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Play Area/Function

VAC

VAC

SAWHORSE
Joined
Jul 10, 2022
Messages
96
Location
Florida's Treasure Coast
I have an odd question.
What would be the closest function (From Table 1004.5) to use to calculate OL for a small indoor play area in a restaurant?
A student was just asking me that and I have never had to calculate that particular scenario.
No electronic games, etc. Small kids (todlers-ish)

Once or twice I have designed one as part of waiting, (Pediatric office) so I've done concentrated (chairs only) and it was fine (approved by AHJ)
But this is a small room, connected, but not part of the dining area.

It wouldn't be Day Care as no education or supervision is given (other than parents watching)
I also wouldn't consider it a 'Game room" -I think of those like Billiards, etc. -and there are no electronic games or anything like that.

I'm thinking it could be Exercise/Rinks/Swimming Pools @ 50 n
Any thoughts on this? Those of you who have had to design/build one?
What's the closest function you can suggest?
~TIA
 
Maybe nothing. The kids are included in the OL for dining purposes, and the play area is just there while waiting for food. Nobody is going to travel to the restaurant just for the play area.
 
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If you just treated it same as dining area, would it make any difference? Another MOE, sprinklers, etc. If not, seems simple and safe and flexible for future.
 

2021 IBC 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.​


If it were me, I'd proposed 50-gross (Exercise Rooms) and see if the BO has input otherwise.
 
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Thank you! I like the 50 for exercise. I will check on the size, but I still think the room is quite small.

e hilton said:
Maybe nothing. The kids are included in the OL for dining purposes,nthe play area is just while waiting for food. Nobody is going to travel to the restaurant just for the play area.
Click to expand...

Yes! I didn't consider that, but you are correct. The kids are already accounted for. Thank you!
 
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VAC said:
Thank you! I like the 50 for exercise. I will check on the size, but I still think the room is quite small.



Yes! I didn't consider that, but you are correct. The kids are already accounted for. Thank you!
Click to expand...
FYI... I would not agree with eHilton in disregarding the OL of the play area given that the dining area would account for these people. That is simply not how occupant load calculations work. By the same logic, don't count the occupant load of a conference room because the occupants are already accounted for in the office spaces. Not the correct logic/method in my opinion.
 
classicT said:
FYI... I would not agree with eHilton in disregarding the OL of the play area given that the dining area would account for these people. That is simply not how occupant load calculations work. By the same logic, don't count the occupant load of a conference room because the occupants are already accounted for in the office spaces. Not the correct logic/method in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Agree. Too possible a conference room could be used for presenting to customers or this play room could be booked for a private party.
 
Years ago, some of the fast-food restaurants had play areas in just about every establishment. Yes, people do travel to the restaurant to use the play area and maybe purchase an ice cream cone in the winter here just so you have a warm place for the kids to play and the adults to sit.

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mcdonald's play area - Bing

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I would use 30 or 50 sq ft per person depending on what equipment may be installed in the play area. I would also post the O.L. to CYA.
 
I don't know if this helps, but:
What is the functional difference between a kids play area in a restaurant vs. a small dance floor for adults in a restaurant?
If "not much difference", then why not treat them similarly?
 
A 10 x 20 play room - 200 sf - could easily have a lot more than 4 to 6 kids in it. One birthday party and you easily at 10 to 15.
 
Yikes said:
I don't know if this helps, but:
What is the functional difference between a kids play area in a restaurant vs. a small dance floor for adults in a restaurant?
If "not much difference", then why not treat them similarly?
Click to expand...
true.... so which load would you use? (from table 1004.5) 50 SF/gross?
 
Can you clarify - - is the "play area" a completely separate room, like this?


1693420933242.png


Or is it a screened, defined area within the main restaurant, like this?
1693421232941.png

Or is it just a few toys in the corner, open to rest of the restaurant?
1693421886255.png
 
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