Fire Sprinkler Requirements and Permit

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Fire Department Connection (FDC):

• Must have fire truck access within 50 feet of the building
• A designated hydrant can be no more than 100 feet from the FDC (not part of the fire flow requirement)
• The FDC must have a 5 inch Storz connection with a 30 degree turndown
• The FDC height must be between 36 and 48 inches from ground level
• There must be a horn and strobe above the FDC with signage in clear view with letters 4-6 inches high, of contrasting color and with reflective quality
• If multiple FDCs are on a building, each MUST be labeled with the address range it protects
• If the location of the FDC should change from the plans submitted during the construction process, a visual inspection by CJC of the new location must take place before installation
• With the adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code Section 901.4.4 has been amended to state the following: Fire walls, fire barriers, party walls, and horizontal assemblies shall not be used to determine automatic sprinkler system thresholds based on the fire areas per section 903.2.  The most restrictive occupancy classification shall be applied to the entire building for automatic fire suppression system thresholds.
• Section 903.2 has been amended to state approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12. In addition, all occupancies shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system whenever the building has a total combined area of 12,000 square feet or greater or is more than two stories.
• Standpipe Requirements
  • Section 905.3 has been amended to state Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Section 905.3.1 through 905.3.7. Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems
    • Exception: Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies and Group R-2 occupancies 3 stories or less that have individual units’ egress directly to the exterior, or unenclosed stairwells.

Sprinkler Activation Notification Devices

Any building with a sprinkler system must have notification devices installed throughout the building as follows:

• Audible notification appliances must be installed so as to be audible at 15 dBa above average sound pressure level throughout the building
• Visible notification appliances shall be installed in all public and common use areas, restrooms and corridors in accordance with the spacing requirements reflected in NFPA 72
• Visible notification devices can be eliminated in normally unoccupied portions of buildings where permitted by the code official
  • Exception: The requirements of this Section do not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.  Contact CJC CRR – Fire Division for details (816-229-9118)

Sprinkler Plans and Multiple Tenants

If multiple tenants share a single sprinkler system, each occupancy MUST have a dedicated sprinkler flow/tamper switch and be addressable to the specific tenant space. Additionally, the notification/alarm system must also be addressable to the specific tenant space

Sprinkler plans MUST be submitted with a Missouri licensed Engineer stamp for all new systems or existing systems where more than 20 heads are relocated or added