IBC 1004.2 Increased Occupant Load

[Threeve]

Does IBC 2012 allow AHJ to deny application of section 1004.2?

I’m interpreting it as one could set the occupant load as high as they want, so long as they design the egress, etc. to accommodate it and don’t pass 7 sq ft/person. Can AHJ, state FM in this case, deny its application if the other conditions are met?

#1

 

[cda]

Welcome!!

Standby

 

[cda]

I would say yes, the ahj does have the slight edge to deny.

They would have to justify it.

Plus, maybe a counter proposal, say ok, I can agree to this many people.

 

[cda]

Have you been denied??

If so do you want to give some details on your set up??

 

[steveray]

I would say no and why would they as long as life safety and toilet fixtures were good.....The paragraph does not start "subject to approval of the bo"

in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be
increased from that number established for the occupancies in
Table 1004.1.2, provided that all other requirements of the
code are met based on such modified number and the occupant
load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet
(0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the
building official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equip-
ment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load
shall be submitted. Where required by the building official,
such diagram shall be posted.

 

[cda]

I would say no and why would they as long as life safety and toilet fixtures were good.....The paragraph does not start "subject to approval of the bo"

in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be
increased from that number established for the occupancies in
Table 1004.1.2, provided that all other requirements of the
code are met based on such modified number and the occupant
load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet
(0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the
building official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equip-
ment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load
shall be submitted. Where required by the building official,
such diagram shall be posted.

It seems like reviews are needed.

So as part of that review the ahj could deny all together, or approve with comments??

 

[Yikes]

Example: I once saw a mixed-use building which was a single family residence atop a private art museum. The living room of the residence was anticipated by the planning department to have a limited number of "meet the artist" and fundraising type-events every year. Based on this, the SFR living room exiting was plan-checked for an occupancy load much higher than typical home. However, it was not checked for plumbing fixture loads, because that was a separate issue from the Chapter 10 exit width requirements.