Occupant Load for Adult Day Care

[osca]

I am working on an Adult Day Health Care project, converting an existing single-story 15,000 sq/ft B occupancy building to an I-4 adult care service space. According to CBC 308.5, the proposed occupancy group is I-4 day care facility, and the occupant load is 35 net based on Table 1004.5. However, the Fire Department corrected me to use a 15 net occupant load because the function of space for "Day care" under Table 1004.5 (35 net load factor) is intended only for "Childcare (and the associated activities)" and not for use as adult day care.

The CBC 308.5 clearly indicates that Adult day care is part of "Institutional Group I-4, Day care facilities," which should include both Adult and Child day care.
Can anyone guide me as to why the Fire Department excludes “Adult day care” when it seemingly falls within the designated function of space for Day Care under the Table?

 

[classicT]

I'd share your justification with the FM before you go too far. Pick up the phone, have a conversation and explain your stance.

My speculation is that the FM quickly wrote the comment and is unaware of your thought process. If the FM does not relent on their view, then you can decide how to proceed from there.