Greenhouses and Agricultural Buildings in PA

[Kevin]

I want to get some opinions on greenhouses and whether a pre-fab kit at a college requires a restroom. PA IBC classifies Greenhouses as Utility, unless classified as another occupancy. The code also contains provisions for agricultural buildings that are somewhat unclear to me. A college would like to build a premanufactured greenhouse remote from their classroom. IBC doesn't have a row in the minimum plumbing fixture chart for utility buildings, but it would likely be considered accessory to business?

Here's the Agricultural Act. It seems to contradict itself w/ exclusion 4

2017 Act 35

www.legis.state.pa.us

Per my interpretation and IBC it requires a restroom, because it will be accessory to Business.

Per my interpretation of the Agricultural Act, its not a habitable space, so it doesn't require a restroom.



Would love to hear opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

If the green house is used for education for the students to learn how to grow plants, it would be an "E" occupation and require the number of plumbing fixtures required in the IBC (toilets. lavatories, drinking fountains, service sinks). The plumbing fixtures can be in another building close by, the existing plumbing fixtures that are already there could be used depending on the how many people will be using them.
If it is truly an agricultural building, only used for food to be grown for consumption, no building permit or plumbing fixtures are required.

 

[Joe.B]

Heck, the whole thing's a bathroom, right?

Time to "water the plants" as my paps would say.

"Free nutrients!"

 

[Kevin]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful. Looks like the commentary touches on the issue of remote restrooms and says the code is silent on whether they can be in a nearby building not, but that the intent is that they toilet facilities are available if the building is in use.