Re: Change of Use: Group U to Group A5
IBC 2006 - Commentary, Section 303, Group A5: "Structures classified in Group A-5 are outdoor facilities where people assemble to view or participate in social and recreational activities. In order to qualify as and outdoor facility, the structure must be one where the products of combustion are freely and rapidly vented to the atmosphere (i.e., a structure without enclosures that would prevent the free movement of smoke from the occupied area to the outside). Any recreation facility that has exterior walls that enclose the facility and a roof that fully covers the area would not be classified in Group A-5, but rather in Group A-3 or A-4 depending on whether a seating area has been provided."
If an event does occur and smoke fills the building to the 9'-0" above finish floor elevation. The smoke will not accumulate below this level. It will escape at 9'-0" to the atmosphere. The building is open at all times. There are no wall panels, retractable doors or other.
Where do you imply your position in regard to A5? I do not discern the same from the data published with IBC 2006 or commentary? Clearly, A3 and A4 are enclosed, or hybrid enclosure type structures. This is not. Even if the eave of this building was at 9' without exterior walls, I still believe it is open to the atmosphere. There is no heat or air conditioning.
