Clearance Height of Parking Structure

[KimWT]

Hi!

Generally, a minimum 7ft is needed for the clearance of passenger vehicles in the parking garage.
Can this minimum clearance height be interpreted as "The Vehicle Clearance (A)" shown in the picture?
I think IBC code should be interpreted as "Floor to Ceiling (B)."

I am looking forward to the Code expert's opinion.

Thanks!

 

[dik]

I usually use it as the minimum clearance... and that include suspended sprinklers, ducting, etc. Often floor to floor is approx 10'...

Dik

 

[MotorCity]

Clearance is clearance, I would interpret it to mean case A. If I am a driver in the parking garage and the sign says 7' clearance, I take it to mean that I can drive my 6'-11 1/2" tall vehicle without hitting anything above.

 

[Teguci]

This is not a code issue unless you are dealing with ADA. The headknocker at the entrance should be set to the actual height (A in your diagram). It is common that the wheelchair accessible spaces have a higher required height than the rest of the garage. In that case, there will be a second lower headknocker leading to the rest of the garage. For most configurations that I've designed, the IT beams run parallel with the ramp and the DTees are 4" shallower than the IT beams, so this is not a concern. Further, anything more than a 5% ramp (if I remember correctly) shouldn't be parked on and will therefore make the garage less efficient, but will also allow for the jump ramp to be a shorter span = shallower structural depth = higher clearance).

Fun site to visit regarding height clearances

http://11foot8.com/

 

[XR250]

I had a friend whose lifted pickup got wedged under a beam on a ramp because the contractor or whoever installed the roof bumper measured the clearance based on flat floor to ceiling height.

 

[dik]

Some jurisdictions have stipulated minimum clearances for parkades. Best check local codes and by-laws...

Dik