You also may want to check out your local code critera. There are instances were open parking garages in certain configuraions dont even need sprinklers if i remember correctly.
An open parking garage, regardless of height or area, doesn't require sprinklers under the International Building Code or California Building Code. Exception: If it's in Phoenix or the same town the Mall of America is located in based on local amendments. Sprinkler contractors in those towns enjoy long European or South Pacific vacations.
Mine is a closed parking garage.
The other question is whether I need a standpipe (hose connections). The town is asking for them. I do not think they are required by code. The garage is adjacent to (connected to) an apartment building which does require a standpipe. The only access to the garage is through the building including the drive in which is through the middle of the buidling. The town wants hose connections because they can not bring a truck in. They also want connections on the upper deck (whcih is open parking) because they can not bring a truck on the deck.
The only way I can see a requirment for hose connections is if you consider the garage part of the building. In that case the garage is covered (with-in 200 feet) by the building stair hose connections.
The problem with this arguement is that if the building were a little shorter it would not need a standpipe but nothing would be different about the garage.
What's the height (or depth) of the parking garage and the adopted edition of the building code because that will dictate if the standpipe is required.
The standpipe is not required. IFC/IBC Section 905 requires a Class I manual standpipe when the building is 30 or more feet above or below the fire department access roadway.
