Lesson 13 : Business Buildings and Retail showrooms
Code Requirements
The size of the store and its building type will govern the code requirements. In the international building code, the occupancy classification of retail stores is mercantile. Showrooms, malls, departmental stores, grocery stores and wholesale stores are other examples of facilities classified as mercantile. Retail stores must also meet accessibility requirements.
Other codes, such as electrical and plumbing codes, are applied to stores. The traffic path and exit accesses of a store are more likely to be aisles. Aisle is defined as an enclosed traffic path formed by movable furniture or equipment. They are considered exit access passageways in retail stores. Width is a min of 36-44 inches.Materials and finish selections will also have some restrictions related to fire and building codes. Architectural finishes for walls and ceilings must be class A or B and flooring must meet class 1 or 2 standards for fire safety. As always the interior designer must prepare drawings and specifications that meet existing local codes for the facility and its location.
Participants