2018 International Fire Code and Agricultural properties

[johnpaul]

I know we have a bunch of fire fighters on here. For anyone fairly familiar with 2018 IFC I have some questions.

I run a bee keeping operation in Southeast Texas. I am currently trying to build a farmhouse on one of our properties to house my H-2A workers. During our permitting meeting, the local Fire Marshal said that we are zoned as commercial being that we are a business and that we need to install a $50,000 sprinkler system in the new house or we won't meet code.

We are a business but we are Agriculture. Shouldn't I be zoned as agricultural? And wouldn't that preclude me from having to build within the commercial building codes?

[texas shag]

Square footage and occupant classifications will dictate whether you need a sprinkler system, not your zoning. A licensed architect with knowledge of the IBC will figure this out quickly. I am an MEP engineer and do fire protection design, but my gut feel is you do not need a sprinkler system for a house or anything “house” sized. I’m traveling and not near my code books or I would look at it for you.