Changes in Occupancies

[Glennman CBO]

We have a building that was approved in the late 40's as a "B" occupancy (Greyhound Bus Station). Over the course of decades and changes in the codes, the modern occupancy would be an "A". Now, an outfit wants to convert it to a business office, which of course would be a "B".

I am only wanting to discuss the changes in occupancies that have taken place over the years with my example. Would you consider it a change of occupancy A to a B, or, since it was considered a B originally, and the new proposed use is a B, then no change of occupancy is taking place?

As an added note, with the size of the building, previous use, etc, I would consider the new use as less hazardous than the previous.

Thanks in advance.

 

[north star]

= : =

Was the original use documented meaning an actual

[ C. of O. ] as a "B" Occ. Group ?........If so, then

continue using as a "B".......If not documented as a

"B", ...the new "B" Occ. Group [ IMO ] would require

Accessibility [ locally adopted codes ] upgrades

throughout........ADA requirements [ Federal

requirements ] / upgrades will be required regardless.

= : =

 

[jar546]

It is what it was last. What it was 2 occupancies ago means nothing

 

[mtlogcabin]

A B to a B can be a change of occupancy by code definition IEBC CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of activity within a building that involves a change in application of the requirements of this code.

 

[mark handler]

IMPO

Permitted as a "B" occupancy, never altered?,still a "B" occupancy.

You will now have a less intense use of the "B" occupancy.

Yes you will need accessible upgrades, ADA, ANSI or Local/state, but you will need accessible upgrades.

Note that not all spaces need to be accessible.......

 

[jar546]

A B to a B can be a change of occupancy by code definition IEBC CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of activity within a building that involves a change in application of the requirements of this code.

Yeah, what he said

 

[Glennman CBO]

I have to agree with Mark Handler, although I do appreciate the different views. There is no change in the purpose or level of activities that "involves a change in the application of the requirements of this code". If you isolate the statement "purpose or level of activity" outside of the context, then everything is a change of occupancy. B to a B.

 

[Paul Sweet]

The letter assigned to an occupancy in a particular code edition doesn't matter as much as the definition of the occupancy. This would be a change in occupancy if the original B occupancy didn't include business offices.

On the other hand, if it remained a similar occupancy to a bus station, it would be considered an A-3 now, but this would not be a change in occupancy.