Hi Steve. It appears that Vermont uses the BOCA building code. If I'm not mistaken, Earl (EarlyDean) might have used this code in Connecticut, where he calls home. Hopefully he will chime in. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the BOCA code.
From what the USFA states, you don't need fire suppresion if less than three stories. This can be done by justifying a story as a basement, or with some creative grading work.
I would like to know what the allowable height and area for hotel/motel (I'm assuming this is what you have) is. This can greatly influence the need for suppresion.
