Section 225. Chapter 5 General building heights and areas

A. Change Section 504.2 of the IBC to read:

504.2 Automatic sprinkler system increase. Where a building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the value specified in Table 503 for maximum building height is increased by 20 feet (6096 mm) and the maximum number of stories is increased by one. These increases are permitted in addition to the building area increase in accordance with Sections 506.2 and 506.3. For Group R buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, the value specified in Table 503 for maximum building height is increased by 20 feet (6096 mm) and the maximum number of stories is increased by one, but shall not exceed 60 feet (18 288 mm) or four stories, respectively.

Exception: The use of an automatic sprinkler system to increase building heights shall not be permitted for the following conditions:

1. Buildings, or portions of buildings, classified as Group I-1 Condition 2, of Type IIB, III, IV, or V construction or Group I-2 occupancies of Type IIB, III, IV, or V construction.

2. Buildings, or portions of buildings, classified as a Group H-1, H-2, H-3, or H-5 occupancy.

3. Buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is substituted for fire-resistance rated construction in accordance with Table 601, Note d.

B. Change Section 508.2.3 of the IBC to read:

508.2.3 Allowable building area and height. The allowable building area and height of the building containing accessory occupancies shall be based on the allowable building area and height for the main occupancy in accordance with Section 503.1. The building area of the accessory occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 508.2.1.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.