SPRINKLER REQUIREMENTS FOR NIGHTCLUBS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
Administrative Rule Adopted by Portland Fire & Rescue Pursuant to Rule-Making Authority
ARB-FIR-8.09
I. SCOPE
A. This policy is established September 11, 2013.
B. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings that have a nightclub with an occupant load greater than 100.
C. This policy applies to all occupancies where Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) has authority.
D. This policy is based on the Portland Fire Code Section 903.3.7 - Nightclubs in Existing Buildings; where existing nightclubs with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be protected by an approved automatic fire sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.1.1 and 903.4 as follows:
1. Throughout the story containing the nightclub; and
2. Throughout all stories below the story containing the nightclub; and
3. In the case of a nightclub located below the level of exit discharge, throughout all stories intervening between that story and the level of exit discharge including the level of exit discharge.
4. Nightclubs with an occupant load of 200 or greater shall comply with this regulation no later than December 31, 2014.
5. Nightclubs with an occupant load of 101-199 shall comply with this regulation no later than June 30, 2015.
II. SPECIFIC
A. References:
1. 2009 International Building Code (IBC)
2. 2014 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC)
3. 2016 Portland Fire Code (PFC)
B. Definitions:
1. Nightclub: means an A-2 occupancy use under the 2009 International Building Code which (a) has areas for dancing or viewing performers; and (b) serves food or drink. “Nightclub” does not include houses of worship, theaters with fixed seating,banquet halls, or lodge halls.
III. GUIDANCE
A. Once a building is identified as having a nightclub occupancy with an occupant load greater than 100 and is not protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system, the building owner shall be given a notice of violation of PFC Code 903.3.7 - Nightclubs in Existing Buildings.
1. The building owner(s) is responsible for all citations and compliance with Portland Fire Code 903.3.7.
2. A copy of the notice of violation shall be sent to the tenant(s) affected by PFC 903.3.7.
B. Compliance.
1. Nightclubs with an occupant load greater than 200 shall be in compliance with PFC 903.3.7 no later than December 31, 2014.
2. Nightclubs with an occupant load of 101-199 shall be compliance with PFC 903.3.7 no later than June 30, 2015.
3. Failure to comply with PFC 903.3.7 will result in citations as specified in the Citation Fines-Fee Schedule.
C. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in the following areas:
1. Throughout the story containing the nightclub; and
2. Throughout all stories below the story containing the nightclub; and
3. In the case of a nightclub located below the level of exit discharge, throughout all stories intervening between that story and the level of exit discharge including the level of exit discharge.
D. The automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13. NOTE: Automatic fire sprinkler systems may be designed as a NFPA 13 limited area system may be allowed with a Fire Code Appeal.
E. The installation of the automatic fire sprinkler system shall be permitted through the Fire Marshal’s Office.
F. The automatic fire sprinkler system shall be supervised in accordance to NFPA 72.