• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Hostel occupancy classification

Arcal

Bronze Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
77
Location
N/A
I have been trying to determine the occupancy classification of a Hostel. I am using the 2007 California Building Code. It would be a single family dwelling converted into a hostel. The occupants would have full use of the house. So far I can justify R-1 (it is transient in nature), R-2 (it is like a dormitory), R-3 (it is congregate living with 16 or fewer occupants). Does anyone have any ideas? If it is an R-3, would you require any accessible features if nothing is being done to the house?
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

Their biggest issues will be sprinklers and accessibility. A Hostel is transient in nature, so I would go with R-1
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

I agree. The configuration is like a dormitory but it's purely transient so R-1 is appropriate.

As far as accessibility goes, yes, they need to make the facility accessible. It is a change in occupancy. Per 1134B.2 a series of accessible elements must be provided. The extent is based on the 20% rule.
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

When they find out everything that's required, they'll probably go another route.
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

Remove the "s" and you get "hotel", ergo transient, unless, as at the one called "California", you can "check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!" :lol:
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

I would go with R-1. Also, check section 3406 in the 2007 CBC for occupancy changes. It spells it out fairly clearly on the compliance issues. I would require ADA compliance if for no other reason than it makes economic sense.

Sue, lost on the frontier.....
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

jim baird said:
Remove the "s" and you get "hotel", ergo transient, unless, as at the one called "California", you can "check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!" :lol:
Or add an "i" where the "e" is and move the "e" to the end. :D
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

Thanks everyone. I informed her yesterday that it was going to be either R-1 or R-2 and in both cases she would have to deal with chapter 34 of the CBC and that she would have to meet accessibility requirements. The project is now officially dead.
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

That is probably in everyones best interest. It sounded like a hostel environment
 
Re: Hostel occupancy classification

Big Mac said:
That is probably in everyones best interest. It sounded like a hostel environment
Particularly toward the disabled.
 
Back
Top