Bradley5
Mechanical
- Jun 18, 2024
- 8
I wasn't certain which section to put this but we are assisting in design and construction of a multi use building in a rural area. The building size is 15,000sf, prefab steel building, free span single story, 20' tall. Because of the rural area and desire from owners, avoiding a sprinkler requirement is a mandatory, whether that is through restricting use or other methods.
The building is to be constructed on a large tract that is currently zoned residential, but intent is to seek industrial zoning in the future, though actual building use would not change. I mention this because during construction, the intent is to focus on industrial use code compliance to make the transition to commercial zoning easier.
The intended use is metal machining with a small office space. In trying to study up more on our current code of IFC 2024, it appears F-2 occupancy may apply? It appears if building size exceeds 12,000sf as an F-1, sprinklers are required? I guess what I am trying to learn is how to maintain an F-1 occupancy, and what are the 'hot buttons' for fire officials. There will be a few drums of oil in the facility, probably a car or two, but the primary use is machining of metals. That would exclude Magnesium.
I realize a conversation with fire officials could clear some of this up, but I'd like to understand the codes better. I am not sure if certain items such as oil drums would need to be in a separate room as they might be F-2 items? Or does occupancy hover more around the primary use? As to actual occupants, that should never be an issue, not to exceed 50 humans.
The building is to be constructed on a large tract that is currently zoned residential, but intent is to seek industrial zoning in the future, though actual building use would not change. I mention this because during construction, the intent is to focus on industrial use code compliance to make the transition to commercial zoning easier.
The intended use is metal machining with a small office space. In trying to study up more on our current code of IFC 2024, it appears F-2 occupancy may apply? It appears if building size exceeds 12,000sf as an F-1, sprinklers are required? I guess what I am trying to learn is how to maintain an F-1 occupancy, and what are the 'hot buttons' for fire officials. There will be a few drums of oil in the facility, probably a car or two, but the primary use is machining of metals. That would exclude Magnesium.
I realize a conversation with fire officials could clear some of this up, but I'd like to understand the codes better. I am not sure if certain items such as oil drums would need to be in a separate room as they might be F-2 items? Or does occupancy hover more around the primary use? As to actual occupants, that should never be an issue, not to exceed 50 humans.
