Interpretation #7865

Published November 09, 2016

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
9
Section
903.2.9 #5
Topic

Question

Is it the intent of item #5 to affect Self Storage properties
when it appears the changes made at the same time all
related to Manufacturers and Retailers of Upholstered
Furniture and Mattresses? Also since this item did not
address a fire area and only the occupancy some have
interpreted this addition (in 2014) to be applied to any
building over 2500 sq ft and not allow the use of a fire wall
per FBC 706.

Answer Published 11/09/2016 at 8:33 AM

Yes, please see the attached commentary. This applies to
self-storage facilities unless there is a method to ensure
that upholstered furniture and mattresses are not stored in
the self-storage facility. (See our other recent informal
interpretation on this issue.)

Commentary

If Fire Walls were utilized to separate areas into less than 2,500 square foot areas, thereby creating separate buildings of less than 2,500 square feet, then this section would not apply. Fire Area is inapplicable to this issue as a fire wall must be utilized to create separate buildings, not a fire barrier wall. In addition "fire area" is not used in this #5. Note: The FFPC also has provisions addressing self-storage facilities with a similar fire sprinkler threshold to the FFPC that should also be consulted.