When do two rooms become one?

[tcchristian]

I am working on a classroom building design and have two classrooms that are to have an opening between them without doors. Under the CBC (California's version of IBC), what size or ratio of opening will cause the two rooms to be considered one space for the purposes of exiting and use group designation? The opening we are proposing is 12' wide on a 30' long wall separating the spaces, so 40% of the wall is open. We are looking at the two spaces as Group E with occupant loads of 36 and 15 respectively, but if they are truly one space should they be considered as an A-3 with a total occupant load of 51?

 

[RLGA]

See Section 303.1.3. An assembly space associated with a Group E is not considered a separate occupancy.

 

[cda]

Let me restate

Finished product

Will there be a seperate class in each side

Still an E as stated

You should already have two seperate doors, hopefully staying

 

[SCBO1]

Do both rooms exit into a common hallway? Or do you have to exit through your new 12-ft opening to get exit one of your two rooms?