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International Building Code 2018 and Concentrated Business Use

Posted: 15 May 2019 15:43
by mikedsjr
I wasn't sure which space to put this in, but this seemed to fit.

With the introduction of the IBC 2018, Business has been subdivided. Now the occupancy for Business is 1:150 and then there is "Concentrated Business Use" where the number of seats is counted. Sure, it says for call centers, but that isn't how the cities are using it like Plano. They are counting the cubicle, whether they are typical business use or not. I'm curious if anyone else has worked with cities with IBC 2018 and what are your understandings? There are a few mixed answers in our office on how to determine the floor space of the "Concentrated Business Use (CBU)" area. Do you count only the floor space of the cubicles or the entire open office area where the cubicles exist? I have viewed the entire area is CBU, while others take the other side. I would have sided with them but after dealing with Plano, it benefited my plan to include everything I could for CBU and I was open with the city on what I did. They didn't have a problem with it.

Any thoughts on this?

Re: International Building Code 2018 and Concentrated Business Use

Posted: 15 May 2019 21:43
by jsoto3
I don't have any experience with this, but I interpret IBC 1004.8 to apply to the entire area in which cubicles are laid out. I think you could only make a case for using the lower 1:150 occupant load in designated portions of the space if it is actually subdivided with permanently fixed partitions delineating circulation zones that clearly limit the use of space for cubicles and work stations.

You should post this question on the Building Code Forum:
https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/

Re: International Building Code 2018 and Concentrated Business Use

Posted: 16 May 2019 09:22
by mikedsjr
Thanks. I'll look into that forum