Learning Assistance/ Tutoring

[texasbo]

In cases where such uses serve more than 6 persons through the 12th grade at one time, does anyone look at these learning assistance centers as anything other than an E occupancy, and if so, how do you justify it? All opinions will be appreciated.

 

[Coug Dad]

IBC cleared that use up as a B in 2006 in Section 304

 

[texasbo]

IBC cleared that use up as a B in 2006 in Section 304

Yes; that's what we use. The trouble I'm having is with large facilities that have large classrooms. They function just like schools but with different hours. It just seems like there should be some additional criteria to 304.

 

[cda]

texasbo

maybe if the kids are in there solid four or five days a week with four or five solid hours of instruction then call it an "E" or if they are required a state lic. or get fed money???

the come and go maybe not

 

[texasbo]

texasbomaybe if the kids are in there solid four or five days a week with four or five solid hours of instruction then call it an "E" or if they are required a state lic. or get fed money???

the come and go maybe not

See, that's the trouble I'm having; the code doesn't really define the criteria, other than 305: "...use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, by six or more persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade". And that's EXACTLY what this facility is. There are no mandates addressing number of days, number of hours, state licensing, etc., nor is anyone in a position to monitor those types of things. This facility fits exactly the definition of E per 305. Pretty easy to apply 304.1, last item for a small, one on one, or very small group facility. But in a 10,000 square foot building with multiple classrooms for grades 1-12, each with an occupant load of 20+? It really quacks like an E. Not saying I'm calling it an E, but I do appreciate input from the members.

 

[Mule]

texasbo,

Are you trying fit it into a B classification?

Are you wanting to classify it a B?

Existing building that doesn't comply with E?

Pressure from someone to classify it as a B?

You may use the definitions from the TEA to justify something other than E.

I think it all depends on how you want to classify it! What do you want to use as the occupancy classification?

 

[brudgers]

Are the students grouped by grade?

And is the educational purpose related to grade?

Can people outside of the K-12 system receive services?

For example, a martial arts school is not group E, even though children may be "educated" in it.

A soccer field is not group E either, even though it may be devoted exclusively to teaching children about the game.

 

[texasbo]

Mule: I really want to classify it correctly; that's why I'm having tough time. Not receiving pressure. Driving schools are easy. Small one on one tutoring offices are easy. This is an entire building, and it's tust not that easy.

Brudgers: Just 1-12. They are grouped by grade. And no, definitely would not classify martial arts, dance driving school, etc as an E. It really resembles a private school, but is supplemental to school.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Mule]

Are the instructors required to be certified?

Are they calling it a school?

If so I think I would go with E

If not, then I would consider a B

304.1 Business Group B. Business Group B occupancy

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

portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type transactions,

including storage of records and accounts. Business

occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Training and skill development not within a school or

academic program

 

[AegisFPE]

Group B depends on how you define "academic program."

If the "program" is to teach academic skills, then maybe it is an "academic program."

The 2006 Commentary (albeit not code) makes it pretty easy to get to an E.

 

[texasbo]

Thank you all. I really appreciate your input. I'm going to have to take a long look at this one.