Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

June 25, 2003

Re: Unsprinklered provisions for Group R
19 NYCRR 1221.1, BCNYS 2002, Table 503, Section 903

This letter is in response to your inquiry of whether or not a Group R-2 dwelling is required to be sprinklered when the height and building area dimensions are below the thresholds listed in the Building Code of New York State, 2002 edition (BCNYS)[19 NYCRR 1221.1] Table 503. The provisions of BCNYS Section 903.2.7 require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in all group R buildings, regardless of the size of the building relative to the values found in BCNYS Table 503.

BCNYS Table 503 lists the maximum height and building area values for different types of building construction based on the building's use. Increases to this table can be made based on the provisions of BCNYS chapter 5, including modifications for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system. To make BCNYS Table 503 uniform, all values in Table 503 are given under the same conditions, including 25% of firefighting accessibility and not protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

BCNYS Section 903.2.7 requires sprinklers based on the character and use of the building, independent of the building construction. In the case of a group R-2 building, the required system can be used for construction modifications in BCNYS Chapter 5. The publication of unsprinklered dimensions in Table 503 does not supersede the sprinkler requirements in Section 903.

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
Al03-138

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526