Change in Occupancy

[rustyinc8]

Chapter 10 of the IEBC explicitly states that a change of occupancy requires an automatic sprinkler system.

I have a situation where both the existing classification and the new classification would normally not trigger sprinklers in the eyes of the IBC, however the IEBC sort of tells me that sprinklers are required no matter any situation if its a change of occupancy, if I understand it correctly?. I get a little hung up on the logic of that. If sprinklers aren't required as if I was designing it brand new, then why would it be required if its a change in occupancy?

Anyone with some more formalized opinions on this? My only guess is perhaps its because its taking the potential age of the facility into question. Meaning, brand new construction is obviously provided with brand new materials and current construction methods. Older existing construction, which has been under use certainly for various timeframes unknown by the code, may infer that protection needs to be added to cover older construction practices?

I understand the issues with more hazard to less hazard and vice versa for means of egress, but Im not sure that same hazard chart exists when it comes to sprinkler protection (Im referencing 2018 IBC and IEBC).

Welcome any thoughts!

 

[mtlogcabin]

however the IEBC sort of tells me that sprinklers are required no matter any situation if its a change of occupancy, if I understand it correctly?

It states it would only be required by the IEBC IF one is required by Chapter 9 of the IBC
1011.2.1 Fire sprinkler system.
Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or where there is a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the International Building Code that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs.

 

[rustyinc8]

I've approached our project the way you have described, however this verbiage is confusing, because the first portion of 1011.2.1 states simply, "Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or" Adding the OR in the code typically implies you comply with this OR that. Which to me is strangely worded. The first part of that section, It seems if there is simply a change in occupancy classification (for instance a Group M to a Group B or whatever the case), then it has to be provided. That second part after "or" to me reads the way you just described, if Chapter 9 requires it. Which why would they put that in at all if the first part was so cut and dry. Its confusing and I was just tryign to validate my approach of not having to provide sprinkler protection to an exisitng structure when IBC chapter 9 would not require it.

 

[steveray]

If new code does not require it…Shirley the IEBC does not…

 

[Joe.B]

Yeah, sometime a comma or two sure would help. I read it like this:

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs,
or where there is a change of occupancy,
within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9....

 

[Sifu]

I run across this type of language in many places in the ICC family and it always gets me. In this case I just use the logic of Joe.B and apply the last sentence to each of the conditions separated by the "or". And that if the IBC wouldn't require it in a new building then the IEBC would not. Here is how I read it:

Where a change in occupancy classification occurs within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9....

So if a B goes to an A but the A is not required to be sprinklered by the IBC then there is no "different fire protection system threshold".

 

[steveray]

This is the IEBC section I was thinking of….if it isn’t required in new it doesn’t need to stay in existing…Which should translate to It never needs to be better than new…That is the whole point of the IEBC…

701.2​

An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.

Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the International Building Code.

 

[mtlogcabin]

within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9....

Medical office building is typically a "B" occupancy no sprinklers required under the IBC. The IBC requires the whole floor plus every floor under the ambulatory space to have a fire suppression system.

Convert one of those spaces to an ambulatory care facility under the IEBC and you only have to have a fire suppression system in that space.sprinkler that space.
2018 IEBC
1011.2.1 Fire sprinkler system.
Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or where there is a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the International Building Code that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change of occupancy occurs.
IBC chapter 9 is used for new construction only the IEBC will send you there when needed as it relates to the whole building or in individual area/space.


[F] 903.2 Where required.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.

 

[rustyinc8]

I like the way you all are reading it, there has to be some sort of science or masterclass offered in how to read the ICC documents... Thanks for the feedback all!

 

[Sifu]

I like the way you all are reading it, there has to be some sort of science or masterclass offered in how to read the ICC documents... Thanks for the feedback all!

Let me know when you find it. It will be the last class I ever take before I hang it up so that I can look back and understand what the heck I was doing all this time.

 

[mtlogcabin]

As someone once posted on this site ICC does not mean
Intelligent Clear or Concise
That is why you will never find "some sort of science or masterclass offered in how to read the ICC documents..."

 

[Joe.B]

I like the way you all are reading it, there has to be some sort of science or masterclass offered in how to read the ICC documents... Thanks for the feedback all!

 

[Jay Marx]

I like the way you all are reading it, there has to be some sort of science or masterclass offered in how to read the ICC documents... Thanks for the feedback all!

If you pay for membership, you can call ICC and get a code opinion. If you use 3rd party code review, you can get an opinion from your code consultant as well.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

If you pay for membership, you can call ICC and get a code opinion. If you use 3rd party code review, you can get an opinion from your code consultant as well.

However, an opinion from an ICC dope of the day is just that -- his or her opinion. The AHJ may or may not agree with an ICC staffer's opinion, and doesn't have to accept it. Staff opinions are useful and may be helpful, but they are not binding. In fact, even formal, written ICC interpretations are not binding.