Table 508.3.3 interpretation

[Inspector 102]

The table indicates that the required separation between an S-1 and an M is not required whether sprinklered or not by the table. The added footnote indicates 3 conditions that need to be met to not require the separation. If these conditions can not be met, what would the required separation be? Example: Storage room equals 21% of building, no sprinkler, total area of 1349 SF.

I am incline to say that it is a non-separated use and have it constructed (remodeled) to meet the requirements of S-1 occupancy and eliminate any issues of separation requirements. Any thoughts on intent of requirement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[georgia plans exam]

I think I would be inclined to require the minimum one-hour separation. Excellent question!

GPE

 

[mtlogcabin]

You do not have to meet all 3 conditions.

b. Occupancy separation need not be provided for storage areas within Groups B and M if the:

1. Area is less than 10 percent of the floor area; If the B or M is 24,000 sq ft and the S-1 is 2,399 it does not require a seperation. the s-1 is less than 10%

2. Area is equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system and is less than 3,000 square feet; or A 14,000 sq ft sprinkled M or B with a 2,500 sq ft S-1 is compliant

3. Area is less than 1,000 square feet. Regardless of the M or B sq ft if the S-1 in a non-sprinklered build is less than 1,000 sq ft no seperation is required

BTW this went away in the 2009 IBC no sperations required between a B or M and an S-1

 

[Gene Boecker]

None.

There is no separation required. You need not mess around with the footnotes if the table doesn't require it in the first place.

This was an "oh-oh" that was corrected in the 2009 code. Those footnotes are gone.

 

[Inspector 102]

Since table 508.3.3 indicates that the separation is not required, and Gene states that the footnotes would not apply, would the requirements of Table 508.2 then take over as an incidental use and therefore require the 1-hour separation as indicated by georgia plans examiner? It would seem appropriate that a storage room would require some type of separation if there is no automatic fire suppression system, but not really clear under the provisions of the code. If Table 508.2 is applied, then a 3/4-hour door(s) would then be required and I don't know too many storage rooms that would not block this door open (fire inspectors problem). I originally started under the 1988 UBC and it sure seems that the code book is getting less informative on the intent. Maybe I am just getting stupier!!!

 

[Gene Boecker]

No.

The option , as stated in 508.1 allows for a use of any one of the provisions. Here too, the language is much better in the 2009. Currently is says to use the section. The 2009 says that any of the sections may be used. It's a small change in text but clears up the intent. In the 2006 edition, this language is in 508.3 where is says:

Where a building contains more than one occupancy group,​

the building or portion thereof shall comply with Sections




508.3.1, 508.3.2, 508.3.3 or a combination of these sections.



If, by following 508.3.3 the result is no rated separation, then that's the end of it. There is no need to go to another section just because there is no rating. This is similar to the fact that if the building is sprinklered and the corridor in the office building is not rated, there is no requirement to limit the occupants to less than 30. The requirement of the code has been met. End of issue.

 

[Builder Bob]

4 options -

seperated - Storage from Business

non-seperated - designed to most restrictive square footage

accessory - the old 10% rule....

or incidential.....

Where would I use uncidential ?

example office building with small storage area.

24,000 SF type II-B non-sprinklered business.....

S-1 would require sprinkler system at 12 K - so non-seperated out

Seperated - open design will not work well with the rated seperations

Accessory, the storage areas are 2500 SF.

Incidential - seperate storage areas (any areas over 100 sf. by one hour) allows building to remain classified as a B, requires careful planning for consolidation of storage areas to minimize the number of 1 hour rated storage areas...... but allows 24,000 SF two story Business building without sprinkler system because the storage areas are incidential

 

[TJacobs]

The mixed-use options are the designers choice. Separation is not required unless the designer chooses that option for that portion in question.