This short guide highlights the top positions for fire sprinkler systems in the proposed 2024 editions of the IBC, IFC, IRC and IEBC. ICC validated code officials are encouraged to support these positions to increase or maintain life safety and property protection. The Cycle B Online Governmental Consensus Vote (OGCV) agenda and voting period will occur from October 10 – 24, 2022. For more information on the voting period and how to register your vote, go the www.cdpaccess.com website.

Administration Chapters

ADM13-22, Part I and Part II – Support As-Modified

• Alternate methods and administrative provisions
• Clarifies, improves, updates code requirements affecting the use of fire safety alternatives and other topics

International Existing Building Code 

EB33-22 – Support As-Submitted

• High-rise sprinklers with combustible exterior wall coverings
• Sprinkler systems prevent and control exterior fires from becoming interior fires.

EB48-22 – Support Disapproval

• Retrofitting existing sprinklers systems with seismic bracing
• When an addition is constructed in a Seismic Design Category C, D, E, F, the existing sprinkler system in the existing building is required to retrofit with seismic bracing to 2022 NFPA 13 and 2022 ASCE 7.

EB97-22 – Support Disapproval

• Removing non-required sprinkler systems
• The new language by this proposal is a subsection of 1011.2.1 that removes existing systems. Nowhere is there an allowance or path to get to this new subsection to remove nonrequired systems.

International Residential Code

RB53-22 – Support As-Modified

• Townhouse open sides clarification
• Odd shapes and configurations that have townhouse units partially surrounded by other units, sometimes sharing walls with 3 or more neighboring units, have evolved. This language clarifies what is considered an open side.

RB55-22 – Support Disapproval

• Townhouse common wall through penetration
• This proposed language adds redundant language that confuses the fire sprinkler system through penetration requirements of common walls.

RB74-22 – Support Disapproval

• 2×10 floor joist equivalency
• The proposed text adds a standard to measure equivalency of a 2×10 with a spray field-applied fire-retardant coating.

NFSA Stays on the Cutting Edge of Fire Protection Codes and Standards

The NFSA Codes, Standards, and Public Fire Protection department is fully committed to assisting our members, ICC members, and the public to understanding the ICC development process and the NFSA’s involvement in fire protection codes and standards. Please contact Jeffrey M. Hugo, CBO (hugo@nfsa.org) or Roland Asp (asp@nfsa.org) for further assistance.