Code enforcement of wedding barn venues and places of public accommodation
When we receive a formal complaint about building code requirements related to wedding barn venues, our enforcement staff investigates to determine whether the State Building Code was properly enforced. As a result, remedial work can be required, and penalties can occur. In order to help you ensure code compliance and public safety, we have provided additional guidance below.
Occupancy classification
Wedding barn venues – when used for weddings and public gatherings with consumption of food and beverages – are classified as Group A-2 Occupancies. This applies for consumption of food and beverages regardless of where they are prepared.
Places of religious worship are classified as Group A-3 Occupancies where the primary use is for worship and not for consumption of food and beverages.
Important dates
Since July 1, 2008, the Minnesota State Building Code has been the standard for new construction throughout Minnesota. Minnesota law also requires these buildings used as banquet halls, wedding venues, party rooms, and similar uses, to be designed and certified by architects and engineers licensed in Minnesota (Minnesota Rule 1800.5200). The rule applies as follows:
- throughout the state,
- is not dependent upon occupant load,
- applies to changes in use and occupancy, and
- applies to barns that are being converted to a different use or occupancy.
Enforcement authority
In areas with local code enforcement, the municipal building official is responsible for enforcement of the State Building Code, regardless of the building's occupant load.
In locations without local code enforcement, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has jurisdiction for enforcement of the State Building Code when the occupant load of these buildings is 200 or more.
The State Fire Code is enforced throughout the state and requires that these spaces are sprinkled when at least one of the following apply:
- the occupant load is 100 or more,
- the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet, or
- the fire area is located above or below the level of exit discharge.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division, administers the State Fire Code and has jurisdiction over wedding barn venues and similar types of facilities throughout Minnesota. It reviews plans and inspects sprinkler systems in these types of venues.
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