Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustry Bulletin 2024-003 Fire Sprinkler Plan - Structured Media Enclosure Code Equivalency Request BILLY P. ALCORN FIRE CHIEF Theodore F. Semonious, Fire Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Fire Prevention and Investigations Division (559) 621-4181  FAX (559) 457-1279 Fresno Fire Department  911 H Street  Fresno, CA 93721-3082 “To protect and put service above all else.” FIRE INDUSTRY BULLETIN 2024-003 SCOPE This industry bulletin covers all previously approved, residential, standard fire sprinkler plans approved under the 2022 California Building Standards Code in which a structured media enclosure (SME), including required power, is proposed to be installed in an area previously designated as a “closet” on the residential, standard fire sprinkler plans. PURPOSE The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a procedure for permit applicants to continue to utilize previously approved, residential, standard fire sprinkler plans prepared under the 2022 edition of the California Building Standards Code in which a SME, including required power, is proposed to be installed in an area previously designated as a “closet” on the residential, standard fire sprinkler plans. BACKGROUND As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to render interpretations and formulate policies they deem necessary based upon local conditions related to fire protection systems. The 2022 California Building Standards code adopts, with amendments, the 2022 edition of NFPA 13D as the adopted referenced standard for the installation of residential sprinklers in one and two-family dwellings. Due to the fast-paced changes in the construction industry related to SME, and the number of existing, approved, residential standard plans on file, a procedure has been formulated to allow continued use of approved plans which were previously approved, in which SME are proposed to be installed in areas previously designated as “closets” on fire sprinkler plans. Please note all other existing requirements/interpretations remain in effect. INFORMATION 1. Permit applicants that would like to continue utilization of the previously approved residential, standard fire sprinkler plans must complete three copies of the FFD Residential Fire Sprinkler Plan – Structured Media Enclosure Code Equivalency Request form for each standard plan on file with FFD. Fire Industry Bulletin 2024-003 Effective July 23, 2024 Page 2 2. FFD staff will provide a new fire permit template number for the 2022 Code cycle and place an approval stamp on each copy of the form. 3. A fee will be assessed to process each form submitted based on the Master Fee Schedule in effect at the time of approval (the fee in effect as of July 1, 2022, is $162). NOTE Existing installations which may contain these products and are thus non-compliant with the applicable code requirements should be addressed between the permit applicant, the installing contractor of the product(s), and other associated parties as applicable. These issues are civil in nature and are not within the purview of FFD to adjudicate. This bulletin is effective July 23, 2024. BILLY P. ALCORN FIRE CHIEF Theodore Semonious, Fire Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Fire Prevention and Investigations Division (559) 621-4181  FAX (559) 457-1279 Fresno Fire Department  911 H Street  Fresno, CA 93721-3082 “To protect and put service above all else.” RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLER PLAN STRUCTURED MEDIA ENCLOSURE CODE EQUIVALENCY REQUEST In accordance with FFD Industry Bulletin 2024-001 regarding the installation of structured media enclosures (SME) in residences equipped with NFPA 13D fire sprinkler systems, this form is being submitted as a request to amend previously approved sprinkler plans. These plans did not indicate the presence of SME’s in these residences; however, in coordination with our fire sprinkler installer, we the undersigned, state that the previously approved fire sprinkler plans, with the inclusion of fire sprinklers in applicable SME areas, will not adversely affect fire sprinkler system performance: C-16 Contractor Name: Home Builder Name: House Model Name or Number: Original Fire Sprinkler Plan Approval Date: Current Fire Sprinkler Permit Template Number: New Template Permit Number Assigned by FFD: The following changes to the previously approved plans include: 1. Any location, area, space, etc. which was previously noted as a “closet” as defined in NFPA 13D, which has had an SME installed within it, shall be equipped with automatic fire sprinklers, as required in the 2022 edition of NFPA 13D as amended. This installation will not affect existing fire sprinkler system performance. Note: This process may only be used with existing, approved, standard house plans. Permit applicants are required to submit amended construction documents for all custom homes. C-16 Contractor wet stamp and signature: Fire Department approval stamp: