Since 2003 IFC, Section 903.3.1.2.1, specifically addresses
residential occupancies of Type V
construction and the Life Safety Code nor NFPA 13R does not, then as a
supplemental code, it is applicable that balconies and patios “of the dwelling
units” (this would not apply to balconies and patios for the entire building)
would be required to be sprinklered even for a 13R sprinklered residential
occupancy building,.
The ‘dwelling unit’ is the single housekeeping unit
consisting of living room, bedroom(s), toilet, private balcony/patio/deck,
closets, kitchen, etc. used by a single tenant/family. Egress balconies,
porches, etc. used for common egress are ‘outside the dwelling unit’ by
definition (see NFPA 13R), and therefore this specific code section does not
apply to them.
The 2003 IFC commentary indicates the reason for this
section is because of typical grilling, Bar-B-Q’s, tiki lamps, etc., that are
frequently placed on residential patios/balconies that are a fire hazard.
Patios/balconies off of the dwelling unit front door, used as a common area for
exit access (more of an exterior walkway than a true balcony) by all the
tenants, typically do not contain these activities (or at least these hazardous,
open flame activities are forbidden in a means of egress…), would be exempt from
sprinkler requirements in a 13R system.
This section combined with the
open flame requirements of 2003 IFC, Section 308.3.1 (restricting these grills,
etc. to be loacted within 10-ft of combustibles), help to protect the building
from a fire that would grow much too large for the 13R system to handle.