9.18.020 Where required.
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained throughout all buildings, structures, floors, and suites described in this section. All sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be installed per the applicable NFPA and South County Fire (SCF) fire sprinkler standard. For the purposes of this section, spaces separated by fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions and fire-resistance-rated horizontal assemblies noted in IBC Chapter 7 shall not be considered to be separate area(s) or building(s). Partial area automatic sprinkler systems are prohibited.
A. In every building constructed under the International Residential Code containing three or more attached dwelling units. One- and two-family dwellings located 500 feet or greater from a public or private hydrant (the length of panhandles or access tracts shall be included in this measurement) shall require a residential fire sprinkler system. Residential or quick response standard sprinkler heads shall be used in accordance with their approved listing in the dwelling.
B. In all new buildings and structures with a fire area of 5,000 or greater square feet, regardless of type or use.
C. In all new buildings without adequate fire flow.
D. In existing buildings, structures, or suites that undergo an addition or change in use where the new total fire area is 5,000 square feet or greater.
E. In all existing buildings or structures that undergo an alteration, repair, modification, or similar improvement requiring a building permit without adequate fire flow.
F. In existing buildings, structures, suites, or occupancies where the value of all alterations or repairs performed within a 72-month period exceeds 50 percent of the assessed value of the building at the time of the first alteration, repair, modification, or similar improvement requiring a building permit, an automatic fire sprinkler system and/or fire standpipes shall be installed throughout the building if one would otherwise be required for the building if of new construction. The value of the building shall be as listed by the Snohomish County assessor’s office or other acceptable method approved by the fire code official. Buildings not listed with an appraised value shall utilize an alternate method of valuation prescribed by the fire code official.
G. In all existing buildings, structures, occupancies, or suites that undergo an alteration, repair, modification, or similar improvement in accordance with the International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
H. In existing buildings, structures, occupancies, or suites having an existing automatic fire sprinkler system that does not provide protection to all areas, when the unprotected areas undergo an alteration, repair, modification, or similar improvement requiring a building permit, those unprotected areas shall be provided with protection as approved by the fire code official.
I. Where required emergency fire access road grade is 12 percent or greater.
J. Open air parking garage standpipes. Approved dry standpipes shall be installed when adequate fire protection is not available for vehicles parked in open-air parking garages or rooftops. (Ord. 3396 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3306 § 2 (Exh. 2), 2018; Ord. 3196 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3007 § 1, 2013)