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A2 or A3

Mr. Inspector

Mr. Inspector

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
4,657
Location
Poconos/eastern PA
2018 I codes
A 1,932 sq ft existing tenant space in a shopping center wants to put 9 in "skill game" machines in along with a pool table, and corn hole. Also an 8' long bar. Did not say if serving drinks or BYOB or nothing. Skill game machines are legal gambling machines that you can win cash with and are licensed by the state.
A2 occupancies includes Casinos (gaming areas) but A3 includes Amusement arcades. I am not sure which occupancy this should fall under.

Also, I don't know what the maximum floor area per occupant should be. If it is a "Gaming Floor" it is 11 gross but Assembly standing space would be 5 net which makes a huge difference on how many water closets and exits that will be needed. Also, a big difference in allowed sq. ft.

Architect gave me almost no basic info or what method in the IEBC as usual so far.

Also, what ventilation rate does it needs per IMC 403.3.1.1. For Game Arcades or Gambling Casinos?
 
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I'll get back once I get more info. I don't even know if they are serving food or drinks yet.

A-2 says uses intended for food and/or drink consumption. It does not say if serving food or drink. If there are just vending machines with food or drinks or if it was BYOB, does it matter?
 
If the primary purpose is food and drink A2, if it is the games A3...I'm drinking in my office right now, it's not a change of use...

❖ Group A-2 includes occupancies in which people congregate in high densities for social entertainment, including drinking and dancing (e.g., nightclubs, banquet halls, cabarets) and food and drink consumption (e.g., restaurants and bars). The uniqueness of these occupancies is characterized by some or all of the following:

  • •Low lighting levels.
  • •Entertainment by a live band or recorded music generating above-normal sound levels.
  • •No theatrical stage accessories.
  • •Later-than-average operating hours.
  • •Tables and seating arranged or positioned so as to create ill-defined aisles.
  • •A specific area designated for dancing.
  • •Service facilities for alcoholic beverages and food.
  • •High occupant load density.

A bar with games is a bar....Games with a bar is games....
 
Had a similar small project about 6 months ago. They proposed A-3 with OL for gaming floors & 11-gross. Once they provided the correct areas, they needed sprinklers. They had a bar, serving food and drinks. Of course the sprinklers blew them up. This was an A2 in my mind, and the CBO allowed the assembly net ratio calculations and deductions in floor area for the fixed gaming equipment (this was their salvation), which brought them down just enough. It was an odd project as I remember it. The feeling was that this was a bar with games, and the 11-gross would apply to the gaming area. But, it loaded the space beyond what could ever fit with the equipment so the contortions occurred.
 
Many years ago, our state building inspector decreed that for places such as exercise rooms, net floor area meant deducting the area taken up by the exercise machines. For arcade type game machines (whether it's an arcade for youths, a casino with banks of slot machines, or a bar with game machines and pool tables, I could see the same approach being used.
 
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