Building Classification Question

[Alias]

I have a 24,000 + building being constructed for USFS here. It will have a dispatch office that will be staffed part-time (8-5) unless there is a major fire here on the local forest. They will only be dispatching for Forest Service, no other agencies.

I would classify this as a "B" occupancy.

Question - Would you consider this an essential services building?

The reason for the question is that I have never heard of an essential services building before. I have a letter from the engineer questioning this classification as an essential services building which was mentioned by a third party.

Thanks,

Sue

 

[gbhammer]

IBC T1604.5 occupancy category IV, if it meets any of those listed facilities then it is an essential services building. It may fall under the fourth bullet point.

 

[mark handler]

Sue

That is a question you need to direct to the USFS, if it were a state or local agency owned building, Yes

In 1986, the California Legislature determined that buildings providing essential services should be capable of providing those services to the public after a disaster. Their intent in this regard was defined in legislation known as the Essential Services Buildings Seismic Safety Act of 1986 and includes requirements that such buildings shall be “…designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards and to resist the forces of earthquakes, gravity and winds.”

This enabling legislation can be found in the California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 2, sections 16000 through 16022. In addition, the California Building Code defines how the intent of the act is to be implemented in Title 24, Part 1 of the California Building Standards Administrative Code, Chapter 4, Articles 1 through 3. You can view the individual sections online (www.leginfo.ca.gov).

Enforcement

Responsibility for enforcement of the act falls to the local building jurisdiction for locally owned or leased facilities and to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for State owned or leased facilities. However, the duties and responsibilities of the State Architect include observing the implementation and administration of the act’s provisions for all including "...providing advice and assistance to local jurisdictions regarding essential services buildings." Therefore, DSA should be contacted for assistance if your local building jurisdiction cannot answer questions. The State Architect's Sacramento Headquarters can be reached at (916) 445-8100.

I also would classify this as a "B" occupancy.

 

[Alias]

Mark -

Sorry, wasn't clear. Private party will own building and is leasing it back to Forest Service. Building will be built to GSA specs. I'll try DSA after lunch.

 

[mark handler]

That is a question you need to direct to the USFS, Not DSA. DSA has no authority over federal facilities, even if leased.

 

[Alias]

Mark - Thank you, the answer I wanted. I am declaring it a non-essential building.