How was the change of use permitted and how did the occupancy load change?
With its recent building permits, New Hope sought and was granted a change from one commercial-type occupancy group (“B”) to another group (“A-3”). Subject to meeting Building Code standards and having proper facilities, any “B” occupancy structure could potentially change to an “A-3” occupancy. Essentially, the allowable occupancy load is tied to the usable floor area and the occupancy group. In moving from a “B” occupancy group to an “A-3” occupancy group, this site’s occupancy load increased to 79 persons. From a Building Code standpoint, this remodel was not deemed a change of use but rather a change in occupancy group and in the amount of floor area utilized for the center’s operations.

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1. How many bathrooms is the center permitted for?
2. The center’s certificate of occupancy allows a maximum of 79 persons in the building at one time. Is there a specific square-foot requirement per occupant?
3. What about parking—how can the center be allowed a 79-person occupancy yet have so few parking spaces? Isn’t it possible that visitors to the center will park on neighborhood streets?
4. How was this drop-in center use initially permitted at this site, from a zoning standpoint?
5. How was the change of use permitted and how did the occupancy load change?