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Originally posted by a1abdj:

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Sometimes it's easier to just do things to make inspectors happy but a sprinkler system isn't one of those.

The small community I am talking about has three options: Strip Center 1, Strip Center 2, or Build Something New.

Neither strip center has sprinklers, the owners of those centers have no desire to install sprinklers due to cost, and I'm not going to install sprinklers due to cost. I'm also not going to build a new structure to serve the 3,000 residents.

The city says they would love a new business, yet then make it impossible for a new business to open. This may explain why cities 15 minutes in both directions are booming while this one remains stagnant.

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Let me suggest you go and talk with the head building official. He has the ultimate authority.

The building owner, his architect, the part time third party building inspector, and the full time firefighter/fire marshal did have a meeting at the space.

They are insisting on sprinklers, referencing new construction code.

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We were taught if nothing is upgraded, you are grandfathered, if codes change. If anything is upgraded in any particular area, everything must be brought up to code in that area.

That seemed to be the impression everybody besides the building inspector and fire marshal had.

There was going to be no major upgrades. Minor electrical and plumbing work to accommodate different fixtures, new flooring, and new aesthetics. No load bearing walls being moved or anything along those lines.

Ironically, that's exactly what their other option was. If you don't want to install sprinklers, then you can build new fire walls to cut the space in half. This would require major construction.

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These requirements would only apply if the jurisdiction where this space is located is enforcing the 2018 I-codes (IBC, IFC etc). This is possible if you are dealing with proactive government but it may be that they are enforcing an older
version of the code. In MN for example, the current state fire code is from 2015 which references the 2012 version of the IFC with MN specific amendments.

They are using the 2015 code.

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but as others have said there are many variables that could be in play including some type of local requirements. I would argue that the building official and fire marshal you have dealt with need to provide their basis for saying sprinklers are now required, including but not limited to a specific code section(s). When I helped with fire code training, we drove home the point that there is no "just because" section in the code, you need to be able to cite your basis or prove yourself.

They are citing nothing other than the new construction code (2015), at least verbally.

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I will admit that I am a believer in sprinklers

As am I when it's a real life safety issue. I believe the problem lies in the building code putting restaurants in the same category as night clubs.

Huge difference (and risk) between emptying 100 people off a dance floor and 100 people out of a McDonalds.

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I see they're making reference to the 2015 code, but does the municipality have a code of ordinances that adopts a code?

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Originally posted by a1abdj:


And in case you were wondering, I'm not done with you yet. We just need to make sure everything is possible before we jump back into things.