IBC 903.3.1.2.1 (13R and sprinklers on balconies)

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I think the answer is "no" but I got to ask.

903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling unites where the building is Class V construction.....

A three story residential apartment. Drawings and specifications clearly call for a 13R system.

The building is Class V construction so it is obvious I have to sprinkler the exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units but what about the open breezeway shown Section A-A here

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2179/question1.jpg

There's two breezeways per building (each building has 24 units so each breezeway services 12 dwelling units).

I do not believe sprinklers in the breezeways, under the stairs etc, are required because 903.3.1.2.1 only references the balconies, decks and patios of dwelling units. Balconies and decks of dwelling units are often used for cooking which is why I think the section is there at all.

Am I correct in my interpretation?

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How long have these been available? Tyco has a residential sprinkler now listed for dry pipe systems.

http://www.tyco-fire.com/TD_TFP/TFP/TFP400_09_2010.pdf

and

http://www.tyco-fire.com/TD_TFP/TFP/TFP460_09_2010.pdf

Where these available before September, 2010?

Goes to solve a lot of problems.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Sprinkler protection is not required in the indicated areas by the IFC or NFPA 13. Also, the 2009 edition of the IFC was revised by clarifying that sprinkler protection for decks and patios is only required when one has a roof or projection over the the building.

The areas you indicated in the drawing are exit access leading to the exit discharge. These areas are specifically excluded in NFPA 13R.

Finally, I'll will gently remind you and our readers that if this is a unlimited area building (it doesn't look like it) or the architect is using the sprinkler to reduce fire flow, increase exit travel distances or some other changes, a NFPA 13 system could be required.

 

[byrnesf]

SprinklerDesigner2,
I asked this question at a 13,13R,13D code update seminar just two weeks ago. The answer was the same as what stookeyfpe said. I asked what the rational was not to protect exit access and was given no logical explanation.
Also, as stookey said, there is a list of acceptable trade-offs in the IFC if that is the adopted code.