Motor vehicle showrooms

[Jon Victor]

We have a car dealership that is wanting to park vehicles inside the building for an undetermined period of time and it is our interpretation of the code that there needs to be exhaust provided as if it were a parking garage. (IMC section 404). We are getting push back from the architect that this isn't a parking garage, which is technically true, but there may still be some fumes coming from the parked vehicles. Has anyone had experience with this before and would like to offer an opinion?

 

[Sifu]

I would not consider this a parking garage. It is what you say, a show room. These cars will be parked for long periods of time, without relocation and with very little volume. They won't be driven through it on a daily basis. JMHO.

 

[Paul Sweet]

They won't be running the engines any more than absolutely necessary to bring the cars in or out if they want to have any customers visit the showroom.

 

[mtlogcabin]

A motor vehicle is a "B" occupancy type which includes the show room. It is not a parking garage either public or private under the codes.

Here is what the fire code states
314.4 Vehicles.
Liquid-fueled or gaseous-fueled vehicles, boats or other motorcraft shall not be located indoors except as follows:

1. Batteries are disconnected except where the fire code official requires that the batteries remain connected to maintain safety features.

2. Fuel in fuel tanks does not exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (19 L) (whichever is least).

3. Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering.

4. Vehicles, boats or other motorcraft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.