Where in Code is a Permit Required to be Pulled?

5/14/2024

Are there any universal, non-AHJ-specific requirements for permitting sprinkler alterations and/or repairs?

I have been told that “code” requires a permit to be pulled for any and all sprinkler alterations. Upon further questioning, I determined that this came from a fire marshal showing my colleague something in the IBC once, but, even if that were true, wouldn’t that still require adoption and implementation by a jurisdiction?

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12 Comments

Dan Wilder

5/14/2024 07:57:11 am

IBC/IFC Chapter 1, Sections 101, 102, 103, 105, 105 (**Permits**), 107, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 116 for example.

As building codes (IBC/NFPA 5000 along with other referenced bodies), are voted on (with or without amendments) and approved through the legislature, they become lawful, enforceable, and with means to penalize parties that violate them.

Mike Bauer

5/14/2024 08:17:40 am

Section 105.7.1 of the International Fire Code States "A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance preformed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit".

I can only speak for my area, but all Jurisdictions here have adopted by Ordinance an edition of the Fire Code, be it ICC or NFPA. That adopted document is what we have authority to enforce.

Craig Hanson link

5/14/2024 08:38:54 am

This is a good question! Lots of designers, installers and just everyday people do not realize the role the International Building Codes (IBC, IFC, IMC etc.)have in interaction with the NFPA's. If a state has adopted the IBC then it is part of the state laws and regulations. This means that the "Code" is the IBC/IFC and everything else is a "Standard" that is referenced. You do not apply any portion of a NFPA unless it is referenced in the IBC/IFC (Chapter 80). for instance the NFPA 13R does not specifically reference balconies in an apartment building but the IFC does and as such, the requirements of the IFC take priority as the code. This gets really tricky when dealing with FM standards. FM is not referenced in the IFC and as such is not pat of the code or the standard. FM data sheets are outside the scope of the NFPA 13. Technically they can be allowed as Alternative Means and Method but needs approval from the AHHJ to use them. I hope this helps.

Brett

5/14/2024 08:42:25 am

NFPA 1 has a section for permits.
NFPA 1:1.12 Permits and Approvals.
Within the section is a table listing all of the times a permit is required. NFPA 1:1.12.8 Permits shall be required in accordance with Table 1.12.8(a) through Table 1.12.8(d).

5/14/2024 01:39:44 pm

Came here to echo Brett and add:

In Florida, it is mandatory per State Statute for all jurisdictions to adopt the Florida Fire Prevention Code (ie: NFPA 1&101) as a minimum code.
Check your State and local LDCs / Municipal codes to see which Code has been adopted into law in your jurisdiction.

Jesse

5/14/2024 08:47:20 am

NFPA, IBC and its sub-iterations are inherently NOT law or ordinance. They have to be adopted by a governing body i.e. city council, county council, state legislature, etc.

In rural places where building codes don't apply, there may not be a permit requirement/ I've run into that a few times and in those cases run my plans through the State Fire Marshal's Office here in Texas for courtesy review.

However, and this is really important information I learned long ago: All of NFPA and all of IBC is considered a consensus standard. And even though it may not be strictly "code" in some of those rural areas, it is admissible in court as a national consensus standard.

Craig Hanson link

5/14/2024 09:07:06 am

That is not entirely true throughout the nation. Some states, such as Washington, has the adoption of the IBC in the WAC (Washington Administrative Code) other states like California it is under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Some states leave it up to the individual AHJ's.

Jack G

5/14/2024 08:56:57 am

Its in IBC.

However, why would you not want to pull a permit, have an iinspection? Money?
Everytbing should go thru a ped.itting process.
For ljabilities sake.

Anthony

5/14/2024 09:06:51 am

There is no requirement per IBC or NFPA code to obtain a permit to begin work. That is left up to the locality. Gov't selects the codes to follow and adds fees to review plans.

sean

5/14/2024 10:07:04 pm

please reread the permits section in the ifc or ibc

James Art, FPE

5/15/2024 02:50:12 pm

Some owners, like the gov't are not subject to local or state inspection.
I investigated a big fire in a 100 x 100 foot addition to a Post Office distribution warehouse in Richmond, Ca.

The addition burned to the ground, and burned 5 rows of sprinklers into the attached building.

No AHJ, no local permits?:
It was 40 foot high rack storage, but sprinklered to Ord Haz.

The riser was still standing, even tho the sheet metal warehouse was gone, but there had never been any wires connected to the water flow or valve tamper switches, even tho the addition was 10 years old. There were other shortcomings as well.

If they had had a Building or Fire Dept. inspection, or an FPE, hopefully the outcome would have been different.

Many agencies, esp. the government and the military, are "self insured", which can mean UnInsured, so they don't even have an insurance co. inspection.

sean

5/15/2024 08:02:10 pm

does the GSA not cover the post office?

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Where in Code is a Permit Required to be Pulled?

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