Topic:
Conflict between FBC 903.2.6 (Exception 2) and FBC Table 1017.2.
Question:
Existing Type IIB construction one-story office building, laid out in a North-South direction. Intent is to utilize 4,920 ft2 in center of building as an I-4 Pediatric Day Care facility. Section 903.2.6 allows for an exemption from the installation of sprinkler system if every care room has direct access to the outside. Two new doors are being added in the back of building, one for the Nursing Area, and one in the Therapy Room.
Comment:
Section 903.2.6, Exception 2, allows installation without sprinkler as long as care rooms have direct access to the outside. However, Table FBC 1017.2 categorically states that with occupancy I-4, shows the occupancy is not permitted without sprinklers. Review of the 2018 edition of the ICC, the basis for the 2020 FBC, indicates that the allowable distance is 150 ft. It appears the travel distance in the FBC should be clarified.
Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request
Input Received:
So as existing building, need to go to Chapter 10 of the FBC-Existing. Section 1001.2 starts the process. Section 1004.1 refers you back to the FBC-Bldg chapter 9 for Fire Sprinkler requirements. Section 1012 is specific where there is a Change of Occupancy Classification.
Saying that it would appear that there is a possible Scrivener's error. This needs to be addressed by the FBCommission.
Answer:
So as this is an existing building, we need to go to Chapter 10 of the FBC-Existing. Section 1001.2 starts the process. Section 1004.1 refers you back to the FBC-Bldg chapter 9 for Fire Sprinkler requirements. Section 1012 is specific where there is a Change of Occupancy Classification.
There is no conflict, the exception is more specific than the table.
The revised 1017 table from the ICC Codes was not incorporated in the 7th edition, it was left on the TAC room floor, no affirmative action.
Not sure about I-4 = Pediatric Day Care
Pediatric is defined as relating to the care and medical treatment of children.
Pediatrics is defined as a branch of medicine that deals with the child, development, care and diseases.
(Per the Websters third new international dictionary)
Nor was the age group specified, this maybe Group E per 308.6.1
Commentary:
None.
Comments on Draft:
Agreed needed to start with FEBC.
There is no conflict the exception is more specific that the table.
There is no Scriveners error, the revised 1017 table was not incorporated in the 7th edition, it was left on the TAC room floor, no affirmative action.
I am not sure about I-4 = Pediatric Day Care
Pediatric is defined as relating to the care and medical treatment of children.
Pediatrics is defined as a branch of medicine that deals with the child, development, care and diseases.
(Per the Websters third new international dictionary)
Nor was the age group specified, this maybe Group E per 308.6.1
Okay, so modify and take out the scriveners statement. Since they refer to therapy room, it still looks like an I4 use.
