Topic:
Public or Private Utilization of plumbing fixtures
Question:
Regarding Section 403.3 and 2902.3 .FL condominium common area exercise room. 196 units. Is this a "public" room and does it need to have 2 bathrooms? Approximately 26 ft X 28 ft.
Comment:
Board is demolishing 1 bathroom. Does this violate code? Board says this is allowable because condominiums are considered "residential" not "commercial".
Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request
Is it the intent of Table 403.3 to upgrade the
ventilation requirements of a business
classification 'office' space to a business
classification 'college classroom' space under
2007 FBC Existing Building/Mechanical?
Input Received:
By definition in the FBC this exercise room does not appear to qualify as a "Public use area" as long as it is not made available to the general public and is only available to residents of the condo. DEFINITION: PUBLIC-USE AREAS. Interior or exterior rooms or spaces that are made available to the general public. Having said that, restroom facilities must be provided for the residents in accordance with the Plumbing Code. Unlike the Swimming Pool restroom requirements, the number of condo units (196) has no bearing on the number of restrooms needed for this space. The number of restroom needed would be calculated using the assembly section in T403.1 of the Plumbing Code. Based on anticipated use the occupant load of the space (exercise room) appears to need - 1 per 125 Male & 1 per 65 Female. Alternatively, the Building Official can determine occupant load based on Plumbing Code 403.1 "Uses not shown in Table 403.1 shall be considered individually by the code official."
Answer:
By definition in the FBC this exercise room does not appear to qualify as a "Public use area" as long as it is not made available to the general public and is only available to residents of the condo. DEFINITION: PUBLIC-USE AREAS. Interior or exterior rooms or spaces that are made available to the general public. Having said that, restroom facilities must be provided for the residents in accordance with the Plumbing Code. Unlike the Swimming Pool restroom requirements, the number of condo units (196) has no bearing on the number of restrooms needed for this space. The number of restroom needed would be calculated using the assembly section in Table 403.1 of the Plumbing Code. Based on anticipated use the occupant load of the space (exercise room) appears to need - 1 per 125 Male & 1 per 65 Female. Alternatively, the Building Official can determine occupant load based on Plumbing Code 403.1 "Uses not shown in Table 403.1 shall be considered individually by the code official."
Commentary:
None.
Comments on Draft:
agree - the bathroom is not public use and it looks like one bathroom would suffice for the space
