Classification of Work

[mcfd]

Forgive me this probably beginner's question, but when considering a building undergoing a change of occupancy, am I correct that that becomes the official 'classification of work'? In other words, change of occupancy is its own distinct classification, not an added consideration under say Level 3 Alterations. (I know that using the Change of Occupancy classification you have to reference previous requirements.)

Thanks much.

 

[RLGA]

If an area of a building is being altered, but its use does not change, then it is an alteration. For example, a floor in an office building is being remodeled to provide a more efficient plan by eliminating many small offices and create open office areas, then that is an alteration.

If an area of a building is being altered, but its use of space will change, then it is a change of occupancy. For example, a big box store (Group M) is being converted into a K-12 school (Group E). Even though it is an alteration, the change of use makes it a change of occupancy and is only subject to the change of occupancy requirements (which typically are a bit more restrictive than a Level 3 Alteration).

A change of occupancy does not necessarily require a change in the occupancy group. For example, A restaurant (Group A-2) may change into a nightclub (also a Group A-2); however, the application of the code changes because of the change in use (more occupants for nightclubs, means larger means of egress and more plumbing fixtures, and may require a sprinkler if one did not previously exist).

Some portions of a building may have alterations with no change in use (Alteration), while other portions of the same building will have alterations that do have a change in use (Change of Occupancy). Each area with a different type of work classification is subject to the requirements of only that work classification.

 

[mcfd]

Thanks Ron,
We definitely are doing a change of occupancy, but my question is whether or not 'Change of Occupancy' is the full 'Classification of Work'. Or does that even make sense? In other words, if it's a change of occupancy, then it wouldn't be classified as any type of Alteration Level; sound about right?

It's for the entire building in this case, changing from F-1 to a mixed-use, B and M.

Thanks for the point about a change of occupancy within an occupancy group; I'm filling that away with other useful pieces of knowledge for future reference.

 

[RLGA]

Thanks Ron,
We definitely are doing a change of occupancy, but my question is whether or not 'Change of Occupancy' is the full 'Classification of Work'. Or does that even make sense? In other words, if it's a change of occupancy, then it wouldn't be classified as any type of Alteration Level; sound about right?

It's for the entire building in this case, changing from F-1 to a mixed-use, B and M.

Thanks for the point about a change of occupancy within an occupancy group; I'm filling that away with other useful pieces of knowledge for future reference.

Each work area only has one classification. If the entire floor area of the building is classified as Type F-1 and is now being split into Groups B and M, then the entire building is the work area and the classification of work is considered a change of occupancy--no other classification would apply.

 

[mcfd]

Good, exactly what I thought.

Thanks again,
Matt