Ahh, first off Laura, I think you need to get your colleague subscribed to this list -- first wanting to exclude the disabled, and now trying to skirt fire/life safety codes -- hmm...  

Unfortunately,  fire codes are not entirely cut-and-dry.   Every city, county, and state is responsible for adopting and enforcing their own laws, but in general sprinkler systems are usually required in newer construction -- especially in buildings with public gathering spaces (IE a museum).  As part of the building permit process they'll undoubtedly need to meet with the building/fire prevention department(s) and they'll be able to address the specifics of the projects and the life-safety code requirements of the community.

Hello,
I posted last week about variances on ADA requirements and once again, I have been asked to post the following about variances on fire suppression.

Has anyone had any experience arguing against installing a fire suppression system in their museum?  Specifically, this is looking at a museum that is less than 10 years old, currently in the early phases of putting on an addition, and the original structure did NOT have a fire suppression system. What does this mean for the new addition?

As I mentioned, I'm only posting for a colleague that is not a Museum-L member--please don't shoot the messenger!!
Thanks.
Laura Abrams