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Billings, MT Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
5+ dwelling units or 3+ stories
Code basis
2021 IFC § 903.2.8, locally amended
Alt. compliance
Direct exterior exits, buildings ≤3 stories
Enforcing agency
Billings Fire Department / Fire Marshal

Summary

Billings requires automatic fire sprinklers in Group R residential buildings with 5 or more dwelling units, more than 2 stories, or 9 or more transient guests, under its locally amended 2021 International Fire Code.

Section 903.2.8 Group R. Delete subsection 903.2.8 and replace with the following: "903.2.8 Group R. 1.An approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided in all Group R buildings meeting any of the following criteria: a.9 or more transient guests or 5 or more transient guestrooms b.9 or more occupants in other than dwelling units; c.5 or more dwelling units; or d.more than 2 stories

Source: Montana Building Codes BureauView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

The city rewrote IFC Section 903.2.8 (Group R) when it adopted the 2021 code: any Group R building with 5+ dwelling units, more than 2 stories, 9+ transient guests, or 5+ transient guestrooms must have an automatic sprinkler system per Section 903.3. Buildings up to 3 stories can substitute direct-exit doors for each transient guestroom instead. Standard one- and two-family homes and small buildings under those thresholds are not covered by this trigger, and R-4 (assisted living) sprinkler rules instead follow the state fire code at ARM 24.301.146.

Violations & Fines

Building without a required sprinkler system blocks certificate of occupancy under the adopted fire code and can draw a misdemeanor citation under Sec. 14-311, punishable per Sec. 1-110, with each 10-day period of noncompliance a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a single-family Billings home need fire sprinklers?
No. Section 903.2.8 only triggers for Group R buildings with 5+ dwelling units, more than 2 stories, or 9+ transient guests, not typical one- and two-family houses.
Can an apartment building skip sprinklers with extra exit doors?
Only up to 3 stories: each transient guestroom may have a direct exterior exit door instead of sprinklers, per the amended Section 903.2.8(2).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

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All Billings rules

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