Arcadia, CA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Section 3124.3 rewrites Fire Code Section 903.2 to require approved automatic extinguishing systems in all new buildings, with three exceptions: detached private garages with a floor area not over 1000 square feet, accessory R-3 buildings such as pool houses, recreation rooms and workshops where no exterior wall sits more than 150 feet from a public street, and other minor buildings the Fire Chief approves. Section 3124.5 governs one- and two-family dwellings where NFPA 13D applies and adds requirements: a quick-response intermediate temperature head next to each forced air unit in attics, sprinklered attached garages, sprinklered detached garages over 1000 square feet, fully sprinklered attics and basements used for storage with residential type heads, a single exterior bell activated by the waterflow switch, and a representative sample of spare heads.

Garage areas use an Ordinary Hazard Group 1 design density with a design area of two (2) heads, and § 3124.4 applies the same standard to carports with habitable space above. Homes under 5000 square feet are designed for two (2) heads flowing, and larger homes for four (4) heads. Existing buildings are covered by § 3124.7: an addition to the living area of an R-3 occupancy over 2500 square feet triggers sprinklers, as does an addition that pushes a smaller R-3 building past 2500 square feet, and so does an R-1 or R-2 addition that creates more guestrooms or dwelling units.

Additions of closets or bathrooms, and additions that do not add a story or extend the first story roof projection, are excepted. These amendments come from Ord. No. 2409, adopted November 18, 2025. Under § 3125, an applicant whose permit application the Chief disapproves can appeal to the Building/Fire Code Appeals Board within thirty (30) days.