I do not have my 2015 code stretcher yet. It is on order
A-5: Structures classified in Group A-5 are outdoor facilities where people assemble to view or participate in social and recreational activities (e.g., stadiums, grandstands, bleachers, coliseums). In order to qualify as an outdoor facility, the structure must be one where the products of combustion are freely and rapidly vented to the atmosphere (i.e., a structure without enclosures that would prevent the free movement of smoke from the occupied area to the outside). Any recreation facility that has exterior walls that enclose the facility and a roof that fully covers the area would not be classified in Group A-5, but rather in Group A-3 or A-4 depending on whether a seating area has been provided. In the case of a structure with a retractable roof, the more stringent occupancy classification (i.e., Group A-4) would be required.
Since occupancies classified in Group A-5 are primarily viewing and sports participation areas, the fuel load associated with them is very low (i.e., the structure itself and seats). Since the fuel load present is relatively low and the expectation is that smoke will be quickly evacuated from the structure, the relative fire hazard of occupancies classified in Group A-5 is expected to be low. The life safety hazard from panic that might occur in an emergency, however, is a serious concern; hence, the capability of large crowds to exit the structure quickly and orderly during emergencies is an important design consideration (see Section 1028).
Both Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies will include a variety of uses that support the viewing of sports and similar activities. There will likely be luxury seating suites, locker rooms, toilet facilities and press boxes, which are clearly part of the overall uses of the facility. There will also be offices, food concession stands and merchandise stands which by their use are different occupancies, but are probably within the accessory occupancy limits established in Section 508.2. Because of the multitiered design of most Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies, the limit for accessory occupancies to account for less than 10 percent of the story will need to be creatively applied. There may be full-fledged restaurants that are in the same building, but may be open to guests not limited to those attending an event. An Group A-2 occupancy designation is likely the most appropriate classification unless the restaurant is clearly accessory to the arena or stadium use.
It is a patio not attached to anything
