International Building Code Section 901

International Building Code 901.1

Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where
fire protection systems are required and shall apply to the
design, installation and operation of fire protection systems.

International Building Code 901.2

Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems shall
be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance
with this code and the International Fire Code.
Any fire protection system for which an exception or reduction
to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered
to be a required system.
Exception: Any fire protection system or portion thereof
not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed
for partial or complete protection provided that such system
meets the requirements of this code.

International Building Code 901.3

Modifications. No person shall remove or modify any
fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions
of this code or the International Fire Code without
approval by the building official.

International Building Code 901.4

Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections
to sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any
other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections
used by the local fire department.

International Building Code 901.5

Acceptance tests. Fire protection systems shall be tested
in accordance with the requirements of this code and the International
Fire Code. When required, the tests shall be conducted
in the presence of the building official.Tests required by
this code, the International Fire Code and the standards listed
in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or
the owner’s representative. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions
of a structure until the required fire protection systems
within that portion of the structure have been tested and
approved.

International Building Code 901.6

Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection
systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station
in accordance with NFPA 72.

Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler
systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising
station.
Exceptions:
1. A supervising station is not required for automatic
sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family
dwellings.
2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.

Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required
by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Section
907.2 of the International Fire Code shall be monitored by
an approved supervising station in accordance with Section
907.14.
Exceptions:
1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms
required by Section 907.2.10.
2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic
sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

Group H. Manual fire alarm, automatic fire-extinguishing
and emergency alarm systems in Group H occupancies
shall be monitored by an approved supervising
station.
Exception: When approved by the building official,
on-site monitoring at a constantly attended location shall
be permitted provided that notifications to the fire
department will be equal to those provided by an
approved supervising station.

International Building Code 901.6.1

Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler
systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising
station.
Exceptions:
1. A supervising station is not required for automatic
sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family
dwellings.
2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.

International Building Code 901.6.2

Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required
by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Section
907.2 of the International Fire Code shall be monitored by
an approved supervising station in accordance with Section
907.14.
Exceptions:
1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms
required by Section 907.2.10.
2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic
sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

International Building Code 901.6.3

Group H. Manual fire alarm, automatic fire-extinguishing
and emergency alarm systems in Group H occupancies
shall be monitored by an approved supervising
station.
Exception: When approved by the building official,
on-site monitoring at a constantly attended location shall
be permitted provided that notifications to the fire
department will be equal to those provided by an
approved supervising station.

International Building Code 901.7

Fire areas. Where buildings, or portions thereof, are
divided into fire areas so as not to exceed the limits established
for requiring a fire protection system in accordance with this
chapter, such fire areas shall be separated by fire barriers having
a fire-resistance rating of not less than that determined in
accordance with Section 706.3.9.