Arkansas amended IRC Section R313 to remove the statewide fire-sprinkler mandate for new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Fort Smith has not imposed a local residential sprinkler mandate. Commercial, multifamily, and existing buildings undergoing significant renovation remain subject to the sprinkler triggers in IBC Chapter 9 and Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Section 903 as adopted in the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
Fort Smith currently enforces the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which includes Volume II (the Arkansas Building Code, based on the 2021 IBC with Arkansas amendments) and Volume III (the Arkansas Residential Code, based on the 2021 IRC with Arkansas amendments). Arkansas amended IRC Section R313 to remove the requirement that new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses be sprinklered - the 2021 Arkansas Residential Code does not mandate NFPA 13D sprinklers in new detached homes or townhouses. Fort Smith has not adopted a local sprinkler ordinance more stringent than the state code, so the Arkansas default applies and new single-family construction in Fort Smith does not require sprinklers. Voluntary NFPA 13D sprinklers are permitted in townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings and may qualify for setback and area trade-ups. Commercial and multifamily sprinkler requirements are governed by IBC Chapter 9 and Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Section 903 as adopted. AFPC 903.2 typically requires automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies (multifamily apartments) and in Group A, B, M, S, and F buildings above defined size or occupant-load thresholds. The Fort Smith Building Services division (623 Garrison Avenue, Suite 405, 479-784-1051) reviews sprinkler plans through the building permit process, and the Fort Smith Fire Marshal conducts acceptance tests under AFPC 901.5. Sprinkler drawings must be sealed by an Arkansas-licensed Professional Engineer or designed by a NICET Level III/IV designer.
Installing or modifying a sprinkler system without the required permit violates the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and Fort Smith building ordinance. Operating a building required to be sprinklered without functional sprinklers is an AFPC 109 violation; the Fire Marshal may issue a Notice of Violation and, for life-safety risks, an order to vacate. Fines under the Fort Smith general penalty (Section 1-9) run up to $500 per offense and up to 30 days in jail per A.C.A. Section 14-55-504, with each day a separate offense. Disabling or tampering with a required sprinkler system may also trigger criminal mischief liability under A.C.A. Section 5-38-203.
Fort Smith, AR
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