Staff Analysis for

Declaratory Statement Request DS-2014-066

5/08/14

Issue: DS-2014-066. The Petitioner, Edward Rojas, seeks a Declaratory Statement on chapter 3, section 303.1, Assembly Group A, Exception 1 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Building and on chapter 4, section 403.2, Separate Facilities, Exception 3 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Plumbing

Petitioner in DS-2014-066 seeks clarification of the following questions:

Question 1: When classifying an Assembly use as a Business according to the 2010 Florida Building Code, Building, Chapter 3, section 303.1 exception 1. Does the 2010 Florida Building Code, Plumbing, chapter 4, section 403.2, Separate Facilities, Exception 3 also apply?

Situation:

Edward Rojas, Building Official/Director for the City of Doral, seeks clarification of code requirements regarding plumbing fixtures that are separate facilities provided for each sex.

Applicable Codes:

Florida Building Code, Building Section 303.1, Assembly Group A, Exception 1 and Florida Building Code, Plumbing Section 403.2, Separate Facilities, Exception 3.

Background:

Mr. Rojas currently has a Project in the City of Doral located on 8726 NW 26 ST Doral, Florida. The building is an existing fourteen units warehouse building. The building is type III-A sprinkled with 58,503 SQ. FT. The unit in question is 1,711 SQ. FT. The project is a training area (Gym A-3 without spectators), used for Pilates and exercising.

Relevant Code Sections

Florida Building Code, Building, Chapter 3

303.1 Assembly Group A.

Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation.

Exceptions:

1. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.

Florida Building Code, Plumbing, Chapter 4

403.2 Separate facilities.

Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities shall be provided for each sex.

Exceptions:

3. Separate facilities shall not be required in business and mercantile occupancies with a total floor area of 3,000 square feet (279 m2) or less.

Staff analysis:

Question:

When classifying an Assembly use as a Business according to the 2010 Florida Building Code, Building, Chapter 3, section 303.1 exception 1. Does the 2010 Florida Building Code, Plumbing, chapter 4, section 403.2, Separate Facilities, Exception 3 also apply?

Answer: Yes. The project in question (i.e. business occupancy with floor area of 1,711 Square feet) would fall within the scope of Section 403.2, Exception 3 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Plumbing.