4.07 Storage Occupancies- Construction and Fire Protection Features

Reference: 2007 California Fire Code, Chapter 23

It is the policy of the San Francisco Fire Department that for building permit purposes for storage occupancies, warehouses, etc., that the information outlined in Section 2301.3 of the 2007 California Fire Code be provided with the plans and application. Specific information regarding commodity classification and storage arrangements is essential to providing the plan reviewer the information necessary for a thorough review.
Owners are required to comply with 2002 NFPA 13 section 4.3 by providing all relevant information regarding the building and its intended use, necessary to the design professional, prior to the detailing of the fire sprinkler system. The Owner's Information Certificate, Figure A.14.1(b), shall be completed by the owner and be provided on the plan, prior to submittal to the SFFD for a building permit for the fire sprinkler system.
The Fire Code requires that all occupancies with high-piled storage (whether new or existing) have Fire Department permits for such use; these permits are in addition to building permits. The granting of such permits is based on compliance with the applicable sections of the Fire Code. It should be noted that if a change occurs in the commodity stored, the sprinkler system might not be capable of controlling the fire. Examples of such changes are: a change in the commodity stored; introduction of flammable liquids; an increase in the amount of storage; an increase in the height of storage; a change in the storage arrangement; a reduction of aisle width; or use of solid shelves in racks. In such cases it may be necessary to reduce the hazard, or to increase the fire protection before a Fire Department permit will be issued or renewed.
The evaluation of fire hazards in storage occupancies and the design of fire protection systems to protect them require special training and experienced judgment. Property owners are advised to consult a fire protection engineer or other qualified professional having specialized training and experience in the field of fire protection of storage occupancies.