100 - definition: Building

[Mr. Bill]

An occupied structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therin protected by approved fire doors.

Currently the definition of building and structure are too similar. It appears to me that any isolated structure could meet the definition of a building. I want to clarify that the structure must have people inside (an occupancy) for it to be called a building. Just looking for comments.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

What code rules change between a building or occupied building and a structure? All of them that I can think of use the works "building or structure".

 

[Mr. Bill]

I haven't had any issues with this definition, but I'd like to avoid any in the future. Whatever they may be.

How many would be enough to justify a change? One?

Just a quick search I found:
230.40, Exception No. 1.
300.5(D)(2)
530.1
547.1
553.2

I don't have an electronic copy to do quick word searches but there's probably several references to buildings only or structures only.

If the Code views buildings and structures as the same then they should avoid the "buildings or other structures" phrase and just use "structures".

 

[bphgravity]

It would probably NOT be a good thing for the NEC to define non-elelctrical terms different than that of the building codes, namely ICC.

That would be the organization to bring this proposal to, however they already go deeper with more detailed definitions of occupied spaces and what not.

They will also have a definition for "bedroom" soon...

 

[wbalsam1]

In NYS, our building code definition of "structure" is: "That which is built or constructed" and our definition of "building" is: "Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy."

[An occupied structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therin protected by approved fire doors.]

The above underlined definition is wrong-headed in the sense that the inclusion of the word "occupied" dictates that the definition be predicated on whether there is "occupancy". It's a building until you walk out of it, then it becomes a structure...but wait, you've walked back in to the structure so now it's occupied, so it must be a building again....

 

[480sparky]

It would probably NOT be a good thing for the NEC to define non-elelctrical terms different than that of the building codes, namely ICC......

Yet the NEC defines a kitchen, bathroom, closet.....