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Building Official Determination 24-01: R-4 Relative Hazard Classification

Label: Information
Relative Hazard Classification for R-4 occupancies to determine when a seismic upgrade is required.

Building Official Determinations (BODs) provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternatives.

QUESTION: Since Table 24.85-A was developed before R-4 occupancies were added to the building code, which Relative Hazard Classification is appropriate?

RESPONSE: Residential Group R-4 occupancies include buildings with more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment and receive custodial care.

Due to the number of occupants and nature of occupants, R-4 occupancy is considered more hazardous than R-3 (typically one and two-family residential dwellings) but less hazardous than I-1 occupancy (which includes assisted living facilities with more than 16 occupants). R-4 occupancies are assigned to Relative Hazard Classification 4.

TABLE 24.85-A
Relative Hazard ClassificationOSSC Occupancy ClassificationSeismic Improvement Standard
6 (Highest)A, E, I-2, I-3, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5OSSC or ASCE 41-BPON
5R-1, SR, I-1, I-4
4R-2, R-4ASCE 41-BPOE
3B, M
2F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2
1 (Lowest)R-3, U

HISTORY: Implemented January 12, 2024.

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