Is an occupied roof with walls more than 48 inches tall considered a floor?

[jar546]

An occupied roof has overhead weather protection or walls exceeding the 48-inch limit, as mandated by 2021 IBC Section 503.1.4.1. Is it the intent of this section that the occupied roof should be considered a full story, such that the "roof" assembly needs to be constructed as a floor?

As an example, would the roof/floor interface (assuming it's rated) now need to have perimeter fire containment, per Section 715.4, as required for a floor/curtain wall intersection? This protection would not be needed for a roof assembly.

 

[steveray]

Yeah...they screwed that up....Maybe look at 2024 and see if they fixed it? Technically I would say it means you can't do it or call it a floor or a story....

 

[mtlogcabin]

An occupied roof has overhead weather protection

You put overhead weather protection on the roof then you have to follow 1510.2 or 1510.5 pr it is another story not an occupied roof IMHO.

503.1.4.1 Enclosures over occupied roof areas.
Elements or structures enclosing the occupied roof areas shall not extend more than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the surface of the occupied roof.

Exception: Penthouses constructed in accordance with Section 1510.2 and towers, domes, spires and cupolas constructed in accordance with Section 1510.5.
[BG] 1510.2.2 Use limitations.
Penthouses shall not be used for purposes other than the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly.
[BG] 1510.5 Towers, spires, domes and cupolas.
Towers, spires, domes and cupolas shall be of a type of construction having fire-resistance ratings not less than required for the building on top of which such tower, spire, dome or cupola is built. Towers, spires, domes and cupolas greater than 85 feet (25 908 mm) in height above grade plane as measured to the highest point on such structures, and either greater than 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in horizontal area or used for any purpose other than a belfry or an architectural embellishment, shall be constructed of and supported on Type I or II construction.

[BG] 1510.5.1 Noncombustible construction required.
Towers, spires, domes and cupolas greater than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above the highest point at which such structure contacts the roof as measured to the highest point on such structure, or that exceeds 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in area at any horizontal section, or which is intended to be used for any purpose other than a belfry or architectural embellishment, or is located on the top of a building greater than 50 feet (1524 mm) in building height shall be constructed of and supported by noncombustible materials and shall be separated from the building below by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1.5 hours with openings protected in accordance with Section 711. Such structures located on the top of a building greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) in building height shall be supported by noncombustible construction.