Section 912.1/Change of Occupancy Classification
IEBC 912 covers structural, fire, egress, and accessibility upgrades triggered by a change of occupancy.
When an existing building or portion of a building changes occupancy classification, the building must comply with the requirements of the new occupancy for structural loads (Section 912.4), means of egress (Section 912.5), accessibility (Section 912.6), structural strength (912.4), and fire protection systems (912.7). The building must also comply with the general requirements of Chapter 9 for existing buildings. If the new occupancy is in a higher risk category for any of these provisions, the building must be upgraded to meet the new occupancy requirements.
Why this section exists
A building designed as an office (Group B) has different structural, fire, and egress requirements than a building used as an assembly space (Group A) or a school (Group E). When the occupancy changes, the building may not meet the requirements of the new use. A former warehouse converted to a restaurant needs sprinklers, a fire alarm system, additional exits, accessible restrooms, and potentially structural upgrades for the higher live loads. The IEBC provides a framework for determining which upgrades are required.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check the code analysis for the existing and proposed occupancy classifications. They verify that the designer has evaluated each subsection of 912 (structural, egress, accessibility, fire protection) and identified the required upgrades. They check that the proposed upgrades bring the building into compliance with the new occupancy requirements.