Building Official Determination 15-01: NFPA 13D Sprinklers in Garages

Building Code Guides (BCGs) and Building Official Determinations (BODs) provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternates. BODs are typically smaller in scope and address simpler questions. Code Guides provide a comprehensive alternative to a complicated set of code requirements.

BOD 15-01: NFPA 13D Sprinklers in Garages 

QUESTION: Where NFPA 13D systems are installed, are residential quick response sprinkler heads required to be installed over or adjacent to fuel-fired equipment located in garages?

RESPONSE: Yes. The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) did not adopt automatic fire sprinkler systems as a requirement for all new construction, but it does include certain allowances for structures protected by NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. In addition, all residential occupancies built under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) are required to install an automatic sprinkler system, and smaller residential occupancies are allowed to use the NFPA 13D standard. 

NFPA 13D Chapter 8 states "where fuel-fired equipment is below or on the same level as occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space." Sprinklers are not typically required in garages, open attached porches, carports, and similar structures. However, Annex A to NFPA 13D Chapter 8 states jurisdictions may add this requirement locally for garages.

The City of Portland has determined that sprinklers are required in the garage under the following conditions:

1. When this requirement applies:
   1. Where NFPA 13D systems are required by the OSSC for one- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3, Group R-4, or townhouses.
   2. Where NFPA 13D systems are required for one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses constructed under the ORSC, as required as the result of a building code appeal, land use review, fire department access deficiencies, water supply deficiencies, code guide condition, or other reason as determined by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
   3. Where NFPA 13D systems are voluntarily installed.
2. Standard:
   1. Where fuel-fired equipment is below or on the same level as occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one residential quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space; and
   2. All other standards of NFPA 13D continue to apply.

HISTORY: Implemented October 19,2015. Updated March 7, 2017, May 7, 2023, and July 24, 2024.

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