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Is it a building or not?

ADAguy

Registered User
Joined
Sep 11, 2013
Messages
6,307
Location
California
Given a turf area on a public school site; if you add a support structure for solar voltaics is it viewed as an equipment platform, and if you can use it for shade is it then an assembly area and if so must a portion be accessible?
 
Is there a statement or other expressed intent that the space will be used for gathering due to the presence of shade?

Lots of things get used for other than their intended purpose; if outside of the intent, I do not believe that accessible route is required.
 
Not a building but is a structure. A carport, Patio cover, Trellis, etcetera, all structures, not buildings,
It would be pretty big to be an assembly area.
Would you need access? Are there other areas of shade near by? is the grass area accessible?
 
& = & = &

From the `15 IBC, Ch. 2 - Definitions "Equipment Platform":
An unoccupied, elevated structure used exclusively for
mechanical systems or industrial process equipment, including
the associated elevated walk-ways, stairways, alternating tread
devices and ladders necessary to access the platform ( see
Section 505.3 ).


& = & = &
 
& = & = &

From the `15 IBC, Ch. 2 - Definitions "Equipment Platform":
An unoccupied, elevated structure used exclusively for
mechanical systems or industrial process equipment, including
the associated elevated walk-ways, stairways, alternating tread
devices and ladders necessary to access the platform ( see
Section 505.3 ).


& = & = &
Does not say space below it cannot be occupied, as in a resting space in the shade
 
Not a building but is a structure. A carport, Patio cover, Trellis, etcetera, all structures, not buildings,
It would be pretty big to be an assembly area.
Would you need access? Are there other areas of shade near by? is the grass area accessible?

Yes, it is over and adjacent to a turf area, classrooms near by, no trees nearby. it is about 16 x 60' - a lot of shade available.

Are Solar voltaics considered equipment (as they have no moving parts).
 
Does not say space below it cannot be occupied, as in a resting space in the shade

1. electrical is not mechanical (no?); if area beneath invites use of shade it must then be accessible, no
2. Access to panels is by ladder or lift, no ladders.
 
An ADA issue, if you build it, it will be used, especially if providing shade on a shadeless site.
Because the use beneath it (a turf area) is not specified, though at any time it could be used, our boss is calling it an equipment structure.
are solar voltaics equipment (no moving parts)?
If students can collect beneath it (think sun, rain storm, lightning) why wouldn't it be seen as an assembly area?
In which case a portion would have to be an accessible surface, no?
 
What is the principal intent of the structure - besides if used for shelter in a thunderstorm, it may prove to be more unsafe than the shelter they seek. I am all for ADA - however, one cannot what if a project because if then, we would have to design the structure for future use as a movie theater, homeless shelter, vinyard, etc. Point is, where do you stop the what if ---- because if you open one what if, it will morph into more ----- now I can use it for an outdoor classroom for example, outdoor concerts for the school band, etc.
 
This is ridiculous. They're solar panels, and their intended use is to provide electrical power. Whatever make believe, what-if nonsense about what a kid could do beneath them is just that. If you require anything other than the electrical permit for the panels, then you're doing your job wrong.
 
are solar voltaics equipment (no moving parts)

An electrical transformer has no moving parts, but I would consider that equipment.


IF the area beneath the solar array is considered usable space, are you opening a can of worms?

How high are the solar panels above the ground? If less than 7'-6", then there is insufficient height for egress.

Are sprinklers required? Group A-2 (eating lunch) only allows a 5,000 sf fire area. Group E allows 12,000 sf. Playing tag and other games is Group A-3 and allows 12,000 sf fire area or less than a 300 person occupant load.

Are plumbing fixtures required? What is the occupant load based on? Assembly standing space @ 5 sf / person net? 7 sf / person net?
 
You can't but that doesn't mean that certain uses won't attract suer's.
As to height, these are (+) 12' above the turf beneath, on a school site.
 
You are asking whether solar panels are a "building" but in context, you are really asking an accessibility question for solar panels. Here in California, the Division of the State Architect has created a detailed policy regarding when and where solar installations trigger accessibility requirements at their facilities (especially schools):
here: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/DSA/Publications/interpretations_of_regs/IR_11B-9_12-12-13.pdf?la=en&hash=E8305D5E9A2C700FAFCA2547D2640EA9D63B0A31

Here's some excerpts:

4B - Unrestricted Access with No Change in Use - If access to the area
below the PV system is not physically restricted and there is no proposed change
of use of the area below the elevated PV system components:

a. The area below the elevated PV system components must be accessible
consistent with the CBC accessibility provisions applicable to the current use
of that area... For example, if the area beneath the PV system elevated components is being used as an outdoor lunch area, scoping provisions for dining surfaces in 11B-226 and technical provisions for dining surfaces in 11B-902 will apply.

b. If the current use of the area below the elevated PV system components
requires that area to be on an accessible route, one shall be provided.

c. The project, including incidental work to implement a) and b) above, is not
an alteration that would trigger path of travel upgrades... California Building Code §11B-202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. Exceptions: 7. “Projects consisting only of . . . electrical work not involving the placement of switches or receptacles . . . shall not be required to comply with 11B-202.4 unless they affect the usability of the building or facility.”

d. When located on sloping ground (running slope exceeds 5%) the area below
the elevated PV system components need not be made accessible.​

 
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At issue is the willingness of providers to offer them for free to school districts but don't want to pay for required ADA site compliance requirements when they are used as "shade" structures too.
 
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