Ah, so many questions and not enough knowledge to ask them
> correctly....
>
> I was just reading the state building code (Rico, you shouldn't send
> me links like that). It seems that "Motels (nontransient)" and
> "Apartment Houses" are both R-2 uses while a "Motel (transient)" is a
> R-1 use under 310.1 Residential Group R.
>
> I'm still working on the motel converted to apartments (without a CO)
> project. Recap: builder used 3/8th sheetrock instead of 5/8th back in
> the 60s when it was built.
>
> If the project was converted from one R-2 use to another R-2 use, then
> is there a change of use (for building code purposes, not zoning
> purposes). If the use downgrades a risk category from R-1 to R-2; is
> that a change that would require new fireproofing if it was acceptabe
> at the higher risk before (but grandfathered construction).
>
> I found a number of paint products that will provide fire protection
> and I am meeting with the CEO next week to see what he thinks. In the
> mean time, I'm just getting my ducks in order. Right now I am going
> to propose using a fire-retardent paint to add a 1-hour fire rating on
> top of the existing sheetrock.
>
> Pat.
Yep... You must bring the building up to current codes based on the new use of the building.
My two cents. Artist.