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B occupancy educational beyond the 12th grade

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retire09

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303.1 specifically states that an A occupancy less than 50 is a B. The exception applies to any A occupancy.

B occupancies include educational occupancies for students beyond the 12th grade.

No exceptions are listed for the B occupancies so I would say a college classroom with a load over 50 is still a B occupancy.

The commentary says a B college classroom over 50 is an A-3 and refers to 303.1.

How and why would anyone come to this conclusion from reading the code as written?

What is the correct classification for a college classroom over 50 and if it is an A-3, why is education beyond 12th grade not listed as an A-3 rather than a 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.

Will have to look at the commentary, but would say strict base code, classroom would not be an A
 
E occupancies are for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

Beyond the 12th grade is a B.

Only a lecture hall is listed as being an A-3.
 
A Group A occupancy is described by the code as a space used "for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation." The list is not definitive by the use of "such as."

A classroom is a space used "for the gathering of persons." It is a space occupied by a high number of people in a density greater than most other occupied spaces. How is a college classroom with 50 students any different than a dining room with 50 customers? In my opinion there is no difference--they both have a high number of occupants and there are tables and chairs (or desks) that can impede egress.
 
I agree that they fit the description of an A but the point is, they are specifically listed as E and B occupancies so why would would call them an A?
 
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