need help interpreting IEBC 805.1 (2018 IEBC)

[CLTS]

805.1 states, "The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area in which Level 2 alterations are being performed..."

In this context what is the definition of tenant?

If there is one tenant does that mean 805 doesn't apply and the next step is to default to 704.1?

Specifically:
Level 2 alteration project wants to add square footage (group A-2) to a fourth story. The problem is there is only one exit on the fourth level and it is technically infeasible to add a second exit.

 

[steveray]

Adding square footage sounds like an addition or change of occupancy to me.....

 

[fungineer]

what is the definition of tenant

As tenant isn't a defined term in IBC the standard definition should then be used. As such, if it is another space occupied by another entity (which would likely be shown through the use of an occupancy certificate).

This is a bit old but If I'm reading it correctly it looks like the existing space being altered is already on the 4th floor.

Based upon the work area method, If this is truly just a level 2 alteration, and existing space within an existing A-2 occupancy is being altered, your interpretation of 805.1 appears to indeed be correct, so long as the work area itself does not include any corridors or exits shared by more than 2 tenants.

However, I suspect @steveray is correct. If the "new area" for the alteration did not previously exist at all, it would be an addition (as it created building area/volume), or at least a change in occupancy (taken from a different occupancy). Both of these items would require additional provisions per IEBC Chapter 11 or 10 respectively. In turn, those sections will have requirements which may affect the existing egress.

For example, an addition would allow many of the existing items to remain, so long as IEBC 1101.2 is met. The addition itself would still have to comply, so it would be a matter of balancing what is existing and what is required as new to determine if you can leave the existing remaining or not.

If a change-in-use it is more unlikely you'd be able to leave the existing in place, as the change in use provisions would have egress for the new space meet 1011.4. Both the "higher hazard" and "equal or lower hazard" trigger review requirements for egress.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Specifically:
Level 2 alteration project wants to add square footage (group A-2) to a fourth story. The problem is there is only one exit on the fourth level and it is technically infeasible to add a second exit.

How is square footage being added? If it is existing space being taken from one tenant area and assigned to another tenant area, then it may be a Level 2 alteration. If the total square footage of the fourth floor 9and thus the building) is being increased, then it's an addition.

 

[steveray]

one tenant area and assigned to another tenant area, then it may be a Level 2 alteration.

Or a change of occupancy....