sprinklernotes
Omission of Sprinklers in an Independent Care Residence of an Assisted Living
Facility
You asked the following question: “Can sprinklers be omitted from bathrooms
less than 55 sq ft in the independent living area of an assisted living
facility based on the description provided above?”
Our informal interpretation is that sprinklers are permitted to be omitted from
these bathrooms.
NFPA 13 permits sprinklers to be omitted from bathrooms in dwelling units that
do not exceed 55 sq. ft.
9.2.4.1 Bathrooms.
9.2.4.1.1* Unless sprinklers are required by 9.2.4.1.2 or 9.2.4.1.3, sprinklers
shall not be required in bathrooms that are located within dwelling units, that
do not exceed 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) in area, and that have walls and ceilings of
noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal
barrier rating, including the walls and ceilings behind any shower enclosure or
tub.
9.2.4.1.2 Sprinklers shall be required in bathrooms of limited care facilities
and nursing homes, as defined in NFPA 101.
In addition, occupancies defined as limited care facilities and nursing homes
do not permit this omission. Per NFPA 101:
3.3.93.2* Limited Care Facility. A building or portion of a building used on a
24-hour basis for the housing of four or more persons who are incapable of
self-preservation because of age; physical limitations due to accident or
illness; or limitations such as mental retardation/developmental disability,
mental illness, or chemical dependency. (SAF-HEA)
3.3.148.2 Nursing Home. A building or portion of a building used on a 24-hour
basis for the housing and nursing care of four or more persons who, because of
mental or physical incapacity, might be unable to provide for their own needs
and safety without the assistance of another person. (SAF-HEA)
As described, the independent living portion of the project does not meet the
definitions of limited care facility or nursing home above. As such, sprinklers
should be permitted to be omitted in bathrooms less than 55 sq. ft. located
within those dwelling units. It should be noted that NFPA 101-2018 does not
require blanket classifications of occupancies. Portions of occupancies can be
classified individually per section 6.1.1.1.
6.1.1.1 Occupancy Classification. The occupancy of a building or structure, or
portion of a building or structure, shall be classified in accordance with
6.1.2 through 6.1.13. Occupancy classification shall be subject to the ruling
of the authority having jurisdiction where there is a question of proper
classification in any individual case.
