Laguna Hills Municipal Code Ch. 9 Fire Protection and Life

Section 903.2, Where required, is hereby revised to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:
1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height.
2. Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code. Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists:
a. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet
b. When an addition exceeds 2000 square feet, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet.
c. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.
Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8 (2).

Section 903.2.8, Group R, is hereby revised to read as follows:

903.2.8 Group R. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:
1. New Buildings: An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
2. Existing R-3 Buildings: An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When the floor area of alterations within any two-year period exceeds 50 percent of gross floor area of the existing structure and the building gross floor area exceeds 5,500 square feet; or:
b. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
c. An addition when an existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers.

The exceptions in the section remain unchanged.

Section 903.3.5.3, Hydraulically calculated systems, is hereby added to read as follows:

903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the fire sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.