Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 510 - Building Code Commission
Chapter 00 - N/A
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 20 - RISRC-1 State Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code for Existing Structures
Section 510-RICR-00-00-20.7 - Chapter 7: Change of Use and Occupancy

Universal Citation: 510 RI Code of Rules 00 00 20.7

Current through December 26, 2024

20.7.1

701.0 General

701.1 Applicable requirements: Any repair, renovation, modification, or reconstruction work undertaken in connection with a change of character of use as outlined in 701.3.1 that does not involve a change of occupancy classification shall conform to the requirements of Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively for the applicable occupancy classification. BF

701.2 Change of occupancy: The occupancy classification of an existing building or structure is defined as the classification of occupancies into groups in accordance with 202.0. The occupancy classification may be changed, provided the building or structure meets all the requirements of Chapter 6 applied throughout the building for the new occupancy classification, and the requirements of Chapter 7. BF

Exceptions:

1. Compliance with all the provisions of Chapter 6 is not required where the change of use complies with the requirements of 701.11.

2. As modified in Chapter 904.0 for historical buildings.

701.3 Special use and occupancy
701.3.1 Where the character of use of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed to one of the following special use or occupancy categories as defined in other sections of this Code, the building shall comply with all the applicable requirements of that chapter and the required provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, for new occupancies regardless of whether a change of occupancy classification is involved: BF
1. Covered mall buildings

2. Atriums

3. Private garages

4. Parking garages

5. Motion picture projection rooms

6. Stages and platforms

7. Special amusement buildings

701.3.2 An underground building, as defined in 405 of the Building Code, in which there is a change of occupancy shall comply with the requirements of 405 of the Building Code and the required provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction applicable to underground structures. BF

701.3.3 Living and Work Quarters for Artists
701.3.3.1 Where the character of use of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed to artist-in-residence spaces the building or part of the building shall comply with the requirements of Section. B

701.3.3.2 Not over thirty-three (33%) percent of an artist-in-residence space shall be used or arranged for residential purposes such as sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom and closet areas. The minimum area of an artist-in-residence space shall be 750 square feet. A separation between the working space and the residential portion shall not be required. B

701.3.3.3 An artist-in-residence space shall not be used for public sales purposes or for instructional classes. No hazardous activity such as, but not limited to, welding, open flame, or storage of flammable liquids shall occur in an artist-in-residence space without specific written approval from the authority having jurisdiction (Fire Official) that the hazardous activity meets the requirements of the Rhode Island Fire Prevention Code. BF

701.3.3.4 Number of exits: The occupant load of an artist-in-residence space shall be based on one occupant per 750 square feet. Two exits shall be required from each space. BF

701.3.3.5 Fire escapes: An existing or newly constructed fire escape complying with the requirements of 7.2.8 of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for new construction, or as approved by the Fire Marshal and Building Commissioner, shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress. FB

701.3.3.6 Sleeping room emergency exit: The emergency egress from sleeping rooms as required by this code may be provided from appropriately sized windows in accordance with 24.2.2.3 of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for new construction in the artist-in-residence working space provided no locking mechanism prevents access to the emergency egress window. F

701.3.3.7 Smoke detectors: Permanently wired smoke detectors shall be installed as required by 602.6 in the residential portion of artist-in-residence spaces. In the working space portion of the artist-in-residence space, one permanently wired smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling. Where the working space is subdivided into separate rooms, one permanently wired smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling of each such subdivided working room. Where the residential portions of an artist-in-residence space does not have at least one direct means of egress to an exit without passing though the artist-in-residence working space, the working space shall be provided with permanently wired smoke detectors installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions, but at not over 30 feet on center on the ceiling. When more than one permanently wired smoke detector is required in an artist-in-residence space, all smoke detectors shall be interconnected so that activation of any smoke detector sounds all the smoke detectors within the space. F

701.3.3.8 Corridors: Existing exit access corridor walls shall consist of fire barriers in accordance with 31.3.6 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for existing construction that have not less than a 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. Newly constructed exit access corridor walls shall consist of fire barriers in accordance with 30.3.6 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

701.3.3.9 Shaft enclosures: Where artist-in-residence spaces are located on a floor, all existing interior vertical openings connecting two or more floors shall be enclosed in accordance with 602.3 and shall be classified as Apartments (R-2) for purposes of its Exceptions. F

701.3.3.10 Light and ventilation: Light and ventilation requirements for habitable spaces shall apply to the actual habitable space provided or, if not physically separated from the artist's working area, to thirty-three (33%) percent of the entire artist-in-residence space. Light for habitable rooms may be provided by means of required sized windows in the artist working space, provided that windows face the habitable rooms and any partitions separating the working space from the habitable rooms contain transparent material with an area fifty (50%) percent greater in area than the habitable room's window area required by this code. B

701.3.3.11 Toilet, shower and bath: Artist-in-residence spaces may share a code-required toilet, shower or bath space, provided each artist-in-residence space has direct access to the toilet, shower or bath from a public corridor. B

701.3.3.12 Electrical: In the habitable residential portion of an artist-in-residence space electrical equipment and wiring shall comply with the requirements for Group R-2 specified in 504.4 and 504.5. In an un-subdivided artist-in-residence space only five receptacle outlets shall be required. The habitable residential portion of an artist-in-residence space may be provided with a minimum 30ampere service. Electrical service, lighting and outlets for the workspace in an artist-in-residence space shall be as specified in the Electrical Code. B

701.3.3.13 Elevators: An elevator need not be provided when establishing an artist-in-residence space. B

701.4 Plumbing Requirements
701.4.1 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed such that the new occupancy is subject to increased or different plumbing fixture requirements in accordance with the Plumbing Code, or to increased water supply requirements in accordance with the Plumbing Code, the intent of the respective Plumbing Code provisions shall be complied with. B

701.4.2 If the new occupancy is a food handling establishment, all existing sanitary waste lines above the food or drink preparation, storage, display or serving areas shall be panned or otherwise protected to prevent leaking pipes or condensation on pipes from contaminating food or drink. New drainage lines, as opposed to replacement lines, shall not be installed above such areas. B

701.4.3 If the new occupancy will produce grease or oil laden wastes, it shall be provided with interceptors as required in Plumbing Code. B

701.4.4 If the new occupancy will produce chemical wastes, approval shall be obtained from the Department of Environmental Management and all other authorities with jurisdiction over chemical waste. BO

701.5 Mechanical requirements: Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed such that the new occupancy is subject to different kitchen exhaust requirements or to increased mechanical ventilation requirements in accordance with Chapter 5 and 403 respectively of the Mechanical Code, the intent of the respective Mechanical Code provisions, as articulated in paragraph 101.3 of the Mechanical Code, shall be complied with. In addition, whenever hoods, ductwork, or exhaust fans for kitchen exhaust systems are installed or replaced, the installation shall be in accordance with the Mechanical Code enforced by the Building Official. Jurisdiction for the suppression system for commercial cooking will be enforced solely by the local Fire Official in compliance with NFPA 96 as referenced in the State Fire Code. BF

701.6 Electrical Requirements
701.6.1 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed to one of the following special occupancies as described in Chapter 5 of the Electrical Code, the electrical wiring and equipment of the building or portion thereof that contains the proposed occupancy shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Electrical Code. B
1. hazardous (classified) locations,

2. commercial garages, repair and storage,

3. aircraft hangars,

4. gasoline dispensing and service stations,

5. Bulk storage plants,

6 spray application, dipping and coating processes,

7. places of assembly,

8. theaters, audience areas of motion picture and television studios and similar locations,

9. motion picture and television studios and similar locations,

10. motion picture projectors, and

11. agricultural buildings.

701.6.2 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed, all unsafe electrical conditions, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be corrected, without requiring that all parts of the electrical system be brought into compliance with the Electrical Code. B

701.6.3 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed to a residential occupancy, other than hotel and dormitory occupancies, or a residential board and care occupancy, electrical service shall be upgraded to meet the requirements of Article 220 of the National Electrical Code for the new occupancy. B

701.7 Part Change of Occupancy Classification
701.7.1 Where a portion of an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification, and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier walls or horizontal assemblies or both having a fire-resistance rating as required in Table 302.3.3 of the Building Code for the separate occupancy classifications or with approved compliance alternatives, the entire building shall comply with all the requirements of Chapter 6 applied throughout the building for the new occupancy classification, and with the requirements of this Chapter. BF

Exception: Compliance with all the provisions of Chapter 6 is not required when the change of occupancy complies with the requirements of 701.11.

701.7.2 Where a portion of an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification, and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier walls or horizontal assemblies or both having a fire-resistance rating as required in Table 302.3.3 of the Building Code for the separate occupancy classifications, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall comply with all the requirements of Chapter 6 for the new occupancy classification, and with the requirements of this Chapter. B

Exception: Compliance with all the provisions Chapter 6 is not required when the change of occupancy complies with the requirements of 701.11.

701.8 Certificate of occupancy: Every change of occupancy to one classified in a different occupancy classification shall require a new certificate of occupancy in accordance with this Code regardless of whether any renovations, alterations, or reconstruction work are required by this code. B

701.9 Accessibility:
701.9.1 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed, and where renovation, alteration or reconstruction work is to be carried out, the requirements of Chapter 10 for the new occupancy shall be complied with. B

701.9.2 Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed, and where no work is being performed, compliance with the Accessibility Code is not required. B

701.10 Hazard category classifications: The relative degree of hazard between different occupancy classifications shall be as set forth in the hazard category classifications, 702. BF
701.10.1 An existing building or portion thereof may have its use changed to an occupancy classification within the same hazard classification category or to an occupancy classification in a lesser hazard classification category (higher number) in all three hazard category classifications designated in Tables A, B, and C of this chapter except the highest classification, provided it complies with the provisions of Chapter 6 for the new occupancy classification applied throughout the building, or portion thereof in accordance with 701.7.2, and with 703.2 (Live Loads) and 703.3 (Vertical Loads on Roofs), and 704.0 (Handrails and Guards)). A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with 602.6. BF

Exception: Compliance with all the provisions of Chapter 6 is not required where the change of occupancy complies with the requirements 701.11.

701.10.2 An existing building shall comply with all the applicable requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction, when a change in occupancy will place it in a higher hazard category. BF

701.10.3 An existing building may have its occupancy classification changed to a higher hazard rating (lower number) in all three hazard category classifications designated in Tables A, B, and C of Part provided it complies with this Chapter or with 3409 of the Building Code and 701.10.2. BF

701.11 Change of occupancy to an equal or lesser hazard: A change of use to an occupancy classification within the same hazard classification category or to an occupancy classification in a lesser hazard classification category (higher number) in the three hazard category classifications addressed by Tables A, B and C of § 20.7 of this Part shall be permitted in an existing building or portion thereof provided the provisions of this section are met. BF
701.11.1 Regardless of the occupancy classification involved, the following requirement shall be met: BF
1. The capacity of the means of egress shall comply with 602.1.3.

2. The interior finish of walls and ceilings shall comply with the requirements of 602.2.2.

3. The high-rise building requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for existing buildings shall apply throughout the building.

4. The boiler/furnace requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for existing buildings shall apply throughout the building.

5. The fire alarm provisions of 602.6 for the new occupancy classification shall apply throughout the building.

701.11.2 Where the new use is classified as Group R-1, or R-2, the following requirement shall be met throughout the building:

Corridor doors shall comply with the requirements of 602.1.4.2 through 602.1.4.5. F

701.11.3 No dwelling unit of a residential occupancy classified as Group R-1 or R-2 shall have its sole means of egress pass through any nonresidential occupancy in the same building. F

701.11.4 No multiple-dwelling unit of a residential occupancy classified as Group R-1 or R-2 shall be located above any nonresidential occupancy. F

Exceptions:

1. Where the dwelling unit of the residential occupancy and exits therefrom are separated from the nonresidential occupancy by construction having an approximate fire resistance rating of one (1) hour as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

2. Where the nonresidential occupancy is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with §9.7 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.

701.11.5 Where the new use is classified as an apartment building (Group R-2), the following requirements shall be met: F
1. The smoke alarm requirements of 602.6 shall be met.

2. Buildings containing more than three (3) and less than eight (8) living units shall have a local fire alarm system as described in R.I. Gen. Laws §23-28.25-4(a), as amended, of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code installed throughout the entire building.

3. Buildings containing eight (8) or more living units shall have a fire alarm system as described in R.I. Gen. Laws §23-28.25-4(b), as amended, of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code installed throughout the entire building.

4. Buildings classified as high-rise (more than seventy-five feet (75') in height) shall have a fire alarm system as described in R.I. Gen. Laws §23-28.25-4(c), as amended, of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code installed throughout the entire building.

701.11.6 When a change of use or occupancy occurs throughout an entire building, a fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with 602.6. F

701.11.7 When a change of use or occupancy occurs in a portion of a building, if that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier walls or horizontal assemblies or both having a fire-resistance rating as required in Table 302.3.3 of the Building Code for the separate occupancy classifications, a fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the entire building in accordance with 602.6 for the most hazardous occupancy classification. F

701.11.8 When a change of use or occupancy occurs in a portion of a building, and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barrier walls or horizontal assemblies or both having a fire-resistance rating as required in Table 302.3.3 of the Building Code for the separate occupancy classifications, a fire alarm system shall be installed in that portion of the building where the use or occupancy changed. The fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with 602.6 and the system shall be designed to accommodate expansion to the entire building. F

701.11.9 When a change of occupancy includes a commercial kitchen, existing grease ducts, exhaust equipment and kitchen hoods shall be brought into compliance with all the requirements in 506 and 507 of the Mechanical Code and enforced by the Building Official. Jurisdiction for the suppression system for commercial cooking will be enforced solely by the local Fire Official in compliance with NFPA 96 as referenced in the State Fire Code. BF

20.7.2

702 Change of Occupancy
702.1 Means of Egress

702.1 Means of Egress/General F Table A

HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:

LIFE SAFETY AND EXITS

Relative Hazard

Occupancy Classification

1 (highest hazard)

High hazard contents

2

Health care, detention and correctional, residential board and care

3

Assembly, educational, day care, ambulatory health care, residential, mercantile, business, industrial, storage
702.1.1 When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table A, egress capacity, arrangement of the means of egress, and all elements of the means of egress, including but not limited to the exit access, exit discharge, occupant load, corridors, doors, enclosures, stairs and ramps, guards and handrails, means of egress doorways, fire escapes and exit lighting and signs, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction for the new occupancy classification. F

Exception: Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where, because of existing construction, the pitch or slope cannot be reduced, shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements of new stairs.

702.1.2 When a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in Table A, existing elements of the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of 602.0 for the new occupancy classification. F

Exception: Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where, because of existing construction, the pitch or slope cannot be reduced, shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements.

702.2 Enclosure of Vertical Shafts
702.2.1 General: Vertical shafts shall be designed to meet the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction requirements for atriums, or the requirements of this section. F

702.2.2 Stairways: When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table A, interior stairways shall be enclosed as required by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

702.2.3 Shafts enclosing commercial kitchen exhaust ducts: When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table A, shafts enclosing commercial kitchen exhaust ducts shall be enclosed as required by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

702.2.4 Other vertical shafts: Interior vertical shafts other than stairways and those enclosing commercial kitchen exhaust ducts, including but not limited to elevator hoist ways and service and utility shafts, shall be enclosed as required by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction when there is a change of occupancy classification to a higher hazard category in Table A. When the change of occupancy is to an equal or lesser hazard category, all newly constructed vertical openings, not addressed in 702.2, shall comply with the provisions of 602.3.1. When the change of occupancy is to an equal or lesser hazard category, all existing vertical openings, not addressed in 702.2 shall comply with 602.3.2 of this code. BF

Exceptions:

1. Existing one-hour interior shaft enclosures shall be accepted where a higher rating is required.

2. Vertical openings, other than stairways, need not be enclosed if the entire building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

3. Where one-hour fire-resistive floor construction is required, vertical shafts need not be enclosed where floor penetrations are fire stopped at every floor level.

702.2.5 Openings: All openings into existing vertical shaft enclosures shall be protected by fire assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than one hour and shall be maintained self-closing or shall be automatic closing by actuation of a smoke detector. All other openings shall be fire protected in an approved manner. Existing fusible link-type automatic door-closing devices shall be permitted in all shafts except stairways if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F. (75°C.). F

702.3 Automatic sprinkler systems: Any change of occupancy, reconstruction and/or addition shall comply with the following automatic sprinkler system requirements. 602.5 shall be used to determine the extent of sprinkler protection required using the area that has changed occupancy as the rehabilitation work area. F

High-rise buildings: All high-rise buildings shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.8.2.1 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

Assembly (A1 through A-5): Any assembly occupancy required by Table 12.1.6 of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for new construction, or buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads of more than 300, shall be protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction as follows: F

1. Throughout the story containing the assembly occupancy

2. Throughout all stories below the story containing the assembly occupancy

3. In the case of an assembly occupancy located below the level of exit discharge, throughout all stories intervening between that story and the level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge

Exceptions:

1. This requirement shall not apply to assembly occupancies used primarily for worship with fixed seating and not part of a mixed occupancy. (See 6.1.14 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.)

2. This requirement shall not apply to assembly occupancies consisting of a single multipurpose room of less than 12,000 ft2 (1100 m2) that are not used for exhibition or display and are not part of a mixed occupancy.

3. This requirement shall not apply to gymnasiums, skating rinks, and swimming pools used exclusively for participant sports with no audience facilities for more than 300 persons.

4. In stadia and arenas, sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted over the floor area used for contest, performance, or entertainment; over the seating areas; and over open-air concourses where an approved engineering analysis substantiates the ineffectiveness of the sprinkler protection due to building height and combustible loading.

5. In unenclosed stadia and arenas, sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted in the following areas:
(a) Press boxes less than 1000 ft2 (93 m2)

(b) Storage facilities less than 1000 ft2 (93 m2) if enclosed with not less than 1-hour fire resistance-rated construction

(c) Enclosed areas underneath grandstands that comply with 12.4.8.5 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.

Lodging or rooming houses (R-1): Lodging or rooming houses shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 26.3.5.1 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

Exception: Where every sleeping room has a door opening directly to the outside of the building at street or ground level, or has a door opening directly to the outside leading to an exterior stairway that meets the requirements of 26.2.1.1 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.

Hotels and dormitories (R-1): All buildings shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 28.3.5.1 through 28.3.5.4 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction. F

Exception: Buildings other than high-rise buildings, where all guest sleeping rooms have a door that opens directly to the outside at street or ground level, or to exterior exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.

Apartment buildings (R-2): All buildings, with sleeping accommodations above the third floor and/or having more than six units between fire walls, shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 30.3.5.1 through 30.3.5.5 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction, except in buildings where every dwelling unit is provided with the following: F

a. An exit door opening directly to the street or yard at ground level.

Mercantile (M): Mercantile occupancies shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction as follows: F

1. Throughout all mercantile occupancies three or more stories in height

2. Throughout all mercantile occupancies exceeding 12,000 ft2 (1115 m2) in gross area

3. Throughout stories below the level of exit discharge where such stories have an area exceeding 2500 ft2 (230 m2) used for the sale, storage, or handling of combustible goods and merchandise

4. Throughout mixed occupancies in accordance with 6.1.14 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction where the conditions of 36.3.5.1(1), (2), or (3) of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction apply to the mercantile occupancy

Automatic sprinkler systems in Class A mercantile occupancies shall be supervised in accordance with 9.7.2 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code for new construction.

Exception: In other than high-rise structures, where an adequate water supply for sprinkler protection is not available, the authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to accept alternative protection. For purposes of this Exception, adequate water supply shall mean that the water supply available at the site has sufficient flow capability at a residual pressure of 20 psi to meet the sprinkler system demand criteria.

702.4 Heights and Areas

702.4 Heights and Areas Table B

HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:

HEIGHTS AND AREAS

Relative Hazard

Occupancy Classification

1 (highest hazard)

High hazard contents

2

Assembly, day care, health care, ambulatory health care, detention and correctional, large residential board and care

3

Educational, residential, small residential board and care, mercantile, business, industrial, storage
702.4.1 Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table B, heights and areas of buildings and structures shall meet the limitations of Chapter 5 of the Building Code for the new occupancy classification. B

702.4.2 When a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in Table B, the height and area of the existing building shall be deemed to be acceptable. B

702.4.3 Fire separation: When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table B, fire barrier walls or horizontal assemblies or both in mixed use buildings shall comply with the requirements for mixed occupancies in 302.3 of the Building Code. BF

Exception: Where the fire barrier walls are required to have a one-hour fire-resistance rating, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or existing stud wall clad in 1/2-inch-thick (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or other equivalent assemblies shall be permitted.

702.5 Exterior Wall Fire-Resistance Ratings

702.5 Exterior Wall Fire-Resistance Ratings Table C

HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:

EXPOSURE OF EXTERIOR WALLS

Relative Hazard

Occupancy Classification

1 (highest hazard)

Occupancies containing exempt amounts greater than permitted by 417.0 of the Building Code

2

Mercantile, industrial and storage occupancies with ordinary hazard contents

3

Assembly, educational, day care, health care, ambulatory health care, detention and correctional, residential, residential board and care, and business
702.5.1 Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table C, exterior walls shall have fire-resistance and exterior opening protectives as required in Chapter 7 of the Building Code. This provision shall not apply to walls at right angles to the property line. BF

Exception: Where a fire-resistance rating greater than two hours is required for a building of any type of construction, existing noncombustible exterior walls having a fire resistance rating equivalent to two hours as determined by HUD Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies or other approved sources shall be accepted, provided the building does not exceed three stories in height and is classified as one of the following Groups: A-3 with an occupant load of less than 300, B, F, M, or S.

702.5.2 When a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in Table C, existing exterior walls, including openings, shall be accepted. F

702.5.3 Opening protectives: Openings in exterior walls shall be protected as required by the Building Code. When openings in the exterior walls are required to be protected due to distance from the property line, the sum of the area of such openings shall not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the total area of the wall in each story. BF

Exceptions:

1. Where the Building Code permits openings in excess of fifty (50%) percent.

2. Existing openings shall not be required to be protected in buildings of Group R which do not exceed three stories in height and which have a fire separation distance of at least 3 feet (914mm).

3. Where exterior opening protectives are required, an automatic sprinkler system throughout may be substituted for opening protection.

4. Exterior opening protectives are not required when the change of occupancy is to an equal or lower hazard classification in accordance with Table C.

20.7.3

703.0 Structural Requirements

703.1 Structural safety: In addition to the requirements of 701 and 702, a change in occupancy classification shall comply with the requirements of this section. B

703.2 Live loads: Any existing structure in which the proposed new occupancy requires floor live loads equal to or less than required for the existing occupancy is permitted to be continued in use for the originally approved live loads, provided that the structure is not dangerous and is adequate for the proposed occupancy. If the approved floor live load is less than required by 1607 of the Building Code, the areas designed for the reduced live load shall be posted with the approved load or shall be structurally strengthened to support the new load. Placards shall be of an approved design. B

Exception: Analysis and test methods for evaluation of existing materials shall be permitted to use the methods specified in the code under which the building was constructed, the current Building Code, or other standards as approved by the authority having jurisdiction [building official].

703.3 Vertical loads on roofs: Buildings and structures shall comply with the roof load requirements of 1607.11 of the Building Code for roof live load. B

Exception: Existing roofs shall be permitted to be retained provided any unsafe or overloaded conditions are corrected and where the roof dead load is not increased by use, re-roofing or added equipment.

703.4 Wind and snow loads: Where a change of occupancy results in an existing building being assigned a higher wind load or snow load importance factor in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the Building Code, the building shall be strengthened to meet the wind load or snow load requirements of 1609 and 1608, respectively, of the Building Code. B

20.7.4

704.0 Handrails and Guards

704.1 Handrails: Existing handrails shall comply with the handrail requirements in 602.0. F

704.2 Guardrails: Existing guardrails shall comply with the guardrail requirements in 602.0. F

20.7.5

705.0 Health and Hygiene

705.1 Light and ventilation: Lighting and ventilation shall comply with the requirements of 1204 and 1202 respectively of the Building Code for the new occupancy classification to the extent deemed practical by the authority having jurisdiction. B

20.7.6

706.0 Energy Conservation

706.1 A change of use that would require an increase in space conditioning energy use in an existing building or structure that was constructed under an Energy Code shall not be permitted unless such building or structure is made to comply with the thermal envelope requirements of the Energy Code under which it was constructed for the new Use Group. B

NOTE: Where the section is followed by the letter "B", "F", or "O", the following meaning shall apply:

"B" This means that the Building Official or the Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical Inspector shall review the plans, issue the permit, inspect the installation, and approve the final certificate.

"F" This means that the Fire Official shall review the plans for approval, the Fire Official and/or the Building Official inspects the installation, and the Fire Official observes the final test and approves the final installation. The Building Official shall issue the permits.

"O" This would indicate another State agency approval and inspection is needed. An explanation will indicate the agency and approvals needed.

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