Storm Shelter occupant count

[BayPointArchitect]

Given:
Storm shelter is being required for an existing daycare.
Storm shelter will have an accessible restroom.
Question:
While calculating the occupant load, does the area within the restroom stall count? Or does the area of the restroom need to be excluded from the available shelter area?

Please don't ask me to ask the plan reviewer. Her typical answer is often "... everything needs to be per code ..." until we go a few rounds of review and figure things out.

As always, thanks in advance.

ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner

 

[Sifu]

The usable floor area does not get to include occupant support areas, which includes toilet rooms. However specific to a tornado shelter (shorter duration usage) then if a multi-stall toilet room is included the toilet are other than the stalls or other private areas can be used. If single user toilet rooms then the entire toilet room can be considered. 2020 ICC 500 section 502.

 

[BayPointArchitect]

Looks like I need to reduce my gross square footage by 15 percent for the classroom with movable furniture.

Technically speaking, I need to remove the walls around the restroom (making the entire storm shelter a restroom) or subtract the yellow restroom.

You are very helpful Sifu.

 

[Sifu]

Just happened to review one last week, so it was fresh in my mind.

 

[walker.t]

The usable floor area does not get to include occupant support areas, which includes toilet rooms.

So would you extend the yellow area for the restroom to cover the lavatory and its floor clearance? Probably not enough area to make a difference.

Storm shelter will have an accessible restroom.

Not related to occupant load, but your lavatory configuration made me think of this thread:

Thread 'Lav Access'

Mar 22, 2024

Acceptable or not?

• jar546
• Replies: 24
• Forum: Accessibility Codes

Here’s a video of the restroom from the TBCF YouTube channel: