Fitness center equipment?

[SCBO1]

Fitness center area for exercise occupant load is listed do you use the same for calculating the equipment area for the weight machines?

Pc1

 

[cda]

I would say yes

50 sq ft 8x6 not sure how big a tread mill is

 

[kilitact]

Table 1004.1.1 uses 50 gross per for exercise.

 

[TimNY]

1 per 50 except it will most likely be increased per 1004.2.

Although you have no obligation to do so, you may want to request a diagram and deal with it sooner rather than later. Treadmills, spin rooms etc will fit more than 1 per 50. Way more. I use 1 per 50 for yoga and I have had that increased as well.

Tim

 

[TimNY]

One further thought.. you may want to address MOE at this point as well. I had a spin room with tiered bike platforms. Because the equipment (could just as easily be treadmills) is stacked side-by-side, they had issues with the original design because occupants would need to travel completely around the rows of bikes.

They ended up breaking the rows in the middle and having a center exit aisle. Easier solved in the design phase as the tiers exceeded the allowable riser height.

Tim

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Make sure they have a clear floor space next to each machine if you are using IBC 2012 ch. 11 and ICC A117.1-2009 (section 1104).

 

[kilitact]

The occupant load could decrease in accordance with the exception, which is a more likely scenario.

 

[TimNY]

The occupant load could decrease in accordance with the exception, which is a more likely scenario.

What exception?

Tim

 

[Mech]

From 2009 IBC

1004.1.1 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.1. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall not be less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant per unit of area factor assigned to the occupancy as set forth in Table 1004.1.1. Where an intended use is not listed in Table 1004.1.1, the building official shall establish a use based on a listed use that most nearly resembles the intended use.

Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

 

[kilitact]

Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load. Sec. 1004.1.1 exception. Perhaps not in New York city!

 

[TimNY]

If it were built-in equipment I would probably allow them to propose a lower occupancy.

I wouldn't be receptive to that exception with portable equipment. Consider a treadmill occupies less than 25sf and occupancy by table says 50sf.

Possible.. Yes.. More likely.. I don't know.

In my experience (not that I have 100's of fitness centers under my belt) they are always trying to cram more people in. The big money is in classes where 1 instructor is leading large classes. However, each application has to be examined on it's merits. Just pointing out possible pitfalls.

Tim

 

[SCBO1]

I went with 50 gross, occupant load was near 50 or less. Was not sure how to calc the tread mills and the weight slappers that take up space, was not provided a floor layout.

Thanks for the info.

pc1

 

[fatboy]

I think you are typically safe with 50/occ.

 

[JBI]

The 50 sf takes into account that machines and weight racks are taking up much of the space.

Aren't plans and specifications required to be sufficient for the AHJ to make a determination regarding compliance?

If so, then ask for the information you need to make said determination. That's the DPR's job.