Permanent Temporary Tent

[mjesse]

Local hotel/resort uses aluminum frame supported membrane structure (tent) for private events; weddings, mitzvahs, etc.

Tent is 40' x 80' conditioned space with adequate exits, emergency lights and signage.

Village issues permit in accordance with 2009 IBC/IFC allowing 180 day use.

Hotel wants to use tent for 180 days every year (summer season). Now claims annual removal/set-up is "cost prohibitive" and would like to leave tent up year round. The following is their proposal;

-All interior decorations, tables, chairs will be removed.

-HVAC will be turned off*

-Space will not be occupied/used/open to public at any time outside of permitted timeframe

*-Heat may be run after snow accumulation to clear roof.

Asking for opinions on whether this proposal meets the intent of a temporary structure in accordance with IBC, IFC and 2000 NFPA-101 (State Code)

Discuss...

mj

 

[cda]

Make them get a yearly permit

and document to them or from them, that any deviations from what the city allows will be grounds to require removal.

or if you have a special use permit or special event permit that could cover it and give you more hammer

did you look at having them comply with 3102 IBC?

 

[steveray]

No problem, just meet the code.....Chapter 31

3102.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to air-supported, air-inflated, membrane-covered cable and membrane-covered frame structures, collectively known as membrane structures, *************erected for a period of 180 days or longer.************** Those erected for a shorter period of time shall comply with the International Fire Code. Membrane structures covering water storage facilities, water clarifiers, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, greenhouses and similar facilities not used for human occupancy are required to meet only the requirements of Sections 3102.3.1 and 3102.7. Membrane structures erected on a building, balcony, deck or other structure for any period of time shall comply with this section.

If it is there 365, it is not temporary....

 

[mjesse]

If it is there 365, it is not temporary....

Agreed, and the commentary in Section 3103 Temporary Structures is clear in stating "...if a structure is erected for 365 days a year, but is used on a seasonal basis for less than 180 days, this section does not apply" So 3102 Membrane Structures prevails.

The million dollar question then becomes, are fire sprinklers required?

I'm not finding anything that says they're not.

mj

 

[cda]

Agreed, and the commentary in Section 3103 Temporary Structures is clear in stating "...if a structure is erected for 365 days a year, but is used on a seasonal basis for less than 180 days, this section does not apply" So 3102 Membrane Structures prevails.The million dollar question then becomes, are fire sprinklers required?

I'm not finding anything that says they're not.

mj

good questiono,

guess it falls back to occupancy type ????????? first

But if you call it tempoary but stay in place does it still require sprinklers?????

 

[steveray]

Required as per any other structure....Assembly more than 100 I imagine? (300 here still)...Yep...And then you will have to address fire separation distance and everything else....Putting it up and taking it down sounds pretty cheap now I bet...

 

[mtlogcabin]

You will not meet the OL at 15 per sq ft to require sprinklers

You need to be looking at IFC 2404 for all the requirements permanent tents and membrane structures need to meet.

 

[mjesse]

You will not meet the OL at 15 per sq ft to require sprinklers.

Wouldn't it be an A-2?

903.2.1.2 occupant load of 100 or more requires sprinklers.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Does a membrane structure fall under the definition of a "Fire Area" or even a building?

Remember 903 is only for new buildings and structures

[F] 903.2 Where required.

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.

IFC 2404 pretty much covers it and nowhere does it require sprinklers. If you read it you will see where the combustible fuel loading is very restrictive within a membrane structure.

 

[SCBO1]

The increased in occupant load would have an affect on the bathroom calculations if allowed to remain as permanent, yes?

pc1

 

[cda]

Does a membrane structure fall under the definition of a "Fire Area" or even a building?Remember 903 is only for new buildings and structures

[F] 903.2 Where required.

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.

IFC 2404 pretty much covers it and nowhere does it require sprinklers. If you read it you will see where the combustible fuel loading is very restrictive within a membrane structure.

When it is used as a permanent structure???

 

[steveray]

MT.....I would go with it being a new building as soon as it is no longer a temporary structure...And good luck with the energy code as well....

 

[mjesse]

The increased in occupant load would have an affect on the bathroom calculations if allowed to remain as permanent, yes?pc1

MT.....I would go with it being a new building as soon as it is no longer a temporary structure...And good luck with the energy code as well....

I agree with both of the above.

I'd love to allow it as a temporary, as I understand the expense of set-up/take-down. I just don't see a clear Code permissible way to achieve it.

The Fire District is pushing for sprinkler protection in the assembly use. I don't disagree with their stance, and the Code appears to support it.

The fact is, the hotel makes a good profit on renting the low cost space. Putting up a compliant banquet facility is out of their reach financially. The political wheels are already in motion to find a way to help this tax generating entity operate without requiring the annual set-up/take-down.

I appreciate all your input.

mj

 

[mtlogcabin]

The existing structure will not support the dead loads of a sprinkler system. If you go that direction then you will force them to abandon the idea.

The structure and OL does not require sprinklers unless you classify it as an A-2 and then the 100 per sq ft is used. You have allowed this to go on for how long with a limited use of 180 days. Now they will not use the structure for more than 180 and some how because they are not going to remove it the FD is pushing sprinklers. Why? there is no use in the build for over 180 days. Remember it is the OL and use that drives a sprinkler requirement.

Let them continue the use as is. No more plumbing fixtures required no sprinklers required just follow IFC 2404. This should never make it to the political wheels.

 

[cda]

"""""Why? there is no use in the build for over 180 days"""""

who is going to guarantee no use???

What about leaving the frame up and just taking the skin off??? so the only cost is dressing and undressing it???

 

[steveray]

EXISTING BUILDING. A building erected prior to the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.

Even though I do not like this definition, I would argue that the "building" is not an existing building until it is permitted not under temporary structures....

By this definition, I can get a permit for a building, put in a foundation, and then change everything to IEBC and get all kinds of breaks because "one for which a legal building permit has been issued"

 

[mtlogcabin]

BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.

A tent is not built or constructed it is erected and that is why you go to the IFC 2404 for the life safety requirements to use it for multiple purposes during specific events over a specific time period. In other words you will use section 105.6 and issue a permit for the tent and for the assembly uses and regulate it that way.

Under the IBC a membrane structure also has to meet all of the loading requirements of Chapter 16. I don't think this one will even come close.

Not everything fits into the building code. Make it safe, check and verify during the events, don't over regulate everything

 

[cda]

"""""""Not everything fits into the building code. Make it safe, check and verify during the events, don't over regulate everything"""""

Agree highly, but everyone could use that appeal

If the want it there forever to me make it comply with ibc or tell them to take the skin off and leave the frame. Put the skin back on next year