Codes and Standards Update – Deep Dive | TechNotes

This edition of TechNotes was written by Jeffrey Hugo, Vice President of Codes, Standards, Training and Education for NFSA and Roland Asp, NFSA’s Manager of Codes and Standards.The fire sprinkler industry, more so than most industries, is driven by both the Codes and the Standards.Updates to codes and standards significantly impact the fire sprinkler industry, shaping the practices of contractors, designers, and stakeholders alike. This edition of TechNotes will explore the most impactful changes introduced in the 2024 editions of the building and fire codes, as well as the 2025 edition of NFPA 13.Notable Updates to the Building CodesBelow are two notable changes to the building code(s) that will impact the fire sprinkler industry.Parking StructuresThe fire protection requirements for open parking structures have evolved significantly with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and the 2024 editions of NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code. Historically, open parking structures were seen as low-risk due to their open-air design, which allowed smoke and heat to escape. However, chang...