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White Paper February2016 tor Building Codes Division Alternates to Fire Sprinkler Systems Better Buildings for Oregon With the passage of Senate Bill 582 in the 2013 session, the legislature noted: "It is in the best interests of this state that state building code regulations encourage economic development, experimentation, innovation and cost effectiveness in construction, especially construction in rural or remote parts of this state." Accordingly, the Division has been tasked with identifying provisions in the code which are bathers and developing strategies to simplify processes and reduce obstacles. One such barrier is the requirement to install a fire sprinkler system in buildings where water supply is either unavailable or inadequate to service a code-compliant sprinkler system. While the state building code provides a process for local building officials to amend or make exceptions to the code as needed where strict compliance is impractical,there is no guideline for a unifonn or consistent approach for demonstrating that the intent of the code is met where alternate approaches for the elimination of a sprinkler system is proposed. Scope: [ This white paper is meant to assist in determining the acceptance of equivalent protection to a fire 11.1 sprinkler system. The intent is to provide flexibility that allows the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements,provide safeguards for public health, safety, and welfare. The white paper serves as a supplement to the provisions of OSSC Section 104.10 Modification: 104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to grant modification for individual cases, upon application of the owner or owner's representative,provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department of building safety. The white paper is not intended to inhibit innovative ideas or technological advances not addressed here, and the provisions of this white paper do not preclude further application of OSSC Section 104.11 Alternative materials,design and methods of construction and equipment: 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code,provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is,for the purpose intended, at 10/ Building Codes Division • Department of Consumer and Business Services • State of Oregon 1535 Edgewater St. NW, Salem, OR 97304 ♦ P.O. Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309-0404 Teti 503-378-4133 ♦ Fax: 503-378-2322 4 oregon.gov/bcd � "'�