| CODE: | 1991 Washington State Uniform Building Code and
1994 Washington State Uniform Building Code |
| SECTION: | Section 3802 (e) 3 in the 1991 Code and
Section 904.2.4.1 in the 1994 Code |
| QUESTION: | Will an existing 12,276 sq. ft. Type V-N building, classified as Group A, Division 3 Occupancy, be required to have an automatic fire-extinguishing system installed for a change in use to a Group E, Division 1 Occupancy? |
| ANSWER: | No.
The requirement to install an automatic fire-extinguishing system applies to newly constructed buildings classified as Group E, Division 1 Occupancy. The definition of "newly constructed" is enlarged by this code section to include (1) additions exceeding 60 percent of the value of such building or structure and (2) any building or structure having alterations or repairs done within a twelve-month period which exceed 100 percent of the value of such building or structure. To change the use of an existing building to a Group E, Division 1 Occupancy is not included as a condition which would cause it to be designated a newly constructed building. Thus, an existing building having it's use changed to that of Group E, Division 1 Occupancy would not be required to have an automatic fire-extinguishing system installed. |
| SUPERSEDES: | None |
| REQUESTED BY: | City of Marysville |