Property History

We are proposing a dedicated five-court indoor badminton facility. The facility is classified as an A-3 Assembly occupancy and will have no fixed spectator seating. The current plans calculate the occupant load for the badminton court area using a 50 gross square feet per occupant factor, resulting in an occupant load substantially higher than the number of people for whom the space is actually designed and operated. We request a Code Interpretation and occupant-load adjustment pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Florida Building Code, including the provisions of FBC Section 1004.5 concerning the determination of occupant load and the approval of an actual design occupant load lower than the calculated occupant load. The actual physical configuration and intended operation of the facility significantly limit the number of occupants who can simultaneously participate in the primary activity: The facility contains five badminton courts. Each court accommodates a maximum of four players, resulting in a maximum of 20 players simultaneously occupying the courts. There is no fixed spectator seating. The facility will accommodate coaches/instructors and employees. Spectators/parents will be limited and will not constitute an unrestricted standing or assembly area. The facility is dedicated to badminton and is not intended to operate as a gaming facility or as an unrestricted assembly space. We are therefore requesting that the Building Official determine whether the actual design occupant load may be established based on the intended and controlled capacity of this five-court badminton facility, rather than solely on the calculated occupant load resulting from application of the 50 gross SF/person factor to the entire court area. We are not requesting a change to the A-3 occupancy classification. Rather, we are requesting an interpretation of the applicable occupant-load provisions and approval of an appropriate actual design occupant load that reflects the physical configuration and intended use of the facility. Supporting plans and documentation illustrating the five-court configuration, circulation, exits, and intended use will be provided for review. Requested determination: Please confirm whether the City will permit an actual design occupant load lower than the calculated Table 1004.5 occupant load for this facility, and, if so, provide guidance regarding the appropriate methodology and documentation required to establish the approved occupant load.