A kitchen in a restaurant encompasses an area of just over 700 ft2 (65 m2) with 2-hour fire rated walls. Does this meet the definition of a small…

NFPA 13 permits the “small-room design method” only for Light-Hazard occupancies whose room area does not exceed 800 ft² (74 m²) and whose walls run full height. Commercial kitchens are classified by NFPA 13 Table 4.3.2 as Ordinary-Hazard (Group 1). Because the kitchen’s hazard classification is not Light-Hazard, it cannot qualify as a “small room,” regardless of its 700 ft² (65 m²) size or its 2-hour rated walls.

A. Size limit met, but rule restricted to Light-Hazard; Ordinary-Hazard kitchen disqualifies.

B. 700 ft² is below 800 ft²; size is acceptable, not “too large.”

C. Wall fire-rating is irrelevant; requirement is Light-Hazard occupancy, not 1-hour construction.

1. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 ed.

• Sec. 28.4.4.2.1: “Small-room design method shall be permitted only in Light-Hazard occupancies… Room area shall not exceed 800 ft² (74 m²).”

2. NFPA 13, 2022 ed., Table 4.3.2, “Classification of Occupancies and Commodities”: lists “Kitchen, commercial” under “Ordinary Hazard (Group 1).”

3. NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st ed., Vol. I, Ch. 12, p. 12-136: discussion of small-room rule notes limitation to Light-Hazard occupancies.