BCAB #1574 - Major Occupancy Classification of Health Care Training Facility, Article 3.1.2.1.

December 18, 2002

BCAB #1574

Re: Major Occupancy Classification of Health Care Training Facility, Article 3.1.2.1.

Project Description

The project in question involves a second storey suite in an existing two storey building classified as Group F Division 2 and 3 on the first storey. The proposed use for the second storey suite is a health care training academy for technicians, aids and clerks. The building area is 772 square metres and the area of the second storey suite is 484 square metres.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.1.2.1.(1) requires every building to be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Groups or Divisions described in Table 3.1.2.1. Sentence 3.1.2.1.(2) requires a building intended for more than one major occupancy to be classified for all the major occupancies for which it is used or intended to be used.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends that the second storey suite should be classified as Group D, business and personal service. There are six classrooms and a maximum enrollment of 60 students and ten instructors. The appellant notes that this occupant load is most similar to the occupant load suggested by Table 3.1.16.1. for offices (50) and personal services (101). Applying the classrooms occupant load factor would yield an occupant load of 251 for the proposed suite.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that Group A Division 2 Assembly is a more appropriate major occupancy classification as suggested by the example "school and college (non-residential) in A-3.1.2.1.(1) in Appendix A.

Appeal Board Decision #1574

It is the determination of the Board that the proposed use of the second storey suite should be classified as a Group A Division 2, Assembly, major occupancy. The occupancy classification of a space is determined by its use, not the estimated number of occupants. The Board considered the proposed use of the space was best described under the examples of Group A Division 2 occupancies as opposed to Group D occupancies.

George Humphrey, Chair