Sprinklers

Automatic Fire Sprinklers
  • All fire sprinkler systems shall meet the criteria of the 2003 International Fire Code, and all applicable provisions of NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D.
  • Plan submittal with required approval and permits must be secured through the City of La Porte Building Inspection Department.
  • All system inspections and test should be scheduled through the Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • Please allow 24 hours notice for final inspections.
  • Sprinkler heads are to be free of any foreign material, properly spaced and unobstructed. All concealed spaces are to be properly protected.
  • No storage permitted closer than 18 inches from the bottom plane of sprinkler heads.
  • All sprinkler valves, test drains, shutoff, etc. are required to be labeled in accordance with NFPA guidelines.
  • The underground portion of the system falls under the jurisdiction of the building department and any required permits or inspections must be obtained from them.
Submitting Plans
When submitting plans, the plans should include the following:
  • A designer or engineer’s seal on the plans
  • Building classifications and construction type
  • Hanger details and locations
  • Hydraulic calculations
  • Pipe sizes
  • Piping locations
  • Riser specifications including valves, gauges, and Fire Marshal’s Office connection
  • Sprinkler head details and locations, showing walls and any other obstructions
Sprinkler plans are not required to be submitted simultaneously with the building plans. However, the plans must be submitted and approved prior to the start of sprinkler construction.

Sprinkler Connection
The Fire Department Connection (FDC) shall be located no more than 100 feet from a fire hydrant and remain unobstructed at all times.
  • The location of the FDC shall be approved.
  • The FD hose connection shall be 5 inch Storz with 30 degree angle.
  • A minimum of 3 feet of clear space shall be maintained around the FDC at all times.
  • A metal sign with raised letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) in size shall be mounted on all FDC’s.
Function Test
The fire sprinkler system functional test is to be witnessed by a member of the La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office and monitored prior to any inventory being stored inside the building.
  • Newly installed systems require a 2-hour, 200-psi hydrostatic test.
  • The hydrostatic acceptance test shall be witnessed and approved by a member of the City of La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • Sprinkler piping and hangers shall not be covered and/or concealed by any means prior to being inspected and approved by a member of the Fire Marshal’s Office. This includes drop grid ceiling tiles.
  • The underground water supply line to the sprinkler riser shall be hydrostatic tested with results provided to the Fire Marshal’s Office before the system is approved. This test is not witnessed by the Fire Marshal’s Office, but is inspected by an official from the Building Inspection Department.
Sprinkler Modifications
Modifications to an existing system require a hydraulic recalculation when more than 10 heads are added to an existing system. A copy of the calculations are to be provided to the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Code Supervision
 All sprinkler systems are to be supervised as specified by Code.
  • The alarm shall detect any changes to the water flow and tamper switches on the system.
  • All alarm systems shall be approved and tested prior to approval to ensure complete and proper operation.
  • Verification of alarm connection to an alarm company shall be submitted in writing by a representative of the alarm company to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • Alarm companies must meet current NFPA 72 Standards.
  • Any building protected by a sprinkler system shall have a UL approved electric or hydraulic warning device (a bell or a horn) installed on the outside of the structure to proximate the FDC.
Control Valves
The fire sprinkler control valves shall be secured by one of the following methods:
  • Chain and padlock
  • Locked inside a room that is designated and identified on the door accordingly
  • Locked inside a cage or other approved area that can be adequately secured and supervised