Forklift repair tenant space - IBC 2018 Use Designation

[drawman]

Would a forklift repair shop be considered a motor vehicle repair shop and thus S-1? Or a low hazard industrial group (Fabrication or manufacturing of non-combustible materials) and thus F-2? I am thinking S-1...

https://www.apparatusindustrial.com/is-forklift-a-motor-vehicle-or-plant-and-machinery/

I am working on an industrial building where the bulk of it 612,000 sf is a warehouse. But there is a small 5,000 forklift repair tenant space. The existing building isn't suited to separating those uses. It also seems wrong to call a dedicated tenant space an accessory use, even though it is much smaller than 10 percent of the total building area.

 

[mtlogcabin]

It is an S-1 and 406.8 also applies. Look at 508.3 it might be applicable for you since the warehouse probably has the most restrictive requirements of Chapter 9.

406.8 Repair garages.
Repair garages shall be constructed in accordance with the International Fire Code and Sections 406.2 and 406.8. This occupancy shall not include motor fuel-dispensing facilities, as regulated in Section 406.7.

508.3 Nonseparated occupancies.
Buildings or portions of buildings that comply with the provisions of this section shall be considered as nonseparated occupancies.

508.3.1 Occupancy classification.
Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space. In addition, the most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply to the total nonseparated occupancy area.

 

[walker.t]

Or a low hazard industrial group (Fabrication or manufacturing of non-combustible materials) and thus F-2?

There will likely be combustible fuel and oil involved so it’s not F-2. 311.2 Moderate-Hazard Storage Group S-1 lists “motor vehicle repair garages,” forklifts are similar enough in my opinion.

It also seems wrong to call a dedicated tenant space an accessory use, even though it is much smaller than 10 percent of the total building area.

It is wrong to call one tenant space accessory to a different tenant space:

Partial quote of 2018 IBC 508.2 Accessory Occupancies
Accessory occupancies are those occupancies that are ancillary to the main occupancy of the building or portion thereof.

If it was a single-tenant space and the forklift repair area supported the main function of the warehouse it could be considered accessory if you met the 10% area limit in 508.2.3.

 

[drawman]

Thank you for the input. I agree with both of you. It's always tough coming to the conclusion that you didn't want to reach!