Glendale, AZ Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Section 16-52 of the Glendale Code, part of the Sprinkler Ordinance enacted by Ordinance No. O25-52 on December 9, 2025, mandates an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building of all newly constructed commercial and residential structures. That sweeps in apartment buildings, condos, and every commercial occupancy type. The code carves out only two exceptions: where the Fire Code itself specifically omits or doesn't require sprinklers, and in one- and two-family dwellings that are separately regulated by the International Residential Code and state law.

Properties being annexed into the city must also bring their sprinkler systems up to the 2024 International Existing Building Code annexation requirements. Section 16-53 allows the fire code official to permit narrow omissions, such as detached noncombustible Group U occupancies or shade canopies under 5,000 square feet, and lets designers rely on NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D standards for coverage decisions. 495 gallons per minute per 2,000 square feet. 3.