Separation of space between A & B occupancy within building

[AArchitect]

I have a 4 story building sprinklered type IIA construction building that is primarily B occupancy but there is a large dining area/cafeteria (A occupancy) on the first floor. The dining area is about 3,600 SF and the total floor is 21,868 SF.

Since the space is more than 10% of the floor area I can't count it as an accessory occupancy. However, is there any way I can get away from having to have a fire separation between the assembly space and the rest of the floor? The total building is about 74,000 SF.

 

[AArchitect]

There is also a kitchen (2,300 SF) not included in the assembly count which would be a bit awkward to separate from the space since the serving area and registered are open to the dining space as well.

 

[RLGA]

Kitchens do not need to be separated from the dining areas they serve and are considered a part of the Group A-2 occupancy.

Group A-2 is permitted in a 4-story Type IIA sprinklered building, and the allowable area for a single story is 46,500 sq. ft. and a total building area of 139,500 sq. ft. (three times the area of a single story).

Thus, you can consider your building a nonseparated occupancy building per Section 508.3, with the Group A-2 being the most restrictive occupancy.

 

[AArchitect]

Kitchens do not need to be separated from the dining areas they serve and are considered a part of the Group A-2 occupancy.

Group A-2 is permitted in a 4-story Type IIA sprinklered building, and the allowable area for a single story is 46,500 sq. ft. and a total building area of 139,500 sq. ft. (three times the area of a single story).

Thus, you can consider your building a nonseparated occupancy building per Section 508.3, with the Group A-2 being the most restrictive occupancy.

Great, thank you! I thought I was missing something obvious and I guess I was.