A-3/B occupancy on second floor

[retire09]

I have an A-3 building with a small second floor space used the same as the 1st floor as A-3 with an occupant load of less than 50.

Would the occupant load allow the second floor to be considered a B occupancy and avoid sprinklers for an A on the second floor?

Can they provide a 2 hr separation and avoid the sprinklers?

I would say no, but it sounds like it may have some promise.

 

[RLGA]

Assuming that the "small second floor space" is less than 750 sq. ft., one of the exceptions to the requirements for Group A is that a room or space "less than 750 square feet (70 m2) in area and accessory to another occupancy" can be classified as Group B. However, your space is not 'accessory' to another occupancy, therefore, it still must be considered a Group A.

Per Section 903.2.1.3, subparagraph 3, a fire area located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge is required to have a sprinkler system. You can separate the second floor with a 2-hour horizontal assembly to create two fire areas, but it won't change the occupancy group or change the fact that an A-3 fire area is not on the level of exit discharge.

Besides, if you install a sprinkler system on the first story, it will be a lot cheaper to install the sprinklers on the second story at the same time rather than retrofit them later.

 

[Builder Bob]

this is a case of designer option-

*Non-separated - Sprinkler required

* Separated- Sprinkler may be require don first floor, No sprinkler may be required due to horizontal fire barrier floor ceiling assembly as well as rated stair shafts

* Accessory - 10% or less of floor area being used --- doesn't sound like this applies

* Incidental - Don't think that this indicated use would qualify as it is not specifically listed in chart or table ;nor does it sound like a similar use