways when the closest sprinkler heads to the guideway are within 3 feet (914 mm) of the edge, over the platform and spaced 6 feet (1829 mm) on center, parallel to the guide- way.

2. Station agent booths not exceeding 150 square feet (13.9 m ² ) in area, when provided with an approved smoke detector connected to the building fire alarm system.

3. Power substations.

4. Machinery rooms, electrical rooms and train control rooms protected by an approved auto- matic fixed fire-extinguishing system.

5. Open stations.

6. Station platform areas open to three or more sides.

903.2.17.2 Station guideway deluge system. Under- ground stations and stations in open cuts with walls 5 feet (1524 mm) above the top of the running rail and with a raised platform shall be provided with an under- vehicle guideway manually activated deluge sprinkler system. In open cut stations, such system shall be pro- vided in guideways which are situated between a raised platform edge and a retaining wall.

903.2.17.2.1 Systems shall be provided along the entire length of track at each station platform.

903.2.17.2.2 Deluge nozzles with caps shall be located in the approximate center of track with spacing designed to completely wet the undersides of the vehicle at the applied density.

903.2.17.2.3 System density shall be a minimum of 0.19 gallon per minute (gpm) per square foot (0.72 L/m per m ² ) for the design area. When more than one zone is provided, two adjacent zones are required to be con- sidered operating for calculating purposes.

903.2.17.2.4 Deluge systems shall be directly con- nected to a water supply capable of supplying the required flow rate for a minimum 30-minute dura- tion.

903.2.17.2.5 Controls or manually operable valves shall be in a location acceptable to the Fire Code Official. All deluge systems shall be monitored by the station fire alarm system.

903.2.17.2.6 Each valve shall be monitored by a separate circuit. The alarm panel shall be located in an area normally occupied by station personnel or signals shall be transmitted to the operations con- trol center (OCC).

903.2.18 Group U private garages and carports accessory to Group R-3 occupancies. Carports with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, shall be protected by residential fire sprin- klers in accordance with this section. Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected to, and installed in accor- dance with, an automatic residential fire sprinkler system that complies with Section R313 of the California Residen- tial Code or with NFPA 13D. Fire sprinklers shall be resi- dential sprinklers or quick-response sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft ² (2.04 mm/min) over the area of the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic calculation purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler placement.

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler sys- tem shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing carports and/or garages that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with this section.

903.2.19 Public school state-funded construction proj- ects for kindergarten through 12th grade — automatic sprinkler system requirements.

903.2.19.1 New public school campus. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all occupancies. The provisions of this section shall apply to any public school project consisting of one or more buildings on a new school campus and receiving state funds pursuant to Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, Cali- fornia Education Code, Sections 17070.10 through 17079. For purposes of this section, new campus refers to a school site, where an application for construction of original buildings was made to DSA on or after July 1, 2002.

An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required in locations identified in Section 903.2.20.

903.2.19.1.1 Sprinklers shall be installed in spaces where the ceiling creates a “ceiling-plenum” or the space above the ceiling is utilized for environmental air.

903.2.19.1.2 Fire-resistive substitution for new cam- pus. A new public school campus shall be entitled to include in the design and construction documents all of the applicable fire-resistive construction substitu- tions as permitted by this code.

903.2.20 Public school campuses. An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required to be provided in the fol- lowing locations on Kindergarten through 12 ^th grade.

1. A relocatable building that is sited with the intent that it be at the site for less than three years and is sited upon a temporary foundation in a manner that is designed to permit easy removal. Also see CCR,

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dance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accor- dance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour hori- zontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712 of the California Building Code, or both.

6. Solar photovoltaic panel structures with no use underneath. Signs may be provided, as determined by the enforcing agency prohibit- ing any use underneath including storage.

7. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels supported by framing that have sufficient uniformly distrib- uted and unobstructed openings throughout the top of the array (horizontal plane) to allow heat and gases to escape, as determined by the enforcing agency.

903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms. In Group R occupancies, sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m ² ) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 80 .

The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 of the California Building Code shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.

903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units where either of the following conditions exists:

The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.
Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3 of the California Building Code .

Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code, Section 4-314 for definition of relocatable building.

2. Detached buildings designed and used for non- instructional purposes that meet the applicable requirements for that occupancy. Buildings would include, but not be limited to:

Concession Stand Press Box Restroom Facilities Shade Structure Snack Bar Storage Building Ticket Booth

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903.3 Installation requirements.¶

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8.

903.3.1 Standards. Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable.

903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 80 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2.

903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. In other than Group I-2, I-2.1 and I-3 occupancies, automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.

A room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
A room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, where approved by the fire code official.

3. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.

4. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008 of the Califor- nia Building Code .

5. Spaces or areas in telecommunications build- ings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, and associated electrical power distribution equipment, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accor-

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903.3.1.2.2 Open-ended corridors. Sprinkler protection shall be provided in open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.

903.3.1.2.3 Attics. Attic protection shall be provided as follows:

Attics that are used or intended for living purposes or storage shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Where fuel-fired equipment is installed in an unsprinklered attic, not fewer than one quickresponse intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment.
Where located in a building of Type III, Type IV or Type V construction designed in accordance with Section 510.2 or 510.4 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, attics not required by Item 1 to have sprinklers shall comply with one of the following if the roof assembly is located more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above the lowest level of required fire department vehicle access:

3.1. Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.

3.2. Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.

3.3. Construct the attic using fireretardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code .

3.4. Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.

The height of the roof assembly shall be determined by measuring the distance from the lowest required fire vehicle access road surface adjacent to the building to the eave of the highest pitched roof, the intersection of the highest roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the highest parapet, whichever yields the greatest distance. For the purpose of this measurement, required fire vehicle access roads shall include only those roads that are necessary for compliance with Section 503.

Group R-4, Condition 2 occupancy attics not required by Item 1 to have sprinklers shall comply with one of the following:

4.1. Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.

4.2. Provide a heat detection system throughout the attic that is arranged to activate the building fire alarm system.

4.3. Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.

4.4. Construct the attic using fire-retardanttreated wood complying with Section

2303.2 of the California Building Code .

4.5. Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.

903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R-3; and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D as amended in Chapter 80 .

903.3.2 Quick-response and residential sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:

Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with the California Building Code.
Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.
Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R occupancies.
Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.

903.3.3 Obstructed locations. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.

903.3.4 Actuation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless specifically provided for in this code.

903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13114.7 . For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.

903.3.5.1 Domestic services. Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with this section.

903.3.5.2 Residential combination services. A single combination water supply shall be allowed provided that the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.

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903.3.6 Hose threads. Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be as prescribed by the fire code official.

903.3.7 Fire department connections. Fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 912.

903.3.8 Limited area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Section 903.3.1 except as provided in Sections 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5.

903.3.8.1 Number of sprinklers. Limited area sprinkler systems shall not exceed six sprinklers in any single fire area.

903.3.8.2 Occupancy hazard classification. Only areas classified by NFPA 13 as Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1 shall be permitted to be protected by limited area sprinkler systems.

903.3.8.3 Piping arrangement. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building with an automatic wet standpipe system, sprinklers shall be supplied by the standpipe system. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building without an automatic wet standpipe system, water shall be permitted to be supplied by the plumbing system provided that the plumbing system is capable of simultaneously supplying domestic and sprinkler demands.

903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.

903.3.8.5 Calculations. Hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided to demonstrate that the available water flow and pressure are adequate to supply all sprinklers installed in any single fire area with discharge densities corresponding to the hazard classification.

903.3.9 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height.

3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.

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903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Valves¶

controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.

Exceptions:

Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.
Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.

903.4.1 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

Exceptions:

Underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided by the municipality or public utility are not required to be monitored.
Backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.

903.4.2 Alarms. One exterior approved audible device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required except when required by Section 907.

903.4.3 Floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access .

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903.5 Testing and maintenance. Sprinkler systems shall be¶

tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.

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903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures.¶

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.

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