Interpretation #7341

Original Request

Code Version: 2010
Code: BUILDING
Code Description: Building
Chapter: 3
Section: 303.1 Ex1
Topic: Separate Facilities

Question

When classifying a small assembly use, less than 50, as a Business Occupancy (Group B) by way of FBC-B 303.1 exception (1), does section 403.2 Separate facilities, Exception (3) of the Florida Building Code - Plumbing apply?

Answer Published 06/24/2014 at 7:17 PM

The answer is going to be up to the AHJ for the application

of the code. That said, the answer is probably yes. FBC,

Plumbing section 403.1 refers the FBC, Building code for
Occupancy class. FBC, Building section 303.1 exception 1
may classify the occupancy as business. Please see the

commentary below for the detailed information.

Commentary

Looking at the occupant loads allowed for a gym with no equipment may change the application. This question refers to an occupant load of a gym with (fixed) equipment. Pilates would probably not require fixed equipment, but, would be held in an open space. The formula for dividing the square footage by the square feet required per person gives us 1712/15= 115 occupants. The exception under the FBC-P403.2 exception # 3 would not apply, if there is no (fixed) equipment. The other issue is if this is a gym where Pilates is being taught, with an instructor, it becomes a business usage, personal care. When looking at using 1712/100= 18 occupants. If interpretation of the area falls under this scenario, the FBC-P 403.2 exception #3 would apply.