A.
Intent. The intent of this section is to require the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems to improve the protection of life and property within the Village. It will establish a minimum standard for firesafety through the standardization of the design, installation, testing and maintenance requirements for automatic fire sprinkler suppression.
B.
Installation required. Except as provided in Subsection B(1) herein, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all structures where the floor area exceeds the thresholds, reduced by 25%, as established in § SPS 362.0903, Wis. Adm. Code.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
(1)
Residential Group R occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in any building classified as a Residential Group R occupancy as required by § SPS 362.0903, Wis. Adm. Code.
C.
When a sprinkler system is required by this chapter, but not the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, at a structure that is not currently serviced by a municipal water source, within 90 days after a municipal water system becomes available, the sprinkler system shall be connected to the municipal water supply.
D.
All automatic fire sprinkler systems shall:
(1)
Be monitored in accordance with NFPA 72.
(2)
Have sprinkler control rooms located with adequate access for Fire Department, sprinkler maintenance and inspection personnel and shall not be located within private dwellings with the exception of NFPA 13D systems.
(3)
Have direct access from the exterior to the sprinkler control valve as determined by the AHJ.
(4)
Have a bell (minimum ten-inch) and strobe located above the FDC in accordance with NFPA 13, 13R and/or 13D. The FDC must be at least 40 feet from all gas meters, electrical meters and transformers.
(5)
Be designed for the hazard being protected or as specified in this code and/or as directed by the AHJ. All automatic fire sprinkler system hydraulic designs are to be based on 90% available water supply (10% safety margin shall be maintained). All sprinkler systems designed shall be based on the most current approved water flow test conducted in accordance with NFPA 291.
E.
Application to existing buildings.
(1)
Where the AHJ finds that an existing building, because of current occupancy or a change in occupancy, constitutes a hazard to its occupants or adjoining property, the AHJ may order compliance with the provisions of this section. A hazard shall be determined by the existence of one or more of the following conditions:
(a)
Any building which by reason of its construction or highly combustible occupancy involves a severe life hazard to its occupants or, in the judgment of the AHJ, constitutes a fire menace, including, but not limited to, paint shop and other occupancies involving processing, mixing, storing, and dispensing of volatile liquids or solids.
(b)
Non-fire-resistive characteristics of a structure.
(c)
Accumulation of flammable or combustible materials.
(d)
Lack of accessibility to the premises for firefighting equipment.
(e)
Substantial number of fire calls or complaints on the premises.
(f)
Traffic patterns for pedestrian ingress and egress which require protection under this section.
(g)
Insufficient ventilation system.
(h)
Lack of an internal communication system or, due to the size or type of building, making regular Fire Department radio communication inoperable.
(i)
Number, characteristics and movement of employees which require protection under this section.
(2)
The building owner may be required to install a repeater system or something comparable to assist radio communications.
F.
Fire sprinkler control valve access. All structures that have automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with the following:
(1)
Have direct access from the exterior to the sprinkler control valves that is acceptable to the AHJ.
(2)
Shall not be located within private dwellings with the exception of NFPA 13D systems.
(3)
Have sprinkler control rooms located with adequate access for Fire Department, sprinkler maintenance and inspection personnel.
G.
Exemptions. Any location where the installation of sprinklers may cause or increase an occupational hazard as determined by any governmental authority having jurisdiction over such location or occupation.