Newton County, GA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Newton County's chapter 10, article IV, fire sprinkler systems ordinance, adopted August 5, 2008, incorporates NFPA 13 (2007 edition) and Appendix B of the International Fire Code by reference under section 10-117. NFPA 13 governs sprinkler installation in small commercial buildings and in multifamily residential occupancies generally, and the county specifically calls out NFPA 13R for group home installations and NFPA 13D for in-home day cares, along with the state's Fire Sprinkler Competency Act and the plan review fee program. Section 10-117(2) then sets the size and use thresholds that trigger mandatory sprinklers under Appendix B: any multifamily residential building of 3,600 square feet or more, or three or more stories, such as an apartment complex, duplex, or condominium; any commercial building of 5,000 square feet or more, or three or more stories; any group home with an occupancy load of three or more, covering personal care, residential care, and foster care homes providing 24-hour care and room and board; and any in-home day care with an occupancy load of five or more.

The requirement also reaches existing multifamily and commercial structures once a remodel or upgrade affects 50 percent or more of the county's assessed value for the building, so an older apartment building can trigger the sprinkler mandate through renovation even if it predates the 2008 ordinance. Section 10-118 places enforcement with the chief of the county fire service or a designee, who reviews plans and inspects installations before occupancy is approved for a covered building.