What Edition (Year) of NFPA 13 is Applicable?

4/5/2022

I have a project where we are discussing what code year of NFPA 13 will be applicable for the project.

Is the edition of NFPA 13 determined by the AHJ, the I-code year of adoption, or the state?

Some of our cities spell it out, but others do not specify NFPA years of adoption, on the I-Code series. Curious to your thoughts, since this could impact exterior projection interpretation for the project.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

24 Comments

Alex

4/5/2022 07:27:51 am

Hi,

For Massachusetts:

527 CMR 1.00: A Comprehensive Fire Safety Code is an emended version of NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2015 edition.

Chapter 2 outlines the referenced publications. 2.2 NFPA Publications states that the adopted version of NFPA 13 is the 2013 edition.

Thanks,
Alex

danefre

3/10/2023 01:46:22 pm

Hi Alex,

If that was the case, MA would have been on NFPA 13 (2019) since Feb 3rd 2023 - which is not true..

On Feb 3rd 2023, the 527 CMR was updated to follow the latest NFPA 1 (2021) which references NFPA 13 (2019), however as you know... NFPA 13 (2013) is still followed for buildings.

It's the "building code" 780 CMR (CH 35) that dictates which NFPA 13 edition is current and not 527 CMR.

That being said, the above is true for buildings. For example, boats would be a different story.

Check with DFS for more info.

Anthony

4/5/2022 07:30:11 am

Generally an architect, as you've stated should have that on their code break down sheet.

How to find it yourself:

tl;dr go to the state website and get googlin

States will adopt or publish their own building code. Some States will adopt building code without alteration such as IBC, you can then go to that code and look up the addition that will be in use. For IBC go to chapter 35: REFERENCED STANDARDS for IBC 2018 its NFPA 13-16 for IBC 2015 Its NFPA 13-13

Other states such as New York make their own version of code usually based on IBC but have specifics added in or taken out.
As an example: I think California doesn't allow 13R, can anyone confirm?

There are also notices of adoption released by states. If a new version of NFPA 13,14 ect is released prior to or in advance of the the regular IBC/state code cycle a state may choose to adopt that. There are several states using NFPA 2019 now for instance. This information should be posted on the state website but often can be hard to find. Figure no less than 4hrs of digging for this and other information such as backflow requirements and fire department connections. If you have a contact that works in a jurisdiction you're not familiar with you should contact them and save yourself some heartache.

Large metropolitan areas can also have their own code so you need to double check those AHJ's as well.

Maybe a popular website with a great forum and blog could set up a page that tracts local codes?

Darin Golden

4/5/2022 08:53:53 am

Can only speak for CA

The state adopts the I codes and amends them, thus calling them the CA Fire Code or CA Bldg Code. Design standards like NFPA are adopted by referenced in Ch. 80. For example the 2018 I codes are the current 2019 CA Codes (Bldg and Fire for example). In Ch. 80 it specifies the NFPA Standard and what edition is adopted and then further lists any amendments to said standard. For NFPA 13, the 2016 edition is the current adopted edition. And NFPA 13R and 13D are adopted and amended. For the 2022 CA Fire Code, NFPA 13 2022 edition will be adopted (skipping the 2019 13 edition).

Todd E Wyatt

4/5/2022 08:22:40 am

There are websites (e.g. American State Building Codes https://www.buildingsguide.com/blog/resources-building-codes-state/) that identify Code Department websites by state. Some states defer to local Code adoption by county or city.

The appropriate AHJ (authority having jurisduction) determines the adopted Code(s). Typically the "Fire Protection" standards (e.g. NFPA 13) are adopted and enforced by the fire department (e.g. fire marshall ... state, county, city). If a specific standard has not been individually adopted, the adopted Code (e.g. IBC and/or NFPA 101) includes a "referenced standards" identifying which standard it references. For instance, the 2021 IBC and the 202 NFPA 101 both reference the 2019 NFPA 13 since that was the latest edtition when these Codes were adopted.

Glenn Berger

4/5/2022 08:35:41 am

This is a tough subject on many projects when doing work around the world. As a rule, I start out complying with the most current version. But I have seen projects still using codes that are many versions out of date.

sean

4/6/2022 05:17:10 am

There are some major issues with doing this with commodities being redefined in the 2016 version it maybe mismatched with the Fire Code information.

Tom Duross

4/5/2022 08:42:38 am

I get into this often with ITM #25 work because we need to determine what standard was in place at the time of construction. Year ago, I downloaded every building code my state adopted, extracted the referenced standards and attached that to the Fire Protection Chapter (9 or 10) and referenced NFPA standard.

Patrick

4/5/2022 08:52:02 am

The adopted edition is determined by the jurisdiction. You could try NFPA's Code Finder. codefinder.nfpa.org it might provide some guidance.

sean

4/6/2022 07:43:28 am

I do not find that the code tracker is anywhere close to accurate.

Cliff Schulze

4/5/2022 09:19:14 am

In Connecticut, the state Fire Marshal's office establishes which version of the NFPA codes are in effect and publishes it in the Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code. There is an advisory committee which reviews the NFPA codes prior to approving them. At present, Connecticut is using the 2013 version of NFPA 13.

David Kendrick

4/5/2022 09:55:33 am

Just piling on to the wisdom of others.

Follow what is current UNLESS a newer edition provides a design / installation advantage that was previously unavailable.

Use the argument that the newest, most current edition provides an advantage to the project.

Anthony

4/5/2022 10:12:58 am

I second this approach. Thought make sure you have to have your ducks in a row if someone asks questions.

Shawn Jones

4/5/2022 10:37:34 am

Many states have adopted the Fire Prevention code. The Fire Prevention code is NFPA 1 and NFPA 101. Each state may have specific additions or omissions from NFPA 1 and 101 that they can add. Either way you can go to chapter two of the currently adopted NFPA 1 or 101 and see the current editions that will apply for all other NFPA codes. The currently adopted edition of The Fire prevention code is the 7th. (2018 edition of NFPA 1 & 101). This will run on 3 year cycle before it changes to the 2021 edition.

Franck

4/5/2022 11:07:09 am

Remember that the state rule or IBC rule is to be considered as the minimum requirements.
Some Insurance companies may ask to follow the latest version of the standards, otherwise you will end up with recommendations and possibly additional premium fees.
This is not a mandatory requirement (not the law), as you may change your Insurance company, but for large industrial groups, you sometimes have no other choice

Manny Rios

4/5/2022 11:12:35 am

In our jurisdiction we follow the adoption/current editions used by the Nevada State Fire Marshal. They are for the most part in line with all or most entities in the state.

Joshua Freedman

4/5/2022 12:19:51 pm

Regardless of the code you use, in order to provide the best service to your customer, I would look at more recent editions to see if any substantial changes have been made and present them to the customer as often editions being used are years behind the most recent edition. For example, I remember a large apartment project where they used an earlier edition of NFPA 13 which did not have the car stacker extra hazard sprinkler design requirement. The customer was putting in car stackers per the plans. Everything was approved and finished, then it came to me to review for insurance and I had to say no. I am sure that owner was very upset when he found out he couldn't get insurance anywhere because of that. I have other examples but in a nutshell, I would let the customer know what his options are.

Rick Rantamaki

4/5/2022 12:34:54 pm

For starters, I go to the International Code Council's website https://codes.iccsafe.org/
There you can "Find Codes by State" with an interactive map of the U.S. Click on the project's State and it'll list the currently adopted Codes plus previous editions (and when you hover over the Code you can use the "View as Basic" to peruse the Code for free) Remember, these are the Codes adopted at the State level, you'll have to research your project's local jurisdictions to see what amendments/ordinances may also apply.

Jack G

4/5/2022 12:39:43 pm

Usually, whichever building code your state or municipality is under, lists the nfpa codes ,years, in their code appendix.
Cities do this too.
Sometimes there are amendments attached, where the state does it a little differently, like in the NJ code where only 65 psi is applied at the top of a standpipe. ( for instance)
A&E s have the choice/ right to ask for “ more than the code”, is written in the spec, and of course, if you have the job, you bid it. You could then offer a credit, to supply “ the code”, if all agree.

Matthew Foreman

4/5/2022 04:11:13 pm

I didn’t see this posted yet but Unified Facilities Criteria 3-600-01 Fire Protection Engineering calls for the “latest, current, most recent” editions of NFPA. That would be for most Federal/DOD projects.

Most guidance still leads projects designers to identify in the contract drawings/documents which edition is being applied used.

It can create some hardship when the newer codes have yet to be adopted by the State and the Contractors aren’t using it yet.

Jon

4/5/2022 10:07:39 pm

Project documents always have the technical specifications which listed the standards and codes to be followed

Rknee

4/7/2022 07:27:49 am

I would recommend designing to the latest published standard.

Designing to the state adopted is the minimum - I don't know of anything that specifically says that you cannot use the latest version.

In some instances you will be installing a system no longer allowed or proven to be inadequate. For example, the new multiple row rack depth limits/flue space requirements or changes in the allowed ESFR options in NPFA 13 -2022

AB link

10/23/2023 12:45:57 pm

I like this site for finding applicable codes by state:

https://ibhs.org/public-policy/building-codes-by-state/

sean

10/27/2023 04:33:24 pm

checked it out for my home state and it is wrong so don't trust it too much

What Edition (Year) of NFPA 13 is Applicable?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES