Mercantile vs Storage

[Nicole Brooks]

I have a 20K sf space. The company sells construction supplies. They have about 500 sf of office space, an area with a cashier's desk that is about 400 sf. The rest of the space is all warehouse. they use the warehouse for their stock, but it is not open to the public. The public is only allowed in the 400 sf area where they conduct the transaction. I have classified the space as S-1 with accessory business and mercantile use. They want to store more than the allowed flammable liquids from Table 307.1(1). I told them they were allowed 240 gallons for class IA, IB, and 120 gallons in approved cabinets per control area. They have approximately 1200 gallons. They said they haven't had a restriction in flammable liquids in any of their other warehouses. Am I wrong in calling this an S1 use? The warehouse is not open to the public, so I do not this it falls under mercantile. This is the 2021 VA construction code.

 

[steveray]

Is there a gimmie in M? To not be H?

 

[Nicole Brooks]

Exceptions for H is "wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the IFC. " Mercantile occupancy specifically notes "open to the public". Their warehouse is not open to the public, it's not like Home Depot or Lowes.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Sounds a lot like a warehouse to me.

 

[steveray]

Exceptions for H is "wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the IFC. " Mercantile occupancy specifically notes "open to the public". Their warehouse is not open to the public, it's not like Home Depot or Lowes.

So...A grocery store is open to the public, but the stockroom isn't...If all of the materials available are on display are upfront and there is a stockroom...There is an argument...

What does the IFC say?

 

[Nicole Brooks]

the code commentary does get into stock rooms, but they limit them to 10% of the floor area (accessory) to still be considered Mercantile. This is a 400 sf showroom with a 18,000 sf warehouse. I would not consider it the same as a stock room.

 

[TheCommish]

They are limited to the MAQ in a storage use 1 or 2. What has happened other jurisdiction is immaterial.
For argument if it was mercantile what is the MAQ for that use and how is it stored, in user quantities package or bulk?

Reminder I cannot speak to the code requirements or competency of the code office in another jurisdiction. This is what I see the code allows, provide me with a code path that shows you can store 1200 gallons.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

I'd consider the showroom to be ancillary to the warehouse.