fungineer
REGISTERED
For a project under WI code (Modified IBC codes) I have a building which contains (2) currently separated occupancies (A-2 and S-2), each operating indepently. This building is physically connected to another building, which only has B occupancy. (We'll say each is only 1 story and the same type of construction for simplicity). The two buildings are separated by an existing fire wall between the buildings (but no real property lines).
Proposed work is place a code-approve opening in the fire wall (not a party wall), and reduce the S-2 space in half, whereas that new space would be used for circulation and toilet rooms which serve as common areas for all (3) tenant spaces. The former S-2 space, now circulation and toilet rooms, serves the S-2 tenant to remain, B tenant, and A-2 tenant. Both the B and A-2 spaces have independent egress from them, the S-2 uses this common corridor as egress out of the building.
Here's the question: What is the correct occupancy use category for this "modified" space (circulation & toilet rooms)?
- Is it B, A-2, and S-2 as it serves all of them?
- Is it only B (in toilet rooms) as none of the spaces exceed 50 persons, and the circulation space is only egress for B & S-2 (with its own exit without re-entering the separate tenant spaces) for people WITHIN either the toilet rooms or the storage area?
- As the change-in-use from S-2 will be based upon the most restrictive occupancy, correctly identifying that occupancy is the primary concern here.
Proposed work is place a code-approve opening in the fire wall (not a party wall), and reduce the S-2 space in half, whereas that new space would be used for circulation and toilet rooms which serve as common areas for all (3) tenant spaces. The former S-2 space, now circulation and toilet rooms, serves the S-2 tenant to remain, B tenant, and A-2 tenant. Both the B and A-2 spaces have independent egress from them, the S-2 uses this common corridor as egress out of the building.
Here's the question: What is the correct occupancy use category for this "modified" space (circulation & toilet rooms)?
- Is it B, A-2, and S-2 as it serves all of them?
- Is it only B (in toilet rooms) as none of the spaces exceed 50 persons, and the circulation space is only egress for B & S-2 (with its own exit without re-entering the separate tenant spaces) for people WITHIN either the toilet rooms or the storage area?
- As the change-in-use from S-2 will be based upon the most restrictive occupancy, correctly identifying that occupancy is the primary concern here.
