Restaurant with steps

[spaceart]

This is a 2,600 sq. ft. restaurant with three interior floor elevations, each with a 5-inch level change. One of the areas includes accessible seating and an accessible restroom. Do I need to provide ramps connecting all three areas? Which code section has this requirement?

Additionally, the patio features two elevations with an 11-inch difference. Do I need to provide a ramp connecting these two patio sections, or is it acceptable to provide accessible seating in only one of the sections?

Lastly, the owner will add a plastic roof and a metal railing around the patio. The City now considers it an enclosed area and requires that it be included in the interior floor area calculation, which would trigger the sprinkler system requirement. Please see the attached photo. Should this patio area be counted as part of the interior space?

Thank you,

 

[walker.t]

The City now considers it an enclosed area and requires that it be included in the interior floor area calculation, which would trigger the sprinkler system requirement.

They might have used the term “enclosed” and/or “interior floor area,” but my guess is that they are concerned about the size of the fire area, see 903.2.1.2 Group A-2.

2021 IBC Definition of Fire Area (emphasis added)
The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above.

If by chance the fire area is under 5000 s.f., the occupant load of your restaurant and the patio will likely exceed 100 occupants so you’d need a sprinkler due to occupant load (Point 2 under 903.2.1.2.)

 

[LR419]

Assuming 2021 IBC since the location is not indicated.

1109.2.9 requires all interior and exterior floor areas of dining and drinking occupancies to be accessible and on an accessible route. You may qualify for an exception as referenced in 1104.4 if the aggregate area is less than 3000 SF.

The sprinkler threshold in 903.2.1 is determined by the fire area, not the interior floor area. The definition of Fire Area includes this sentence: "Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above." If the exterior wall is constructed as a 2-hour fire barrier per 707.3.10, the outdoor space could be considered a separate fire area.

 

[spaceart]

"if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof"
Can I argue that our Patio's roof is not the horizontal projection of the roof?

 

[spaceart]

Can I use the exception of 1104.4 here? Just wondering if it's for multistory, my case is in one story.

 

[LR419]

"if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof"
Can I argue that our Patio's roof is not the horizontal projection of the roof?

You can argue whatever you want I suppose, but the chances of success are mighty slim. The patio has a roof, the roof has a horizontal projection, and that determines the fire area.

Can I use the exception of 1104.4 here? Just wondering if it's for multistory, my case is in one story.

1109.2.9 specifically allows you to use 1104.4 for both levels and stories.

 

[arwat23]

It would be far better to include ramps to every space / make every space accessible. Even if it's not required, more accessibility limits liability. But that's not your question...

ADA Standards § 226.2: "Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces." You can't usually cluster the accessible dining in one place, unless there's only one accessible space required (which I doubt). I'm willing to bet IBC has similar language, but I don't have the time right now to look it up. If you were in California (not sure where this project is), you'd also need an accessible route to the employee work areas. If the entry is on one level, the dining on another, and the kitchen on a third, all would likely need to be accessible, at least here in CA.

 

[spaceart]

You can argue whatever you want I suppose, but the chances of success are mighty slim. The patio has a roof, the roof has a horizontal projection, and that determines the fire area.


1109.2.9 specifically allows you to use 1104.4 for both levels and stories.

Great! Thank you! 1109.2.9 is really helpful.

 

[spaceart]

Assuming 2021 IBC since the location is not indicated.

1109.2.9 requires all interior and exterior floor areas of dining and drinking occupancies to be accessible and on an accessible route. You may qualify for an exception as referenced in 1104.4 if the aggregate area is less than 3000 SF.

The sprinkler threshold in 903.2.1 is determined by the fire area, not the interior floor area. The definition of Fire Area includes this sentence: "Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above." If the exterior wall is constructed as a 2-hour fire barrier per 707.3.10, the outdoor space could be considered a separate fire area.

I like the "separate fire area" idea; the exterior wall is CMU+brick. Right now, the interior has an occupancy load of 92, patio has 67. How to avoid the sprinkler system?

 

[spaceart]

It would be far better to include ramps to every space / make every space accessible. Even if it's not required, more accessibility limits liability. But that's not your question...

ADA Standards § 226.2: "Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces." You can't usually cluster the accessible dining in one place, unless there's only one accessible space required (which I doubt). I'm willing to bet IBC has similar language, but I don't have the time right now to look it up. If you were in California (not sure where this project is), you'd also need an accessible route to the employee work areas. If the entry is on one level, the dining on another, and the kitchen on a third, all would likely need to be accessible, at least here in CA.

Thank you! It's in Colorado. We use 2017 ICC A117.1 and 2021 IBC.

 

[spaceart]

Thank you! It's in Colorado. We use 2017 ICC A117.1 and 2021 IBC.

I agree with you. I will add ramps inside since it's only a 5" change, but it will be hard for the patio.

 

[LR419]

I like the "separate fire area" idea; the exterior wall is CMU+brick. Right now, the interior has an occupancy load of 92, patio has 67. How to avoid the sprinkler system?

If you can document a 2 hour rating for the exterior wall assembly using 721 or 722, you will need opening protectives per 716 and penetration firestopping per 714. The wall can then be classified as a fire barrier, creating separate fire areas per 707.3.10 that each have an area less than 5000 SF and an occupancy load less than 100, below the sprinkler threshold of 903.2.1.2.

 

[spaceart]

Great! Thank you! 1109.2.9 is really helpful.

Allow me to try to argue here: "A roof projection is any part of a building's roof that extends beyond its exterior walls. Common examples include the eaves, the overhanging edges of the roof." In my case, it's totally separate and different materials for the roof.

 

[spaceart]

If you can document a 2 hour rating for the exterior wall assembly using 721 or 722, you will need opening protectives per 716 and penetration firestopping per 714. The wall can then be classified as a fire barrier, creating separate fire areas per 707.3.10 that each have an area less than 5000 SF and an occupancy load less than 100, below the sprinkler threshold of 903.2.1.2.

If you can document a 2 hour rating for the exterior wall assembly using 721 or 722, you will need opening protectives per 716 and penetration firestopping per 714. The wall can then be classified as a fire barrier, creating separate fire areas per 707.3.10 that each have an area less than 5000 SF and an occupancy load less than 100, below the sprinkler threshold of 903.2.1.2.

Yes! I’ll go with this approach and make sure the exterior wall assembly meets the 2-hour rating requirement. Thank you! Thank you!

 

[walker.t]

1109.2.9 specifically allows you to use 1104.4 for both levels and stories.

1104.4 applies only to multistory buildings, not levels within a story.

2021 IBC 1104.4 Multistory Buildings and Facilities (partial quote)
At least one accessible route shall connect each accessible story, mezzanine and occupied roofs in multilevel buildings and facilities.

the patio features two elevations with an 11-inch difference. Do I need to provide a ramp connecting these two patio sections, or is it acceptable to provide accessible seating in only one of the sections?

I will add ramps inside since it's only a 5" change, but it will be hard for the patio.

Yes, per…

2021 IBC 1109.2.9 Dining and Drinking Areas (partial quote, emphasis added)
In dining and drinking areas, all interior and exterior floor areas shall be accessible and be on an accessible route.

Ramps are part of an accessible route, stairways are not per A117.1-2017 402.2.

Allow me to try to argue here: "A roof projection is any part of a building's roof that extends beyond its exterior walls. Common examples include the eaves, the overhanging edges of the roof." In my case, it's totally separate and different materials for the roof.

Sorry, not going to fly no matter how hard you try. The patio is under roof, it’s occupied space, it’s part of the fire area and building area. The building materials for the roof and it being “separate” (which it is not, it’s attached to the building) are irrelevant. Building materials do come into play for construction type, however, so make sure you can use a plastic roof in your construction type.

2018 IBC Illustrated Handbook commentary on 901.7 Fire Areas (partial quote)
In addition, any areas beyond the exterior wall that are covered with a floor or roof above, such as a canopy extending from the building, are considered part of the building for fire area purposes.

Not related to your question, but what’s the vertical distance to the bottom of the circles in the guard rail? Looks like it’s below waist height judging from the guy in the picture, looks like it could be an opening greater than 4-3/8” between 36” and 42” per 1015.4 Exception 1.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

"if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof"
Can I argue that our Patio's roof is not the horizontal projection of the roof?

No.

 

[BuildingOfficial89]

It would be far better to include ramps to every space / make every space accessible. Even if it's not required, more accessibility limits liability. But that's not your question...

ADA Standards § 226.2: "Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces." You can't usually cluster the accessible dining in one place, unless there's only one accessible space required (which I doubt). I'm willing to bet IBC has similar language, but I don't have the time right now to look it up. If you were in California (not sure where this project is), you'd also need an accessible route to the employee work areas. If the entry is on one level, the dining on another, and the kitchen on a third, all would likely need to be accessible, at least here in CA.

Since we don't have all the plans, I would ask what is the point to all the level changes?