2006 IEBC
CHAPTER 9
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
SECTION 901
GENERAL
901.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply where a change of occupancy occurs, as defined in Section 202, including:
1. Where the occupancy classification is not changed, or
2. Where there is a change in occupancy classification or the occupancy group designation changes. #2 is applicable
901.3 Change of occupancy classification.
Where the occupancy classification of a building changes, the provisions of Sections 902 through 912 shall apply. This includes a change of occupancy classification within a group as well as a change of occupancy classification from one group to a different group. Every body agrees this went from an R-3 to a R-2 for the whole building.
912.1.1 Compliance with Chapter 8.
The requirements of Chapter 8 shall be applicable throughout the building for the new occupancy classification based on the separation conditions set forth in Sections 912.1.1.1 and 912.1.1.2.
912.1.1.1 Change of occupancy classification without separation.
Where a portion of an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating as required in the International Building Code for the separate occupancy, the entire building shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 8 applied throughout the building for the most restrictive occupancy classification in the building and with the requirements of this chapter. No fire barriers between tenants only fire partitions so Chapter 8 is applicable to the whole building.
804.1 Automatic sprinkler systems.
Automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 704.2 shall be provided in all work areas. So as docgj pointed out we should be in IEBC 704.2
704.2.2 Groups A, E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4, S-1 and S-2.
In buildings with occupancies in Groups A, E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4, S-1, and S-2, work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant or that serve an occupant load greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic sprinkler protection where all of the following conditions occur: Will more than one tenant share an exit or corridor? Will it serve an occupant load greater than 30? If so then ALL the following conditions shall occur.
1. The work area is required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with the International Building Code as applicable to new construction; Yes
2. The work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area; and Don’t know
3. The building has sufficient municipal water supply for design of a fire sprinkler system available to the floor without installation of a new fire pump. More than likely but if on a well no sprinklers.
Exception: Work areas in Group R occupancies three stories or less in height.
Jar’s post #22 indicates it is 2 stories so no sprinkler required.
I am not real familar with the IEBC so if I missed something and that may have lead to the wrong conclusion PLEASE correct me.