For a bistro with indoor seating for 70 and Type IV construction with a sprinkler system, what is the maximum allowable height?

• A. 85 feet
• B. 65 feet
• C. 50 feet
• D. 40 feet

Answer: (A)

In the context of the North Carolina Building Code, Type IV construction is recognized for its heavy timber elements, which provide significant structural integrity and fire resistance. When paired with a properly installed sprinkler system, buildings can achieve greater heights than what might be permitted under other types of construction or without sprinkler systems.

For Type IV construction, the maximum allowable height with a sprinkler system can reach up to 85 feet. This height is typically assessed from the lowest level of fire department access to the highest occupied floor, allowing for the increased flexibility in building design while still ensuring safety due to the mitigating effects of the sprinkler system.

The specific context of the bistro with indoor seating for 70 is also vital, as this occupancy level falls within a range that would generally allow the building to be more than just one or two stories, given that appropriate life safety measures, such as sprinklers, are in place.

This height limit is a reflection of the code’s intent to allow for larger, more open spaces in commercial applications while ensuring that adequate fire protection measures are implemented, allowing for taller structures that can be safely occupied.