Turning a Home into a Medical or Custodial Facility? Understand the Occupancy Classification Changes

When converting a single-family home into a medical or custodial care facility, understanding the impact on occupancy classification is crucial. The International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) have specific requirements that can influence safety measures, building modifications, and compliance obligations. These classifications exist to ensure the safety of both occupants and staff, making it essential for building owners to assess the changes that come with repurposing a residential structure for care services.
To better understand the changes that may affect your business, the National Fire Sprinkler Association has created a flow chart outlining the several paths that lead to a change in classification under the IBC or IRC. The PDF version of this document includes links to corresponding documents explaining the code requirements.
This flowchart starts with the building as a single-family dwelling under the International Residential Code (IRC). When a single-family dwelling is proposed for a change of occupancy, the flowchart guides the user step by step to determine the appropriate occupancy classification under either the 2024 IRC or the 2024 IBC.
As the proposed use evolves, such as providing custodial or medical care, the flowchart evaluates critical factors like the number of occupants and their ability to self-evacuate. These considerations help determine if the building remains within the scope of the IRC or transitions to a new occupancy classification under the IBC.
For example:
- If the building provides custodial or medical care for 1 to 5 individuals, it typically remains within the Group R-3 classification under the IRC, retaining its designation as a single-family dwelling.
- If the number of individuals receiving care increases to 6 to 16, the flowchart directs the user to the IBC, where the building may be reclassified as Group R-4, with distinctions for Condition 1 (self-evacuating occupants) or Condition 2 (occupants requiring assistance).
- For buildings serving 17 or more individuals, the flowchart transitions the user to Group I-2, where enhanced safety and life protection systems are required.
Supervised residential facilities, such as assisted living, congregate living, or group homes, also follow this process. The flowchart ensures that the user considers the type of care provided and the evacuation capabilities of the occupants, leading to appropriate classifications like Group I-1 or Group I-2 under the IBC.
Each final result is supported by a code data sheet provided by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). These data sheets detail the specific requirements for the assigned occupancy classification, including fire protection systems, means of egress, height, area, and other life safety features necessary for compliance.
This flowchart ensures a clear and logical pathway for evaluating changes in occupancy, simplifying compliance with the IRC and IBC while prioritizing occupant safety and code alignment.
Do You Have a Question Regarding Occupancy Classification Changes for Your Business? Contact the NFSA Today
For over a century, the National Fire Sprinkler Association has been a leader in the code development and legislative process for fire protection. Our mission is simple: “To protect lives and property from fire through the widespread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept.” If you have a question regarding an existing property and how its classification may have changes, contact us today for more information.
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