1604.5 Risk category.
BC § 1604.5
Each building and structure shall be assigned a risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of this code. Where a referenced standard specifies an occupancy category, the risk category shall not be taken as lower than the occupancy category specified therein. Where a referenced standard specifies that the assignment of a risk category be in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1, Table 1604.5 of this code shall be used in lieu of ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1. Table 1604.5Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures Risk CategoryNature of OccupancyI Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to: 1. Agricultural facilities.
2.Certain temporary facilities.
3.Minor storage facilities.II Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III and IV.III Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to: 1. Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is Places of Assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
4.Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident care recipients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
5.Group I-3 occupancies.
6.Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000. a 7. Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, waste water treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.
8.Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that: Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2), or per outdoor control area in accordance with the New York City Fire Code; and Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released. bIV Buildings and other structures designed as essential facilities, including but not limited to: 1. Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
9.Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression. a. For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.1.3 to use gross floor area calculations shall be permitted to use net floor areas to determine the total occupant load. b. Where approved by the commissioner, the classification of buildings and other structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their quantities of toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk Category II, provided it can be demonstrated by a hazard assessment in accordance with Section 1.5.3 of ASCE 7 that a release of the toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.
