Does a sales "display" that looks like a room trigger a building permit?

[Yikes]

Picture a big box retail store that has large, room-like items on display, available for order/sale - - do the items require plan check in order to display them in their fully built condition inside the store? They may be taller than 5'-9", have doors that close, and prospective buyers can walk through/inside them; they may have a roof on them which would shed water from fire sprinklers, and the store's fire alarm strobes may not be visible while someone walks inside the display.

Let's assume for the moment that the store has provided all required circulation around the items, so they are not blocking the store's means of egress.
Here's the examples:

A children's playhouse:


A freestanding sauna:


A storage shed (again, picture this inside the big box retailer):


A luxury camping tent/yurt:


A few more thoughts for consideration:

• None of them meet the IBC 202 definition of "building" because they are not utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy. They are intended to visually entice a sale.
• They might fall under IBC 106.2.1 exceptions to permit for "one story detached accessory structures under 120 SF", except that they are inside another building (the big box retail store), so does that make them "attached"?
• In Los Angeles, LABC 106.2 exc. #6 exempts permits for "exhibits, booths, partitions and display counters for use not exceeding 30 days... and not exceeding 12' in height". But these will likely be on sales display longer than 30 days.

 

[bill1952]

Kind of like stage or cinema scenery is usually exempt from permit (but not code compliance). Not to permitting, but you might use codes for exhibits (trade shows) which also are not permitted.

Duration would be a factor.

I wonder how the IBC structural changes for temporary structures will affect this.

 

[mtlogcabin]

They are displays and if they are closed on top and more than 4 foot wide tell them to sprinkle them or remove the top/obstruction

[F] 903.3.3 Obstructed locations.
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

 

[e hilton]

No different than a furniture showroom. Or a sporting goods store with tents set up.

 

[Joe.B]

Most of what you showed could be considered exempt from permits based on CBC 105.2

IMHO...

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m2).

 

[steveray]

Whether they trigger a permit or not, compliance is required....

[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from
permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation
of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances
of this jurisdiction.

 

[Mark K]

I can see it now there is a big trade show in a convention facility. The building inspector visits the trade show floor and finds a number of cases where either there is no permit or where there are perceived non-compliances thus effectively shutting down the trade show. Be very careful the push back could be significant even if you are technically in the right.

What do you do to prevent this from happening?

 

[Joe.B]

I can see it now there is a big trade show in a convention facility. The building inspector visits the trade show floor and finds a number of cases where either there is no permit or where there are perceived non-compliances thus effectively shutting down the trade show. Be very careful the push back could be significant even if you are technically in the right.

What do you do to prevent this from happening?

Why we would make sure an engineer signs off on it first. What could possibly go wrong then? And if something did go wrong the Engineer would take full responsibility right?

 

[bill1952]

Hopefully the convention facility management and authorities having jurisdiction have agreed on requirements by time facility was constructed and the contract between facility and exhibitors cover it. I would expect convention facility management to take action before fire service of building department even shows up.

 

[Mark K]

You are assuming that the vendors got the message in advance and that they understand what you want. They are the ones providing the displays. You are also assuming that the engineer or architect hired by the vendor understood the code the same way your inspector or plan checker did. A dirty secret is that there are times where the engineer or architect knows more than the plan checker or inspector.

The engineer's liability may be less than what you assume. You obviously are not familiar with the law related to negligence.

Remember these temporary displays occur after the facility is occupied. and the people managing the facility do not have the background of an architect or engineer.

Even if you are in the right technically the political push back from the venue could be significant. These players may be less intimidated by you than the typical homeowner. If it is a city facility and/or the trade show results in significant spending locally the Mayor may be unhappy especially, if this results in an impression that the city is not friendly to trade shows.

 

[Yikes]

Most of what you showed could be considered exempt from permits based on CBC 105.2

IMHO...

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m2).

When an accessory structure sits inside / on the floor of another large room, is it still considered "detached"?

 

[Joe.B]

You are assuming

OMG dude you are too much! I get that it's hard to hear sarcasm or tone based on text alone, but REALLY?!?!?! Learn to take a joke or see some humor in life, and learn to get over whatever issues you have with code officials. Lighten up man.

You crack me up, seriously. <sarcasm> I try to see past your attitude but really you just seem to want to push buttons. <no sarcasm>

 

[Joe.B]

When an accessory structure sits inside / on the floor of another large room, is it still considered "detached"?

I mean, unless the bolt it down, yeah, I'd say its detached. And like others said, it could be considered no different than other display items. Start running utilities to it though.... <wink, sarcasm>

Apparently if you don't add subtext certain people here will mistake your intentions.

 

[bill1952]

You are assuming that the vendors got the message in advance and that they understand what you want. They are the ones providing the displays. You are also assuming that the engineer or architect hired by the vendor understood the code the same way your inspector or plan checker did. A dirty secret is that there are times where the engineer or architect knows more than the plan checker or inspector.

The engineer's liability may be less than what you assume. You obviously are not familiar with the law related to negligence.

Remember these temporary displays occur after the facility is occupied. and the people managing the facility do not have the background of an architect or engineer.

Even if you are in the right technically the political push back from the venue could be significant. These players may be less intimidated by you than the typical homeowner. If it is a city facility and/or the trade show results in significant spending locally the Mayor may be unhappy especially, if this results in an impression that the city is not friendly to trade shows.

I don't know how much you work with the people that design and build the exhibits or the people that manage the facilities but in my experience with many, I think you greatly underestimate their professionalism.

 

[ICE]

OMG dude you are too much! I get that it's hard to hear sarcasm or tone based on text alone, but REALLY?!?!?! Learn to take a joke or see some humor in life, and learn to get over whatever issues you have with code officials. Lighten up man.

You crack me up, seriously. <sarcasm> I try to see past your attitude but really you just seem to want to push buttons. <no sarcasm>

Is this an audition for a part in the show?

 

[mtlogcabin]

The OP was asking about a retail store display not a convention facility with vendors that change every week or so.

 

[SCBO1]

Like mtnlogcabin noted.
A coffee kiosk with a plastic roof comes to mind, and how the sprinkler system would cover the area.