CFI Plan Review & Permitting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document typically establishes the minimum information required on construction documents submitted for fire protection system plan review?
- The local zoning ordinance
- The adopted fire code and referenced standards (Correct answer)
- The building owner's insurance policy
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926
Correct answer: The adopted fire code and referenced standards
The adopted fire code and its referenced standards (e.g., NFPA 13, 72) define the minimum documentation required for fire protection system plan submittals.
Question 2: A permit applicant disagrees with a fire inspector's plan review rejection. What is the most appropriate next step for the applicant?
- Proceed with construction and address issues at final inspection
- File a formal appeal with the board of appeals or authority having jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Contact the state fire marshal to override the local decision
- Submit revised plans to a different inspector
Correct answer: File a formal appeal with the board of appeals or authority having jurisdiction
Most fire codes provide an appeals process through a board of appeals or the AHJ where applicants can formally contest plan review decisions.
Question 3: When reviewing plans for a new restaurant kitchen, which NFPA standard primarily governs the commercial cooking exhaust hood suppression system?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 17A (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 17A
NFPA 17A covers wet chemical extinguishing systems, which are the standard for commercial cooking equipment suppression systems.
Question 4: A high-rise building permit application includes plans for a voice evacuation system. Which standard should the fire inspector reference for plan review?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 25
- NFPA 72 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 110
Correct answer: NFPA 72
NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) governs the design and installation of fire alarm and voice evacuation systems.
Question 5: During plan review, an inspector finds that the submitted sprinkler hydraulic calculations reference a water supply test conducted 4 years ago. What is the most appropriate action?
- Accept the calculations since no standard specifies a time limit
- Require a current water supply flow test before approving the plans (Correct answer)
- Add a note to the permit that the data must be verified at rough-in inspection
- Reject the entire submittal without allowing resubmission
Correct answer: Require a current water supply flow test before approving the plans
Water supply data used for hydraulic calculations should be reasonably current; most AHJs require a flow test within one to three years to ensure accuracy.
Question 6: Which occupancy classification under the IFC/IBC would most likely trigger the requirement for a fire pump as part of a new sprinkler system plan review?
- A one-story Group S-2 parking garage with adequate municipal pressure
- A 15-story Group R-2 residential tower where municipal pressure cannot meet the hydraulic demand (Correct answer)
- A Group B office building under 10,000 sq ft
- A Group M retail store with ESFR sprinklers on a single floor
Correct answer: A 15-story Group R-2 residential tower where municipal pressure cannot meet the hydraulic demand
High-rise buildings where municipal water pressure is insufficient to meet the hydraulic demand at the highest sprinkler require a fire pump to supplement supply.
Question 7: A conditional permit is issued for a spray booth installation pending receipt of the equipment listing documentation. Who bears responsibility for providing that documentation before work commences?
- The fire inspector must obtain it from the manufacturer directly
- The permit holder or applicant is responsible for supplying required documentation (Correct answer)
- The general contractor's insurance company must verify compliance
- The local building official, not the fire inspector
Correct answer: The permit holder or applicant is responsible for supplying required documentation
Permit conditions place the responsibility on the applicant or permit holder to satisfy all requirements, including providing equipment listing documentation.
CFI Plan Review & Permitting 2
Which document typically establishes the minimum information required on construction documents submitted for fire protection system plan review?