2 story classification

[sergoodo]

Classifying the decking for mech equipment and storage in the attic as a 2nd floor and adding to building area.

Use IBC302 . 3 . 1 nonseparated B-S not IBC413 . 2 attic protection for storage?

717 . 4 Attic Draftstopping not applicable for a 2nd floor?

IBC 2003.

 

[pyrguy]

Re: 2 story classification

The mechanical equipment deck must be designed as a floor.

Not enough information to tell if it is a story. Attics usually are not stories.

 

[sergoodo]

Re: 2 story classification

usually....and especially when there is no occupancy...this just smells like a 2nd floor and jumping all over that. Logically its an attic.

Is there anything authoritative written regarding this for commercial. Residential has beaten this dead horse. I thought 413.2 and access per 1209.2 were, obviously not, cause this additional floor has wings.

 

[mueller]

Re: 2 story classification

Sergoodo-

Not exactly clear what you are asking, But I think you want to use attic space for storage.

Designating the attic an S use and calling it a story seems fine to me as long as it meets all other applicable requirements of this code. Otherwise it is an attic and is required to have draftstops, and seperation or sprinklers if used for storage of combustibles.