Georgia Fire Inspectors Association

Georgia Codes applicable to fire sprinkler requirements

The Georgia Amendments to the 2000 International Building Code (IBC), Section 903.1 (see also 120-3-3 amendments to the 2003 IFC, Section 903.2) indicates occupancy requirements for sprinkler systems shall be established by the 2000 Life Safety Code (LSC). It goes on to indicate that only if the 2000 LSC did not address any sprinkler requirement would the 2000 IBC be used as a supplement (a supplement means the applicable sections of the supplement are added to the original applicable Code to make-up for a deficiency, i.e. where the original does not address the specific issue).

Supplement does not mean the most restrictive applies – this would be if both codes were adopted without the supplementary restrictions and then the most restrictive would apply. Example: If a Code section to the 2000 LSC under the Code section titled “Extinguishment Requirement” indicates ‘none’ such as in the Industrial or Storage Occupancy requirements, then it has addressed the requirement ~ just because it does not require any specific level or protection does not mean the requirement has not been addressed. Again, only if it were not addressed, not indicating ‘none required’, would it be appropriate to use the 2000 IBC for sprinkler requirements.

A good example where the supplement would be applicable is say you have an Industrial Occupancy that is not required by the 2000 LSC to be sprinklered. However, since the facility is manufacturing fireworks, it would be required to be sprinklered per 2000 IBC, Section 903.2.4.1 as a Group H-1 High Hazard facility since the 2000 LSC does not specifically address High Hazard Occupancies. Additionally, the provisions of Section 3305 of the 2003 IFC would also be applicable in addition to NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124 requirements.

Typically though for most commercial cases, the 2000 LSC addresses fire sprinkler requirements adequately. In addition, the local jurisdiction may have more stringent standards/amendments adopted by their local ordinance. Furthermore, the local AHJ or Code Official, has the ultimate decision regarding the criteria to be met when based upon good engineering practice.