Mezzanine in Educational use group - is fire suppression required?

[Fast_Edd1e]

Michigan building Code 2021,
I have a small after school care building that they are wanting to have a mezzanine in the space. The space is open to below and used for tv and lounge type activities. Total building square footage is only 7000 sf with the mezzanine only being 1500 sf.

I am not seeing how I can consider this anything other than and Educational use group as a Daycare since its minors being supervised. Section 903.2.3 Group E states

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) in area.
2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
   Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

Number 2 has me questioning if I need fire suppression or not. We are less than 12,000 sf and only 170 occupants based on net square footage.

Now with it being a mezzanine, its considered a portion of the floor below and shall not contribute to the building area or number of stories. And there is egress at the bottom of the stairs that are open to the floor. So with this, do I need to fire suppress the mezzanine space?

 

[Fast_Edd1e]

I just want to add to this after doing more research.

Since this is an after school program, where there is some tutoring involved. Would this fall under use group B? Or do you think it would fall more under Daycare? Its grade school kids.

• Training and skill development not in a school or academic program (this shall include, but not be limited to, tutoring centers, martial arts studios, gymnastics and similar uses regardless of the ages served, and where not classified as a Group A occupancy)

 

[walker.t]

do I need to fire suppress the mezzanine space?

Yes, per the following:

1. I'm assuming the mezzanine is part of the Group E occupancy (which seems to be the case.)
2. Mezzanines are considered part of the fire area per IBC 505.2.
3. IBC 903.2.3 Point 2 uses “floor,” not “story,” the mezzanine has a floor.

Since this is an after school program, where there is some tutoring involved. Would this fall under use group B?

Doesn’t sound like it to me because you say “some” tutoring is involved, it’s not primarily training and skill development.

 

[Joe.B]

305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or
structure, or a portion thereof, more than six persons at any
one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

While the kids might have educational opportunities (puzzles, homework, tutoring etc.) I see the purpose being "after school care" so I would argue for B.

 

[Joe.B]

Side question, has accessibility come into consideration yet?

 

[Fast_Edd1e]

Side question, has accessibility come into consideration yet?

We have talked about it and im told that since we are under 3000 sf for the mezzanine, we dont need an elevator. And activities on the mezzanine can be accommodated for on the main level. Since all that is up there is lounge type space.

 

[Fast_Edd1e]

305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or
structure, or a portion thereof, more than six persons at any
one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

While the kids might have educational opportunities (puzzles, homework, tutoring etc.) I see the purpose being "after school care" so I would argue for B.

The tough thing for me is they have a facility that this is kinda modeled after. But we don't have access to how it was approved. Plus we are in a different jurisdiction. The number of plumbing fixtures makes the calculations seem that its a "E" use group. But they don't have fire suppression and have more mezzanine than this current design.

Since there is a jump in requirements from Business to Education, i don't want to propose the less restrictive and get shot down by the plan reviewer. Especially since this seems to have become a very budget driven project. So while I want to use B, Im trying to find a good argument.

Which is what led me to Education / Daycare in section.

305.2 Group E, Day Care Facilities​

This group includes buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than five children older than 21/2 years of age who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer than 24 hours per day.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. The care of persons who do not require medical care. Personal care involves responsibility for the safety of the persons while inside the building

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Based on the definitions in the code and the description of the purpose of the facility, I don't see any way it could be classified as anything other than Group E, Day Care.

What's the age group involved? General Educational includes through grade 12, but high schoolers don't typically require after school care.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

Based on the definitions in the code and the description of the purpose of the facility, I don't see any way it could be classified as anything other than Group E, Day Care.

What's the age group involved? General Educational includes through grade 12, but high schoolers don't typically require after school care.

seeing how these types of facilities get used for all sorts of thing, I could also see this being an A-3

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

seeing how these types of facilities get used for all sorts of thing, I could also see this being an A-3

Day care centers get used for all sorts of things? There are a number of day care centers in my area, and I've reviewed plans for a number of others. I've never seen or heard of any of them being used for anything other than a day care center.

I based my comments on the OP's stated use of the building.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

Day care centers get used for all sorts of things? There are a number of day care centers in my area, and I've reviewed plans for a number of others. I've never seen or heard of any of them being used for anything other than a day care center.

I based my comments on the OP's stated use of the building.

Its an after school care facility that realistically has a 3 to 4 hour operation window for its stated use. That leaves a lot of time during the rest of the day to be rented out by other groups.

Look at it like a school Gym, that gym is an E occupancy only used by the school students during school 100% of the time. Once that gym starts getting used for PTO meetings and rec basketball it is an A occupancy.