Occupancy Classification for Restroom Pavilion?

6/10/2020

I am working on a project with male and female restrooms in separate structures located near a park. The structures are roughly 500 sqft. The structures must comply with NFPA 101 for means of egress. I am trying to figure out travel distance requirements.

What occupancy would you classify the restrooms as? And in turn what would be the maximum travel distance if there is only a single door?

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2 Comments

Todd E Wyatt

6/10/2020 10:59:20 am

SHORT ANSWER
New Assembly

EXPLANATION
Multiple occupant toilet rooms (MOTR) are typically classified as the predominate Occupancy Classification (OC) of the building/structure they are located. Since there are no other uses & functions of this building other than the MOTR, the Code (e.g. 2018 NFPA Life Safety Code) permits it to be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. The principle fire safety is the (lack of) familiarity of the occupant to this space which meets the intent of "Assembly" occupants.

The Means of Egress (MOE) travel distances would be as follows :

Common Path of Egress Travel Distance (CPOETD)
20 feet (>50 occupants)
75 feet (<50 occupants)

Exit Access Travel Distance (EATD)
200 feet (Unsprinklered)
250 feet (Sprinklered)

Assignment of the "use" of the MOTR for Occupant Load (OL) determination based on Table 7.3.1.2 Occupant Load Factor should be reviewed with the Building Official. They may permit an OL based on number of plumbing fixtures plus possible queuing by waiting occupants.

6/18/2020 10:49:01 am

From a fire AHJ perspective, stand-alone restrooms (not incidental to another occupancy type) are typically treated as a "business" occupancy (pun not intended). The excerpts below are from the currently-adopted Florida Fire Prevention Code, 6th Edition (NFPA 101, 2015). You can see the difference between the definitions--an AHJ would be hard-pressed to justify requiring a 500 sf. restroom to comply with the Assembly code requirements:

FFPC 101:6.1.11.1* Definition — Business Occupancy. An occupancy used for the transaction of business other than mercantile.

VS.

FFPC 101:6.1.2.1* Definition — Assembly Occupancy. An occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, regardless of occupant load.

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Occupancy Classification for Restroom Pavilion?

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