Comments on: ICC Approves Residential Fire Sprinklers in the International Residential Code

By: Gerry

Gerry — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:25:24 +0000

Nice if your water supply is a well and even better if your in a flood zone. Thats okay we will just pass it on to the home owner.

By: National Association of Home Builders Requests Appeal of IRC Residential Fire Sprinklers Requirement | Residential Fire Sprinklers .com

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:51:33 +0000

[...] 30, 2008 with the International Code Council (ICC). The appeal targets the recent passing of RB64-07/08 to the International Residential Code (IRC) which requires residential fire sprinklers to be installed in one and two family homes and town [...]

By: Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:51:34 +0000

Frank, you certainly seem like an innovative and forward thinking individual. Being recognized for building the first custom home in your city with sprinklers is a great accomplishment.

The ICC has a website that shows which ICC codes are in use in each state. Here’s the link ICC Code Adoption

The passing of this code change puts residential fire sprinkler requirements into the 2009 edition of the IRC. Further, the code language states that the code will become effective on January 1, 2011.

You are correct that each state and city has a different timetable for adopting the new code and it is possible that some cities may choose to amend this requirement out in their area. This does become a challenge for the city because they would essential be saying that an internationally recognized code does not apply in that city and the liability exposure could be significant.

Typically, cities are required to at least follow the state codes. Cities may adopt more strict code requirements if they choose.

I hope this helps in your research.

By: Frank Marsters

Frank Marsters — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:47:29 +0000

In 1998, I was recognized by my City as being the first custom homebuilder to build a sprinkled custom home and further, offer it as an option on future homes, so I’m in favor of sprinklers. I’m can’t say that I favor the mandated, in your face vote of the IRC, but think that it seems to create a great business opportunity.

Would you be so kind as to assist me with the following?

Since I’ve learned of the vote, I’ve tried to find how to go about getting licensed to install residential sprinklers. (TEXAS)

My research does not readily reflect the States that require adhearance to the IRC.

Is there a possibility that the “vote” could be resinded, delayed, or that individual Cities or munies could simply vote to exclude this portion of the Code?

If a State has adopted a Code – say the IRC, can Cities within that State, adopt another Code?

Thanks,
Frank Marsters

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:31:31 +0000

Although I understand your comment, Ron Tillerson, I do not believe you are correct. The municipality having jurisdiction could impose a requirement on the Area Developers to ensure a local contractor, approved and licensed to perform inspections and repairs, is retained to perform annual inspections on residences on a district by district basis.

This would alleviate the stress on the gov’t agencies that typically monitor commercial systems, and provide a means by which the residential home owner can be confident their sprinkler system is maintained.

I’m not certain how US municipalities or developers handle park, and public area maintenance, but in Calgary, Canada an annual fee is charged per household, based on the size and value of their property to fund the upkeep of these areas. The same could be imposed for sprinkler maintenance.

By: Ron Tillerson

Ron Tillerson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:55:33 +0000

This is an additional load for the enforcement personnel of fire departments nation wide where the IRC is adopted without amending this out. These systems will not be maintained as they should be (this is enough of a problem with commercial systems), as enforcement will not be able to keep up. With property losses (yeah, yeah, not property protection) and any injury or loss of life, and liability law suits will be pandemic.

By: Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:18:23 +0000

MikeP, while you are correct that building construction material plays an important role in saving the structure from fire, the need for residential fire sprinklers is a separate matter as these are primarily life safety systems designed to control a fire so that the people have time to exit the structure safety.

Residential Fire Sprinklers not only control how fast the fire spreads, but they also help to reduce the amount of toxic smoke in the structure that is often a significant cause of injury.

Studies have shown that materials used in modern household furniture burns faster than the materials previously used. This reduces the amount of time people have to escape, making it all the more important to have a residential fire sprinkler system in place.

By: MikeP

MikeP — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:09:30 +0000

This is a kind of going around the problem and showing they did something. The code shouldn’allow to build from wood in the first place. There is no fire problem in Europe and other places where houses are from brick, not wood.