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Golf cart storage

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ana
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Ana

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IBC 2021 -

So I found an old post regarding this but it's more than 10 years old. I posted my question there but not sure everyone would see it so I'm making a new post. I'm building a new golf cart storage building and was debating using S-2 or F-1 for occupancy, but I see here in the previous posts that everyone thinks it's S-1 which is a bummer. What does everyone think about F-1? I know golf cart storage is not considered manufacturing, but since recreational vehicles are mentioned in the list under F-1, maybe we can use it? I see in IBC 2021 -Section 306.2 that recreational vehicles go under use group F-1, maybe this can be used for your building?
 
If it is for golf cart storage, it is storage (i.e., Group S-1). If it is for golf cart manufacturing, it would be classified as Group F-1.

If the area is for storage but a portion is used for maintenance, then both could be classified as Group S-1. You might be able to consider the maintenance portion as Group F-1, but definitely not the storage area.
 
Thanks, I expected this answer for sure. So back to S-1 VS S-2. Why S-1 not S-2? It's a "parking garage" ...I saw in the other post that some are considering it S-1 because of the materials the carts are made of but it's not making sense why not considering it S2? an enclosed S2 parking garage- which means I have up to 12,000 sf with no sprinkler requirement since no commercial vehicles are being parked there.
If it is for golf cart storage, it is storage (i.e., Group S-1). If it is for golf cart manufacturing, it would be classified as Group F-1.

If the area is for storage but a portion is used for maintenance, then both could be classified as Group S-1. You might be able to consider the maintenance portion as Group F-1, but definitely not the storage area.
 
Thanks, I expected this answer for sure. So back to S-1 VS S-2. Why S-1 not S-2? It's a "parking garage" ...I saw in the other post that some are considering it S-1 because of the materials the carts are made of but it's not making sense why not considering it S2? an enclosed S2 parking garage- which means I have up to 12,000 sf with no sprinkler requirement since no commercial vehicles are being parked there.

A very long time ago, an instructor in a codes class described the distinction between S-1 and S-2 as follows: "S-2 is for storing iron ingots in steel pails filled with water. Anything else is S-1 unless it qualifies as an H occupancy."

If you look at S-1 and S-2 and try to decide which of the listed uses is most like storing golf carts, I see the following in S-1:
  • Aircraft hangars
  • Dry boat storage
Golf carts have tires and wheels, but aside from that they are a lot like boats. They also have batteries, and I imagine newer ones have lithium-ion batteries, and these batteries are typically charged while the carts are parked. So in addition to classifying the space for storing golf carts, I think you also need to pay attention to any special requirements for battery charging facilities.

Also check section 511.10 of the NEC, and the IFC (if adopted in your jurisdiction).
 
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Thanks so much.


A very long time ago, an instructor in a codes class described the distinction between S-1 and S-2 as follows: "S-2 is for storing iron ingots in steel pails filled with water. Anything else is S-1 unless it qualifies as an H occupancy."

If you look at S-1 and S-2 and try to decide which of the listed uses is most like storing golf carts, I see the following in S-1:
  • Aircraft hangars
  • Dry boat storage
Golf carts have tires and wheels, but aside from that they are a lot like boats. They also have batteries, and I imagine newer ones have lithium-ion batteries, and these batteries are typically charged while the carts are parked. So in addition to classifying the space for storing golf carts, I think you also need to pay attention to any special requirements for battery charging facilities.

Also check section 511.10 of the NEC, and the IFC (if adopted in your jurisdiction).
 
Please don't resurrect 12 year old posts. Thats just silly.

My previous answer still stands:

IBC Chapter 3
S-2 - motor vehicle parking garage. A golf cart is a small, motorized vehicle. Therefore, it falls under the literal definition posted in the IBC under S-2 occupancies. In fact, a modern automobile with a gas engine is hundreds of times more flammable than a golf cart.
Also see IBC Section 406

If this is a motor vehicle repair garage see S-1 and 406.8
For charging see IFC 309. Covers ventilation requirements.
It is possible you may need sprinklers depending on what the IFC/NFPA codes say.
 
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