Home›Knowledge›IBC 903.2.7 — Group M Occupancies (Retail Sprinkler Requirements)
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IBC 903.2.7 — Group M Occupancies (Retail Sprinkler Requirements)

Updated Mar 24, 2026
Automatic sprinkler system required in Group M (mercantile) occupancies where fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet or building is more than three stories above grade.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists: (1) A fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet. (2) A fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane. (3) The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors exceeds 24,000 square feet. This applies to retail stores, department stores, drug stores, markets, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, sales rooms, and similar uses.

TAGS
fire-protectionsprinklergroup-mretailmercantile
DETAILS
chapter
9 - Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
severity
life_safety
code year
2024
code system
IBC
building types
["retail","department_store","market"]
section number
903.2.7
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