Does a stage of more than 1200 square feet require a Class III standpipe?

A stage area that exceeds 1,200 square feet indeed requires a Class III standpipe system. This requirement is based on fire safety standards that aim to provide adequate fire protection in areas with larger stages. Class III standpipes are designed to accommodate both fire department connections and hose stations, ensuring that sufficient water flow is available for firefighting operations in larger spaces.

The reasoning behind the square footage threshold is that as the area increases, the potential for fire spread and the difficulty of controlling a fire also rise. A Class III standpipe system ensures that firefighters can access the necessary equipment and water supply to effectively combat a fire in larger environments, which might include stages for performances or events.

In this case, the other options do not address the relevant standards correctly, as they either state that a standpipe is not required or provide higher square footage limits that do not align with established fire code requirements. Thus, specifying 1,200 square feet as the trigger for needing a Class III standpipe reflects the intent of fire safety regulations to protect both property and life in those potentially hazardous environments.