Greetings. I own a 5,000 sf nonsprinklered building designated C-2. The architect classified the tenant’s business, 1/3 bar and 2/3 recreation and amusement (4 virtual golf simulators, 1 putting green and 1 Golden Tee video game), as A-2. Zoning has designated its Use as a bowling alley, which is A-3, for parking space purposes. Is this what is called “Multiple Occupancy” or “Multiple Use?” If so, what will be required as far as Section 508 is concerned? Is zoning correct in designating it as a bowling alley when the activity is more like a golf driving range? The difference is 5 spaces per lane vs. 2 spaces per tee. Zoning is saying four spaces per golf simulator, which is 16 spaces. Is there anything I need to know and/or find out? Thank you.
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Multiple Occupancies & Uses? Section 508? Parking?
- Thread starter CLGS
- Start date
Zoning ordinances and building codes are two separate things. Zoning ordinances can take precedence over the height and area of a building, even separation distances from lot lines (i.e., setbacks). But that is pretty much the limitation zoning has over building codes. How the building use is interpreted for zoning ordinance purposes has no bearing on the occupancy groups used by the building code and vice versa.
The bar area would be classified as Group A-2; however, the recreation/amusement area would likely be classified as a Group A-3 (that is how I would classify it). Having a Group A-2 and a Group A-3 does mean this is a mixed occupancy, and, for building height and area purposes, Section 508 would apply. Since the building is nonsprinklered and is no larger than 5,000 sq. ft., it can be classified as Type VB construction using nonseparated occupancies per Section 508.3.
The bar area would be classified as Group A-2; however, the recreation/amusement area would likely be classified as a Group A-3 (that is how I would classify it). Having a Group A-2 and a Group A-3 does mean this is a mixed occupancy, and, for building height and area purposes, Section 508 would apply. Since the building is nonsprinklered and is no larger than 5,000 sq. ft., it can be classified as Type VB construction using nonseparated occupancies per Section 508.3.
Agree with above
“””in designating it as a bowling alley when the activity is more like a golf driving range? The difference is 5 spaces per lane vs. 2 spaces per tee.”””
Sounds about right.
I would expect more people to meet up for the bar/ golf games
vs
Going out to hit the white ball, maybe two people, in the same car??
Can always question the call to the city, see if they will compromise
“””in designating it as a bowling alley when the activity is more like a golf driving range? The difference is 5 spaces per lane vs. 2 spaces per tee.”””
Sounds about right.
I would expect more people to meet up for the bar/ golf games
vs
Going out to hit the white ball, maybe two people, in the same car??
Can always question the call to the city, see if they will compromise
Tim Mailloux
REGISTERED
typically zoning requirments vary from town to town.
Could be
Most zoning is specific to the city,
Get the wording for different types of businesses and parking required
To see if better fit
Than start discussing with the city
check bar
amusement center
or similar
Bowling seems a little off