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Occupancy classification

rktect 1

SILVER MEMBER
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
1,158
Location
Illinois
Why I can't figure this out is frustrating. I have an existing building ( fully sprinklered, one story, type 2B, possibly unlimited area????) in our industrial district primarily used as either F or S. There is an enclosed loading dock/bay area about 50'x100' It is used for deliveries, truck unloading, garbage dumpster corals and pickup etc etc. Three units share this space. What is its occupancy or use designation?

Now, the bigger picture. One of the three spaces is unleased. A special use as a daycare (I-4) to our zoning district is being proposed for 75 children and 10 adults. Nobody wants to allow it. But their idea is to use a storage room in the back as an indoor play area. One door empties into the main corridor of the tenant space and the other goes directly into this enclosed loading dock/bay area. This is what they want to use as their second exit for 6 wks to 7 year old children.

Thoughts? 2018 Codes
 
1016.2 Egress through intervening spaces. Egress through
intervening spaces shall comply with this section.

Pretty sure that won't let them use the loading dock for egress...
 
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are the 10 adults occupants for the daycare employees? If the daycare is only for children with no special medical needs it would be an E occupancy.
 
1016.2 Egress through intervening spaces. Egress through
intervening spaces shall comply with this section.

Pretty sure that won't let them use the loading dock for egress...

1016.2 item #5
Egress shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, closets or spaces used for similar purposes
 
are the 10 adults occupants for the daycare employees? If the daycare is only for children with no special medical needs it would be an E occupancy.
Not according to my code book. E for Day care facility is for children ages 2.5 yrs of age and over. I-4 is for a minimum of 5 but fewer than 100 or fewer 2.5 yrs of age or younger. Since I have 75 children of various ages between 6 weeks and 7 years, I-4 is most applicable.

I am still looking for what use classification this loading dock/bay area is considered.
 
I see where you figured this to be E. The I-4 is more applicable because they do not have rooms with doors directly to the exterior. 308.5.1 requires the door to exterior for E.
 
It is a Group I-4 unless it is a unit at the end that would allow direct egress to the exterior. I agree with others that egress through the loading dock area would not be allowed. I would classify the loading dock area as a Group S, either S-1 or S-2, depending on what is being handled within the dock area.

Just for clarification, when you say "enclosed loading dock/bay area" I assume you mean it has a roof and walls separating it from the exterior, correct?
 
I see where you figured this to be E. The I-4 is more applicable because they do not have rooms with doors directly to the exterior. 308.5.1 requires the door to exterior for E.
which code is governing this for you, NFPA 101 or the IBC? The don't see eye to eye on this.

If the IBC is the governing code.........The Group I-4 “daycare” definition, it uses the words “custodial care.” In contrast, the Group E definition uses the phrase “personal care.”

From the 2018 edition of the IBC
[BG] CUSTODIAL CARE.
Assistance with day-to-day living tasks; such as assistance with cooking, taking medication, bathing, using toilet facilities and other tasks of daily living. Custodial care includes persons receiving care who have the ability to respond to emergency situations and evacuate at a slower rate and/or who have mental and psychiatric complications.
[BG] 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.
 
Not according to my code book. E for Day care facility is for children ages 2.5 yrs of age and over. I-4 is for a minimum of 5 but fewer than 100 or fewer 2.5 yrs of age or younger. Since I have 75 children of various ages between 6 weeks and 7 years, I-4 is most applicable.

I am still looking for what use classification this loading dock/bay area is considered.

""""goes directly into this enclosed loading dock/bay area. This is what they want to use as their second exit for 6 wks to 7 year old children"""

Is there a code compliant means of egress from this area?

Is this area controlled by another business?

Floor plan would help
 
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It is a Group I-4 unless it is a unit at the end that would allow direct egress to the exterior. I agree with others that egress through the loading dock area would not be allowed. I would classify the loading dock area as a Group S, either S-1 or S-2, depending on what is being handled within the dock area.

Just for clarification, when you say "enclosed loading dock/bay area" I assume you mean it has a roof and walls separating it from the exterior, correct?
Yes, it has a roof, walls, a man door and a overhead garage door.
 
""""goes directly into this enclosed loading dock/bay area. This is what they want to use as their second exit for 6 wks to 7 year old children"""

Is there a code compliant means of egress from this area?

Is this area controlled by another business?

Floor plan would help
Maybe.
Appears to be community property like a corridor.
Im not a current member to have the ability to post a floor plan. :-(
 
I would call the dock an S unless it was being repurposed for the daycare....Not sure how big the building is, but you might not get E or I in it based on allowable H&A. ALOT of issues with this one......
 
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