Group U Structure

[Andy Bourne]

This is my first post on this forum. I'm hoping to get clarification on what is considered a Group U Structure in the state of WA.

The background is that we have installed a solar PV system on the roof of a residential accessory building that was designed as Agricultural. It is 4000 sq feet and two stories tall. It was designed from the IBC according to the stamped plans.

According to WAC 51-50-0312, it seems this would be considered a Group U Structure:

312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangers, accessory to a one- or two-family residence (see Section 412.5)
Barns
Carports
Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height
Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy
Greenhouses and other structures used for cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants
Livestock shelters
Private garages
Retaining walls
Sheds
Stables
Tanks
Towers

In the 2015 International Fire Code, which was adopted by the state of WA, it says that Group U Structures are exempt from rooftop setbacks (pathways around solar arrays for fireman access):

605.11.1 Access and Pathways
Roof access, pathways, and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with
Sections 605.11.1.1 through 605.11.1.3.3.
Exceptions:
1. Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, parking shade
structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures.

I brought these parts of the code to the building official, but he said that the building is not Group U "because it is 4000 sq ft and two stories, and the exception is for roof-only structures".

Can anyone help me understand where he is getting this information? I can't find anything about it in the code and the building official will not respond to my questions.

Thanks for any help!
Andy

 

[mtlogcabin]

Check the allowable building heights and areas restriction
You are limited to one story if type V-B construction. You can be unlimited ft if is type I A construction

I bet you built a V-B building

 

[fatboy]

Welcome!

What is the actual use of the structure currently?

 

[cda]

Welcome
My uncle use to live there

Loved the salmon!!

Nothing to add

 

[cda]

The best thing to do is ask nicely for all the sections and codes, that he is referencing for his call

So you can see what they say

And post them here also for review

 

[mtlogcabin]

It was designed from the IBC according to the stamped plans.

Was there a permit for the original design? did the permit define it as a "U" occupancy. See appendix "C" in the IBC it allows two story V-B "U" occupancy building if specifically adopted by the AHJ

 

[cda]

This is my first post on this forum. I'm hoping to get clarification on what is considered a Group U Structure in the state of WA.

The background is that we have installed a solar PV system on the roof of a residential accessory building that was designed as Agricultural. It is 4000 sq feet and two stories tall. It was designed from the IBC according to the stamped plans.

According to WAC 51-50-0312, it seems this would be considered a Group U Structure:

312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangers, accessory to a one- or two-family residence (see Section 412.5)
Barns
Carports
Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height
Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy
Greenhouses and other structures used for cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants
Livestock shelters
Private garages
Retaining walls
Sheds
Stables
Tanks
Towers

In the 2015 International Fire Code, which was adopted by the state of WA, it says that Group U Structures are exempt from rooftop setbacks (pathways around solar arrays for fireman access):

605.11.1 Access and Pathways
Roof access, pathways, and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with
Sections 605.11.1.1 through 605.11.1.3.3.
Exceptions:
1. Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, parking shade
structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures.

I brought these parts of the code to the building official, but he said that the building is not Group U "because it is 4000 sq ft and two stories, and the exception is for roof-only structures".

Can anyone help me understand where he is getting this information? I can't find anything about it in the code and the building official will not respond to my questions.

Thanks for any help!
Andy

So what is the building used for??


http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=51-50-0312

 

[Builder Bob]

IDK about where you are at----- we had a concession sand building (no food prep) that had restroom facilities design around occupant load of visitors stands---- if you took the occupant load of the building (F-1, B, M, etc.?) you would have 750 people of visitor's stand waiting in line for one unisex restroom for both sexes which this building would have required with the occupancy's listed above........

Gentlemen and Ladies, Please do not forget common sense should prevail .... as we could have easily submitted the concession stand with one unisex restroom per sex and said screw the general public due to cost of providing greater than 6 water closets per sex and one family restroom with changing table as required by code...... for an visitor stand with 750 occupants,,,,

BTW, please come visit South Carolina and see if you can figure out which High School we are involved with.. (Tourism Ad, Without reimbursement) Damn