Decks off of an A-2

[jar546]

Lots of bars and restaurants are starting to inquire with zoning about adding decks and patios onto their business.

How do you folks handle this situation if you are under the IBC/IEBC?

Thanks

 

[cboboggs]

Have one of these going on right now. A 2nd story deck for a "wine house". The plans were drawn by the contractor using residential type construction methods. I promptly sent them back with the note "Deck plans must be signed and sealed by a Missouri Registered Design Professional". We don't have a lot of these type of structures here, thankfully.

 

[Examiner]

Decks are structures and would require egress from them. Just because they are outside would not except them from the require EXITS, loading, occupant loads etc. Patio’s, if enclosed, would also have an occupant load and also would require egress. Do not forget about accessibility also. If they are exiting back into the building in lieu of an outside exit then you would be adding to the occupant load of the building. Oh, added occupant loads increase restroom requirements.

 

[north star]

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jar,

I concur with cboboggs response! Because of the assembly type occupancy

and the loads that would be imposed on said decks / patios, [ if allowed to ] I

would send the plans back for a registered design seal & signature and have

an architect / engineer provide some structural designs, ...rather than

Kornbread's Deck Bilding Services.



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[jar546]

I think the hard part is explaining to them that they may have to add restrooms in order to comply with the plumbing code when they add a deck/patio.

 

[steveray]

Also make sure that the construction type is compatible with the construction of the existing structure! (Height and area!) Might not be a problem, but could get real ugly and expensive quick! JM2C!

 

[texasbo]

One of the main problems we've had is getting the exits right (coming back into the building) if the deck isn't served by exterior stairs.

 

[Gene Boecker]

There is already the provision in 1004.8 that outdoor areas must be included in the occupant load calculation. And with regards to plumbing fixtures, it's covered by footnote "d" to Table 2902.1 for seasonal outdoor seating.

There are several code changes on that issue that just went through the hearings in Dallas:

1021.1 (IFC 1021.1) General.

Each story and occupied roof shall have the minimum number of exits, or access to exits, as specified in this section. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps providing access to exits, from any story shall be maintained until arrival at grade or a public way. Exits or access to exits from any story shall be configured in accordance with this section. Each story above the second story of a building shall have a minimum of one interior or exterior exit stairway, or interior or exterior exit ramp. At each story above the second story that requires a minimum of three or more exits, or access to exits, a minimum of 50% of the required exits shall be interior or exterior exit stairways, or interior or exterior exit ramps.

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Exceptions:

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1. Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps are not required in open parking garages where the means of egress serves only the open parking garage.

2. Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps are not required in outdoor facilities where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside.

And, although a proposal (G86) did not get approved, the discussions and committee action recognized that the occupied roof does not pose a problem for height and area. Other factors prevail but for that there was consensus.

Just don't make them sprinkler the outdoor seating, OK?

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[FredK]

Have no two story stuff here on commercial so no decks. yet.

But some of the designs on current homes are suspect. Got a small one with a chair on a pole. Just don't feel like telling him he needs a permit.