Indoor archery range occupancy class

[Inspector 102]

I am looking at an indoor facility where they shoot archery during the winter time. I am under the opinion that this would be an A-4 occupancy, but the catch is there are no plans for spectator seating. Would this put into another occupancy group such as an M occupancy since people could use this space to test a bow prior to purchase?

 

[Coug Dad]

It would be an A occupancy only if the assembly area has an occupant load greater than 50

 

[north star]

* * * *

Technically, it would be an occupant load greater than 49.........50 and

above would be the "A" occupancy group classification.

From the 2006 IBC, Section 303.1: "Assembly Group A - Assembly Group A

occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a

portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social

or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption; or awaiting

transportation.

Exceptions:

1. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant

load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.



2. A room or space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of

less than 50 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified

as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.



3. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is less than 750

square feet ( 70 m2 ) in area and is accessory to another occupancy shall

be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy."



* * * *

 

[fatboy]

northstars reply would be my first. Now assigning an OL will be the next hurdle, spectator viewing will be an issue, depending on the size.

 

[Frank]

Occupant load would depend on number of lanes and how intended to be be used.

Is it to be used for group instruction?

Is it to be used for competition like a bowling alley?

If occupant load is over 50 then it would likely fall into A-3 without spectator seating and A-4 with.

Using the bowling alley 5 per lane might be a way of going after how to set the occupant loads.

 

[MarkRandall]

I would think you would need to know how it will be used to determine occupants load. Franks comment on 5 per lane like a bowling alley sounds too high. This would seem to be like a golf driving range to me where typically there's one person per tee off, maybe an instructor or a friend hanging out or taking turns. It would also be similar to a shooting range. These aren't occupancy's I've dealt with, so I'm just guessing at it. Quiz the applicant so a good figure can be used that's not too low or bloated.

 

[cda]

B ???? training and skill development not within a school or academic program

A-3 if over 49 bowling alley, ammusement arcade, gym, indoor tennis court, pool parlor

 

[FM William Burns]

Inspector 102:



Besides Occupant Load.......



Ironically, we just had a facility move back into town (without letting anyone know) and began an indoor range. Issues we dealt with were not so much the OL since the area was sprinkled and has no issues presently the issue was the level of protection with the introduction of 5’ thick poly foam wall backings and 3D targets. The existing system is .19 and not sufficiently designed for the new hazard introduced. We requested a sprinkler analysis to determine the level of foam acceptable for the .19 density and what would be needed to renovate the system’s area for compliant coverage with the foam and alternative backing like shredded clothing bundles seen in similar applications.

 

[FyrBldgGuy]

FM good catch on the foam issue.

All things considered it is probably an A-3. If the archery range is for hunting practice... I would have to say that most bow hunters consider it a religious experience (worship). Now if you consider my brother in law's method of archery it would be entertainment. If the range is for standard target practice well then it could be A-4 if there was spectator seating.

It would be good to know if the spectator seats are close to the targets or to the archers. If the spectators are close to the targets do they each get an apple?

The occupancy should be an A-3 or A-4 or B, unless it is for children then it would be an E.