NFPA 101 Occupancy Type for Mixed with 2 Units?

4/1/2022

The state of Vermont uses NFPA 101 as their code for renovation existing buildings. There is a building with two dwelling units above a mercantile drinking establishment of less than 50 persons.

I am being told that the building occupancy is existing apartment building, but there are only two dwelling units, not three as required by definition of apartment building.

Anyone have any suggestion for building occupancy and use from NFPA 101?

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7 Comments

chad putney

4/1/2022 09:01:02 am

It's mixed use, but is it separated or non-separated. That will drive sprinkler requirements, assuming you are wondering about that. Plus AHJ interpretation.

Bill

4/1/2022 09:23:08 am

It would be classified as a one or two family dwelling and a mercantile. If it’s not separated, then you use the most restrictive requirements throughout. If it’s separated, then you use the requirements for each individual occupancy.

Alex

4/1/2022 10:02:47 am

Hi,

Sorry I'm late here!

NH currently adopts the 2015 IBC which references the 2015 edition of NFPA 101.

NFPA 101, like you stated, states that apartment buildings require 3 or more apartments. Therefore, you fall under a two family dwelling (Section 3.3.66). If someone is telling you that you fall under an existing apartment building, it makes me wonder if it was originally permitted as an Apartment Building. Although, I looked back and even in the 2000 edition of NFPA 101, the definition still requires 3 or more units.

Like Bill mentioned above, if you are not separated, you must use the most restrictive requirements.

Thank you,
Alex

Sean

4/1/2022 10:47:57 am

Unless NH has modified the IBC, the use of NFPA 101 is only utilized in one section it is not intended for the entire life safety to be used alongside the IBC.

chad

4/1/2022 11:15:39 am

101 in its entirety (with a few minor amendments) is adopted by the state of NH irrespective of what the IBC says. When they conflict more restrictive applies. . It applies everywhere and for everything. Same thing for VT I believe

Brian Gerdwagen FPE

4/1/2022 01:31:59 pm

Let's talk more about the "Mercantile Drinking." Those are normally A-2 Assembly, similar to a restaurant or bar, not Mercantile, a place where you would buy alcohol. If it's both, Mercantile with a large tasting/drinking room, that's mixed, too.

The residential above is absolutely Residential, but as noted above, NFPA 101 defines it as a one and two-family dwelling. NFPA 101 2012 6.1.8.1.1.

Bill

4/1/2022 02:36:37 pm

It’s only classified as Assembly If the occupant load is 50 or greater

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NFPA 101 Occupancy Type for Mixed with 2 Units?

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