Sprinklers Req'd for A-5 "Performance" Platform?

9/14/2023

Asking as an employee of an architectural design firm - we have an outdoor performance center (A-5) with a 6,000 sf performance "platform". It is not being designated as a stage (just lighting and sound above).

This outdoor platform does have a lid/ceiling up about 50-ft with walls on three sides and open to the outdoor seating area.

Would this outdoor space be exempt from sprinkler protection under building code for A-5 guidelines, or should it be treated like any overhang where products underneath might be flammable?

I believe it needs protection, but have not worked on an outdoor A-5 Assembly occupancy before.

Thanks in advance.

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10 Comments

Pete H

9/14/2023 06:57:36 am

From 2020 Building code of NYS (and probably IBC):

903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed group a-5 accessory use in areas in excess of 1,000 square feet.

---

Your area is not enclosed. It's only walled on 3 sides and exposed to the exterior.

Ultimately, contact your AHJ and make sure he is in agreement with that interpretation. But it does seem your assembly space fails to meet the requirements for "903.2: Where Required". So they shouldn't be required.

That said, check your state's version of building code, it might be different than mine in this part.

Anthony

9/14/2023 07:40:58 am

From a practical standpoint I'm not sure you'll ever get sprinkler activation with 50'-0 distance from floor to 'ceiling' if you have a breeze that day or the wrong heads will go off. SO from an efficacy point of view not sure its worth it.

Glenn Berger

9/14/2023 08:23:42 am

Based upon the limited information given, I would say no protection required. I am assuming that there are no other permanent structures around this outdoor platform. I am also assuming that none of the spectators are located beneath the ceiling/roof assembly.

Chad

9/14/2023 08:35:17 am

Check with the AHJ... more than likely no based on what others said. Its not enclose, or practical to do so.

Todd E Wyatt

9/14/2023 12:12:20 pm

The scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) determines the scoping requirements WHERE (903.2 Where Required) an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required based on the building's Occupancy Classifications (OC) and/or based on "Specific Building Areas and Hazards" (e.g. 903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height). The scoping Code references applicable standards, NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, or NFPA 13R, in HOW an ASPS is to be "designed and installed" (903.3.1 Standards).

Based on your description, the ASPS requirements shall meet the OC of an "Assembly Group A-5.

303.6 Assembly Group A-5
Group A-5 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to:
Amusement park structures
Bleachers
Grandstands
Stadiums

903.2.1.5 Group A-5
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2).

The "gray area" of the Code interpretation is what defines "enclosed." You state the "outdoor platform does have a lid/ceiling (e.g. ROOF) to about 50-ft with walls on THREE SIDES and open to the outdoor seating area." Most AHJs will consider this building to be "enclosed."

"Exempt locations" per 2021 IBC for NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems is listed in "903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations". The only applicable "exempt location" that matches your description could be :

903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations
4. Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.

The referenced NFPA 13 by 2021 IBC is the 2019 edition. NFPA 13-2019 includes "9.2 Allowable Sprinkler Omission Locations" and lists (18) rooms/areas that an ASPS can be omitted but the situation you described is NOT included.

Based on these Code and Standard references, this exterior building should be protected by an ASPS.

Todd E Wyatt

9/14/2023 12:13:01 pm

REFERENCES
2021 IBC

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.2 Where Required
903.2.11 Specific Building Areas and Hazards
In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.
903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings that have one or more stories with an occupant load of 30 or more located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, measured to the finished floor.
Exception: Occupancies in Group F-2.

903.3 Installation Requirements
903.3.1 Standards
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems
Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2.
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations
Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
1. A room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
2. A room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, where approved by the fire code official.
3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
4. Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.
5. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.
6. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008.
903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms
In Group R occupancies sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m2) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

2019 NFPA 13
9.2 Allowable Sprinkler Omission Locations.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Section 9.2 contains a consolidated list of specific locations where sprinklers can be omitted. It was developed to consolidate all the specific allowances that were scattered throughout Chapter 8 of the 2016 edition.

Section 9.2 can be expected to be a very active part of NFPA 13 during future revision cycles. It is the one section where the basic principle of NFPA 13 — that sprinklers must be installed throughout the premises — is allowed to be altered. During each code development cycle, the Technical Committee on Sprinkler System Installation acts on inputs and comments seeking to “excuse” a specific portion of a building from the requirements of sprinkler protection due to a special situation. The case is typically made that, under certain conditions, the presence of sprinklers does not provide any greater protection, and the omission of sprinklers in these specific areas and spaces within a building should be permitted. (Section 9.3 identifies those spaces and conditions.)

It is important to note the following two points regarding Section 9.2:
1. It is imperative that when the elimination of sprinklers from a space based on this section is being considered, the space must comply exactly with the description and requirements found within the applicable paragraph(s). In other words, any deviation from the description in the applicable paragraph negates its application, and, as a result, the space must be sprinklered.
2. If a space is not specifically detailed in this section, it is intended to be protected by sprinklers under 9.1.1(1).

9.2.1* Concealed Spaces Not Requiring Sprinkler Protection.
9.2.2 Spaces Under Ground Floors, Exterior Docks, and Platforms.
9.2.3* Exterior Projections.
9.2.4 Dwelling Units.
9.2.5* Hospital Clothes Closets.
9.2.6* Sprinklers shall not be required in electrical equipment rooms where all of the following conditions are met ...
9.2.7 Cloud Ceilings.
9.2.8 Revolving Doors Enclosures.
9.2.10* Equipment Enclosures.
9.2.11 Noncombustible Vertical Shafts.
9.2.12 Noncombustible Stairways.
9.2.13 Elevator Hoistwa

Todd E Wyatt

9/14/2023 12:13:40 pm

REFERENCES continued ...

9.2.13 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.
9.2.14 Duct Protection.
9.2.15 Open-Grid Ceilings.
9.2.16 Drop-Out Ceilings.
9.2.17 Skylights.

Conrad

9/14/2023 06:12:25 pm

This is great info Todd. From the AHJ perspective, I agree that walls on three sides should be considered enclosed. This is true for permanent structures as well as temporary.

brian peceny

9/15/2023 08:19:44 am

Thank you for the detailed response. We have the national consultant (managers of other outdoor amphitheaters) telling us they have not sprinkled at other locations. We will be meeting with the Fire Marshal next week.

Our state is IBC, but still uses 2015. It will come down to whether we get classified as concealed space or not. If yes, a light and OH2 max coverage becomes a K25.2 with fire pump. So a little add.

thanks again

SCHULMAN

9/14/2023 12:34:44 pm

Stages have requirements beyond the Fire Codes and Fire Protection Sections of the Codes mentioned thus far.

You need to review IBC 410. - Specifically, 410.6.
You should plan on needing sprinklers and check with your AHJ (Fire Marshall) as always.

Sprinklers Req'd for A-5 "Performance" Platform?

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