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Commercial building story height

J

Jason Jones

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Joined
Nov 13, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Wyoming
On a commercial building what would be the maximum height requirement to consider it one story? If I go past a certain height would it be considered a 2 story building?
 
Only if you have another level that qualifies as a story and not a mezzanine. Otherwise, you would just have a very tall single-story building. The maximum height in feet is limited by the construction type per Chapter 6 of the IBC.
 
Once you have the construction type, as stated by Ron, from Chapter 6, see IBC Table 504.3 for allowable building height.
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What would the construction type be for a automotive repair shop. I am trying to remodel a existing building and make it taller to clear tractor trailers. The city is in a dispute over this. They are confused if I make it taller they think I am adding a story. I told them it is still a 1 story building regardless it is just taller. They make everything a pain and don't know to seem the ibc codes themselves even though that's what they tell me they have to go off of.
 
Ok, I can understand their challenge if your not aware of the construction type.

Construction type deals with what materials were used in the construction of the building. Specifically, it deals with the amount of combustible materials used in the building. There are (5) primary types of construction that are outlined in IBC Ch. 6. Based upon the type of construction, occupancy classification, and protective measures (fire sprinklers), the IBC will provide allowable parameters for the construction of a building.

Based upon your intent, you will most likely need to hire an architect to review the existing construction and provide you and the AHJ a code analysis that demonstrates that the intended changes comply with the codes.

And just to clarify, do you intend to remove the entire roof/ceiling assembly and raise it higher?
 
Yes the whole roof will be removed and made higher. The city only requires a small amount of building to remain to consider it a remodel.
 
Jason Jones said:
Yes the whole roof will be removed and made higher. The city only requires a small amount of building to remain to consider it a remodel.
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Are you just in talks with them?

Or, showing them conceptual plans

Or, submitted a full submital for permit?
 
I am in talks with them. I have gave them building plans. The only issue is the debate of if I am adding a story. The issue with this city is if you add a story or go. Bigger on the footprint you have to follow the city's beautification laws. Which in this case would cause me to have to pave and curb and gutter to blocks of streets. It is just the city's way of trying to get small business owners to pay for things they shouldn't have to. Not like any small business owner could afford that anyway. So if it stays classified as 1 story I should be able to proceed. If not they want me to pave the streets.
 
STORY. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above (see "Basement," "Building height," "Grade plane" and "Mezzanine"). A story is measured as the vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.

Make sure that pre- and post- alteration the building only has one story.
 
According to table 504.3 even the simplest construction is good for 40 ft. Going to need a section through the building on the plans showing only one floor.
 
In Wyoming think of it as a horse, how many "hands" high will it be? Horses come in all sizes as do buildings (smiling).
 
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