Trying to determine the occupancy classification for an open-air outdoor pavilion. 40' x 60' heavy timber post and beam structure, roof trusses, metal roof. Fairly simple project but it will be located at a local community college that is classified as a Use Group B. It will be used for new student orientation, small events with food. Is it an A2 building or is it an incidental use of the college and would be considered a a Use group B? Also, would i need smoke defectors or fire sprinklers? seems like it would vent to the atmosphere on its own.
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Outdoor pavilion occupancy classification
- Thread starter mc73
- Start date
Can you call it Group A-5? Sprinklers are exempted then.
303.6 Assembly Group A-5
Group A-5 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to:
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2).
303.6 Assembly Group A-5
Group A-5 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to:
- Amusement park structures
- Bleachers
- Grandstands
- Stadiums
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2).
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
A-3 Group A-3 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A
1004.5 Areas without fixed seating.
The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.
Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.
Assign an Occupant Load of 290 and sprinklers are not required by Section 903.2.1.3
1004.5 Areas without fixed seating.
The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.
Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.
Assign an Occupant Load of 290 and sprinklers are not required by Section 903.2.1.3
steveray
SAWHORSE
I'd go A3 or maybe sway to A5 with some research....No sprinkler gimmie for roof only structures...You know Paul Demers at the State of Maine? Should be a good resource for you folks...
And Welcome to THE forum!
And Welcome to THE forum!
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
These type of events usually include some tables and chairs. A 290 assigned OL is less than 9 sq ft per person.
ricwig
REGISTERED
I have a similar Problem at a Scout Camp. A structure that was classified as A-5 in 1999, with a picnic area and a serving area for food. No cooking area in the structure. 4,200 sqft in size but just a roof on the picnic area, no walls. We want to renovate the serving area and add another pavilion addition. The building official wants to reclassify it as A-2 and we would have to sprinkle this outside area. what luck have you had in maintaining the A-5 occupancy?
steveray
SAWHORSE
Commentary:
303.6 Assembly Group A-5. Group A-5 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor
activities including, but not limited to:
Amusement park structures
Bleachers
Grandstands
Stadiums
Structures classified in Group A-5 are outdoor facilities
where people assemble to view or participate in social
and recreational activities (e.g., stadiums, grandstands,
bleachers, coliseums). In order to qualify as an
outdoor facility, the structure must be one where the
products of combustion are freely and rapidly vented
to the atmosphere (i.e., a structure without enclosures
that would prevent the free movement of smoke from
the occupied area to the outside). Any recreation facility
that has exterior walls that enclose the facility and a
roof that fully covers the area would not be classified in
Group A-5, but rather in Group A-3 or A-4, depending
on whether a seating area has been provided. In the
case of a structure with a retractable roof, the more
stringent occupancy classification (i.e., Group A-4)
would be required. The list of four uses offers examples
of A-5 occupancies and is not an exhaustive list.
Since occupancies classified in Group A-5 are primarily
viewing and sports participation areas, the fuel
load associated with them is very low (i.e., the structure
itself and seats). Since the fuel load present is relatively
low and the expectation is that smoke will be
quickly evacuated from the structure, the relative fire
hazard of occupancies classified in Group A-5 is
expected to be low. The life safety hazard from panic
that might occur in an emergency, however, is a serious
concern. Hence, the capability of large crowds to
exit the structure quickly and orderly during emergencies
is an important design consideration (see Section
303.6 Assembly Group A-5. Group A-5 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor
activities including, but not limited to:
Amusement park structures
Bleachers
Grandstands
Stadiums
Structures classified in Group A-5 are outdoor facilities
where people assemble to view or participate in social
and recreational activities (e.g., stadiums, grandstands,
bleachers, coliseums). In order to qualify as an
outdoor facility, the structure must be one where the
products of combustion are freely and rapidly vented
to the atmosphere (i.e., a structure without enclosures
that would prevent the free movement of smoke from
the occupied area to the outside). Any recreation facility
that has exterior walls that enclose the facility and a
roof that fully covers the area would not be classified in
Group A-5, but rather in Group A-3 or A-4, depending
on whether a seating area has been provided. In the
case of a structure with a retractable roof, the more
stringent occupancy classification (i.e., Group A-4)
would be required. The list of four uses offers examples
of A-5 occupancies and is not an exhaustive list.
Since occupancies classified in Group A-5 are primarily
viewing and sports participation areas, the fuel
load associated with them is very low (i.e., the structure
itself and seats). Since the fuel load present is relatively
low and the expectation is that smoke will be
quickly evacuated from the structure, the relative fire
hazard of occupancies classified in Group A-5 is
expected to be low. The life safety hazard from panic
that might occur in an emergency, however, is a serious
concern. Hence, the capability of large crowds to
exit the structure quickly and orderly during emergencies
is an important design consideration (see Section
steveray
SAWHORSE
I will keep trying to go A5 for "outdoor"..Even if there is food....It is reasonable...