Wedding/Event Venue A2 or A3 classification?

[brazzandtara1]

Need HELP!
I am an owner of a brokerage in Texas. We are currently under contract on an 11,600sq ft building.
Approximately 3300 sq ft of this building is a chapel that we are wanting to convert into a wedding/event space. Occupancy is currently at 250 according to previous owner docs. The building is a stick frame/brick building built in 1977. We will not provide any food or drinks. It will all be BYOB and bring your own food/catering. There is not a kitchen available.

In reading through the 2018 IFC, to be classified as an A2, it says that the buildings "intended purpose" will be food and drink. That will not be our intended purpose. Our intended purpose would be a space for weddings, birthday parties, seminars, etc. I believe in reading the code, we should be classified as an A3, which does not require a fire suppression system under 300 people. Is this correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[classicT]

It will all be BYOB and bring your own food/catering.

The quote (above) from your post indicates to me that you know that the space will be used as a banquet hall where food and beverages will be consumed. As such, I would say you need to go Group A-2.

Although the space may not always cater to events including food and beverage, you design to the more restrictive (higher risk) use.

 

[bill1952]

Doesn't matter who provides and serves the alcohol, it's a part of the building. No kitchen but a sink? And an ice machine, eventually?

 

[JPohling]

That is an A-2 use and the facility should be designed for that use