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The State of Minnesota also gives the Counties and Cities the option of adopting certain <br /> chapters of the State Building Code. The one that is up for consideration is Chapter 1306 <br /> "SPECIAL FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS". <br /> MISSION STATEMENT: <br /> Chapter 1300.003, Subpart 1 of the State Building Code states: "The purpose of this <br /> code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and <br /> general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, <br /> sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and <br /> propertyfrom fare and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to <br /> Provide safety to Fre fahters and emergency responders during emergency <br /> operations' <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> As stated in the background information, every code cycle attempts to strengthen and <br /> improve the requirements for fire, life and safety in building construction. The focus of <br /> this discussion will be limited to Chapter 9 of the International Building Code (Automatic <br /> Sprinkler Systems). A comparison of the past (2003) code requirements, with today's <br /> adopted code requirements, and what effects Chapter 1306 (automatic sprinkler systems, <br /> if adopted) will have on building construction. <br /> When construction plans are submitted for a new building, the level of fire protection is <br /> determined based on the building use and occupant load. Buildings such as Oneka <br /> Elementary School, Festival Foods, and Nor-Lakes required a high level of fire <br /> protection, which required an automatic sprinkler system to be installed. On the other <br /> hand, buildings that are not hazardous, or do not have a high occupant load,would not be <br /> required to install an automatic sprinkler system, provided that other provisions of the <br /> code are met. <br /> The 2006 International Building Code Fire Sprinkler System requirements in Chapter 9 <br /> have increased 66% as compared to the 2003 International Building Code (the occupant <br /> load of 300 was reduced to 100 in a Group A-2 (Bars, Night Clubs, Restaurants etc.) <br /> as a result of the Station Night Club fire in Rhode Island in 2003). Also, the 2006 <br /> International Building Code requires a fire sprinkler system to be installed in all <br /> residential buildings that contain two or more townhomes or condos where the total area <br /> (which includes the garages, upper levels, and basements) exceeds 9,250 square feet. <br /> 2 <br />