The planning of an automatic fire protection sprinkler system must be performed under the direct supervision of which party?

• A. Appropriately licensed RME
• B. An engineer licensed in the jurisdiction
• C. The building owner
• D. A municipal fire marshal

Answer: (A)

Direct supervision must come from the appropriately licensed RME because the planning of a fire protection sprinkler system is a professional activity tied to the licensed entity responsible for the project. The RME is the designated licensed representative of the design/build firm who oversees the drawings, calculations, and specifications to ensure they meet all applicable codes and safety standards (such as NFPA 13 and local amendments). This creates clear accountability and ensures that someone with the proper license and direct control over the work is guiding the planning process.

A licensed engineer in the jurisdiction may have the expertise, but the requirement is for the person who holds the contractor’s license and is directly supervising the work, i.e., the RME. The building owner is not typically qualified to supervise technical design. The municipal fire marshal enforces codes and conducts plan reviews and inspections, but does not supervise the planning process itself.