[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City of
Española 7-1-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-08. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
This chapter covers the design and installation of automatic
sprinkler systems for the protection against fire hazards in one-
or two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. Where new dwellings
are built with more than two units, the NFPA 13R standard shall apply.
A.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a sprinkler system that
aids in the detection and control of residential fires and thus provides
improved protection against injury, loss of life, and property damage.
A sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with this
chapter is expected to prevent flashover (total involvement) in the
room of fire origin, where sprinklered, and to improve the chances
for occupants to escape or be evacuated.
B.
Guidelines have been established for the design and installation
of sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured
homes. Nothing in this chapter is intended to restrict new technologies
or alternative arrangements, provided that the level of safety prescribed
by the chapter is not reduced.
A.
All sprinkler systems designs shall be in accordance with the requirements
of NFPA 13D, as modified by this chapter. A set of plans must be submitted
to the Building Inspector with an application for a building permit.
All required approvals shall be obtained prior to the installation
of any sprinkler piping or components. Approval shall be by the Española
Fire Department or its designee.
B.
Any components of the sprinkler system, other than those required
for domestic water supply, shall be installed by personnel licensed
for such work. Inspections during construction will be done by the
Building Inspector, or his designee. Acceptance testing/final test
shall be performed in accordance with NFPA 25, sprinkler system acceptance
test. This test will require a flow test, observed by the Española
Fire Chief or his designee, at the most hydraulically demanding head
location.
All definitions shall conform to NFPA 13D unless otherwise approved.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Acceptance to the Española Fire Department.
Those ceilings having a greater-than-ten-degree angle (176%)
with a ceiling height greater than nine feet.
A reserve of water on site, specific for the sprinkler system,
calculated for the two most hydraulically demanding sprinkler heads
to flow water for 10 minutes.
A.
In those areas of Española that are not served by an approved,
pressurized water system, the delivery and reserve capacity aspects
of the sprinkler system are a critical aspects of the design. Based
on NFPA standards, the design specifications of sprinkler systems
are based on either a two- or three-sprinkler-head coverage area design.
B.
The sprinkler system for a dwelling containing sloped ceilings shall
be based on a three-head system design, and shall provide a minimum
flow of 25 gallons per minute to the most hydraulically demanding
head, with a system minimum storage capacity of 250 gallons.
C.
All other dwellings shall be of a two-head system design, and shall
provide a minimum flow of 16 gallons per minute to the most hydraulically
demanding head, with a system minimum storage capacity of 160 gallons.
Bathrooms, of any size, are required to be sprinklered.
D.
A Fire Department connection shall be installed and shall be maintained
at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls
or any other object. An exterior audible alarm and visible light signal
shall be installed. The sprinkler shall activate the fire alarm system
or the dwelling's smoke detectors. All attached garages or those that
are located under living spaces shall be protected by the sprinkler
system.
(Page 6, Section 1-4, of NFPA 13D) The owner is responsible for the condition of a sprinkler system and shall keep the system in normal operating condition.
A.
This chapter
allows for the installation of an approved residential sprinkler system
to be installed in all dwellings in lieu of proper access or fire
protection. However, when the Española Fire Department deems
that, due to specific conditions, there is sufficient threat to life
or property, it may recommend additional fire protection measures
to be provided.
B.
It is important
to understand that during an electrical power outage the sprinkler
system as required by NFPA 13D will not operate. This may be remedied
by the installation of a self-contained system or a backup power supply.
