Dothan, AL Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Sec. 14-21 of the Dothan City Code adopts the 2021 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings, along with listed appendices, and states plainly that 'Section R313 deleted' as part of that adoption. Sec. 14-30, the article amending the IRC, confirms the same deletion at subsection (g): 'Section R313. Deleted.' R313 is the IRC's automatic fire sprinkler systems section, so the effect of both provisions together is that the City of Dothan does not require sprinklers in new or altered one- and two-family homes and townhouses built under the IRC.

That does not remove fire-suppression permitting altogether: Sec. 14-5(11) still requires a permit for 'any fixed fire suppression system installation, commercial or residential included, but not limited to, sprinklers, hood and paint booth' whenever an owner or builder chooses to install one voluntarily, or where a different code chapter requires it for a specific occupancy. The city's Planning and Development building official administers this chapter, and the same permit fee schedule at Sec. 14-6 and Sec. 14-7 applies to any sprinkler permit that is pulled.

Builders relying on the deletion should still confirm whether a particular project falls under the International Building Code, which was not amended to delete its own sprinkler provisions, rather than the IRC, since the deletion in Sec. 14-30 applies specifically to the residential code article.