Kevin
REGISTERED
I have an existing building originally built as a school on primary school campus. Older permit drawings had it classified as A-3. For the last 20 years at least, the building has been used primarily as an assembly hall/ lecture hall and a museum. It serves the school, community and the alumni. If I had to guess, I'd say it's used more for adults than kids. The uses for both are irregular to my understanding. The majority of the time building is empty because it's solid masonry and the acoustics aren't great. Moving forward, the school would like to open the hall up for as a wedding venue. Should this be classified as A-2 and A-3 only, or should it also be classified as Educational? I'm asking because E-use for 100 plus occupants requires an EVAC fire alarm and they are more expensive than a conventional system. I'm all for safety, but I don't want to say it's required if it isn't. My interpretation tells me that it is, but I also think of museums that are frequently inhabited by large groups of children. Thanks in advance.
"2018 IBC 3021. Occupancy Classification states:
"Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups listed in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose....
305.1 Educational Group E
Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by six or more persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.
305.1.1 Accessory to Places of Religious Worship
Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies."
I added Section 305.1.1 because it sort of applies in logic. The building is mostly empty, but for time to time it is used by children.
"2018 IBC 3021. Occupancy Classification states:
"Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups listed in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose....
305.1 Educational Group E
Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by six or more persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.
305.1.1 Accessory to Places of Religious Worship
Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies."
I added Section 305.1.1 because it sort of applies in logic. The building is mostly empty, but for time to time it is used by children.
