Assembly Classification for Gymnasium and Cafeteria

[Phil B]

Assembly Group A-2 includes cafeterias. Would the classification still apply if the cafeteria was part of an educational complex?

If the same building contained a gymnasium with bleacher seating, would that be A-3? A-3 includes gymnasiums, but without spectator seating. How do you classify a gymnasium with bleachers in an educational complex? Group A-4 doesn't seem to apply.

 

[TheCommish]

up to 12 grade the building would be an E use group, the cafeterias and gym would be A use group, using the A designation to calculate potential occupancy numbers for exiting and bathrooms users

 

[RLGA]

“303.1.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is associated with a Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.”

The gym and cafeteria are classified as Group E occupancies. However, when determining the occupant load of those spaces, use the applicable Assembly “Function of Space” in Table 1004.5.

If the cafeteria and gym are used for public functions (e.g., plays, spectator sport events, choir concerts, etc.), then they should be classified in the appropriate Group A occupancy.

 

[Phil B]

“303.1.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is associated with a Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.”

The gym and cafeteria are classified as Group E occupancies. However, when determining the occupant load of those spaces, use the applicable Assembly “Function of Space” in Table 1004.5.

If the cafeteria and gym are used for public functions (e.g., plays, spectator sport events, choir concerts, etc.), then they should be classified in the appropriate Group A occupancy.

Related question: Family restrooms are required in assembly and mercantile restrooms where more than 6 toilet fixtures are required for each sex. Is it correct that this requirement does not apply to Educational occupancies even though some of the occupant loads are calculated using Assembly criteria?

 

[RLGA]

Related question: Family restrooms are required in assembly and mercantile restrooms where more than 6 toilet fixtures are required for each sex. Is it correct that this requirement does not apply to Educational occupancies even though some of the occupant loads are calculated using Assembly criteria?

Since Section 1110.2.1 uses the phrase "assembly and mercantile occupancies," then it would not apply to assembly functions of use as determined by Table 1004.5. Since the intent of Section 303.1.3 is for assembly spaces used solely by students, faculty, and staff, there is no need for a "family" restroom. However, in the interest of accessibility where a student may need assistance from a teacher or staff member per a 504 or IEP accommodation plan, an assisted-use toilet room might be a reasonable amenity to include, but it is not required by code.

However, if the assembly rooms are used for public access to assembly functions, as I mentioned in my previous post, then family/assisted-use toilet rooms would be required if the number exceeds the maximum threshold of Section 1110.2.1. Keep in mind that only those fixtures identified for the assembly occupancies are required to be included in determining the threshold.

 

[Phil B]

Since Section 1110.2.1 uses the phrase "assembly and mercantile occupancies," then it would not apply to assembly functions of use as determined by Table 1004.5. Since the intent of Section 303.1.3 is for assembly spaces used solely by students, faculty, and staff, there is no need for a "family" restroom. However, in the interest of accessibility where a student may need assistance from a teacher or staff member per a 504 or IEP accommodation plan, an assisted-use toilet room might be a reasonable amenity to include, but it is not required by code.

However, if the assembly rooms are used for public access to assembly functions, as I mentioned above, then family/assisted-use toilet rooms would be required if the number exceeds the maximum threshold of Section 1110.2.1. Keep in mind that only those fixtures identified for the assembly occupancies are required to be included in determining the threshold.

Thank you!

 

[bill1952]

Are there high schools where the gym and theatre are not ever opened to the public? Hard to imagine.

 

[Phil B]

Are there high schools where the gym and theatre are not ever opened to the public? Hard to imagine.

I imagine for worst case scenario you'd have to consider the possibility of the gym being used for some sort of assembly function. Good question.

 

[bill1952]

I can imagine a auxiliary gym in a large HS without bleachers maybe not being open to public, but if bleachers or fixed seating or a chair storage room, it's going to be a A.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

A school where they said the public will not be using the gym or cafeteria and then later you find out they are, they will need to have a Change of Occupancy in those areas per IEBC which would require the Family restrooms. Seems like easier to put them in right away.

 

[Sifu]

Are there high schools where the gym and theatre are not ever opened to the public? Hard to imagine.

Many have made that claim, none have been able to demonstrate it upon analysis on the projects I have done.

 

[bill1952]

And one space used for gym, lunch, and it has a stage. Wouldn't just be the most restrictive requirements of all the (inside) As?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

And one space used for gym, lunch, and it has a stage. Wouldn't just be the most restrictive requirements of all the (inside) As?

Such combination spaces are far more prevalent in elementary and perhaps middle schools than in high schools but, yes -- for such multi-use space, the occupant load and plumbing fixture count have to be based on the most restrictive of the various potential uses.

 

[Sifu]

In the debate about the language of 303.1.3 between what is "ancillary and supportive" and/or "associated" with a group E occupancy, I found new criteria listed in the 2021 commentary that was not in the 2018. This is pretty helpful IMO, but why not put it in the code? I haven't tracked down any proposals to do so, so maybe they have tried, but if its good enough (by good I mean CLEAR) for the commentary......Just thought I would share since I have a 2,000 OL gymnasium classified as an E in a school with about 250 staff and students.

The assembly functions are to be used solely by the students and staff of the school. If the spaces are to be used for functions where more than the students and staff are in attendance. they would be classified into the appropriate Group A occupancy based on their specific function.

 

[bill1952]

Well, it seems the cafeteria, gym, and theatre of most high schools are used by more than the students and staffs in most high schools. But then even classrooms are sometimes used by other than students, at least on parents night. That word "solely" doesn't leave a lot of room.