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The Building Code Blog

Three Approaches to Mixed Occupancy Buildings

2/18/2022

2 Comments

 
The IBC offers 3 approaches to mixed occupancy buildings: accessory, nonseparated and separated. Any building with two or more occupancy types must choose one or more of these approaches for compliance. In this post, we will cover all three of these approaches and the specific requirements related to each.
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Many urban buildings are mixed occupancy buildings and use one of these described approaches.

Nonseparated Mixed Occupancy

In a nonseparated occupancy approach, there is no requirement for a fire-rated separation between adjacent occupancies. However, the key requirement in a nonseparated occupancy approach is that the most restrictive requirements for the allowable height, area and number of stories, as well as the most restrictive fire protection requirements must be applied throughout the entire building. For example if your building has two occupancy types and one of them requires a voice fire alarm system, a nonseparated occupancy approach would mean that you need to provide a voice fire alarm system throughout the building.

If your building falls within the allowable height and area for the occupancy types involved and you can meet the fire protection requirements of the most restrictive occupancy, a nonseparated mixed occupancy approach is the easiest from a design standpoint because there is no additional requirements for rated separations.

    Check out the Nonseparated Mixed Occupancy Calculator

    Picture
Check it Out
The general approach for code compliance in a non separated mixed occupancy building is:
1. Determine the maximum allowable height, area and number of stories for each occupancy involved and verify that your building meets the most restrictive requirements.
2. Determine the fire protection requirements from IBC Chapter 9 for each occupancy involved and apply the most restrictive requirements throughout the building. If the building is a high-rise, the requiremetns of Section 403 would also apply throughout.
3. Apply all other code requirements, such as means of egress, to each individual occupancy classification individually for that portion of the building.

Note that even if you are taking a nonseparated occupancy approach there are specific requirements for buildings containing Groups H, I and R for a rated separation between those occupancies and adjacent building spaces you can review those requirements in IBC Chapter 4.

Separated Mixed Occupancy

The separated mixed occupancy approach is typically provided when the non-separated approach is not an option. With a separated mixed occupancy approach, a fire-rated separation is typically provided between each occupancy type. IBC Table 508.4 is referenced for the specific rating requirement, though a rated separation may not be required between occupancies of a similar hazard level.

The allowable height and number of stories is applied for each individual occupancy type. For example, if your construction type limits a Group A occupancy to 4 stories, your building could be taller as long as the Group A occupancy is not located above the fourth story.

The allowable area is based on the sum of the ratios of the actual floor area for each occupancy divided by the allowable floor area of that occupancy. The sum of these ratios cannot exceed one for any given story. Requirements for egress and fire protection systems are applied invidivualy to each separated occupancy in the building.

    Check out the Separated Mixed Occupancy Calculator

    Picture
Check it Out
The general approach for code compliance in a separated mixed occupancy building is:
  1. Determine the minimum required fire resistance rating between adjacent occupancies.
  2. Determine the actual area and allowable area for each occupancy involved.
  3. Verify that the sum of the actual to allowable area ratios is not more than 1 for any story and not more than 3 for the entire building (assuming an NFPA 13 sprinkler system).
  4. Verify that the locations of occupancies do not exceed their allowable height or number of stories based on the type of construction.
All other code requirements such as means of egress or fire protection are applied to each individual occupancy where it is located in the building. Note that Chapter 9 may require sprinkler protection throughout the building, even with separated occupancies, so be sure to review the requirements that apply to your specific situation.

Accessory Occupancy

The final option is an accessory occupancy approach. This method is applicable where there is a small portion of a building or space that is subsidiary to the main occupancy. When that smaller space is 10% or less of the total area of a story, an accessory occupancy approach can be used.

There is no required separation between the accessory and main occupancy, and the building height, area and number of stories are based on the main occupancy, not the accessory occupancy. If the building contains a Group H, I or R occupancy, those separation requirements found in Chapter 4 would still apply.

Within the accessory occupancy, other code requirements such as egress and fire protection systems are based on the accessory occupancy classification, not the main occupancy. This is crucial point that confuses many people. Essentially, the accessory occupancy designation allows you to ignore the height, area and number of stories requirements for the accessory occupancy, but all of the other code requirements for the accessory occupancy still apply.

For example, a large conference room located within an office building could be considered an accessory occupancy, so the limitations for height, area and number of stories for Group A-3 occupancies would not apply. But all of the other code requirements for Group A-3, including means of egress and fire protection requirements would still apply!

Bonus: Fire Walls

One final option - if you are able to separate multiple occupancies using a fire wall, you create two separate buildings from a code application standpoint and you can consider each building indvidually. A fire wall is the most robust separation option available though, so its likely to be the most disruptive from a design standpoint.

Conclusion

In summary, there are three approaches to mixed occupancy buildings: non separated, separated and accessory. All buildings with multiple occupancies must use one or more of these approaches. If your building contains three mor more occupancy types, it's possible to use a combination of the approaches, such as designating an accessory occupancy and then taking a nonseparated approach for the remaining occupancies.
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Using Frontage to Increase Allowable Building Area

1/21/2022

7 Comments

 
If you have designed a building of Type II, III, IV or V construction, you probably considered the allowable building area, which depends on the construction type, occupancy classifications, presence of fire sprinkler systems, and a few other criteria.
​
One common way to increase the allowable area for a building is to use a frontage increase. The frontage increase provision in the IBC, found in Section 506.3, recognizes the safety benefits of having open space directly adjacent to a building. When a fire department or other emergency responders arrive to a site, there is an increased level of effectiveness when those personnel can access a large portion of the building exterior.
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A public way, such as a street that is at least 20 feet wide, counts towards the frontage increase.

​Using Frontage to Increase Allowable Building Area

There is no requirement for a building to use the frontage increase provisions of IBC Section 506.3, but when used, the following requirements apply:
  • A minimum of 25% of the building perimeter must be adjacent to a public way or open space
  • To count as frontage, the open space must be either on the same lot or a dedicated public space. Open space on an adjacent lot does not count.
  • The width of the open space must be at least 20 feet, measured at right angles from the building exterior wall to: (1) the closest interior lot line, (2) the entire width of the public way, or (3) the exterior face of a building on the same property.
  • The open space must be accessed from a street or fire lane

​Performing the Frontage Calculation

The frontage calculation can be performed by hand, but I recommend the building frontage calculator. If you want to do the calculation on your own, here are the steps. Note that this method is valid through the 2018 IBC. Starting in 2021, the method has changed, which I will cover in a future update.

1. Determine the weighted average of the width of open space (W). 

This value, W, is determined by the following equation:
W = (L1 x W1 + L2 x W2...)/F

Where:
Ln and Wn are the length of wall segment and width of open space adjacent to that wall segment. Remember that W has to be at least 20 feet. If the width of the public way or open space is greater than 30 feet, you are required to use a maximum value of 30 feet for the calculation.

F is total building perimeter fronting a public way or open space with a width of 20 feet or more.
2. Determine the total building perimeter, P.
3. Solve IBC Equation 5-5 to determine the frontage increase factor. 

If = [F/P - 0.25] W/30

​ The frontage increase factor can then be used with IBC Equations 5-2 or 5-3 to determine the allowable area the building. In these equations, the frontage increase factor is multipled by the "NS" allowable area value from IBC Chapter 5.

Notice that with Equation 5-5, the maximum possible frontage increase factor is 0.75. In order to achieve this maximum value, the entire building perimeter has to front an open space or public way with width of 30 feet or more. If the width at any point is less than 30 feet, or if a portion of the building perimeter does not have any frontage, the frontage increase factor will be reduced.

You can also directly input the frontage increase factor into the allowable area calculators below:
Link: Separated Mixed Occupancy Area Calculator
Link: Nonseparated Mixed Occupancy Area Calculator

Check Out the Building Frontage Calculator

Enter in your info below to check out the buidling frontage calculator that performs this whole calculation for you!
Check out the Calculator

Conclusion

Using the frontage increase provisions of IBC 506.3 is a common way to increase the allowable area of a building. There is no requirement to use these provisions, but when you do, the requirement described above do apply.
​
When working with architects, I frequently see code summary sheets with a frontage calculation for Type I buildings that have an unlimited allowable area. Since there is no requirement to take a frontage increase, I typically remind architects they don’t need to perform the frontage calculations if the building already has an unlimited allowable area. This saves time and also prevents possible permit review comments on a code provision that wasn’t needed in the first place.
7 Comments

Occupied Roof Decks - Code Changes in 2018 and 2021 IBC

3/26/2021

8 Comments

 
As more and more states move to adopt the 2018 IBC, it's important to know about a few code updates that impact the design of occupied roof spaces. And if you're jurisdiction is on the ball and already adopted the 2021 IBC, there are a few additional items that apply to you.
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Occupied roof at the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, CA (image courtesy of Facebook).

Occupied Roofs Under the 2018 IBC

In the 2015 IBC and prior editions, the code remained silent in regards to occupied roof decks and requirements for allowable height and area.  Under the 2018 IBC, there are now specific provisions addressing this issue.

First, IBC 302.1 has been updated with specific requirements for classifying an occupied roof space:
Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically listed in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupied roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4. (Excerpt from 2018 IBC 302.1)
This added language forces designers to classify an occupied roof with an occupancy, whereas some jurisdictions has not previously required it.

Next, IBC 503.1.4 brings in a major new requirement:
A roof level or portion thereof shall be permitted to be used as an occupied roof provided the occupancy of the roof is an occupancy that is permitted by Table 504.4 for the story immediately below the roof. The area of the occupied roofs shall not be included in the building area as regulated by Section 506.
This section limits the occupancy on an occupied roof to those allowed on the story immediately below the roof. So if your building construction type allows an assembly occupancy on the top story, you are also permitted an assembly occupancy on the roof. The code does offer two major exceptions:
  1. If your building if fully sprinkler-protected (NFPA or 13R) and you have fire alarm notification on the occupied roof, you are permitted to have any occupancy on the occupied roof.
  2. If your building is Type I or II construction, you are permitted to have assembly occupancies on the roof of parking garages.

Take the image below for an example, a 4 story building consisting of Type IIIA construction. If the building is fully sprinkler protected in accordance with NFPA 13, a Group A-3 occupancy would per permitted on Level 4. As long as occupant notification is provided on the roof, the 2018 IBC now explicitly allows a Group A-3 occupancy on the roof.
Picture
Sketch of a 4 story building with occupied roof. Assuming Type IIIA construction, fully sprinkler-protected with fire alarm notification throughout, a Group A-3 occupancy is now explicitly permitted on the roof.

​The provision of Section 503.1.4.1 do limit elements on the roof to no more than 48" above the roof surface, with exceptions for penthouses, tower, domes, spires and cupolas. If you have elements above this height, the roof would have to be classified as a story. As an example, the overhang in the image above of the Facebook building would likely trigger the roof being classified as a story.


Another common question is whether an occupied roof can trigger classification as a high-rise building.  The IBC itself does not address this issue, but this staff opinion from the ICC is very helpful in clarifying the intent.  The opinion clearly states, "Just because a roof is an occupied roof does not make it a floor with respect to the definition of a high-rise building. "

Occupied Roofs Under the 2021 IBC

The 2021 IBC updates Section 503.1.4 to explicitly clarify that an occupied roof should not be included when determining building height or number of stories per IBC 504. Language was also added to clarify that this only applies when penthouse and other rooftop structures, when present, comply with IBC 1511. This further supports the notion described above that an occupied roof should not by itself trigger a classification as a high-rise building.

Additionally, the 2021 IBC clarifies that the Exception 1 to 503.1.4 for occupant notification would only require a voice fire alarm system on the roof if the system is required elsewhere in the building. In other words, if you aren't required to have a voice fire alarm in the building, you don't have to provide it on the roof in order to use Exception 1.

Finally, the 2021 IBC updates Section 1511.2.2, Use Limitations for Penthouses, to specifically allow "ancillary spaces used to access elevators and stairways" to be considered part of a penthouse. This means that a stair or elevator tower to the roof will not force an occupied roof to be classified as a story, even though those elements are taller than 48" from the roof surface.
Picture
The 2021 IBC clarifies that spaces used to access an elevator or stairway providing access to the roof are permitted to be considered a penthouse, and therefore not a story (Image courtesy of Dana Schulz).
8 Comments

Determining Grade Plane for a Building

2/12/2021

2 Comments

 
UPDATE: See new average grade plane calculator, linked below.
In the past few months, I've had several clients ask me questions regarding grade plane calculations - most often related to determining whether a particular story counts as a story above grade plane or as a basement. Here is quick rundown of how to do the calculation and the implications.

Average Grade Plane

Chapter 2 of the IBC defines Grade Plane (often referred to synonymously as Average Grade Plane) as:

A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls.

So if you have a completely flat site, the elevation where the finished ground level adjoins the building exterior walls is your grade plane. If your site is sloped, you need to take several elevations where the finished ground level adjoins the building and average them to determine the grade plane.

The most common question I receive on this: how many elevation points do you need to account for this in average?

First, the IBC does not give any specific requirements or instructions to answer this question. Your local jurisdiction could potentially have some guidance on how they want to see the calculation performed, but in my experience, most do not.

Typically, I advise clients to base the number of elevation points on the slope of the site. If you have a relatively flat site, a small number of elevation points will give you an accurate grade plane elevation. You may only need one elevation point per face of the building. On the other hand, if you have an irregular, highly-sloped site, you will need many elevation points. I once worked on a building that was built into the side of a steep hill - there we measured the elevation every 10 feet in some areas. If in doubt, the greater number of elevation points in your calculation will result in a more accurate measurement.
Simple Grade Plane Image
A simple grade plane calculation where the site slopes uniformly.
In the simple example above, the grade plane measurement is just the average of the elevations at the end of each wall segment (e.g. for the east wall, (280+270)/2 = 275'). However, with a more severe grade, particularly where the slope is irregular, you will need to take additional measurements, as shown in the example below.
Advanced Grade Plane Image
A complicated grade plane calculation with an irregular slope.

​Another common question: What if my site slopes perpendicular to the exterior walls?
Fortunately, the definition of Grade Plane specifically addresses this:

Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet from the building, between the building and a point 6 feet from the building. (2015 IBC)

So you're looking for the lowest elevation point within 6 feet of the exterior wall (or less if the lot line is closer).
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The Implication - Determining a Story Above Grade Plane

Why does the grade plane calculation matter? On my projects, this always comes up when a client is trying to determine whether a particular story is actually a story above grade plane or a basement.

Chapter 2 of the IBC defines "Story Above Grade Plane" as:

Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in which the finished surface of the floor next above is:
  1. More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or
  2. More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finished ground level at any point.

This definition has caused some confusion in the past, so here is a step by step breakdown:
  1. Is the floor surface of the story in question located entirely above the grade plane elevation?
  2. Is the floor surface of the floor above the story in question located more than 6 feet above the grade plane elevation?
  3. Is the floor surface of the floor above the story in question located more than 12 feet above any of the grade measurements at any point along the building exterior walls?
If you answered yes to any of the three questions above, the floor in question is considered a story above grade plane.

There are numerous code requirements that differ between a story and a basement, but the most common one is complying with the allowable number of stories based on occupancy and construction type. I had a project this year where the floor surface of the level above was 5 feet, 10 inches above the grade plane elevation, just barely passing as a basement. 2+ inches more and the building would haven been one story taller, resulting in requirements for a more robust construction type, higher shaft ratings and substantial additional cost.

If your situation is that close, I suggest including a plan in the permit package that clearly shows the grade elevations around the building and shows your grade plane calculation. This makes it easy for plan reviewers to follow your logic and hopefully agree with your approach (remember, there are no specific IBC instructions or requirements for how to do the calculation).

    New Average Grade Plane Calculator

    If you need to perform a grade plane calculation or are wondering if a particular floor is considered a story above grade plane, check out this new calculator at the link below!
Go to the Calculator

What do you Think?

Have you had a project that required a detailed grade plane calculation? Have you every had a plan reviewer or code official disagree with your calculation? Let me know in the comment box!
2 Comments

Allowable Height, Area and Number of Stories Calculator

6/30/2020

5 Comments

 
October 2020 Update: I am moving all calculators to the Tools menu at the top right of the screen. I have also added in a slider bar to allow for varying frontage amounts (see the new tools page for this function).

​After several weeks of working on this, I'm excited to release a beta version of the 2015 IBC Allowable Height, Area and Number of Stories Calculator. Take a look and let me know what you think!

A few notes:
  • Calculator is for single occupancy or non-separated mixed occupancy buildings. Separated mixed-occupancy functionality is coming later.
  • There are some error notes that I've programmed in (for example, using an NFPA 13R sprinkler system in a non-residential occupancy), but the calculator is not foolproof. Some background code knowledge is needed.
  • Allowable area results are displayed for no frontage increase and full frontage increase. You'll need to do your own exact frontage calculation if needed.
5 Comments

Mixed Used Buildings - Why You Probably Have Been Saying It Wrong All Along

1/27/2020

4 Comments

 
​In the AEC world, the terms “mixed use” and “mixed use building” are commonplace. Developers refer to new buildings that contain both office and retail spaces as mixed use projects. Architects and Engineers refer to a floor containing multiple occupancy types as mixed use. You’ll even hear AHJs drop the term mixed use in plan review meetings on occasion.

Colloquially, “mixed use” is meant to refer to a building or space that contains multiple occupancy types. But did you know that other than parking garages, the building code has essentially no requirements pertaining to a mixed use building? In fact, if you search for “mixed use” in the International Building Code (IBC), you won’t find any requirements related to building height, building area, construction type, fire-rated construction or means of egress. *

So why is “mixed use” a common term in the AEC world but not addressed in the codes? Long story short: there is a difference between use and occupancy in the IBC and people frequently confuse the two. We’ll do a full analysis of the differences between use and occupancy in a later article, but here is a simple way to understand the difference.
Picture
This is both a mixed use and mixed occupancy building (image courtesy of Brett VA).

Mixed Use Vs. Mixed Occupancy

The use of a space is a description of how the space will actually be used. This could be a broad, general description such as “office” or “conference room”, or it could be more specific, such as “visiting team locker room and shower.” The use of a space is helpful in determining (1) the occupancy classification and (2) the appropriate occupant load for a space.
​
On the other hand, the occupancy classification of a space is 1 of 10 categories (plus sub categories) in Chapter 3 of the IBC. These occupancies are:
  • Assembly – Groups (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5)
  • Business – Group B
  • Educational – Group E
  • Factory – Group F
  • High Hazard – Groups H-1, H-2, H-3
  • Institutional – Groups I-1, I-2 (both with Conditions 1 and 2)
  • Mercantile – Group M
  • Residential – Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
  • Storage – Groups S-1, S-2
  • Utility and Miscellaneous – Group U
While occupancy classification is limited to this list, there are essentially an unlimited number of potential uses for a building or space. The use of a space is certainly a factor in determining the occupancy classification, but it is not the only one. Chapter 3 of the IBC has very specific definitions for each occupancy group, and these definitions can result in the occupancy classification of a building or space varying from what might be expected based on the use.

For example, most offices and places of business have conference rooms, where multiple people come together for meetings, presentations or collaboration. The use of such spaces might lead you to think that the conference room is an assembly occupancy. But per IBC 303.1, if your office has a conference room with 49 people, the conference room is considered a business occupancy. There are many similar examples where the use of a space does not necessarily align with the occupancy, so always refer to the definitions in Chapter 3 when determining the occupancy classification.

Now getting back to the original discussion, “mixed use buildings” do not have specific requirements because nearly every building contains multiple uses. Does your office suite have a storage area? You have at least two uses there. Does your retail store have an office in the back? Multiple uses. Does your apartment building contain an amenity space? You get the point.

So when people use the term “mixed-use,” it doesn’t mean much from a code standpoint, and practically, almost all buildings contain multiple uses. But what most folks intend to convey by this term is that the building has at least two distinct occupancy types, which the IBC would consider “mixed occupancy.” And unlike “mixed-use,” there are numerous requirements for “mixed occupancy buildings” in the IBC. In fact, IBC Chapter 5 has sections for allowable height, allowable area, allowable number of stories and required separation of occupancy, all of which are impacted when a building is mixed occupancy.

Conclusion

Conversationally, “mixed use building” is generally understood to mean a building containing multiple occupancy types. Architects, engineers, contractors and code officials all use this term and it typically does not create a misunderstanding. But as far as the code language goes, mixed use doesn’t mean anything for the requirements for a building. Mixed occupancy, on the other hand, carries many code requirements that must be understood for a code-compliant building design.

*While IBC 508 is entitled "Mixed Use and Occupancy,' it does not actually have specific requirements for mixed use buildings, only mixed occupancy buildings.
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The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, including the author's employer and the International Code Council, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use.  Local codes and amendments may vary from the code requirements described herein. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component of public health, safety and welfare and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code compliance.
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