I have a project going on right now and I am having a hard time interpreting requirements for separation. It is a former retail space that is being converted to a social service agency, providing classes and services on the ground floor and lower level (below grade) and supervised living apartment units with offices for care givers on second floor.
Architect is using a mixed use non separated approach. First floor is a mixed occupancy of A-2,B,M and second floor is R-4.It is a fully sprinkled building.
My question is, would the horizontal assembly (1st floor ceiling) be required to be a 1hour separation? They have it maintaining an existing decorative painted metal ceiling.
Please feel free to contact me via email dgardner@richmondindiana.gov or by phone (765)969-1848 if you are able to assist me in this.
