List the systems the code analysis says the building requires, such as sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarm, smoke control, and a fire command center, then check that each one appears in the drawings, the specifications, and the deferred submittal list, and that its rooms and connections are shown. AI can flag conflicts; the design team and the building and fire officials decide compliance.
What does IBC Chapter 9 cover?
Chapter 9 of the 2024 IBC, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, sets out where these systems are required and covers their design, installation, and operation; it also states that they are installed and maintained under the IBC and the International Fire Code. Its sections include fire pump and riser room size (902), automatic sprinkler systems (903), alternative extinguishing systems (904), standpipes (905), portable extinguishers (906), fire alarm and detection (907), emergency alarms (908), smoke control (909), smoke and heat removal (910), the fire command center (911), fire department connections (912), fire pumps (913), emergency responder safety features (914), carbon monoxide detection (915), gas detection (916), mass notification (917), and emergency responder communication coverage (918).
Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, on ICC Digital Codes is part of the 2024 IBC. ICC’s store lists the 2027 IBC as a pre-order due in mid-October, and the 2027 edition was not yet on Digital Codes. Both checked October 6, 2026. Section numbers and titles below are from the 2024 edition; they can move between editions, and states and cities adopt a specific edition with amendments. Record the edition the jurisdiction enforces before citing a section.
This guide follows one chapter. The IBC guide covers the code analysis as a whole, and state codes built on the IBC, such as the California Building Code, may renumber or amend the chapter.
Chapter 9 points to design standards for each system, and the fire code carries parallel provisions; see the IFC guide. The standards have their own guides: NFPA 13 for sprinklers, NFPA 14 for standpipes, NFPA 72 for fire alarm, NFPA 20 for fire pumps, and NFPA 92 for smoke control.
Gather the code analysis and every fire protection document
Collect the code analysis and its list of required systems, the deferred submittal list, the architectural plans showing the fire pump room, riser rooms, and fire command center, the site plan with fire department connections, the sprinkler, standpipe, and fire alarm drawings or performance specifications, the smoke control narrative where one applies, the electrical drawings for emergency and standby power, and the fire protection specification sections.
Many fire protection systems are deferred submittals. Upload the deferred list and the approval conditions so a required system with no package is visible.
Match the required systems to the drawn systems
| Review question | Sources to compare | Decision to record |
|---|---|---|
| Required systems | Code analysis, approval conditions, general notes | Make one list of the systems the building requires and confirm the documents agree on it. |
| Deferred packages | Deferred submittal list, sheet index, specifications | Find required systems with neither drawings nor a deferred package. |
| Rooms and spaces | Architectural plans, fire protection drawings | Check that the fire pump room, riser rooms, and fire command center are drawn where the fire drawings expect them. |
| Fire department connections | Site plan, civil plans, sprinkler and standpipe drawings | Match connection locations and access between the site and fire drawings. |
| Alarm and smoke control interfaces | Fire alarm drawings, mechanical plans, smoke control narrative | Confirm fans, dampers, and doors the narrative relies on appear on the mechanical and alarm drawings. |
| Power | Electrical one-line, panel schedules, fire pump and alarm drawings | Check each system that needs emergency or standby power has a source and circuit shown. |
Track sprinkler questions in the sprinkler checklist and alarm questions in the fire alarm checklist. Emergency power follows the NFPA 110 guide.
Example: required systems missing from the deferred list
Published finding. In Groundbook’s published waterfront hotel review, the notes and approval conditions required sprinkler, fire alarm, and waterfront standpipe systems, but the deferred-submittal list identified only a different system.
Deferred fire-protection packages are not fully listed: notes and approval conditions require sprinkler, alarm, and waterfront standpipe systems, while the deferred-submittal list identifies only a different system.
The project team confirms the required packages and the review path with the authority, then updates the deferred list and records who prepares and submits each package.
Review fire protection scope with Groundbook
Upload the current drawings and specifications to Groundbook, and state the edition, amendments, and review scope in your instructions. Add the IBC Chapter 9 edition the project uses from a copy you are licensed to use, where the license permits uploading it, and the jurisdiction’s published amendments. See how Groundbook works with local and licensed codes.
Compare the code analysis, approval conditions, and general notes with the deferred submittal list, sheet index, architectural plans, site plan, fire protection drawings, mechanical smoke control drawings, electrical power drawings, and specifications. Flag required systems with no drawings or deferred package, rooms and connections that differ between disciplines, and systems without a power source shown. Use the supplied IBC edition and local amendments and cite both sources.
Groundbook links each potential finding to the sheets, notes, and lists involved.
Document review does not decide which systems a building requires, perform hydraulic or smoke control calculations, or replace the design team, the fire protection engineer, or the building and fire officials.