June 10th, 2019
by Chris Reeves

Want to know more about roof truss failures? Have a question about fire-rated assemblies? Confused about safety glazing on windows and door? In our monthly column — Talking in Code — International Code Council code experts will address some of the typical questions asked of our technical services team regarding current code issues. This feature is not an ICC code opinion, nor is it a committee interpretation, but it is intended to provide clarification of code text for adopting jurisdictions, design professionals and members of the construction industry.

 

International Code: 2015 International Building Code
Table: 307.1(1)

Question: Does the storage of Class IIIB combustible liquids in accordance with Table 307.1(1) ever warrant a Group H occupancy classification?

Answer: As inferred in Table 307.1(1), a building containing Class IIIB liquids is never a Group H occupancy. The maximum allowable storage quantity of 13,200 gallons for Class IIIB liquids is actually a threshold for sprinkler protection as opposed to a Group H occupancy classification. Therefore, if the building is fully sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 as indicated in Note f of Table 307.1(1), the overall quantity of Class IIIB liquids permitted in the building, in use or storage, is not limited and the occupancy classification would revert back to the main use of the building. Please note the storage and use of Class IIIB liquids must still comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 57 of the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 30.

 

As always, code opinions issued by International Code Council staff are based on published Code Council codes and do not include local, state or federal codes; policies; or amendments. This opinion does not imply approval of an equivalency, specific product, specific design or specific installation and cannot be published in any form implying such approval by the International Code Council. As this opinion is only advisory, the final decision is the responsibility of the designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code. All code citations reference the 2015 and 2018 International Codes unless otherwise specified.

About the Author
Christopher R. Reeves, P.E., is the director of Architectural & Engineering Services for the International Code Council. He is responsible for the administration of plan review services in all three regional offices: Chicago, Birmingham and Los Angeles. He is also responsible for monitoring the code interpretation service for the Code Council as well as conducting building and sprinkler system plan reviews. In additional to conducting building and fire code related seminars, Reeves also served as the staff liaison for an Ad Hoc Committee on hazardous materials. Reeves is a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.