MeyerFire
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT
Picture

Is the Term "Stored" Defined in NFPA 13?

11/17/2021

16 Comments

 
NFPA 13 (2022) states; "Sprinklers shall be installed under all exterior projections greater than 4 feet where combustibles are stored."

I have a retail building and the occupant desires to sell (combustible) merchandise outside their store, under the canopy.

The projection greater than 4 feet.

My question is related to the term "stored." Is this defined anywhere?

The combustible materials are under the canopy during business hours, but brought inside the store when the store is closed. Is the display of products under the canopy considering "storing" them?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
16 Comments
Pete H
11/17/2021 06:49:17 am

Best I can offer you is NFPA 101 (2018 ed.) 6.1.13.1 restates a part of chapter 3 in NFPA 101 that defines a storage occupancy as "An occupancy used primarily for storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, or vehicles."

Reply
Dan Wilder
11/17/2021 06:52:19 am

This is one of those "choose your battles" moments, unless you're just playing middle man between an owner and the Fire Marshall.

The beginning of the Definitions section says that anything not specifically defined within that chapter shall use the "ordinarily accepted meanings within the context they are used" as shown within Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (insert edition).

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stored

In this case, there isn't a direct definition for the word, just many examples. IMO the intent is the same stuff that is being "stored" inside (requiring sprinklers) and the act of moving it to another location then requires the same protection, in this case an exterior overhang that exceeds 4'.

Make the projection 3'-11", make a separate detached canopy (that wouldn't trigger a protection requirement), or change the canopy to be considered open. You may also be able to have the discussion that the goods beneath are "transient" in nature and should not trigger the need for sprinklers (as discussed in the appendix 13-19 - A9.3.19.2)

I had a Fire Marshall tell me once (jokingly) that since they didn't amend their Fire Code to allow fires only during certain times or locations, that we would need to approach protection as all the time and all the places as required....this was more to a location that had a water supply degradation issue every 3 days for 8 hours at a time due to a water bottling facility down the street but the discussion made sense as to how they approached the NFPA grey areas.

Reply
Alex
11/17/2021 07:11:46 am

I think Dan has this spelled out perfectly. No, there is not a specific definition within NFPA that you can resort too. I would have to agree, shrink the canopy to be less than 4' or add protection.

The benefit for only having the storage out during business hours is the fact that someone is there, but that doesn't stop the fire from possibly occurring.

Reply
Jesse
11/17/2021 08:12:59 am

"Stored" isn't defined in 13 per se. However, we more or less universally consider combustible material present under a canopy or overhang 4-ft or greater to require protection. In this case, its a retail occupancy with a pretty constant fire load under the canopy.

Reply
Anthony
11/17/2021 08:16:49 am


GREAT write up here about that here: https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/are-fire-sprinklers-required-for-a-canopy

As that blog post says its a use best judgement situation. Hard definitions are difficult to come by in exposure protection not outlined my NFPA 15.


If you're talking a big box store where a few otherwise light hazard displays are I would say its not critical. It you're talking a car port or loading dock area then I would suggest you would need sprinklers. Also consider the number and distance of other exits.

See the annex of NFPA13 -- A.8.15.7 2016/2013 Ed for more clarification on this.

Reply
Mikr
11/17/2021 08:29:12 am

If it's not a transient load i.e. removed daily into the warehouse and stays repeatedly or overnight, it's storage. A loading Dock has transient loads that remain only temporarily.

Reply
CJ Bonczyk
11/17/2021 08:59:25 am

Since your projections are greater than 4', the projections are not separated from the building regardless if they are non combustible or combustible, by the black and white standard NFPA requirements, sprinkler protection is required. Rules of NFPA 13 9.3.19 specifically A.9.3.19.2 apply in this situation stating that you have to comply with NFPA 13-9.2.3 for exterior projections.

I have had different interpretations by different AHJ's over the years. Some require sprinklers regardless of the projection width even if they were non combustible, but yet the there was transient storage thus they required them. Some don't require them as long as it meets NFPA code. It will vary from AHJ to AHJ. I have had FM Global not require sprinklers under large canopies and loading docks since the storage was considered "transient" by their definition.

NFPA's Glossary of terms does not clearly define long term or transient combustibles exactly. It does define staging areas and general storage of specific occupancies. More often than not you will have to make your best judgment call on the items being stored & arrangement as well as the length of storage and justify as why or why not sprinklers are required in transient storage of combustibles. As always confirm with your local AHJ that you are on the same page with the owner use of these areas. The last thing you want to do is have to go back at the end of a project and install sprinklers through a finished building
to the exterior because you didn't clarify early on if they were required or not.

Reply
Ronnie Morales
11/17/2021 09:07:33 am

No. You must apply Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition. Here's a link for future reference.

glossary_of_terms_2021.ashx (nfpa.org)

Reply
Brett
11/17/2021 09:09:45 am

Your best bet is to consult the AHJ. At the end of the day, they
will have the final say.

As an AHJ myself, with the limited information in your post, I would likely require them. Transient storage to us is not displays used to show and sell merchandise. Many home improvement stores use the areas under front canopy's to display and sell all kinds of combustibles and those items are there for a good twelve hours at a time. Additionally, those items are usually stored immediately adjacent to the main entrance/exit. If a fire were to occur here it could quickly enter the store and block the primary means of egress.

The other comments which mention loading docks are an example of something more in line with transient storage. Even then, there are plenty of loading docks I've seen which leave items out for long periods of time.

Reply
Kevin link
1/19/2023 09:49:37 am

Would you call the display, storage, or transient storage under the front canopy of the retail store OH1 or OH2? I would say OH2 without hesitation. thanks

Reply
Franck
11/17/2021 10:22:49 am

Normally, if you ask the question, you already have the answer...
If you ask yourself, it it a storage ? It probably means that you consider that this represents a potential combustible load that could create a fire exposure, and this is why you probably need sprinklers.
I really liked the comment from Dan's Fire Marshall. If something can burn, it may burn at any time. If you have goods stored under your canopy, then it represents a hazard.
Remember that the only reason for not protecting storage if the canopy is less than 4 ft or considered open is not that in that case there is no hazard, but because the sprinklers would not operate properly.
This being said, if you have a few postcards in the area, this is not a real issue. But if you have kersosen used for temporary heating appliance, this is another story.
And having somebody near the storage during sales hours, is not a sufficient argument for not having an uncontrolled fire.

To come back to unloading docks, those that don't have sprinklers are normally the ones only used for the trucks, i.e., there is no storage in the area as the trucks need to come and leave the area. If you start to have an area where you store some goods, it becomes a storage area. And it needs sprinklers.
Transient storage need to be the exception.
If you have transient storage every day at the same area, this becomes a storage area (for transient goods, if you want...) and definetly need to be sprinkler rpotected, based on the worst expected storage arrangement you may find.

Reply
Todd Wyatt
11/17/2021 10:30:07 am

I have had AHJs identify waste receptacles that are under nonsprinklered exterior projections as "combustible storage" which would require sprinkler protection. The solution was to relocate the waste receptacles from under the projection.

Even if the current AHJ approves it, the subsequent future AHJ may not. Recommend getting any AHJ approval in writing.

Reply
Robert Bambino
11/17/2021 10:33:48 am

I would say if this "storage" is out under the canopy on a regular basis and between regular hours, than it get protected. I would go so far as saying even if it was used for loading and unloading, protect it. That is from an AHJ stand point.

Reply
Jon Nisja
11/17/2021 06:07:40 pm

I work for the Minnesota State Fire Marshal (MSFM( Division. We had an appeal a couple of years ago regarding trash containers in the corridor of apartment buildings pending their removal. Our state fire code prohibits combustible storage in corridors.

The appeal was based on the the definition of "storage". As others have pointed out, the dictionary definition was used. The MSFM denied the appeal and the applicant appealed that decision to an administrative law judge (ALJ).

The ALJ upheld the MSFM decision and this was appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals upheld the ALJ decision and it was appealed to the Minnesota Supreme Court who refused to hear the issue.

Here are links to the rulings that you can read if you have interest:
https://mn.gov/oah/assets/9018-36602-valet-living-dps-minnesota-fire-marshal-unadopted-rule-order_tcm19-432909.pdf

https://mn.gov/law-library-stat/archive/ctapun/2021/OPa200817-030121.pdf

Although addressing a different issue than being discussed here (prohibition of storage in an egress corridor vs. protection of combustible storage under an eave overhang), the definition of "storage" is key and these rulings dealt with that issue.

Reply
FM
11/19/2021 09:57:27 am

After the second time of asking nicely to remove the refuse cans from the hallway, the property owner and manager would be in cuffs heading to our local jail. Never overcomplicate issues that are not complicated in the first place, lol.

Reply
sean
12/31/2021 06:47:25 pm

if a term is not defined in the standard, you can use the code, or common usage (dictionary)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    SUBMIT A QUESTION
    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET ALL OUR TOOLS

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe and learn something new each day:
    I'm Interested In:

    COMMUNITY

    Top May '25 Contributors
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    SEE LEADERBOARD

    YOUR POST

    SUBMIT A QUESTION

    PE EXAM

    Get 100 Days of Free Sample Questions right to you!
    SIGN ME UP!

    FILTERS

    All
    A1171
    ABA
    ADA
    ASCE 7
    ASME A17.1
    ASTM E1354
    Blog Thread
    Daily Discussion
    Design-documents
    EN 12845
    Explosion Protection
    Explosion-protection-prevention
    Fire Detection And Alarm Systems
    Fire Dynamics
    Flammable And Combustible Liquids
    Flammable-combustible-liquids
    FM Global
    Human-behavior
    IBC
    ICC 500
    IEBC
    IFC
    IMC
    IPC
    IRC
    ISO
    Means Of Egress
    NBC
    NFPA 1
    NFPA 10
    NFPA 101
    NFPA 11
    NFPA 110
    NFPA 1142
    NFPA 1221
    NFPA 13
    NFPA 13D
    NFPA 13R
    NFPA 14
    NFPA 15
    NFPA 16
    NFPA 17A
    NFPA 20
    NFPA 2001
    NFPA 214
    NFPA 22
    NFPA 220
    NFPA 24
    NFPA 241
    NFPA 25
    NFPA 291
    NFPA 30
    NFPA 307
    NFPA 30B
    NFPA 31
    NFPA 33
    NFPA 37
    NFPA 400
    NFPA 409
    NFPA 415
    NFPA 45
    NFPA 495
    NFPA 497
    NFPA 5000
    NFPA 502
    NFPA 54
    NFPA 55
    NFPA 654
    NFPA 68
    NFPA 70
    NFPA 701
    NFPA 72
    NFPA 75
    NFPA 770
    NFPA 82
    NFPA 855
    NFPA 90A
    NFPA 92
    NFPA 96
    NICET
    OBC
    OSHA
    Passive Building Systems
    PE Prep Guide
    PE Prep Series
    PE Sample Problems
    Poll
    Smoke Management
    Special Hazard Systems
    UFC 3-600-01
    UFC 4-021-01
    UFC 4-211-01
    UPC
    Updates
    Water Based Fire Suppression
    Weekly Exams


    ARCHIVES

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016


    PE PREP SERIES

    SEE LEADERBOARD

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

​MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT