Appeal 34988

507.7 – Group A-3 buildings of Type III and IV construction

Section 507.7 allows Group A-3 occupancies of Type III and IV construction unlimited in area provided:
The assembly floor is not more than 21 feet above grade plane.
A minimum 60-foot yard separates the building from other structures.
Only applies to certain construction types with strict separation requirements.
The current design does not fully meet these prescriptive requirements.

Approval to permit the Funcity Adventure Park (Group A-3 indoor recreation use) to operate without meeting the full 60-foot separation and 21-foot assembly floor height restrictions, based on enhanced fire-resistive construction, full NFPA 13 sprinkler coverage, and alternate life-safety measures.

The Funcity Adventure Park is a fully sprinklered Group A-3 occupancy designed under the 2019 OSSC. The building provides:

Full NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system throughout the facility.

Fire alarm and detection systems with manual pull stations and occupant notification.

2-hour rated fire barriers and horizontal assemblies separating uses as required.

Exiting and occupant load compliance per OSSC Chapter 10.

Exterior wall fire ratings and protection per Table 602 based on actual separation distance.

Although the assembly floor is more than 21 feet above grade and the separation to the adjacent Lowe’s does not meet the 60-foot minimum, the design provides equivalent protection through fire-resistive construction, active fire protection systems, and controlled exiting.

This combination of construction type, rated separations, and active life-safety systems provides an equivalent level of fire and life safety intended by Section 507.7, while allowing reasonable use of the site for indoor family entertainment.

The strict application of OSSC 507.7 would prevent the reasonable use of this property as an indoor family entertainment facility due to site constraints and existing adjacent development. The requested alternate provides equivalent or greater protection to occupants by utilizing a fully sprinklered NFPA 13 system, fire-resistive rated construction, and enhanced life-safety measures, including controlled exiting and active fire protection systems. These measures achieve the life safety intent of the code by limiting fire spread, maintaining structural integrity, and ensuring safe egress, even though the building does not meet the 60-foot yard separation and assembly floor height provisions.