Platform or floor?

[Sifu]

IIB, NS building, 1018 IBC. Proposed change of use to beauty salon, with a 100sf² raised platform, 18" AFF where people sit to get there feet worked on. Would you consider this a platform, a floor, or something else?

 

[steveray]

Wouldn't care really but would have to meet the requirements....What are they trying to get out of?

 

[Sifu]

Proposed wood framing (non-FRT). If a floor or stage then they can't. If a platform then they can go wood if FRT. If something I haven't thought of then??? The DP hasn't been proactive enough to call it anything, just a detail on a plan. FRT as a platform seems to be the path of least resistance, though they would say the path of least resistance is to do nothing.

 

[steveray]

Accessibility? Fire blocking? Sprinklers?

 

[bill1952]

Love this thread. In the midst of proposing a complete rewrite of section 410, stages and platforms, and this will be helpful in my substantiation.

To the OP: I don't know the construction type but consider light guage steel framing and Structocrete, and be sure storage under the raised floor is not possible. Have used it in large assembly occupancies for seating risers and no issues.

 

[Sifu]

NS, IIB, 100sf²., 2018 IBC (wrote 1018 IBC in error in the OP)
My thinking is that 603 allows FRT IF considered a platform. Though platform doesn't include a space for 3 pedi-chairs in the IBC definition, it does include a space for a choir. Having trouble seeing how three pedicure chairs is more hazardous than a 10 person choir. Not sure that fireblocking would be required for a 100sf² floor/platform/space independent of the floor it sits on.

I see two options, I am trying to determine if what I see is correct and if there are other options to consider my own edification. Option #1 is that it is a floor and must be non-com per 602. Option #2 is that it is a platform and it is permitted to be FRT per 603 & 410.3.

It is very likely that if I write a comment that combustible construction is not permitted in a IIB building they will come back with FRT as a platform. I would like to know before-hand whether that is an option so I can head that off at the pass and save us all some time.

Accessibility is another issue, unrelated to the construction issue, that is addressed in other comments regarding accessibility. (The have others)

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

My initial reaction was that I think I would be okay with considering it a platform. The definition allows for "similar" uses. I assume this raised [whatever] doesn't have any curtains or scenery drops.

Just to mess with everyone's minds, though -- could it be a mezzanine? At 18" above the surrounding floor, it's not one step up -- it will require a stair with three risers.

[BG] MEZZANINE. An intermediate level or levels
between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance
with Section 505.

The more I think about it, the more I think it may be a mezzanine. If it's a mezzanine, the construction has to be noncombustible.

 

[walker.t]

with a 100sf² raised platform, 18" AFF where people sit to get there feet worked on. Would you consider this a platform, a floor, or something else?

Sounds like built-in seating, like a bench but much larger. Do they sit their butt on the part that is 18” above the floor or is it a riser (platform) on which seats are placed kind of like an old style shoeshine stand so their feet are at 18” above the floor?

Just to mess with everyone's minds, though -- could it be a mezzanine? At 18" above the surrounding floor, it's not one step up -- it will require a stair with three risers.

Sounds like this provision requires a mezzanine to have occupiable floor area below it:

Partial quote of 2018 IBC 505.2
The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Sounds like built-in seating, like a bench but much larger. Do they sit their butt on the part that is 18” above the floor or is it a riser (platform) on which seats are placed kind of like an old style shoeshine stand so their feet are at 18” above the floor?

Pedicure chairs are typically somewhat like a recliner, or a very fancy barber's chair, with a footrest over a basin for washing the feet.

Sounds like this provision requires a mezzanine to have occupiable floor area below it:

Good point. So it's not a mezzanine. Sounds like a platform to me.

 

[Sifu]

Yankee has it right. One piece, chair with built in foot wells. They step up 3 risers, no access to the underfloor space, no plumbing or electrical. Seen plenty of these chairs, not on raised platforms. They are mobile plug and play units. Looks like a platform, walks like a platform, talks like a platform. I think its a platform. Whether they proceed with the raised area idea or not after the comments remains to be seen, but I wanted to get it nailed down in the hopes (misguided as that hope may be) that it can all be addressed on one review.

 

[JPohling]

How about access to this raised area?

 

[Sifu]

How about access to this raised area?

2 sets of steps, one between each of the three chairs. Other comments regarding those, and the lack of accessibility. I think they will abandon the idea but that is their call.

 

[steveray]

At least it's not sprinklered so they wouldn't have to sprinkler under it...