Small assembly space in B occupancy building

[Tonyt30]

I have a 4949 sqft free standing building that is being used as a retail/wholesale space for the sale of amusement machines. The actual business area is roughly 3700sqft and the rest is bathrooms, office, storage ect. I’m wanting to use the “small assembly” exception were I have a space within the 3700sqft were 740sqft of it is used for assembly area were I will have computers desk and chairs setup were ppl can come play/test the games. Because the space would be >750sqft it would be considered as a B occupancy and from my understanding is that it wouldn’t need to be divided by a wall from the other B space. Is this true?

My other question would be regarding the means of egress fir this space. I have 2 exits in the building but one of the exits is located in a room which was previously considered as a mechanical room from the past use. The door is a regular deadbolt door which is next to a roll up door. What problems am I going to run into and the best way to correct them?

 

[e hilton]

it would be considered as a B occupancy and from my understanding is that it wouldn’t need to be divided by a wall from the other B space. Is this true?

So are you just going to paint a line on the floor and use that as a demarcation line?

 

[cda]

I think you have a “M”

To me the computer area is part of that “M”

Sounds like you do need two exits…

If you cannot legally add one up front or somewhere else,,,
Create a corridor to the back door
With legal exit hardware on it

Though not needed, maybe panic hardware

 

[Tonyt30]

So are you just going to paint a line on the floor and use that as a demarcation line?

It doesn’t specify in the code how the space should be divided.

 

[RLGA]

If the assembly space is less than 750, then it is classified as Group B and does not need to be separated from the other Group B occupancy areas.

Besides, a Group A-3 occupancy is permitted in a single-story, nonsprinklered building of Type VB construction that has an area of 6,000 sq. ft. or less. This means you could make the assembly space 751 sq. ft., and call the entire building a Group A-3 nonseparated occupancy building with no walls between any of the occupancy groups.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

M is for Mercantile, for the display and sale of merchandise like a market or store.

You did not say if any construction is planed or going on. You don't need to do anything if you are not doing anything that requires a permit.

 

[cda]

M is for Mercantile, for the display and sale of merchandise like a market or store.

You did not say if any construction is planed or going on. You don't need to do anything if you are not doing anything that requires a permit.

Ok am I reading wrong

sale of amusement machines.


And try them out

Sounds like a GameStop or similar.

 

[cda]

Or say an Apple store

 

[Tonyt30]

So I’ve been approved by the zoning and building departments to open the business using the small assembly exception of an area that’s >750sqft fir assembly purposes to be classified as a b occupancy. But the fire marshal is denying it and saying I need to do a change of use permit. He’s being very rude and disrespectful and acts like that exception doesn’t exist. What can I do? Does he have the right to outright deny this?

 

[cda]

Possibly

Depends on how much pull he has.

Normally it is building depts call.

So what extra does the FD want???

What does he say about the black and white in the book???


If needed,,, There is an appeals process

 

[Tim Mailloux]

So I’ve been approved by the zoning and building departments to open the business using the small assembly exception of an area that’s >750sqft fir assembly purposes to be classified as a b occupancy. But the fire marshal is denying it and saying I need to do a change of use permit. He’s being very rude and disrespectful and acts like that exception doesn’t exist. What can I do? Does he have the right to outright deny this?

Politely ask the Fire Marshal to cite in writting the code sections supporting his position.