Do I Even Consider More-Recent Code Editions?

1/6/2025

My area's adopted building code references NFPA 13, the 2016 Edition.

Should I even consider looking into the later versions of NFPA 13 (2019-present)?

If there are major differences, how do we reconcile following only 2016 since the building code references it even though it may be outdated now?

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15 Comments

Pete H

1/6/2025 06:43:54 am

Yes.

Your area will not be on 2016 forever. So you do want to be prepared for when they expect to make that change.

In 2019 and beyond the "content" of NFPA 13 doesn't change all that much, but the order sure as heck does. That said, once you know where what you're looking for in 2019, you should be able to also find it in 2016.

If you sign up for the Meyerfire Toolkit, there is an NFPA translator that can give you a code reference for 2016 and its 2019 and beyond equivalents.

James E Art Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)

1/8/2025 12:52:59 pm

Worse Buildings.
You cannot just pick and chose code features,
or at least you shouldn't.

When the IBC made the most important change ever,
to Require fire sprinklers in ALL residential, in 2012,
they sweetened the change by including in the code a lot of the "trade offs" permitted based on sprinklers.

Areas, walls, travel distances, separations, etc.

One such example is that for a three story unsprinklered apartment building a one hour separation was required to an exterior staircase, for 10 feet on each side.

But some jurisdictions, like Texas,
adopted the new code, with all the reductions,
but DELETED the fire sprinklers!

Q. What other AHJ's did that?

Dan Wilder

1/6/2025 07:37:11 am

I would always work to understand what the next edition to be adopted has for changes, additions, and deletions so that there are no surprises from bid time to final. There are cases that later editions help an issue thus providing a better solution and is also expressly allowable as written in Chapter 1 Section 1.5 & 1.7.

Would I be looking at 2022 or 2025 editions, likely not yet (13-2025 has some very large changes to our industry with the OH criteria for ceilings over 30', deflector orientations for sloped vs flat, and some other bits of fun) with the one exception being NFPA 25 that I will always reference the most current edition however, gathering the information being presented now as to changes will be helpful when your AHJ does make the transition.

All IBC Editions have a chapter of Referenced Standards (IBC is Chapter 35, IFC is Chapter 80) so easy enough to ask the building and fire departments what they are adopting next (it's a multi-month process) and that can give you the time needed to get eyes on the next standard to be referenced.

1/6/2025 08:12:45 am

Assuming you're a certified engineering technician working for a contractor, it depends on the project delivery method. If the project is design-bid-build then an A/E team is typically specifying the codes/standards/design criteria you should be using. In this situation you should be estimating and designing to their specifications and an alternative could be proposed, but would be proposed as value engineering for future code compliance, not the minimum required by the AHJ as current adopted/enforced. If the design is delegated (such as a design build project or working directly for an owner) we normally would have a conversation up front in sales about major differences between the minimum requirements and what the newest books say so the client can make an informed decision based on their project budget, schedule, and future goals. The bigger the project the more substantial the cost impact could be so this primarily applies to larger projects (new construction, large retrofits, major existing system modifications, etc) and normally isn't something that would be changed mid-project.

Glenn Berger

1/6/2025 08:17:02 am

Always be aware of changes and the reasons given for the changes. There have been times where changes are just revisions back to previous editions.

Todd E Wyatt

1/6/2025 08:28:41 am

Unless the AHJ specifically adopts a different edition of a Referenced Standard (e.g. NFPA 13 – YYYY) per the adopted (scoping) Code (e.g. IBC-2021 or 2024), the Project is ONLY required to meet the minimum requirements of the Referenced Standard edition.

IF the scoping Code is IBC-2024, the associated Referenced Standard edition of NFPA-13 is the 2022 edition and is referenced in the following IBC-2021 sections : 403.3.3, 712.1.3.1, 903.3.1.1, 903.3.2, 903.3.8.2, 903.3.8.5, 904.14, 905.3.4, 907.6.4, 1019.3.
IF the scoping Code is IBC-2021, the associated Referenced Standard edition of NFPA-13 is the 2019 edition and is referenced in the following IBC-2021 sections : 403.3.3, 712.1.3.1, 903.3.1.1, 903.3.2, 903.3.8.2, 903.3.8.5, 904.13, 905.3.4, 907.6.4, 1019.3.

Compliance with the adopted (scoping) Code (IBC-2021 or 2024) and their Referenced Standards per Chapter 35 Referenced Standards : This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed herein by the promulgating agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section or sections of this document that reference the standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in SECTION 102.4.

SECTION 102.4 states the following :

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration
Section 102 Applicability
102.4 Referenced Codes and Standards
The codes and standards referenced in this code shall BE CONSIDERED TO BE PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CODE to the PRESCRIBED EXTENT OF EACH SUCH REFERENCE and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 and 102.4.2.
102.4.1 Conflicts
Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
102.4.2 Provisions in Referenced Codes and Standards
Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of this code or the International Codes specified in Section 101.4, the provisions of this code or the International Codes specified in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.

The scoping Code (IBC-YYYY) and the Referenced Standard (NFPA 13 – YYYY) are the MINIMUM requirements. The Project can EXCEED these minimum requirements BUT “future” editions of the Code & Referenced Standards cannot be “cherrypicked” UNLESS those requirements meet (or exceed) the currently adopted Code & Referenced Standards.

Future adoptions of future Code & Referenced Standard editions will not affect EXISTING BUILDINGS’ compliance retroactively … unless the EXIST BLDG undergoes an ALTERATION or an ADDITION.

Most jurisdictions identify multi-months (or even a year) overlap of the adoption of the next scoping Code (IBC-YYYY) and their Referenced Standards (NFPA 13 – YYYY). Typically, the submission of Drawings & Specifications to the AHJ marks the DATE which edition(s) of the adopted Code & Referenced Standards are to be used.

Adam Jensen

1/6/2025 08:53:26 am

My local code now calls for NFPA 13-2019, but this only came into effect with the new year. Previously, we were on the 2013 edition.

I have found it helpful, such as with in-rack sprinklers, to use design criteria from 2019. It is basically the same, but organized in a more concise way.

I have also had times in the past with various codes and standards, not necessarily NFPA, where a more recent version provides different and more preferable options/solutions. We have discussed using the newer code/standard with the AHJ, and they have always approved.

The methods and information used to come up with the reference documents is extensive, and peer reviewed, so if it makes it into a newer edition, the AHJ should be comfortable in knowing that it is a good method to follow.

They basically want to make sure that what is being done has some merit, and not just something that was rigged together, and may not work,

Jack G

1/6/2025 09:50:30 am

Always stay up to date. Purchase the new code, read and become familiar. Nicet tests usually specify a code edition and it may not be the current edition.
It is possible to purchase “ watermarked editions” where the changes are highlighted by a “ shadow” so it is easier to decipher the changes.
There are times where I request to use the newer code , arguing that this makes the system “ up to date”, ( over the old) and some time this saves both the client and myself some money.
Most of the projects we bid have been “ developed” over at least a couple of years by the A&E, and that is why the current edition was not specified.
Most of the time ithe specs have language ( or , per current editions) .
A real conundrum is when the AHJ, and specs do not match ( editions of standards), as the older editions may allow unsprinklerd areas not referenced in the newer code.
In any event , stay up to date, by constantly re- reading the new editions, and or attending seminars that are available.

Jose Figueroa

1/6/2025 11:54:31 am

Both NFPA 13 and NFPA 16 have been updated to the 2025 edition. The term "your area" is somewhat ambiguous—are you referring to your department, customer service, or the design engineering team at a project company? Regardless of your situation, I strongly recommend transitioning to the 2025 edition in all cases. If you're interested in understanding the changes, I suggest conducting a Gap Analysis. I just completed one for Mexico. The client hotel was frustrated with old NFPA 101 references.

DANEFRE

1/6/2025 03:45:00 pm

I believe they are refering to their state's adopted building code. The building code (or fire code in some states) will dictate the NFPA 13 edition.

I would advise to design to the latest adopted edition of the standard as the building code dictates. There are cases where the 2025 edition is less stringent than previous editions. If the latest storage criteria are required, then FM datasheets have a better chance of approval.

Todd E Wyatt

1/6/2025 01:57:27 pm

Being aware of Code and Referenced Standard revisions from one edition to the next is recommended. Designing to the most recent edition of a Code and/or Referenced Standard that has NOT been adopted by the local jurisdiction is NOT recommended, however, without written permission from the AHJ. Sometimes subsequent editions of a Code and/or Referenced Standard become LESS stringent and designing to these requirements may make your Project noncompliant.

As an AHJ working for a state licensing department that reviewed healthcare-related Projects, we frequently received Projects (for Drawing Review) that listed an incorrect edition of the Code and/or Referenced Standard based on what our state (and department) had adopted. The Design Team would try to make the argument that the more recent edition was MORE stringent, but this was not always the case. Additionally, our Drawing Review Staff (and our Construction Inspectors) were very knowledgeable of the state-adopted Codes and/or Referenced Standard but not necessarily of later editions that had not been adopted. Design Teams expecting AHJs to review their Project based on the edition of the Code and/or Referenced Standard that the Design Team wants to use (versus the adopted edition) is only setting up the Project for potential noncompliance.

Mike E link

1/6/2025 02:47:34 pm

While not the AHJ, many insurance carriers require systems made to the current code. Especially when referring to warehousing and storage. For example, an FM insured may want designs that meet current FM standards.

Jose Figueroa

1/6/2025 03:51:26 pm

Definitely, yes

Joe Chadwick

1/6/2025 08:17:15 pm

The Code is the collection of lawfully adopted model codes with any modifications listed in the adopting legislation. If a new model code edition isn’t adopted by a governing legislative body, it’s not your Code yet.
That being said, I’ve applied for Code Modifications using references to later versions, The goal is to make things safer; the legislated Codes are minimums, the AHJ will generally accept better.

James E Art Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)

1/8/2025 12:43:51 pm

Often codes change for a reason.
You cannot just pick and choose parts.

IF you are required to meet 2 different editions,
then you must meet the most restrictive of both.

The intent is to have a system that will control the fire,
especially of concern for warehouses, or special hazards.

One example is Figure 4005.2.3.6 for protection of wine barrel storage on racks in the 2024 edition of the IBC.
While usually the International Building Code tells you When to sprinkler, and leaves NFPA to tell you How,
in this instance, it was important enough to include the design parameters in the Building Code.

Wooden barrels on racks, or on portable racks now common have exposed combustible surfaces all around.

Yes, the 2024 IBC may not yet be adopted, but if they have determined that better densities are needed to control the fire,
then the client should be aware of that.

When sprinklered buildings burn down, it it bad for the industry,
and every one involved.

Do I Even Consider More-Recent Code Editions?

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