My concerns regarding this would start with Chapter 8 IFC, primarily 803.1- 803.1.2, i.e. flame spread and smoke spread. Does the “igloo” meet NFPA 286 or can the material become fire retardant through NFPA 703? Has it been tested? By who? Is it listed or rated for commercial use? These “igloos” will have to be warmed, by what?
From a definition standpoint, these “igloos” are:
- “Tents: A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air or the contents that it protects (Sec. 202 2014Edition IFC 675 IAC 22-2.5).
- Chapter 31 only applies once the tents exceed 400 sq. ft. so that really won’t help.
- 675 IAC 12-6-2 Definitions Class 1 structure" means the following: (1) Any part of the following:
(A) A building or structure that is intended to be or is occupied or otherwise used in any part by any of the following:
(i) The public.
(ii) Three (3) or more tenants.
(iii) One (1) or more persons who act as the employees of another.
(f) "Temporary structure" means any of the following:
(1) A Class 1 structure that is erected or installed for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after which it will be demolished or relocated.
(2) Portable structures on construction job sites for use by persons involved in the construction process.
Air flow with COVID-19 would be another issue. One could argue, that though the tent is outside, it is still “indoors” therefore in addition to fire and building codes, they must comply with all health executive and local orders, not to mention they will have to be completely sanitized in between each guest as the condensation from breath would be an issue in addition to guest contact of the tent.
Finally, it may be subjective whether or not these tents can be called Class I structures, however, since they are closed on all sides they are not Class II structures per IC 22-12-1-5, would they therefore need a Construction Design Release? And since they are being used for commercial purposes I would dare say insurance may have an issue with these not having any and/or all of these things organized prior to use.
I think they best course of action is to have an in-depth discussion with the owner/operator, and if they are already in use, then either write a violation for:
Sec. 104.7.5 2014 Edition IFC 675 IAC 22-2.5 Technical assistance. To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or premises subject to inspection by the fire code official, the fire code official is authorized to require the owner or agent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a design professional as defined in, 675 IAC 12-6-2(d), and shall analyze the fire safety properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon, to recommend necessary changes.
Or
Request an interpretation from the State Building Commissioner here: https://www.in.gov/dhs/administrative-review-and-appeals/admin-overview/request-for-written-interpretation/.
Let me know if this helps are is too much/little information.
Sorry for the length!
