Another building code question.

[matt4]

I'm currently working on a local Ambulance station. Half of the structure will be offices, sleeping quarters, kitchenette, training area, and restrooms. The other half is garage for trucks, an office, mechanical and utility rms., and another restroom. I'm having difficulty finding out what the use and occupancy classification would be for something like this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.
Matt

[solo]

Matt

Where are you located?

Have you tried online at your code enforcement office?

What about the city permits dept, they should have all the specs needed.

[matt4]

I actually just got off the phone with them a few minutes ago. Just checking a few different ways. You never know how fast you can get information out of those guys.

I'm in Pennsylvania, so we are using the 2006 UCC.

Thanks
Matt

[jim smith]

Matt,

The UCC in Penn. adopts the 2006 International Building Codes (IBC) and Fire/mechanical etc codes.

In chapter 3, use and occupancy,they lay out how to classify your building. There are two basic ways:(note - these paragraph numbers are from the 2004 IBC - I can't find my 2006 right now, but they are very similar)

302.3.1 Non Separated uses - where you design the building entirely based upon the most stringent use - regarding area limits, fire residtance etc.

302.3.2 Separated uses - where you subdivide the building with rated fire separation walls and openings based upon the required separation of occupancies table 302.3.2

All of this is flavored with a dash of what your building construction type is, the overall height and area and whether it has a fire protection system. If you are in a relatively open area with 30' or more all around, you get breaks as well.

In general, the IBC is much more user friendly where ever you have fire sprinklers. In the long run, you save the cost of the system by being able to reduce the number and intensity of fire separations and generally get a substantial increase in the alllowable area.

Hope this points you in the right direction.

Ultimately, you need to get in touch with the local building officials and fire marshal.

[matt4]

Jim,

I guess you missed my original question.

I already know all that stuff you explained to me. However, my question was based on my description of the use of the building, I'm not sure what my actual use group will be. I'm fairly certain that it will be a mixed occupancy (B and F-2) but I have a hard time believing that the IBC didn't take into consideration a Fire Department or Ambulance Association when developing the guidelines.

Thanks
Matt

[jim smith]

Sorry for my hasty original response. I didn't read your question closely enough and had to run off to a meeting.

I would agree it is strange there wouldn't be something more helpful in the classifications especially for a building type as common as a fire station or EMS center.

I think you are on the right track with the F and B, however take another look at the F-2. It seems to be for more non-combustible light industry uses and doesn't say anything about vehicals. F-1 does list "automobiles and other vehicals".

I find it curious that in F-2 they list foundaries, brick and masonry ceramic and glass product manufacturing, which of course produces non-combustible products, but all of those processes require tremendous heat and somewhat open flames! They also list optical goods in F-1 but most of that would seem to be glass products which would make it F-2.

I guess these sort of subjective code confusions keep the unemployment lines from being overwhelmed by out of work plan inspectors.

[Daniel]

I think your occupancy classification is going to be B. I think whether or not the garage is a separate classification depends on if it can be defined as an accessory space. If it is a different occupancy, I am sure it would be group U (utility and miscellaneous); section 406 of the 2006 IBC goes into motor-vehicle related occupancies.

It wouldn't be group F, as your not assembling, disassembling, fabricating, etc., nor would it be a hazardous occupancy as the storage of vehicles alone does not constitute a hazard.

When all else fails, call your fire marshal and ask.

[matt4]

Daniel,

The building itself is pretty close to a 50% split between office space and truck storage. My fault, I meant the truck storage half would be classified as S-1 instead of F-1. It falls under motor vehicle storage as long as they are not going to be performing any type of work on the vehicles.

Thanks
Matt