780 CMR, ch. 51, ch. 3, R301, 301.1, 313.1

Current through Register 1538, January 3, 2025

Subsection 313.1

Revise and replace section as follows:

R313.1Townhouse automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D, as applicable:

1. A townhouse with an aggregate area of 12,000 ft², or more, shall be provided with an NFPA 13 system.

2. A townhouse with an aggregate area of less than 12,000 ft² shall be permitted to use an NFPA 13R system.

Exception: A townhouse consisting of only three townhouse units with an aggregate area of less than 12,000 ft2 shall be permitted to use an NFPA 13D system.

For the purposes of this subsection, the aggregate area shall be the combined area of all stories of the townhouse and firewalls shall not be considered to create separate buildings. Aggregate area shall include garage areas, basement areas and finished habitable attic areas. Unfinished habitable attic areas, attic areas and crawlspace areas shall not be included in the aggregate area.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic sprinkler system installed.

780 CMR, ch. 51, ch. 3, R301, 301.1, 313.1

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1532, eff. 10/11/2024.