Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

May 30, 2003

Re: Addition of Cafeteria to Group ‘E' building
19 NYCRR 1221.1, BCNYS 2002,
Sections 302.3.3, 903.2.2

This letter is in response to your inquiry regarding whether or not a sprinkler system is required for an addition of a cafeteria in a group ‘E' school. The school currently is two stories with a first floor area of 15,202 square feet and second floor area of 6,460 square feet. The proposed addition would add 3,484 square feet to the first floor, making the combined floor area of the first floor 18,686 square feet. It is our opinion that the cafeteria addition would not require the installation of a sprinkler system.

Additions are regulated by Chapter K9 of Appendix K of the Building Code of New York State, 2002 edition (BCNYS)[19 NYCRR 1221.1]. Section K901.1 states that an addition to a building or structure shall comply with the BCNYS. Even though a cafeteria is an assembly use group, BCNYS Table 302.3.3, footnote ‘e' states that assembly areas that are accessory to a group ‘E' are not considered separate occupancies. Therefore the addition of a cafeteria is considered a group ‘E' occupancy.

Specific to the sprinkler system, the addition of the cafeteria would not increase the floor area to over the 20,000 squart feet specified in BCNYS Section 903.2.2 for requiring the sprinkler system. The only situation that would require the installation of the sprinkler system under 20,000 square feet is if portions of the building were below grade which, in turn, may require these areas to be sprinklered.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Nichols
Fire Protection Engineer I
Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
Al03-112

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526
info@flboa.com