Business Occupancy with Accessory Assembly Use

[Chris Sanders]

Good morning-

I'm working on a project with a lower level with offices on either side of an A-3 assembly space. The A-3 space is > 10% of the story, but is < 750 s.f. I'd like to use 508.3.1 exception 1 to allow all spaces to be B but...

...this exception indicates that "accessory assembly spaces" less than 750 s.f. qualify. Does this mean that, in order to achieve the "accessory" designation, that the space must first be < 10% of the story, and then if it's < 750 s.f. it conforms with exception 1?

Thanks for your help!

 

[texasbo]

I think you are reading it correctly; I would permit the use of exception 1.

 

[Builder Bob]

The exceptions are saying for it to be classified as an assembly occupancy. that it must be greater than 750 s.f.; and (if more than 750 s.f.) cannot exceed 10% of the floor area. This still does not allow the ooccupant load to be calcualated at 100 gross for a business occupancies..... only the office areas, conference rooms tend to be viewed as 15 net.

 

[north star]

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Chris Sanders,



Welcome to The Codes Forum! Come back often and spread the word!



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[cda]

What kind of A-3 do you have?

What is the occupant load???

 

[Chris Sanders]

What kind of A-3 do you have? What is the occupant load???

It's actually kind of a strange arrangement...didn't want to confuse the "accessory" issue with a program description, though maybe a better description is in order.

The original program is for a 10-unit R-2 residence on a sloping site. Later, the owner decided to pursue adding a basement to house (in the future) some office functions. The basement would also house a "workout room" for residents, which I've classified as A-3. I was trying to eliminate the Assembly classification to get a better Allowable Height and Building Area outcome, and possibly simplify some egress requirements.

 

[cda]

If you are less then 50 you are a B

So if you have less then 750 sq ft you should be a B. Very easily

Not sure if that helps any

 

[Glennman CBO]

Chris,

You must be in the '06 IBC? FYI, I don't find the 750 sq ft exception in the '09.

 

[Gene Boecker]

The exception applies.

The 750 SF is meant as a first look at the space to see if it even needs to be looked at as assembly.

 

[Chris Sanders]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my code question!