With the downturn of the economy and the exit of big-box retailers such as Sears and K-mart, an increasing trend is to turn these former shopping spaces into houses of worship. Making headlines locally (South Florida), is Christ Fellowship, which is creating a fifth campus in a vacated Dillard’s store . A current campus in Royal Palm is a former Target store. Perhaps, you have one of these moving into your jurisdiction, or maybe you're a pastor contemplating the future take over of your local Best Buy. In either case, here are a few things to consider.
The system requirements for new assembly occupancies include:
- Full fire alarm system with voice communication/evacuation. (101:12.3.4.1)
- Automatic fire sprinkler system. (101:12.3.5.2)
Mercantile occupancies of this size should already be equipped with fire alarm and sprinkler protection.
Every church has a stage (in church terms, a “platform”). The stage shall meet the requirements of NFPA 101:13.5, which include:
- Inclusion of a proscenium curtain (a curtain separating the stage from the auditorium).
- Stages over 1,000 sq.ft. shall be equipped with standpipes for fire fighting.
- Fire sprinklers are required, including under the stage area (see exceptions in 101:13.4.5.10.3).
- Cooking equipment is required to be protected by a hood and suppression system.
- Candles and flaming dishes are to be properly protected and approved by the local fire authority.
- LP gas appliances are to be listed and installed per applicable codes (NFPA 58).
Open flames and pyrotechnics are prohibited from use in all assembly occupancies except for ceremonial or religious purposes. The local fire authority should be consulted prior to use, and every precaution taken to prevent the ignition of flammable materials. For more information on regulations for the use of pyrotechnics see, NFPA 1126 and NFPA 160. (101:13.7.3)Trained crowd managers are required at a ratio of 1 per 250 occupants. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for worship with an occupant load of less than 2,000 is exempt from the crowd manager requirement. (101:13.7.6)
Seats in areas accommodating more than 200 persons are to be securely fastened to the floor. In restaurant, and other entertainment areas where permanently fastened seats are not practical unsecured seating is permitted. (101:13.7.9)
Any assembly occupancy with an occupant load greater than 6,000 requires a life safety evaluation. This evaluation shall be performed by a person acceptable to the local fire authority, and is to include an assessment of building systems, features, and management. The evaluation shall contain an in-depth analysis of possible hazards, and emergency response plans. (101:13.4.1)
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