650 square feet event space group classification.

[bwhittytor]

In a renovated build, we have a 650 square foot space that we would like to use for events of under 30 people. We have built two exits from the space and have two dedicated washrooms for the space. It is in a three story building. Would the best classification be Group A or E? With a classification of Group A, what additional costly requirements would there be? Very much appreciated.

 

[cda]

Not an A, not over 50 people.

So what is this part of?? A school??

Or what???

Should be no additional code items.

 

[bwhittytor]

Residential building with commercial on main level which is where the event space will be. I didn't realize that Group A was over 50 occupants.

What group classification would you suggest?

 

[RLGA]

Since the room is less than 750 sq. ft., it can either be classified as Group B or as part of the main occupancy.

The occupant load will need to be shown as 43, based on 15 sq. ft. per occupant if tables and chairs are used.

 

[bwhittytor]

Since the room is less than 750 sq. ft., it can either be classified as Group B or as part of the main occupancy.

The occupant load will need to be shown as 43, based on 15 sq. ft. per occupant if tables and chairs are used.

THANK YOU! As a group B are there additional requirements? It is an open room that I hope to offer events in.

 

[cda]

THANK YOU! As a group B are there additional requirements? It is an open room that I hope to offer events in.

I am thinking not much,,, You should contact the local building dept/ official and ask,,, Might be some local stuff

 

[Yikes]

 

[Tim Mailloux]

what if the space has an occupant load over 50 people (condition 1) but is under 750sqft (condition 2)?

We are assuming an occupant load calculation of 1 person per 15sf based on a tables and chairs function of space. What if the space will be used for chairs only or standing room at a higher occupant load pushing the occupant count over 50 people. Can the space still be classified as B or that of the main occupancy?

 

[SH225]

As it is described, this space doesn’t seem to be accessory to another occupancy, as is a condition in 303.1.2. The event space is a function separate from the adjacent commercial space. If that’s the case, only 303.1.1 applies and only occupant load is noted in the code as determining whether this is Group B or A. If this could be a meeting with primarily only chairs rather than always chairs and tables, this seems like Group A due to the occupant load (1 per 7 SF) being over 50.

 

[Yikes]

what if the space has an occupant load over 50 people (condition 1) but is under 750sqft (condition 2)?

We are assuming an occupant load calculation of 1 person per 15sf based on a tables and chairs function of space. What if the space will be used for chairs only or standing room at a higher occupant load pushing the occupant count over 50 people. Can the space still be classified as B or that of the main occupancy?

IMO yes, per IBC 303.1.2 exc. #2, a 749 SF meeting room with no tables or chairs and more than 50 occupants can still be called a "B" occupancy.

"Occupancy Classification" per IBC chapter 3 and "Function of Space" in IBC Table 1004.5 are two separate concepts that happen to share similar words, such as the word "assembly". A "B" occupancy classification can have an "assembly without fixed seats" function of space within it; when it does, you still need to design the exit system accordingly: 2 means of egress for the "B" occupancy with more than 49 occupants per Table 1006.2.1, etc.

In that scenario, the advantage to still calling it a "B" occupancy mainly has to do with other portions of the code. For example, per Table 504.4, a 749 SF "B" occupancy can be located on the second floor of a Type V-B nonsprinklered building, but a 751 SF "A-3" occupancy can only be located on the first floor of the same kind of building.

Also - just as a reminder - when determining the number of bathroom fixtures to serve this space, keep in mind that the occupant load for plumbing purposes may be different than the occupant load for exiting purposes. In California, our plumbing code's occupant load factor "Table A" for a dance hall with no fixed seating is 15 SF per person, whereas the same room has a Table 1004.5 exiting occupant load of 7 SF per person.