Sec. 4-245. Building Planning; Section R-313, Automatic Fire Sprinkler System
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 4-245 (2026)
Sec. 4-245. Building Planning; Section R-313, Automatic Fire Sprinkler SystemLinkCopy Citation
(a)
R-313.1 Section, Automatic Sprinkler System Requirement for New One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Industrialized Buildings (Modular and Manufactured Homes to be utilized as a new One- and Two-Family Dwelling). This Section, R-313.1, supersedes Section R-313 of the IRC. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout new one- and two-family dwellings, including industrialized (modular) and manufactured homes, installed as manufactured homes after December 31, 2010. The following reductions in construction requirements are permitted when a one- or two-family dwelling is fully sprinklered:
(1)
A basement exit to grade is not required;
(2)
A second exit from the dwelling is not required;
(3)
Trusses are not required to be provided with a fire-resistive ceiling membrane; and
(4)
Fire separations may be reduced from two (2) hours to one (1) hour rating and may be constructed with combustible framing. The one (1) hour rated fire separation wall need not be able to withstand collapse of construction on either side under fire conditions.
(b)
Section R-313.2, Connection from Sprinkler Systems. Sprinklers systems designed in accordance with NFPA 13D shall be supplied and protected from backflow in accordance with the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Repairs to detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes not more than three stories above grade plane which, because of lack of maintenance or structural damage due to fire, explosion, or natural causes, which, in the opinion of the Director of the Director's designee, exceed fifty percent (50%) of the building shall have an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout the building as part of the scope of repairs completed. Additions to existing structures which exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the total floor (square footage) of the existing structures will cause the altered structure (addition plus existing structure) to be fully sprinklered.
(c)
Section R-313.4, Sprinklers for Additions. All enclosed or habitable additions to an existing sprinklered one- or two-family dwelling, including industrialized (modular and manufactured) homes must also be fully sprinklered.
(d)
Section R-313.5, Location and Performance of Fire Hydrants. Every building of more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in an area shall be provided with sufficient fire hydrants located such that no exterior portion of the building is located more than five hundred (500) feet from a fire hydrant. The distance shall be measured as a hose line would be laid along paved streets, through parking lot entrances, and around obstructions, in accordance with the determination of the authority having jurisdiction. For multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provide a fire hydrant within five hundred (500) feet of all exterior portions of the building, as hose is laid. Each hydrant shall provide a minimum of one thousand (1,000) gpm at a residual pressure of twenty (20) psi.
Exception: An approved alternate water supply source may be acceptable in areas not served by a public water supply. In addition, a fire hydrant is not required to be situated within two hundred (200) feet of any required fire department connection that is intended to supply an automatic fire sprinkler system that has been retrofitted into an existing building of any use group, provided that the area of the building has not been increased in size or the use group classification has not been changed to require an automatic fire suppression system under any other provision of this Division.
(e)
Section R-313.6, Booster Pump for Automatic Sprinklers. Where a booster pump is required for the water supply to the automatic sprinklers, the pump driver shall follow the requirements of this Section.
(f)
Section R-313.6.1, Water Pressure and Volume Boost with Standard Drip Proof Pump Drive. Water pressure and volume boost with standard drip proof pump drive shall be installed as follows:
(1)
Circuit breaker switch must be within the visual line-of-sight of the pump. A sub-panel may be provided within the line-of-sight of the pump, if the main panel is in a remote location to the pump.
(2)
Passive electrical supervision to the pump will be accomplished through the following wiring diagram of either the main or subpanel. See figure R-328.6.1.
(g)
Section R-313.6.2, Water Pressure and Volume Boost with Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled Pump Driver. Water pressure and volume boost with totally enclosed fan cooled pump driver shall be installed as follows:
(1)
Circuit breaker switch must be within the visual line-of-sight of the pump. A sub-panel may be provided within the line-of-sight of the pump, if the main panel is in a remote location to the pump.
(2)
Passive electrical supervision to the pump will be accomplished through the following wiring diagram of either the main or subpanel. See figure R-313.6.1.
(h)
Section R-313.6.3, Any Pump with a Stored Water Supply. Any pump with a stored water supply shall be installed as follows:
(1)
Circuit breaker switch must be within the visual line-of-sight of the pump. A sub-panel may be provided within the line-of-sight of the pump, if the main panel is in a remote location to the pump.
(2)
Passive electrical supervision to the pump will be accomplished through the following wiring diagram of either the main or subpanel. See Figure R-313.6.1
Figure R-328.6.1
(i)
Section R-313.6.4, Combination Use Standard Wiring Method. Any pump on a single circuit shall be installed to be within visual sight of the pump.
(j)
Section R-313.6.5, Mounting Considerations for Any Pump Serving a Residential Sprinkler System. Any pump serving a residential sprinkler system shall be installed as follows:
(1)
Wall or floor mounted;
(2)
Accessible for inspection or service;
(3)
Ensure not located in hazardous area;
(4)
Install as per manufacturer's requirements.