Approved automatic sprinkler systems, regardless of the occupancy classification, shall be provided throughout new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater in size or more than two stories in height.
Exception: Group R, occupancies shall comply with sections 903.2.8
1. Regardless of the occupancy classification. Where Sections 903.2.1 - 903.2.21 of the California Fire Code require more restrictive requirements than those listed below, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.
2. The elimination of sprinkler protection in the following areas is subject to approval by the Fire Code Official. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries, and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies.
Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:
1. Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural or livestock purposes, less than 5,500 square feet, and having setback distances of 50 feet or more from the property line and other buildings.
2. Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.
3. Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles, and dining areas with no cooking.
4. Detached Group U occupancy greenhouses less than 5,500 square feet.
5. Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.
For development within the BP and Cl zoning districts or commercial or industrial buildings that are speculative in nature with no specific commodity or method of storage, the automatic fire protection system installed shall provide a minimum density coverage of 0.33/2,500 S.F. or as determined by the fire code official or their designee.
Section 903.2.10 Amended - Group S-2 Parking Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages.
Section 903.2.10.1 Deleted - Commercial Parking Garages, is hereby deleted without replacement.
(Ord. 584 § 1, 2022)