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Interpretations Request Input

Original Request

  • Request ID: 8484
  • Requested By: Peter Hauerstein
  • Requester E-Mail: phauerstein@nelsonww.com
  • Code Version: 2021
  • Code: BUILDING
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter:
  • Section: 1208 INTERIOR SPACE DIMENSIONS
  • Topic: Are phone rooms and mother's rooms habitable spaces?
  • Question: The definition of habitable space in Chapter 2 states that it is a "space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, screen enclosures, sunroom Categories I, II, III and IV as defined in Section 2002.6, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces." In office spaces we have small spaces used by individuals for short periods of time when privacy is needed. Once space is a “mother’s room” or “wellness room” . It is a space that is used for short periods of time when privacy in the work place is needed. The other space is a “phone room” (which many times are more like pre-manufactured phone booths, small 36” x 36” +/- spaces) which is used to take a phone call in an open office environment where privacy is needed. When designing these three types of spaces, especially the phone rooms, they tend to be smaller than the size requirements in FBC 1208 since they are used for a short period of time. Our question is, since the spaces are not used for “living, sleeping, eating or cooking” do these rooms need to meet the requirements of FBC 1208?
  • Comment: None

Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request

Input Received:

Yes, they rooms listed provide the same function as other larger rooms which are definitely classified as habitable, They're just smaller.
Tom Goldsbury on 11/24/2020 at 4:37 PM
" LIVING " is one of the spaces considered habitable, what you describe are living spaces the answer would be YES these spaces need to meet 1208.
Andrew Bruhn on 11/24/2020 at 9:13 PM
Yes, All habitable spaces are also occupiable spaces. Though that is not the same in reverse. But occupiable spaces that are used for engagement at "labor" and is equipped with means of egress and light and ventilation would be deemed habitable also.
Linda Patrick on 11/25/2020 at 3:19 PM
They will need to be made accessible. I think that's the issue is he looking at . . .
Larry Schneider on 11/25/2020 at 4:53 PM

Answer:

Yes, the rooms listed provide the same function as other larger rooms which are definitely classified as habitable, They're just smaller.
On 12/08/2020 at 2:52 PM

Commentary:

All habitable spaces are also occupiable spaces. Though that is not the same in reverse. But occupiable spaces that are used for engagement at "labor" and is equipped with means of egress and light and ventilation would be deemed habitable also. They must also be on the accessible route and meet accessibility.

Comments on Draft:

I agree
Andrew Bruhn on 12/08/2020 at 2:55 PM
looks good
Linda Patrick on 12/08/2020 at 3:01 PM
I disagree. These spaces do not meet the definition of habitable spaces.
Joseph Belcher on 12/08/2020 at 3:12 PM
I agree, but take the "y' off of "they" in "Yes, they rooms..."
Tom Goldsbury on 12/08/2020 at 4:08 PM
I agree with Joe
Pedro Quintela on 12/08/2020 at 4:41 PM
Concur
Larry Schneider on 12/11/2020 at 2:58 PM
agree with those above.
Samuel Greenberg on 12/16/2020 at 5:52 PM
Publish Draft Interpretation