SUBCHAPTER 6. - BUILDING RENOVATION CODE (REHABILITATION SUBCODE)

Wilmington, Delaware, Code of Ordinances >> PART II - WILMINGTON CITY CODE >> Chapter 4 - BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS >> - >> SUBCHAPTER 6. - BUILDING RENOVATION CODE (REHABILITATION SUBCODE) >>

Subchapter 6 of the Wilmington Renovation Code, entitled the "Renovation Subcode" is set out hereafter in its entirety.

5:23-6.1 Introduction; using this subcode.

(a)

This section is a guide to the use of the rehabilitation subcode. It should not be interpreted as containing substantive requirements and it is not intended to be cited for enforcement purposes.

The provisions of the other subcodes of the building code do not apply to work in existing buildings, changing the use of an existing building or work in an existing building related to an addition unless the provisions of this subcode specifically reference them and make them applicable.

Traditionally, the building code has made the requirements that are applicable to new buildings also apply to buildings whose use is changed; applicable to buildings undergoing rehabilitation with the extent of the requirements depending on the amount of money being spent on the building; and to some extent applicable to existing buildings that have an addition constructed. Buildings whose use was changed and buildings receiving rehabilitation costing more than 50 percent of the replacement cost of the building were required to comply with all the provisions of the building code for new buildings.

This subcode takes a new approach. The requirements that apply to a project are based upon the type of work being done rather than on the extent of the work. There is only one exception to this rule. In the case of reconstruction work, as the term reconstruction is defined in this subcode, there are some requirements which must be met when the project is a large one in floor area. There are no requirements in this subcode that are based on the cost of the work.

In this subcode, work is classified into six categories. Each category has a separate section which describes the requirements for that category of work. The categories are repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, change of use and additions. These terms are defined in section 6.3 of this subcode. The definitions are critical to understand the distinctions between these six categories of work. Where a project contains more than one category of work, each applicable category must be consulted for the requirements for that category of work.

(b)

Repair work: The requirements that apply to repair work are in section 6.4 of this subcode. The requirements for repairs are brief due to the limited nature of the work. There is a short list of materials that may not be used for repair work due to their inherently hazardous nature and another list of materials which must be used in connection with repair work where applicable. These lists should be used when planning the repair components of any project.

This subcode does not establish when a permit is required for a project. Those requirements are in section 4-27 of the building code. Although it is generally true that repair work undertaken by itself does not require a building permit, it is important to understand that any repair work undertaken in connection with a project that involves other categories of work is required to meet only the provisions for the repair category established by this subcode. There is no limit to the amount of repair work which may be undertaken. The decision to renovate rather than repair is made only by the owner.

(c)

Renovation work: The requirements that apply to renovation work are in section 6.5 of this subcode. Renovation is defined in section 6.3 of this subcode.

There are short lists of materials that may not be used and materials or practices which must be used, where applicable, when renovation work is undertaken. These lists should be used when planning a project which involves renovation work.

The installation of smoke detectors is required in any building of use groups R-3/R-4 which undergoes a renovation.

Renovation work must comply with section 6.8, Materials and methods. All materials used for the renovation work must meet the standards for those materials established by section 6.8 and methods of installation must comply with section 6.8. section 6.8, Materials and methods, references and makes applicable to renovation work certain specified subsections of the other sections the building code. Only those subsections specifically referenced in section 6.8 apply to renovation work. All materials and methods used in renovation work must comply with the requirements of section 6.8.

This subcode never requires renovation. Any existing work may be repaired. The requirements for renovation apply only where the owner decides to renovate.

(d)

Alteration work: The requirements that apply to alteration work are in section 6.6 of this subcode. Alteration is defined in section 6.3 of this subcode.

Section 6.6, alteration work contains short lists of materials that may not be used and materials or practices which must be used, where applicable, when alteration work is undertaken. These lists should be used when planning a project which includes alteration work.

The installation of smoke detectors is required in any building of use group R-3/R-4 which undergoes an alteration.

Alteration work must also comply with materials and methods that are set forth in section 6.8.

In alteration work the configuration of the building is changed in some manner. The definition of "alteration" in section 6.3 of this subcode provides the information needed to fully understand this term. Because improper alteration work could create a safety hazard in the building, this subcode contains specific requirements which define these hazards. These are the basic requirements of the subcode which can be found in sections 6.10 through 6.30 of this subcode.

The subcode includes basic requirements, listed by use group, with the exception of egress capacity, interior finish requirements, commercial cooking operations, and windowless stories which apply to all use groups. Reference should be made to the list of basic requirements applicable to the particular use group in which the building being altered falls. Care should be taken to ensure that the alteration will not create a non-conformity with any of the basic requirements which did not exist before the alteration was undertaken.

Certain alterations create what are defined to be new building elements. There is a specific listing of those items which are to be treated as newly-created building elements which can be found in section 6.9 of this subcode. The elements on that list are required to conform to certain specific sections of the building code. The sections with which each newly-constructed element must comply are listed in section 6.9. Any alteration which creates one of the elements listed in section 6.9 must comply with the specific requirements listed in section 6.9.

Improvements to the accessibility of buildings may be required when alteration work is undertaken. Those requirements are specified in sections 6.6(e) and (i) of this subcode.

(e)

Reconstruction work: The requirements that apply to reconstruction work are in section 6.7 of this subcode. Reconstruction is defined in section 6.3 of this subcode. Unlike repair, renovation, and alteration, reconstruction is not a kind of work. A reconstruction may, as the definition of the term makes clear, include a combination of repair, renovation, and alteration work. It is the extent and nature of the work which makes a project a reconstruction. There are no quantitative criteria which determine whether a project is a reconstruction. A project becomes a reconstruction when the area where the project is taking place cannot be occupied while the work is in progress and when a new certificate of occupancy is required before the area can be preoccupied. Both criteria must be met.

This subcode requires that a reconstruction project have a delineated work area. This area is established by the permit applicant. The term "work area" is defined in section 6.3 of the subcode. A reconstruction project must always involve an entire use, primary function space, or tenancy as those three terms are defined in section 6.3. Projects which do not involve an entire use, primary function space, or tenancy are not reconstruction projects.

Although a reconstruction project is comprised of repair, renovation and alteration work all of the requirements that apply are found in section 6.7. For ease of use, this section has been written to include all of the requirements applicable to reconstruction. The entire work area must conform to the basic requirements in sections 6.10 through 6.30 of the subcode. These sections must be carefully reviewed when a reconstruction project is being planned.

The basic requirements are organized by individual use groups in sections 6.12 through 6.28. Only the sections relevant to the building's use group must be consulted. Where a project involves mixed uses, then the special provisions of section 6.29 should also be consulted. Basic requirements that apply to all use groups are in sections 6.11 and 6.30. Therefore, sections 6. 11, 6.30, and the specific use group section between 6.12 and 6.28 must be consulted for the basic requirements which apply to a project.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, certain reconstruction projects must meet the supplemental requirements found in sections 6.10 through 6.30. There is a specific section for each use group as is the case with the basic requirements. Supplemental requirements that apply to all use groups are in sections 6.11A and 6.30. The supplemental requirements apply only when the work area for a reconstruction project exceeds a certain size. Each supplemental requirement has its own threshold of applicability.

The owner of a building in which a reconstruction project is planned must review the supplemental requirements applicable to the use of the project to determine if any of those requirements applies to the project. In addition to the specific use group section between 6.12A and 6.28A, sections 6.11A and 6.30 should be consulted for the supplemental requirements that apply to a project.

(f)

Applying the subcode to a project: The requirements of this subcode applicable to a project can be found as follows:

Separate the project into its component parts of repair, renovation, and alteration.

Where a portion of the work is repair, consult the repair section of the subcode (section 6.4) to ensure that prohibited materials are not being used and that any applicable required materials or practices are being used.

Where a portion of the work is renovation:

Consult the renovation sections of this subcode (section 6.5);

ii.

Ensure that the renovation work does not use any prohibited materials and that any applicable required materials or practices are being used; and

iii.

Ensure that renovation materials and the methods of their installation conform to the materials and methods section of this subcode (section 6.8).

Where a portion of the work is alteration work:

Consult the alteration section of this subcode (section 6.6);

ii.

Ensure that the alteration work does not use any prohibited materials and that any applicable required materials or practices are being used;

iii.

Ensure that any materials and methods used for the alterations conform to the requirements of the materials and methods section of this subcode (section 6. 8);

iv.

Ensure that alteration which creates a new building element listed in section 6.9 of this subcode conforms to the requirements for new building elements that are specified in section 6.9; and

Ensure that none of the alteration work creates a new condition which would create a violation of any of the basic requirements applicable to the use group that are specified in sections 6.1Q through section 6.30.

Determine whether the project is a reconstruction project according to the definitions in section 6.3 of the subcode. When the project is a reconstruction project:

Establish the work area of the project and show it on the plans and/or permit application;

ii.

Ensure that the requirements applicable to the repair, renovation, and alteration portions of the project are followed;

iii.

Ensure that the basic requirements for the particular use that are specified in the relevant section of this subcode between 6.12 and 6.28 are followed. Where the project work area includes more than one use group, then section 6.29 should be consulted; and

iv.

Review the size of the work area against the relevant provisions of the supplemental requirements in sections 6.11A through 6.28A of this subcode. Where compliance with a supplemental requirement is necessary, then ensure that the plans and/or the permit application reflect compliance with the required section. Some supplemental requirements will require work outside the work area.

(g)

Changes of use: The building code divides all buildings into categories called uses. The rehabilitation subcode uses these same classifications.

The different uses represent different hazards and different needs. Specific requirements apply to each use. Each of the other technical subcodes of the building code: Building, Fire, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical, defines these uses, each for its own purpose. Traditionally, the building code required any building or portion of a building where the use was changed to conform to the requirements of the code for a new building of that use. This subcode takes a different approach.

A change of use in a building often, but not always, involves some construction work changes of use, in which the owner does not need any construction work to effect the new use, do happen. The different uses defined by the code reflect different levels of hazard and different safety requirements. Depending upon the specific change, a new use may not affect the hazard; it could pose a lesser hazard; or it might pose a greater hazard or necessitate additional safety measures.

This subcode allows changes of use where the new use is similar to or less demanding in terms of hazard or safety requirements than the present use. No modifications to the building are required by this subcode where such a change of use is planned.

This subcode uses the concept of hazard indexes in order to specify the requirements for a change of use. Separate hazard indexes are established for different aspects of building, health, and safety:

Basic requirements: Changes of use specified in section 6.31 (b) must comply with the basic requirements set forth in section 6.10 through 6.30 of this subcode before the building can be occupied for the new use.

ii.

Means of egress: Certain changes of use specified in section 6.3 l(c) must comply with additional requirements for egress which are set forth in section 6.31 before the building can be occupied for the new use.

iii.

Vertical openings: Stairways and other vertical openings located in a building or portion of a building where there is a change of use are required to meet certain enclosure requirements for the new use which are specified in sections 6.12 through 6.28 of this subcode. These requirements must be met before the building may be occupied for the new use.

iv.

Height and area limits: Changes of use are not allowed if the building will exceed the height and area limits specified in section 6.3 1(e) for its type of construction. The types of construction are defined in the building subcode of this Code.

Exterior walls: Changes of use as specified in section 6.31 (f) of this subcode must have the fire resistance of exterior walls and any openings therein improved as specified in section 6.31(f) before the building can be occupied for the new use.

vi.

Fire suppression: Changes of use as specified in section 6.31(g) must have a fire suppression system installed in accordance with the requirements of section 6.31(g) before the building can be occupied for the new use.

vii.

Fire alarms and fire detection systems: Changes of use as specified in sections 6.31(h), (i). and (j) must have fire alarms or fire detection installed in accordance with the requirements of sections 6.31(h), (i), and (j) before the building can be occupied for the new use.

viii.

Structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical: Some changes of use may necessitate changes to the structural, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems of a building. These requirements are set forth in sections 6.31(k), (1), (m), and (n) of this subcode. Only those requirements necessitated by the change and needed for health or safety in the new use as specified must be met.

ix.

Accessibility requirements: Changes of use must conform to the accessibility requirements specified in section 6.3 1(o) before the building can be occupied for the new use.

Where the owner of a building undergoing a change of use decides to undertake work not required by section 6.31 of this subcode, then that work must comply with the requirements for repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction, as the case may be, which are established by sections 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 6.7 of this subcode.

Where the use of a building or portion of a building is changed, a new certificate of occupancy is required for the new use by the provisions of subchapter 2 of this Code. This does not mean that all changes of use are required to meet the requirements for reconstruction. Only a project which meets the definition of reconstruction set forth in section 6.3 need comply with the provisions of section 6.7, Reconstruction, of this subcode.

(h)

Additions: Additions are required to comply with the provision of the other technical subcodes of the building code. Work in the existing building which is related to the addition must conform with the requirements of section 6.32 of this subcode. Additionally, such work undertaken in the existing building must comply with the requirements for repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction as set forth in sections 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 6.7 of this subcode.

(i)

Historical buildings: section 6.33 of this subcode defines those buildings which are to be treated as historic and sets forth certain special requirements applicable to historic buildings which modify the provisions of this subcode when a building is historic. section 6.33 should be reviewed to determine if a building is to be treated as historic under this subcode and for the special provisions applicable to the various types of historical buildings.

5:23-6.2 Applicability and compliance.

(a)

This subchapter, adopted pursuant to the city's home rule powers, 1 Wilm.C, Ch.4, Subch.6, shall be known and may be cited throughout the regulations as rehabilitation code, and when referred to in subchapter 6 of this chapter, may be cited as "this subchapter" or "this subcode". Unless otherwise specifically provided, all references to article or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such article, section or provision of this subchapter.

(b)

Scope: Except as otherwise specified, this subchapter shall control all matters concerning the repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, change of use, and addition to all buildings and structures and their service equipment as defined herein and shall apply to all existing buildings and structures in the City of Wilmington.

This subchapter shall not be applied to any building or portion thereof that has never been occupied. In such buildings or spaces, the requirements of the other subcodes of the building code for new construction shall apply.

All work shall be classified by the construction official, in consultation with the appropriate subcode official(s), as one or more of six categories: repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, change of use, and additions. Specific requirements are established for each work category.

Work of more than one category may be part of a single work project.

Where a project includes repair, renovation or alteration work, then the work in each such category shall comply with the requirements for that category of work.

ii.

Where a project is a reconstruction project which includes repair, renovation or alteration work, then the work in each such category shall comply with the requirements for that category of work.

iii.

Where an alteration project results in a new building element, then each such new element shall comply with the requirements for new building elements.

iv.

Where a project is a reconstruction project, then the entire work area shall comply with the basic requirements of this subcode. Where a reconstruction project in a building involves more than one work area, then each work area shall comply with the requirements of this subcode.
Additionally, reconstruction projects shall comply with the supplemental requirements of this subcode where they exceed the size requirements specified by this subcode in the sections governing supplemental requirements.

Where the use of a building or portion thereof is changed, then the building or portion thereof shall be made to conform to the requirements of this subcode for a change of use. Where work is required by section 6.31 of this subcode for a change of use to be approved, then that work shall comply with the requirements of this subcode for changes of use. Where a project undertaken in connection with a change of use involves repairs, renovations or alterations which are not required by this subcode for the change of use, then the work in each such category shall comply with the requirements of this subcode for that category.

vi.

Where the work project involves an addition to a building, then the addition shall comply with the requirements of the other subcodes of the building code for new buildings. Any repair, renovation or alteration undertaken in an existing building in connection with an addition shall comply with the requirements of this subcode for such category of work.

(c)

Compliance: The only requirements of the other subcodes of the building code which apply are specifically set forth in this subchapter. Compliance with the requirements of the other subcodes of the building code is not required for work in
existing buildings. However, building components already in compliance with the requirements of the other subcodes of the building code shall be replaced with components that comply. Where no year or edition is given for a standard referenced in this subchapter, the year or edition shall be the one referenced in the other subcode(s) of the building code.

Buildings in compliance with the current edition of the applicable subcode shall not be required to comply with any more restrictive requirement of this subcode.

The repairs, renovations, alterations, reconstruction, and changes of use and/or additions, of any building or structure currently existing shall conform to the requirements of this subchapter. Where compliance with the provisions of this subchapter would result in practical difficulty, the owner may apply for a variation in accordance with 5:23-2.10.

Any variation previously issued in writing pursuant to the building code shall remain in force and effect unless the work to be performed during the course of the rehabilitation project causes one of the conditions of the variation to be violated or would otherwise create a hazardous condition.

As an alternative to compliance with the building and fire protection requirements of this subchapter, a permit applicant shall be allowed to evaluate the building in accordance with section 3408.6 of the BOCA National Building Code, 1996 edition, incorporated herein by reference, and to bring the building into compliance with the standards contained therein.

(d)

Permits: The requirements of this subchapter shall apply to all rehabilitation work without regard to whether a permit is required for such work. It should not be assumed that a permit is required simply because a requirement is established by this subchapter. Determinations as to whether a permit is required shall be made in accordance with the administrative provisions of the building code contained at 5:23-2.

(e)

Enforcement responsibilities: Responsibility for the enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter, unless otherwise specifically provided, shall be that of the department of license and inspections.

Assignment of enforcement responsibility for a requirement does not imply that work undertaken that would not otherwise require a permit under the provisions of subchapter 2 of the building code would now require a permit. Assignment of enforcement responsibility means that when there is a permit required or a complaint lodged, the designated subcode official is responsible. The parenthetical notes shall herein have the following meanings:

Building means that responsibility is assigned to the building subcode official.

ii.

Fire means that responsibility is assigned to the fire protection subcode official.

iii.

Electrical means that responsibility is assigned to the electrical subcode official.

iv.

Plumbing means that responsibility is assigned to the plumbing subcode official.

Elevator means that responsibility is assigned to the elevator subcode official.

Responsibility for the enforcement of mechanical requirements in buildings of use group R-3 or R-4 may be assigned as delineated in 5:23-3.4 at the discretion of the building official.

Enforcement of the provisions of the barrier free subcode shall be as provided in subchapter 7 of the building code.

Fees; penalties. The fees for permits for additions or alterations to existing buildings under the renovation code shall be the same as those fees set forth for corresponding activities under subchapter II, the building code. The penalties for violations of the renovation code shall be the same as for the corresponding violations of the provisions of subchapter II, the building code.

(f)

Pre-existing buildings. Buildings or structures legally in existence at the time of the adoption or subsequent amendment of this subchapter may continue in use and nothing herein shall be interpreted as requiring the repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of such building, except as provided at 5:23-2.32, Unsafe structures.

(g)

Relationship of this subcode to other codes, rules, and ordinances.

It is the intent of this subcode to provide a uniform, harmonious system of rehabilitation regulations applicable to all existing buildings and structures in the city. No code, ordinance, rule, regulation of any municipality, county, board, department, commission or agency thereof, shall establish any requirement for any matter covered by this subcode.

It is the intent of this subcode to establish requirements for reconstruction projects which are at least as stringent as the requirements applicable to that area under the fire code, the regulations for maintenance of hotels and multiple dwellings and the housing code. This subcode shall not be interpreted as establishing requirements less stringent than these codes.

Certificates of occupancy issued for projects in compliance with the requirements of this subcode are specific to the work undertaken and shall not obviate the need for the building to be brought into compliance with the requirements of the fire code.

Notwithstanding the above, a variation issued in writing pursuant to the building code in connection with a rehabilitation project shall remain in force and effect provided that all of the conditions of the variation continue to be met and shall be accepted for purposes of establishing compliance with the Fire Code for the portion of the building to which the variation applies.

This subcode is not intended to establish minimum standards of habitability for housing. No provision of any state or municipal housing code or the equivalent which establishes minimum standards for natural light, natural ventilation, minimum habitable floor area per occupant, or requirements for heat shall be deemed to be affected or superseded by this subchapter.

The repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction or change of use of health care facilities shall be in accordance with this code and with the "Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospital and Medical Facilities," 1992-93 edition or current edition (American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Health). In the event of any conflict, the more restrictive code provision shall govern.

(h)

Correction of violations of other codes. alterations or renovations mandated by any property, housing, or fire safety maintenance code or mandated by any licensing rule or ordinance, adopted pursuant to law, shall conform only to the requirements of that code, rule, or ordinance and shall not be required to conform to this subchapter unless the code requiring such alterations so provides.

(i)

Variations. Building owners wishing to use an alternative to compliance with specific provisions of this subcode shall submit request(s) for variations in writing in accordance with 5:23-2.10 (subchapter 2 of the building code). For variation requests involving fire safety, the construction official shall consult with the fire marshal. If the fire marshal is also licensed as a fire subcode official under the building code, then the approval of the fire marshal shall be required on such variation requests.

(j)

Asbestos hazard abatement projects and lead hazard abatement projects shall not be categorized as reconstruction projects in and of themselves despite the fact that occupancy of the work area is not permitted. However, all related construction work undertaken in connection with such projects and all replacement materials used shall comply with the applicable provisions of this subcode.

5:23-6.3 Definitions.

The words and terms used in this subcode shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Any term not defined herein which is defined in any of the other subcodes of the building code shall have the meaning as defined in that subcode. Where a term is defined in this subcode and is also defined in another subcode, then the term shall have the meaning as defined herein wherever it is used in this subcode.

Addition means an increase in the footprint area of a building or an increase in the height and the number of stories of a building.

Alteration see definition under "rehabilitation."

Change of use means a change from one use to another use in a building or tenancy or portion thereof.

Use means that portion of a building or tenancy which is devoted to a single use group or special use or occupancy as defined in the building subcode or as established by the provisions of any other subcode for the purpose of specifying special requirements applicable to that portion of a building or tenancy.

Equipment or fixture means plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigerating and fire protection equipment, elevators devices, boilers, pressure vessels and other mechanical facilities or installations, which are related to building services and shall not include manufacturing, production or process equipment, but which shall include any connections from building services to process equipment.

Load bearing element means any column, beam, joist, girder, wall, floor or roof sheathing which supports any load in addition to its own weight.

New building element means any one of the elements listed in section 6.9 that did not exist previously.

Primary function space means a room or space housing a major activity for which the building or tenancy is intended including but not limited to office area, auditorium, assembly space, dining room, bar or lounge, warehouse, factory, dwelling, care, confinement, retail, and educational spaces but not including kitchens, bathrooms, storage rooms or other spaces supporting a primary function space; a building or tenancy may contain more than one primary function space.

Primary structural component means any component of the primary load bearing structure of a building including footings, piles, foundations, columns, girders, beams, joists, wind or seismic bracing but not including, for the purposes of this subcode, sheathing or subflooring.

Reconstruction see definition under "rehabilitation."

Rehabilitation means the repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure:

Repair means the restoration to a good or sound condition of materials, systems and/or components that are worn, deteriorated or broken using materials or components identical to or closely similar to the existing.

Renovation means the removal and replacement or covering of existing interior or exterior finish, trim, doors, windows, or other materials with new materials that serve the same purpose and do not change the configuration of space. Renovation shall include the replacement of equipment or fixtures.

Alteration means the rearrangement of any space by the construction of walls or partitions or by a change in ceiling height, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the extension or rearrangement of any system, the installation of any additional equipment or fixtures and any work which reduces the loadbearing capacity of or which imposes additional loads on a primary structural component.

Reconstruction means any project where the extent and nature of the work is such that the work area cannot be occupied while the work is in progress and where a new certificate of occupancy is required before the work area can be preoccupied. Reconstruction may include repair, renovation, alteration or any combination thereof. Reconstruction shall not include projects comprised only of floor finish replacement, painting or wallpapering, or the replacement of equipment or furnishings. Asbestos hazard abatement and lead hazard abatement projects shall not be classified as reconstruction solely because occupancy of the work area is not permitted.

Renovation see definition under "rehabilitation."

Repair see definition under "rehabilitation."

System means the primary structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, or occupant service components of a building including any equipment, fixtures, connections, conduits, wires, pipes, ducts, as well as any associated sensors, controls, distribution or safety elements.

Technically infeasible means, in connection with accessibility requirements, a change that has little likelihood of being accomplished because the existing structural conditions require the removal or alteration of a loadbearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame, or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces or features which are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for new construction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.

Tenancy means an entire building or that portion of a building or story which is or is intended to be under the control of a single owner or tenant.

Use see definition under "change of use."

Use group means the use group classification of the building subcode.

Work area means any entire use, primary function space, or tenancy comprising all or part of a reconstruction project as delineated on the approved permit application and/or plans.

5:23-6.4 Repairs.

(a)

Repairs, as defined in section 6.3, shall comply with the requirements of this section. There is no limit to the amount of repair work which may be undertaken.

The following work shall be considered renovation, alteration, or reconstruction, as appropriate, and not repair work:

The cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof;

ii.

The permanent, partial or complete removal of any primary structural component;

iii.

The removal or rearrangement of any part of a required means of egress;

iv.

Addition to, alteration or relocation of:

(1)

Any fire protection system piping;

(2)

Water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, oil, waste, vent, or similar piping;

(3)

Electrical wiring, other than wiring for a low voltage communication system in a one or two-family dwelling;

(4)

Mechanical system components such as ductwork; or

(5)

Elevator devices.

(b)

All work shall be done in a workmanlike manner.

(c)

Newly introduced fixed loads shall not exceed the uniformly distributed live loads or concentrated live load criteria of table 1606 of the building subcode and shall not create deflection that exceeds the standards set forth below. As used in this section, fixed loads shall mean uniform or concentrated loads and shall include, but not be limited to, equipment, files, library stacks, or similar loading conditions. (Building)

For wood frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/120 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

ii.

For steel frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/240 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/180 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

iii.

For concrete construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs or L/240 for floors.

Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition. (Fire)

No work shall be undertaken that diminishes accessibility below that which is required by the barrier free subcode of the building code. (Building)

(d)

The following products and practices shall not be used:

Wood paneling being used as an interior finish not in conformance with table 2 of section 6.11 of this subcode; (Building)

Carpet used for floor covering that fails to meet the DOC FF-1 "Pill Test" (Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR 1630);

Electrical materials/supplies: Unlisted or unapproved electrical products. As stated in the National Electrical Code (sections 90-7, 110-2, 110-3, and 100), only electrical products listed, labeled, approved, and identified are acceptable. Approval is to be based on tests and listings of testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual (PM) or Canadian
Standards Association/Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (CSA/NRTL), etc; and (Electrical)

Plumbing materials and supplies: (Plumbing)

All purpose solvent cement;

ii.

Clear PB (polybutylene) piping;

iii.

Flexible traps and tailpieces;

iv.

Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than B&S (Brown & Sharpe) 17 gauge (.045 inch); and

Solder having more than 0.2 percent lead shall not be used in the repair of potable water systems.

(e)

The following products and practices shall be required, when applicable:

Replacement glass shall comply with the "safety glazing" requirements of the building subcode and shall be installed in the "specific hazardous locations" as specified by section 2405.2 of the building subcode. (Building)

Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair or replacement shall be allowed to be replaced with like material except for the following: (Electrical)

Replacement of electrical receptacles shall comply with the requirements contained in section 210-7(d) of the electrical subcode;

ii.

Plug fuses of the Edison-base type shall be used only for replacements where there is no evidence of over fusing or tampering per section 240-51 (b) of the electrical subcode;

iii.

For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles, the grounding conductor of a grounding type receptacle outlet shall be permitted, in accordance with section 250-50 of the electrical subcode, to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system as described in section 250-81 of the electrical subcode, or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor;

iv.

Non "hospital grade" receptacles in patient bed locations of health care facilities, use group I-2, shall be replaced with "hospital grade" receptacles; and

Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are part of the existing branch circuit for these appliances, except for mobile homes and recreational vehicles, shall be permitted to be grounded to the grounded circuit conductor if all the conditions of section 250-60 of the electrical subcode are met.

When door hardware is replaced in buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, replacement hardware shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 section 4.13.9. (Building)

Replacement handrails and guardrails shall comply with sections 1022.0 and 1021.0 of the building subcode, respectively. Where 50 percent or more of a handrail or guardrail on a flight or on a level is replaced, then this shall be considered a complete replacement and shall comply with the referenced sections of the building subcode. The repair or replacement of less than 50 percent of a handrail or guardrail shall be permitted to match the existing handrail or guardrail. (Building)

(f)

In accordance with section 316.1, CABO 1995 Edition, in buildings of use groups R-3 and R-4 and in dwelling units of use group R-2, smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in each story within the dwelling unit, including basements. Battery-operated units shall be permitted. (Fire)

5:23-6.5 Renovations.

(a)

Renovations, as defined in section 6.3, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(b)

All work shall be done in a workmanlike manner.

(c)

The work shall not cause any diminution of existing structural strength, system capacity or mechanical ventilation below that which exists at the time of application for a permit or that which is required by the applicable subcodes of the building code, whichever is lower. The replacement or addition of fixtures, equipment or appliances shall not increase loads on these systems unless the system is upgraded in accordance with the applicable subcode of the U(2C to accommodate the increased load.

For wood frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/120 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

ii.

For steel frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/240 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/180 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

iii.

For concrete construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs or L/240 for floors.

Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition. (Fire)

No work shall be undertaken that diminishes accessibility below that which by the barrier free subcode of the building code. (Building)

(d)

The following products and practices shall not be used:

Wood paneling being used as an interior finish not in conformance with table 2 of section 6.11 of this subcode; (Building)

Carpet used for floor covering that fails to meet the DOC FF-1 "pill test" (Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR 1630);

Electrical materials/supplies: Unlisted or unapproved electrical products. As stated in the National Electrical Code (sections 90-7, 110-2, 110-3, and 100), only electrical products listed, labeled, approved, and identified are acceptable. Approval is to be based on tests and listings of testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual (FM) or Canadian Standards Association/Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (CSA/NRTL), etc; and (Electrical)

Plumbing materials and supplies: (Plumbing)

All purpose solvent cement;

ii.

Clear PB (polybutylene) piping;

iii.

Flexible traps and tailpieces;

iv.

Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than B&S (Brown & Sharpe) 17 gauge (.045 inch); and

Solder having more than 0.2 percent lead shall not be used in the repair of potable water systems.

(e)

The following products and practices shall be required, when applicable:

When any water closet is replaced, the replacement water closet shall require not more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush as required at City Code, section 1503.8(1). (Plumbing)

In buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, when bathrooms or toilet rooms are renovated, the following requirements for providing accessibility shall apply unless the requirements of the barrier free subcode have been met:

When toilet partitions are moved or installed, but existing fixtures are not being moved, an accessible stall complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1 1992 section 4.18 shall be created provided that this can be accomplished without moving fixtures. (Building)

ii.

When bathroom fixtures or hardware are replaced, the replacement fixtures or hardware shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 sections 4.16 through 4.22, as applicable, for nonresidential buildings or section 4.33 for residential buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible. (Plumbing)

iii.

Where full compliance is technically infeasible, compliance shall be achieved to the maximum extent feasible. (Building)

Replacement doors shall comply with the following: (Building)

When replacement doors are installed in buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, replacement hardware shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 section 4.13.9.

ii.

Replacement dwelling unit, guest room or rooming unit corridor doors in use groups I-1, R-1 or R-2 shall be 1¾-inch solid core wood or approved equal with approved door closers and shall not have any glass panels, other than approved wire glass in metal frames.

(1)

In all use groups other than H, 1⅜-inch solid core replacement doors shall be accepted if the existing frame is not being replaced and will accommodate only a 1⅜-inch door.

Where a fireproofing material is removed that is integral to the rating of an existing fire-rated assembly, the material shall be replaced so that the rating is preserved. (Building)

Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair or replacement shall be allowed to be replaced with listed, like material except for the following: (Electrical)

Replacement of electrical receptacles shall comply with the requirements contained in section 210-7(d) of the electrical subcode;

ii.

Plug fuses of the Edison-base type shall be used only for replacements where there is no evidence of over fusing or tampering per section 240-51 (b) of the electrical subcode;

iii.

iv.

Non "hospital grade" receptacles in patient bed locations of health care facilities, use group I-2, shall be replaced with "hospital grade" receptacles; and

(f)

In accordance with section 316.1, CABO, 1995 Ed., in buildings of use groups R-3 and R-4 and in dwelling units of use group R-2, smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in each story within the dwelling unit, including basements. Battery-operated units shall be permitted. (Fire)

(g)

All materials and methods used shall comply with the building, plumbing, fire protection, mechanical, electrical and barrier free subcodes as specified in 6.8, Materials and methods, below.

Exception: Windows may be replaced with windows like those existing without meeting the size requirements of the building subcode.

In sleeping rooms below the fourth story in occupancies of use groups R or I-1, where the size of window openings is being changed, at least one window shall:

(1)

Be operable;

(2)

Have a sill height of not more than 44 inches;

(3)

Have a width of at least 20 inches, a height of at least 24 inches and a minimum total area of 5.7 square feet measured from head to sill and from side to side.

(4)

New window openings in sleeping rooms shall not be required to meet these requirements in buildings where the sleeping room is provided with a door to a corridor having access to two remote exits or in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

ii.

Basement windows in buildings of use group R-2 shall comply with the requirements of section 1010.4, BOCA 1996, of this subcode where the window serves as the second means of egress from the dwelling unit.

5:23-6.6 Alterations.

(a)

Alterations, as defined in section 6.3, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(b)

All work shall be done in a workmanlike manner.

(c)

For wood frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/120 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

ii.

For steel frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/240 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/180 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

iii.

For concrete construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs or L/240 for floors.

Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition. (Fire)

No work shall be undertaken that diminishes accessibility below that which is required by the barrier free subcode of the building code. (Building)

(d)

The following products and practices shall not be used:

Wood paneling being used as an interior finish not in conformance with table 2 of section 6.11 of this subcode; (Building)

Carpet used for floor covering that fails to meet the DOC FF-1 "pill test" (Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR 1630);

Electrical materials/supplies: Unlisted or unapproved electrical products. As stated in the National Electrical Code (sections 90-7, 110-2, 110-3, and 100), only electrical products listed, labeled, approved, and identified are acceptable. Approval is to be based on tests and listings of testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual (FM) or Canadian
Standards Association/Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (CSA/NRTL), etc; and (Electrical)

Plumbing materials and supplies: (Plumbing)

All purpose solvent cement;

ii.

Clear PB (polybutylene) piping;

iii.

Flexible traps and tailpieces;

iv.

Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than B&S (Brown & Sharpe) 17 gauge (.045 inch); and

Solder having more than 0.2 percent lead shall not be used in the repair of potable water systems.

(e)

The following products and practices shall be required, when applicable:

When any water closet is replaced, the replacement water closet shall require not more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush as required at City Code, section 1503.8(1). (Plumbing)

In buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, when bathrooms or toilet rooms are altered, the following requirements for providing accessibility shall apply unless the requirements of the barrier free subcode have been met:

When toilet partitions are moved or installed, but existing fixtures are not being moved, an accessible stall complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 section 4.18 shall be created provided that this can be accomplished without moving fixtures. (Building)

ii.

When bathroom fixtures or hardware are replaced, the replacement fixtures or hardware shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 sections 4.16 through 4.22, as applicable, for nonresidential buildings or section 4.33 for residential buildings required by, the barrier free subcode to be accessible. (Plumbing)

iii.

When space is reconfigured, the altered space shall comply with chapter 11 of the BOCA Code.

(1)

Where full compliance is technically infeasible, compliance shall be achieved to the maximum extent feasible.

(2)

Where full compliance is technically infeasible, a single fixture unisex accessible bathroom shall be permitted. (Building)

(3)

Where it is technically infeasible to gain compliance within an altered bathroom, signage to the closest accessible bathroom (if any) shall be provided at the altered bathroom. (Building)

Replacement or new doors shall comply with the following: (Building)

In buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, when new door openings are created, existing door openings are enlarged or door assemblies are replaced and the required door width can be achieved within the existing opening, the new door shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 section 4.13.

(1)

If the door being added, enlarged or replaced is a building entrance and at least 50 percent of the entrance doors are accessible, then the door being added, enlarged or replaced is not required to comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 section 4.13.

ii.

(1)

In all use groups other than H, 1⅜-inch solid core replacement doors shall be accepted if the existing frame is not being replaced and will accommodate only a 1⅜-inch door.

In buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, when entrance steps are being replaced, an accessible entrance shall be provided if this does not add more than 20 percent to the cost of replacing the steps. (Building)

If at least 50 percent of the other building entrances are accessible, then the installation of a ramp shall not be required.

When providing vertical access is part of the scope of work, a limited use limited application elevator or platform lift may be installed as permitted by chapter 30, BOCA 1996. (Building)

Where a fireproofing material is removed that is integral to the rating of an existing fire-rated assembly, the material shall be replaced so that the rating is preserved. (Building)

Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair or replacement shall be allowed to be replaced with like material except for the following: (Electrical)

Replacement of electrical receptacles shall comply with the requirements contained in section 210-7(d) of the electrical subcode;

ii.

Plug fuses of the Edison-base type shall be used only for replacements where there is no evidence of over fusing or tampering per section 240-51 (b) of the electrical subcode;

iii.

For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles, the grounding conductor of a grounding type receptacle outlet shall be permitted, in accordance with section 250-50, NEC 1996, to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system as described in section 250-81, NEC 1996, or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor;

iv.

Non "hospital grade" receptacles in patient bed locations of health care facilities, use group I-2, shall be replaced with "hospital grade" receptacles; and

In buildings of use groups R-3 and R-4 and in dwelling units of use group R-2, when the work being performed creates a bedroom, a hard-wired smoke detector shall be installed within each new bedroom and a second, hard-wired smoke detector shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom in accordance with NFPA 72. (Fire)

10.

In buildings of use group R-1, in at least one sleeping room or suite of every 25 or fewer that are part of the scope of work, the work being performed shall comply with the applicable provisions of CABO/ANSI A117.1 unless the facility already provides the number of accessible sleeping rooms required by the barrier free subcode. In addition, at least one sleeping room or suite of every 25 or fewer that are part of the scope of work shall be equipped with a visual alarm and notification device for the hearing impaired unless the facility already provides the number required by chapter 11 of the BOCA Code. (Building)

11.

In buildings of use groups R-1 and R-2, when habitable space is created in previously unoccupied space, the minimum clear ceiling height shall be seven feet. For rooms with a sloped ceiling, the minimum clear ceiling height shall be seven feet for at least 35 square feet of the floor area of the room. Any portion of the room measuring less than five feet from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered usable floor area.

(f)

In accordance with section 316.1, CABO 1995 Ed., in buildings of use groups R-3 and R-4 and in dwelling units of use group R-2, smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in each story within the dwelling unit, including basements. Battery-operated units shall be permitted. (Fire)

(g)

The work shall not make the building less conforming with the basic requirements of this subchapter than it was when the alteration was undertaken.

Where the building currently exceeds the basic requirements, the extent to which it shall not be reduced unless the building also exceeds the requirements of the corresponding building code. In this case, the extent of compliance with the basic requirements may be reduced, but not below the requirements of the corresponding building code.

(h)

All materials and methods used shall comply with the requirements specified in 6.8, Materials and methods.

Exception: Windows may be replaced with windows like those existing without meeting the size requirements of the building subcode.

In sleeping rooms below the fourth story in occupancies of use groups R or I-1, where new window openings are being created or the size of window openings is being changed, at least one window shall:

(1)

Be operable;

(2)

Have a sill height of not more than 44 inches;

(3)

Have a width of at least 20 inches, a height of at least 24 inches and a minimum total area of 5.7 square feet measured from head to sill and from side to side.

(4)

ii.

Basement windows in buildings of use group R-2 shall comply with the requirements of section 6.26(a)3 of this subcode where the window serves as the second means of egress from the dwelling unit.

Replacement handrails and guardrails shall comply with sections 1022.0 and 1021.0 of the building code, respectively. Where 50 percent or more of a handrail or guardrail on a flight or on a level is replaced, then this shall be considered a complete replacement and shall comply with the referenced sections of the building subcode. The repair or replacement of less than 50 percent of a handrail or guardrail shall be permitted to match the existing handrail or guardrail. (Building)

(i)

All new building elements shall comply with the requirements of that section. (j) In a building required by chapter 11, BOCA 1996 to be accessible, where the space altered is a primary function space, an accessible path of travel to the altered space shall be provided up to the point at which the cost of providing accessibility is disproportionate to the cost of the overall alteration project;

The accessible path of travel shall include, but not be limited to, an accessible parking space, an accessible exterior route, an accessible building entrance, an accessible interior route to the altered area, accessible restrooms, accessible drinking fountains, and accessible telephones serving the altered primary function space. Priority shall be given to providing an accessible entrance or accessible restrooms where possible.

In determining disproportionate cost, the following materials may be deducted from the overall cost of the project:

Windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets and signage;

ii.

Mechanical systems, electrical systems, installations or alterations of fire protection systems or abatement of hazardous materials; or

iii.

The repair or installation of roofing, siding, or other exterior wall facade.

Where the work consists solely of the alteration of materials or systems listed in 2. above, the path of travel requirements shall not apply.

Where the alteration work is for the primary purpose of increasing the accessibility of the building or tenancy, the requirement to further improve the path of travel shall not apply.

Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the technical standards in chapter 11, BOCA 1996, the work must comply to the maximum extent feasible.

5:23-6.7 Reconstruction.

(a)

Reconstruction, as defined in section 6.3, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

If a project is less than the entire use, primary function space or tenancy by a de minimis amount, the construction official may designate the project a reconstruction project and require that the requirements of this section be met.

If work performed or to be performed in phases is so extensive that the project would require a new certificate of occupancy if the work were performed at one time, the construction official may designate the project a reconstruction project and require that the requirements of this section be met.

(b)

All work shall be done in a workmanlike manner.

(c)

For wood frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/120 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

ii.

For steel frame construction, deflection shall not exceed L/240 for roofs with a slope of 3 in 12 or less or L/180 for roofs with a slope of greater than 3 in 12 and for floors.

iii.

For concrete construction, deflection shall not exceed L/180 for roofs or L/240 for floors.

Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition. (Fire)

No work shall be undertaken that diminishes accessibility below that which is required by the barrier free subcode of the building code. (Building)

(d)

The following products and practices shall not be used:

Carpet used for floor covering that fails to meet the DOC FF-1 "pill test" (Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR 1630);

Electrical materials/supplies: Unlisted or unapproved electrical products. As stated in the National Electric Code (sections 90-7, 110-2, 110-3, and 100), only electrical products listed, labeled, approved, and identified are acceptable. Approval is to be based on tests and listings of testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual (FM) or Canadian Standards Association/Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (CSA/NRTL), etc; and (Electrical)

Plumbing materials and supplies: (Plumbing)

All purpose solvent cement;

ii.

Clear PB (polybutylene) piping;

iii.

Flexible traps and tailpieces;

iv.

Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than B&S (Brown & Sharpe) 17 gauge (.045 inch); and

Solder having more than 0.2 percent lead shall not be used in the repair of potable water systems.

(e)

The following products and practices shall be required, when applicable:

When any water closet is replaced, the replacement water closet shall require not more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush as required at City Code 1503.8(1). (Plumbing)

In buildings required by the barrier free subcode to be accessible, when bathrooms or toilet rooms are reconstructed, the following requirements for providing accessibility shall apply unless the requirements of the barrier free subcode have been met:

ii.

iii.

When space is reconfigured, the space shall comply with chapter 11, BOCA Code.

(1)

Where full compliance is technically infeasible, compliance shall be achieved to the maximum extent feasible.

(2)

Where full compliance is technically infeasible, a single fixture unisex accessible bathroom shall be permitted. (Building)

(3)

Where it is technically infeasible to gain compliance within a reconstructed bathroom, signage to the closest accessible bathroom (if any) shall be provided at the reconstructed bathroom. (Building)

Replacement or new doors shall comply with the following: (Building)

(1)

ii.

(1)

In all use groups other than H, 1⅜-inch solid core replacement doors shall be accepted if the existing frame is not being replaced and will accommodate only a 1⅜-inch door.

In buildings required by the chapter 11, BOCA 1996 to be accessible, when entrance steps are being replaced, a ramp shall be installed provided that the installation of a ramp does not add more than 20 percent to the cost of replacing the steps. (Building)

If at least 50 percent of the other building entrances are accessible, then the installation of a ramp shall not be required.

When providing vertical access is part of the scope of work, a limited use limited application elevator or platform lift may be installed as permitted by chapter 30, BOCA 1996. (Building)

Where a fireproofing material is removed that is integral to the rating of an existing fire-rated assembly, the material shall be replaced so that the rating is preserved. (Building)

Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair or replacement shall be allowed to be replaced with like material except for the following: (Electrical)

Replacement of electrical receptacles shall comply with the requirements contained in section 210-7(d) of the electrical subcode;

ii.

Plug fuses of the Edison-base type shall be used only for replacements where there is no evidence of over fusing or tampering per section 240-51 (b) of the electrical subcode;

iii.

For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles, the grounding conductor of a grounding type receptacle outlet shall be permitted, in accordance with section 250-50 NEC National Electric Code 1996, to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system as described in section NEC, or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor;

iv.

Non "hospital grade" receptacles in patient bed locations of health care facilities, use group I-2 shall be replaced with "hospital grade" receptacles; and

In buildings of use groups R-1 and R-2, when habitable space is created in previously unoccupied space, the minimum clear ceiling height shall be seven feet.

(f)

All materials and methods used shall comply with the requirements specified in 6.8, Materials and methods.

For repair work undertaken as part of a reconstruction project, materials like those existing may be used. There is no limit to the amount of repair work which may be undertaken.

Exception: Windows may be replaced with windows like those existing without meeting the size requirements of the building subcode.

In sleeping rooms below the fourth story in occupancies of use groups R or I-1, where new window openings are being created or the size of window openings is being changed, at least one window shall:

(1)

Be operable;

(2)

Have a sill height of not more than 44 inches;

(3)

Have a width of at least 20 inches, a height of at least 24 inches and a minimum total area of 5.7 square feet measured from head to sill and from side to side.

(4)

New window openings in sleeping rooms shall not be required to meet these requirements in buildings where the sleeping room is provided with a door to a corridor having access to two remote exits or
in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

ii.

Basement windows in buildings of use group R-2 shall comply with the requirements of section 6.26(a)3 of this subcode where the window serves as the second means of egress from the dwelling unit.

Replacement handrails and guardrails shall comply with sections 1022.0 and 1021.0 of the BOCA 1996, respectively. Where 50 percent or more of a handrail or guardrail on a flight or on a level is replaced, then this shall be considered a complete replacement and shall comply with the referenced sections of the building subcode. The repair or replacement of less than 50 percent of a handrail or guardrail shall be permitted to match the existing handrail or guardrail. (Building)

(g)

All new building elements, as listed in section 6.9 of this subcode, shall comply with the requirements of that section.

(h)

The basic requirements of this subchapter for the applicable use group shall be met within the work area(s). Attendant work outside the work area(s) shall not make the building less conforming with the basic requirements than it was when the reconstruction was undertaken.

Where the building currently exceeds the basic requirements, the extent to which it exceeds shall not be reduced unless the building also exceeds the requirements of the corresponding subcode of the BOCA 1996. In this case, the extent of compliance with the basic requirements may be reduced, but not below the requirements of the corresponding subcode of the BOCA 1996. Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition.

(i)

The supplemental requirements of this subchapter for the applicable use group shall be met whenever the extent of the work is such that the trigger accompanying each requirement is met or exceeded.

(j)

In a building required by the chapter 11, BOCA 1996 to be accessible, where the space reconstructed is a primary function space, an accessible path of travel to the space shall be provided up to the point at which the cost of providing accessibility is disproportionate to the cost of the overall project; a cost is disproportionate if it exceeds 20 percent of the cost of the work. (Building)

The accessible path of travel shall include, but not be limited to, an accessible parking space, an accessible exterior route, an accessible building entrance, an accessible interior route to the reconstructed area, accessible restrooms, accessible drinking fountains, and accessible telephones serving the reconstructed primary function space. Priority shall be given to providing an accessible entrance or accessible restrooms where possible.

In determining disproportionate cost, the following materials may be deducted from the overall cost of the project:

Windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets and signage;

ii.

Mechanical systems, electrical systems, installations or alterations of fire protection systems or abatement of hazardous materials; or

iii.

The repair or installation of roofing, siding, or other exterior wall facade.

Where the work consists solely of the reconstruction of materials or systems listed in 2. above, the path of travel requirements shall not apply.

Where the work is for the primary purpose of increasing the accessibility of the building or tenancy, the requirement to further improve the path of travel shall not apply.

Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the technical standards of CABO/ANSI A117. 1, the work must comply to the maximum extent feasible.

5:23-6.8 Materials and methods.

(a)

The following requirements shall be met for materials and installation methods for all items that are part of the applicant's proposed project for all categories of work other than repair as defined in section 6.3.

Note: Where sections listed below reference other sections not listed below, those sections shall apply within that limited context.

(b)

Building and fire protection materials and methods. The following sections of the building subcode shall constitute the building materials and methods requirements for this subchapter:

Section 505.0 of chapter 5 entitled "General Building Limitations" shall apply to newly-constructed "mezzanines."

The following sections of chapter 7 entitled "Fire-resistant Materials and Construction":

Subsections 704.1.1, 704.2, 704.3, 704.4

ii.

Subsections 705.1.2, 705.2.1, 705.2.2, 705.7

(1)

Subsection 705.1.1 shall apply to the removal of an exterior wall.

iii.

Subsections 707.1.1, 707.1.2

iv.

Section 708.0

Subsections 709.3, 709.5, 709.6, 709.7

vi.

Subsections 711.3, 711.6, 711.7

vii.

Subsections 713.4, 713.5

viii.

Section 714.0

ix.

Subsections 717.2, 717.3, 717.4

Subsections 718.1, 718.3

xi.

Subsections 719.1, 719.5

xii.

Subsection 720.1

xiii.

Subsections 721.2, 721.3, 721.4

xiv.

Subsections 722.2, 722.4, 722.5

xv.

Subsections 723.1, 723.2, 723.3, 723.4, 723.5

All of chapter 8 entitled "Interior Finishes" except 801.1, 802.0, 806.0

All of chapter 9 entitled "Fire Protection Systems" except 901.0, 902.0, 903.0, 904.0, 915.2, 916.2, 918.4, 919.4, 920.3, 921.2, 922.0, 923.0, 924.0

The following sections of chapter 10 entitled "Means of Egress":

Subsection 1017.4.1

ii.

Subsection 1017.4.4

iii.

Section 1021.0 "Guards"

iv.

Section 1022.0 "Handrails"

All of chapter 12 entitled "Interior Environment" except 1201.0, 1202.0, 1203.0, 1204.0, 1205.0, 1206.0, 1207.0, 1208.0, 1209.0, 1211.0, 1212.0, 1213.0, 1214.0

All of chapter 14 entitled "Exterior Wall Covering" except 1401.0, 1402.0, 1403.0

All of chapter 15 entitled "Roofs and Roof Structures" except 1501.0, 1502.0, 1503.0.

All of chapter 16 entitled "Structural Loads" except 1601.0, 1603.0, 1610.0, 1611.0, 1614.0 shall apply to new or replaced structural members. The referenced sections of chapter 16 shall not be used to analyze any existing structural members, except as otherwise provided by this subcode.

10.

All of chapter 18 entitled "Foundation and Retaining Walls" except 1801.0, 1802.0, 1803.0, 1804.0, 1805.0, 1806.0, 1807.0, 1813.0, 1825.0

Additionally, the following subsections of section 1813.0 shall be included as part of the materials and methods requirements: 1813.3.1, 1813.3.2, 1813.4.1, 1813.4.2, 1813.4.3, 1813.5.1, 1813.5.2, 1813.5.3

11.

All of chapter 19 entitled "Concrete" except 1901.0, 1902.0, 1903.0, 1904.0, 1905.0

Subsection 1905.1 shall apply to newly-constructed concrete slabs.

12.

All of chapter 20 entitled "Lightweight Metals" except 2001.0

13.

All of chapter 21 entitled "Masonry" except 2101.0, 2102.0, 2103.0, 2105.0, 2106.0, 2107.0, 2108.0

14.

All of chapter 22 entitled "Steel" except 2201.0, 2202.0, 2203.0, 2204.0, 2206.3, 2207.0

15.

All of chapter 23 entitled "Wood" except 2301.0, 2302.0, 2303.0, 2306.0, 2305.7, 2305.8, 2311.1, 2311.4, 2311.5, 2311.6, 2311.7

Subsections 2311.1, 2311.5, 2311.6, 2311.7 shall apply to completely replaced or newly-constructed balconies, decks or porches.

16.

All of chapter 24 entitled "Glass and Glazing" except 2401.0

17.

All of chapter 25 entitled "Gypsum Board and Plaster" except 2501.0, 2502.0

18.

All of chapter 26 entitled "Plastic" except 2601.0, 2602.0, 2609.0

Section 2609.0 shall apply to newly-installed "Light Transmitting Plastic Interior Signs".

19.

All of chapter 28 entitled "Mechanical Systems" except 2801.0, 2802.0, 2803.0, 2804.0, 2809.0

20.

For the applicability of chapter 30 entitled "Elevators and Conveying Systems", refer to 6.8(g), Elevator devices.

21.

All of chapter 31 entitled "Special Construction" except 3101.0, 3102.0, 3103.0, 3104.0, 3106.0, 3108.0, 3109.0, 3110.0

Section 3102.0 shall apply to newly-installed "Signs"

ii.

Section 3109.0 shall apply to newly-installed "Radio and Television Antennas"

22.

All of chapter 32 entitled "Construction in the Public Right-of-Way" except 3201.0,

23.

All of chapter 33 entitled "Site Work, Demolition and Construction" except 3301.0,

24.

Section 1025, BOCA 1996, entitled "Fire Escapes."

(c)

Plumbing materials and methods. The following sections of the plumbing subcode shall constitute the plumbing materials and methods requirements for this subchapter:

All of chapter 2 entitled "General Regulations" except 2.19 and 2.24.

Section 2.19 for mandatory connections to the public water supply and sewer shall apply when existing septic or water supply facilities are no longer suitable for use as determined by the local health inspector, and public facilities are available within the meaning of 2.19.

All of chapter 3 entitled "Materials".

All of chapter 4 entitled "Joints and Connections".

All of chapter 5, entitled "Traps and Cleanouts".

Chapter 6, entitled "Interceptors" except sections 6.1.1, 6.1.7, 6.3.1 and 6.4.1.

Section 6.1.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1 for when interceptors are required shall not apply. However, when new fixtures, or devices are installed that will produce wastes that need to be separated, an interceptor shall be required.

Chapter 7, entitled "Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings and Plumbing Appliances" except section 7.24 and table 7.21.1.

Chapter 8 entitled "Hangers and Supports".

Chapter 9 entitled "Indirect Wastes Piping and Special Waste

Chapter 10 entitled "Water Supply and Distribution" except for sections 10.3, 10.6.5, 10.8.1, and 10.14.

Water shall be supplied so that fixtures within a building are provided with an adequate supply of water so that they are functional.

ii.

Section 10.6.5 shall apply to all newly-installed or completely replaced water services.

iii.

Section 10.8.1 shall apply, where there is not sufficient pressure for proper functioning of fixtures, a water pressure booster system shall be required.

iv.

Section 10.14 for sizing water distribution systems shall apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the system. Where the proposed work does not increase or decreases the load on the existing system, no increase in size shall be required. All new piping associated with the installation of additional fixtures shall comply with the sizing requirements of chapter 10

10.

All of chapter 11, entitled "Sanitary Drainage Systems" except 11.2.2, 11.5 and 11.6.

Section 11.2.2 for sizing building sewers shall apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the sewer. Where the proposed work does not increase or decreases the load on the existing system, no increase in size shall be required.

ii.

Section 11.5 for sizing drainage systems shall apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the system. Where the proposed work does not increase or decreases the load on the existing system, no increase in size shall be required. All new piping associated with the installation of additional fixtures shall comply with the sizing requirements of 11.5.

iii.

Section 11.6 for sizing offsets in drainage systems shall apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the system. Where the proposed work does not increase or decreases the load on the existing system, no increase in size shall be required.

11.

All of chapter 12, entitled "Vents and Venting" except 12.3.1, 12.3.2 and 12.16.

Section 12.3.1 for locations where vent stacks are required shall apply where new stacks are being installed.

ii.

Section 12.3.2 "Relief Vents for Stacks Having Ten or More Branch Intervals" shall apply only when new stacks of ten or more branch intervals are being installed.

iii.

Section 12.16 for size and length of vents shall apply when new vents are being installed.

12.

All of chapter 13 entitled "Stormwater Drainage" except 13.1.1, 13.1.2, 13.1.6, 13.1.7, 13.1.10.1, 13.4.3, 13.6.1, 13.6.2.

Section 13.1.1 for where stormwater drains are required shall apply only when new roofs, paved areas, yards, courts and courtyards are created.

ii.

Section 13.1.2 "Stormwater Drainage to Sewer Prohibited" shall not be applied to existing connections to the sewer. This section shall only prohibit the connection of new stormwater drains to a sanitary sewer that is prohibited from accepting such discharge.

iii.

Section 13.1.6 "Areaway Drains" shall apply only to newly created, open, below grade areaways where stormwater can accumulate.

iv.

Section 13.1.7 "Window Well Drains" shall apply only to newly created window wells.

Section 13.1.10.1 for sizing roof drains, as amended in City of Wilmington Code, section 1503.8(1), shall apply only where additional roof area is to be drained or where other circumstances increase the load on existing roof drains.

vi.

Section 13.4.3 "Combining Storm with Sanitary Drainage" shall not be applied to existing connections to the sewer. This section shall only require that newly installed sanitary and storm sewers be separate.

vii.

Section 13.6.1 for sizing of "Vertical Conductors and Leaders" shall only apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the system. Where the proposed work does not increase or decreases the load on the existing system, no increase in size shall be required.

viii.

Section 13.6.2 "Size of Horizontal Storm Drain Piping" shall only apply when the proposed work will impose additional loads on the system. Where the proposed increase or decreases the load on the system, no increase in size shall be required.

13.

All of chapter 14 entitled "Medical Care Facility Plumbing Equipment"

14.

All of chapter 15 entitled "Tests and Maintenance".

15.

Section 16.1.7 of chapter 16 entitled "Septic Systems".

16.

All of chapter 18 entitled, "Mobile Homes & Travel Trailer Park Plumbing Standards".

(d)

Electrical materials and methods. The following sections of the National Electric Code/BOCA 1996, shall constitute the electrical materials and methods requirements for this subchapter:

Section 90-7, entitled "Examination of Equipment for Safety" of the Introduction, Article 90;

All of chapter 1, entitled "General" except section 110-8 Wiring Methods, 110-16 Working Space About Electrical Equipment (600 Volts, Nominal, or Less), 110-17 Guarding of Live Parts (600 Volts, Nominal, or Less), 110-32 Work Space about Equipment and 110-33 Entrance and Access to Work Space;

All of chapter 2, entitled "Wiring and Protection" except sections 210-52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets, 210-60 Guest Rooms, 210-62 Show Windows, 210-63 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Equipment Outlet, 210-70 Lighting Outlets Required, and 220-4 Branch Circuits Required;

All of chapter 3, entitled "Wiring Methods" except section 380-8 Accessibility and grouping (switches), 384-4 Installation (switchboards and panelboards) and 384-8 clearances (switchboards and panelboards);

All of chapter 4, entitled "Equipment for General Use";

All of chapter 5, entitled "Special Occupancies";

All of chapter 6, entitled "Special Equipment";

All of chapter 7, entitled "Special Conditions"; and

All of chapter 8, entitled "Communication Systems".

10.

Existing working clearances, clear space, access and entrance dimensions to working spaces, illumination, headroom clearances, and location of overcurrent protection devices shall be allowed to remain without modification.

(e)

International Mechanical Code. The following sections shall constitute the mechanical materials and methods requirements for this subchapter:

All of chapter 3, entitled "Air Distribution Systems," except sections M-303.0, M-306.3, M-313.2 and M-314.0.

Section M-303.0 shall apply to newly-constructed plenums. Modifications to existing plenums, such as installation of new building, electrical or plumbing materials inside the plenum, increasing air flow rate within the plenum, etc. shall not require the plenum to comply with the construction requirements for new plenums. However, newly-installed materials within the plenum shall be consistent with material requirements of M-303.0.

All of chapter 4, entitled "Mechanical Equipment," except sections M-405.2, M-405.6, M-408.1, M-409.2 and M-409.3.

All of chapter 5, entitled "Kitchen Exhaust Equipment," except section M-508.1.

All of chapter 6, entitled "Boilers and Water Heaters."

All of chapter 7, entitled "Hydropic Piping"

All of chapter 8, entitled "Gas Piping Systems," except section M-805.0.

Section M-805.0 sizing shall apply when the work being performed increases the load on the system such that the existing pipe does not meet the size required by code. Existing systems that are modified shall not require resizing as long as the load on the system is not increased and the system length is not increased even if the altered system does not meet code minimums.

All of chapter 9, entitled "Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage and Piping Systems."

All of chapter 10, entitled "Combustion Air."

All of chapter 11, entitled "Clearance Reduction."

10.

All of chapter 12, entitled "Chimneys and Vents."

11.

All of chapter 13, entitled "Mechanical Refrigeration."

12.

All of chapter 14, entitled "Fireplaces, Solid Fuel-Burning and Gas Accessory

13.

All of chapter 15, entitled "Incinerators and Crematories."

14.

All of chapter 16, entitled "Ventilation Air," except sections M-1603.0, M-1604.0 and M-1605.0

15.

All of chapter 18, entitled "Solar Heating and Cooling Systems."

16.

Section M-2001.2 of chapter 20, entitled "Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Maintenance and Inspection."

(f)

Barrier free materials and methods. The requirements of CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992 shall constitute the barrier free materials and methods requirements for this subchapter and shall apply to work projects in all buildings other than buildings of use group R-2, R-3 or R-4 containing fewer than four dwelling units or buildings of use group U.

Exception: Where full compliance is technically infeasible, compliance shall be achieved to the maximum extent feasible.

For toilet or bathing facilities, at least one of each type of fixture shall be accessible. Where six or more toilet stalls are provided, in addition to a wheelchair accessible stall, at least one ambulatory accessible stall shall be provided.

Exception: Nonpublic toilet rooms for individual use may be adaptable.

Limited exceptions to the accessibility requirements for theaters and auditoriums are permitted as follows:

Where fixed seating is provided and it is technically infeasible to provide integrated accessible seating, accessible seating may be clustered.

ii.

When a facility contains more than one performing area and it is technically infeasible to make all performing areas accessible, the provision of one accessible performing area shall be accepted as meeting the requirement for providing access to performing areas.

In buildings of use group M, where fitting room partitions are installed or moved, five percent of the fitting rooms, but not less than one, shall comply.

(g)

Elevator devices materials and methods. The following sections of chapter 30, BOCA, 1996 shall constitute the elevator device materials and methods requirements for this subchapter:

All of ASME A17.1-1993 Part XII except section 1206.

The following sections of chapter 30, BOCA 1996: section 3008.3 "Elevator Opening Protectives—Hardware" and section 3010.3 "Conveyors—Machinery Guards."

The requirements of ASME A17.1-1993 Rule 102.2(c)4, when an automatic fire suppression system is provided in an elevator hoistway, machine room and/or machinery space.

5:23-6.9 New building elements.

(a)

Where the rehabilitation of an existing building creates or includes any new building element of a type listed in this section, then the new element shall comply with the requirements for such an element established by this section.

The installation of a floor system which did not previously exist shall be constructed utilizing the live load requirements as specified in section 1606.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

When the number of stories in a building is increased without increasing the height of the building, the building shall comply with the story requirements of table 503 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly created floor openings shall comply with the requirements of section 713.3 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly created atriums shall comply with the requirements of section 404.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly created door openings shall comply with section 1017.3 of the BOCA Code, 1996. Additionally, newly created door openings in walls which are fire-resistance rated shall comply with section 717.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly created exit stairways shall comply with section 1014.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly installed fire escapes shall be constructed in accordance with section 1025.0 of the BOCA Code.

Newly installed elevator devices (not replacing an existing device) and other newly installed (not replacement) equipment within the scope of chapter 30 shall conform to the requirements of chapter 30 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

Newly created corridors shall comply with sections 1011.1, 1011.2, 1011.4 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

10.

Newly constructed mezzanines shall comply with section 505.0 of the building BOCA Code, 1996.

11.

Newly created covered mall buildings shall comply with section 402.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

12.

Newly created motion picture projection rooms, screening rooms and sound stages shall comply with section 411.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

13.

Newly created stages and platforms shall comply with section 412.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

14.

Newly created spaces which are utilized for the application of flammable finishes shall comply with section 419.0 of the BOCA Code, 1996.

15.

At least one newly created window opening in sleeping rooms below the fourth story in occupancies in use groups R or I-1 shall: (Building)

Be operable;

ii.

Have a sill height of not more than 44 inches;

iii.

Have a width of at least 20 inches, a height of at least 24 inches and a minimum total area of 5.7 square feet measured from head to sill and from side to side.

iv.

Basement windows in buildings of use group R-2 shall comply with the requirements of section 6.26(a)3 of this subcode where the window serves as the second means of egress from the dwelling unit.

16.

Newly created specific occupancy areas shall comply with the following: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Fire)

Paint shops in other than use group F which contain chemicals below the exempt amount for use group H, waste and soiled linen collection rooms and chute termination rooms shall be separated from other portions of the building by a one-hour fire partition or provided with an automatic fire suppression system.

ii.

Incinerator rooms in all use groups shall be separated from other portions of the building by a two-hour fire separation assembly and provided with an automatic fire suppression system.

iii.

In use groups I-2 and I-3, physical plant maintenance shops, laundries in excess of 100 square feet in area and padded cells shall be separated from other portions of the building by a one-hour fire partition or provided with an automatic fire suppression system.

17.

Newly installed electrical service equipment, switchboards, panel-
boards, motor control centers and other electrical equipment containing overcurrent, switching or control devices likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall conform with the requirements specified in section 6.8, Materials and methods, and, in addition, shall conform with sections 110-16 (Working Space About Electrical Equipment—600 Volts, Nominal or Less), 110-17 (Guarding of Live Parts—600 Volts, Nominal or Less), 110-32 (Work Space About Equipment), 110-33 (Entrance and Access to Work Space), 380-8 (Accessibility and grouping—Switches), 384-4 (Installation—Switchboards and Panelboards) and 384-8 (Clearances—Switchboards and Panelboards), as applicable, of the National Electric Code (NEC).

5:23-6.10 Basic requirements and supplemental requirements—General.

(a)

The basic requirements, set forth in section 6.11 for all use groups and for individual use groups in sections 6.12 through 6.28, shall be met within or with regard to the work area in all reconstruction projects. (These requirements are in addition to the requirements contained in the materials and methods section of this subcode.)

(b)

The supplemental requirements, set forth in section 6. 11A for all use groups and for individual use groups in the sections 6.12A through 6.28A, shall be met in all buildings where there are reconstruction projects that meet or exceed the stated threshold for each requirement.

All reconstruction work begun within a single twelve month period shall be considered for determining the applicability of the supplemental requirement.

If a project falls under the threshold for a supplemental requirement by a de minimis amount, the construction official may require that the supplemental requirement be met.

(c)

Reconstruction projects contained in mixed use buildings shall comply with the requirements of section 6.29 below as applicable.

(d)

Special technical specifications for windowless stories, the supervision of automatic fire suppression systems, suppression system risers, acceptances of existing alarm and suppression systems, smoke barriers, elevators and specific occupancy areas are established in section 6.30. The windowless story, supervision of automatic fire suppression systems and smoke barrier special technical requirements shall apply only in those uses where specified by this subcode.

5:23-6.11 Basic requirements in all use groups.

(a)

The following shall apply within the work area for all reconstruction projects.

(b)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be sufficient for the maximum permitted occupant load of the work area and any adjacent spaces served by that means of egress as calculated on a per floor basis. Means of egress shall be measured in units of exit width of 22 inches. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

The maximum permitted occupant load of a space shall be determined by the capacity of the means of egress serving the space as calculated in accordance with table 1. Building owners shall have the option of establishing a reasonable restriction on the occupant load of the space based on the existing capacity of the means of egress or of providing additional egress capacity.

Table 1.

Capacity per unit egress width

	Without suppression system		With fire suppression system
	Number of occupants		Number of occupants
Use group	Stairways	Doors, ramps, and corridors	Stairways	Doors, ramps, and corridors
A	75	100	113	150
B	60	100	90	150
E	75	100	113	150
F	60	100	90	150
H	—-	—-	60	100
I-1	60	100	90	100
I-2	22	30	35	45
I-3	60	100	90	150
M	60	100	90	150
R	75	100	113	150
S	60	100	90	150

Note: With the exception of use group A occupancies, the occupant load may be increased to the total number of occupants for which exit capacity is provided as determined by table 1 above provided the resulting total occupant load shall not exceed one occupant per five square feet of net floor area over the entire use.

Interpolation shall be allowed in determining capacity of egress width.

Unit of egress width = 22 inches

(c)

Interior finishes: Interior finishes within work areas shall comply with the following: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Existing interior finishes of walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread rating not greater than the class prescribed by table 2. All existing interior finish materials which do not comply with the requirements of this section shall be removed or shall be treated with an approved fire retardant coating in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to secure compliance with the requirements of this section. Exceptions are allowed as follows:

The use of vinyl or paper wall coverings not exceeding 1/28 of an inch in thickness which is applied directly to a noncombustible or fire retardant treated wood substrate shall not be regulated by this section.

ii.

Interior trim which does not exceed 10 percent of the aggregate wall and ceiling area of any room or space shall not be regulated by this section.

iii.

When an approved automatic fire suppression system is provided, interior finish of class II or III materials shall be permitted where class I or II materials, respectively, are required by this section.

iv.

Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for heavy timber construction in accordance with the BOCA Code 1996, shall not be regulated by this section.

Table 2.

Existing interior finish requirements*

Use group	Exit enclosures	Exit access enclosures	Rooms or spaces
A^b, E, I, R-1	I	II	III
All other use groups	I	II	No minimum

*The classification of interior finishes referred to herein corresponds to flame spread rating determined by ASTM E84 as follows: Class I flame spread, 0—25; Class II flame spread, 26—75; Class III flame spread, 76—200. In all cases, the smoke developed rating determined by ASTM E84 shall not exceed 450.

^b See use group A-3 for amusement buildings.

(d)

Commercial cooking operations: An automatic fire suppression system shall be required for newly-installed commercial cooking equipment producing grease-laden vapors, except within individual dwelling units in multiple-family dwellings in use group R-2. No suppression system shall be required for completely enclosed ovens, steam tables or similar equipment. (Fire)

Exception: Bed and breakfast homestay facilities, which are designed to accommodate five or fewer guests, shall not be required to comply with this provision.

5:23-6.11A Supplemental requirements in all use groups.

(a)

The following shall apply to all reconstruction projects.

(b)

Vertical opening protection: For purposes of applying the supplemental requirement for vertical opening protection below, a low hazard occupancy is an occupancy having contents of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire can occur therein. A moderate hazard occupancy is an occupancy having contents that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a considerable volume of smoke. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(c)

Windowless stories: Any windowless basement or story located below the seventh story which is created by the work being performed or any existing windowless basement or story below the seventh story in which the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the windowless story, shall comply with the requirements listed in section 6.30 of this subcode. (Fire)

(d)

Underground structures: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of an underground structure, the entire structure shall comply with section 405.0 of the BOCA Code 1996.

5:23-6.12 Basic requirements—Use group A-1.

(a)

Exits: Two exits shall be required for stories with less than 500 occupants. Three exits shall be required for stories with 501 to 1,000 occupants. Four exits shall be required for stories with more than 1,000 occupants. Two means of egress are also required from all mezzanines with an occupant load greater than 50 and with exit travel distance greater than 75 feet. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than SO shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All required exit doors equipped with latching devices in buildings or spaces with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be equipped with approved panic hardware.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.1 l(b). Additionally, for buildings with an occupant load of 100 or more, a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least one-half the total occupant load is required. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity. This provision shall not apply in buildings with multiple main entrances. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the BOCA Code 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the BOCA Code 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

Means of egress lighting: Artificial lighting with an intensity of not less than one foot candle at floor level shall be required during all times that the conditions of occupancy of the building require that the exits be available. In all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access, means of egress lighting shall be connected to an emergency electrical system conforming to NFPA 70 (NEC) to assure continued illumination for not less than one hour in the case of primary power loss. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

In buildings used for motion pictures or other projections by means of directed light, the illumination of aisles may be reduced during periods of projection to not less than 0.2 foot candle. The lighting of exits, aisles and auditoria shall be controlled from a location inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Supplementary controls shall be provided in the projection room.

(f)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the following criteria: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Red or green letters at least six inches high; minimum width of each stroke ¾-inch on a white background or in other approved distinguishable colors. Arrows, if provided, shall be such that the direction cannot readily be changed. The word "exit" shall be clearly discernible when the sign is not energized.

Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times when the building is occupied by a source providing at least five-foot candles at the illuminated surface or shall be approved self-luminous signs which provide evenly illuminated letters with a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot lamberts. Exit signs shall be connected to an emergency electrical system to provide continued illumination for at least one hour in the event of primary power loss. No emergency power shall be required for approved self-luminous signs.

(g)

Handrails: Every required exit stairway having three or more risers and not provided with handrails or in which the existing handrails are in danger of collapsing when used under emergency exiting conditions, shall be provided with handrails for the full length of the run of steps on at least one side. All exit stairways more than 66 inches wide shall have handrails on both sides unless the full width of the stairway is not needed to accommodate the design occupancy. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(h)

Guards: Every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony which is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below and is not provided with guards or those in which the existing guards are in danger of collapsing when used under emergency exiting conditions, shall be provided with guards. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building) (i) Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required. Exceptions are as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

Exit capacity is sufficient to provide egress simultaneously for all the occupants of all levels by considering all areas to be a single floor area for the determination of required exit capacity; and

(5)

Each floor level, considered separately, has at least one-half of its individual required exit capacity provided by an exit or exits leading directly out of that level without having to traverse another communicating floor level or be exposed to the smoke or fire spreading from another communicating floor level.

(j)

Structural elements: Structural elements which are uncovered during the course of the rehabilitation and which are found to be unsound or otherwise structurally deficient, shall be reinforced, supported or replaced in accordance with the applicable structural design criteria of the building subcode. Where structural elements are sound, there is no excessive deflection (defined as deflection in excess of the standards set forth in 6.7(c)1), and fixed loads are not changing in a way that will increase the stresses on existing structures beyond that which is permitted by 6.7(c), existing structural elements shall be permitted to remain. (Building)

(k)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows. Where the International Plumbing Code allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

Total occupancy¹	Water closets	Male	Female	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
1—50	1	Unisex		1	1	1
51—100	1	1	1 per sex		1	1
101 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note¹: For purposes of determining the number of plumbing fixtures required, total occupancy shall be the anticipated occupancy of the building under normal use conditions. It is not necessarily the same as the total permitted occupant load based on egress capacity.

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building) BOCA 1996

Spaces intended to be naturally ventilated shall be provided with openable doors, windows, louvers, or other openings to the outdoors. The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated. Where rooms without openings to the outdoors are ventilated through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be at least 8 percent of the floor area of the interior room or space, but not less than 25 square feet. The ventilation openings to the outdoors shall be based on the total floor area being ventilated.

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

Existing systems that are altered or extended shall not reduce the amount of outside air below the existing rate per person or the rate included in ASHRAE 62-89, whichever is lower. As a minimum, mechanically-ventilated spaces shall be provided with 5 CFM per person of outdoor air and 15 CFM of ventilation air per person unless the indoor air quality procedure of ASHRAE 62-89 is followed and results in a lesser amount.

All newly-introduced devices, equipment or operations that produce airborne particulates, odors, fumes, sprays, vapors, smoke or gases in such quantities to be irritating or injurious to health shall be provided with local exhaust.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11(c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

Specific occupancy areas: Specific occupancy areas within the work area, as listed in section 6.30(h), shall comply with the requirements established in that section for separation and/or protection. (Building)

5:23-6.12A Supplemental requirements—Use group A-1.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: An automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the building when the work area is 12,000 square feet (gross enclosed floor area) or more. (Fire)

(b)

Automatic alarm system: When the work area exceeds 25 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, an automatic fire alarm system that complies with NFPA 72 shall be installed in all storage, workshop, boiler or furnace rooms. (Fire)

(c)

Manual alarm system: For buildings greater than three stories in height with occupant loads over 25, when the work area exceeds 25 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarms shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

(d)

Vertical opening protection: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, vertical opening protection shall be provided throughout the building as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic fire suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(e)

Requirements for highrise buildings: Any building or structure having one or more floors used for human occupancy located either more than six stories or more than 75 feet above the lowest level accessible to a fire department vehicle, shall comply with the following:

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the BOCA Code 1996. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area of the building, all elevators in the building shall be equipped with the following emergency control devices: (Elevator)

All automatic (nondesignated attendant) elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with phase 1 emergency recall operation as required by ASME A17.3-1993;

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase ii emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase ii emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area of the building, standpipes shall be provided up to and including the highest floor that is part of the work area. The standpipes shall be located and installed in accordance with the building subcode, except as follows: (Fire)

No pump shall be required provided that the standpipes are capable of accepting delivery by fire department apparatus of a minimum of 250 8pm at 65 psi to the topmost floor in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system or a minimum of 500 8pm at 65 psi to the topmost floor in all other buildings. (Where the standpipe terminates below the topmost floor, the standpipe shall be designed to meet these requirements (gpm/psi) for possible future extension of the standpipe.)

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

Elevator devices: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, all elevator devices serving any part of the work area shall comply with the requirements of sections 6.30(g). (Elevator)

5:23-6.13 Basic requirements—Use group A-2.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: An automatic fire suppression system shall be required in buildings with an occupant load of 50 or more. (Fire)

Exception: Suppression shall not be required for buildings with a permitted occupancy of fewer than 300 having all components of the required means of egress on the same level as the use and having all such exits discharging not more than five feet above, nor more than two feet below, the adjacent grade;

Exception: Suppression shall not be required for buildings with a permitted occupancy of fewer than 200 having no portion of the required means of egress located more than one level above, or more than two feet below, the adjacent grade.

(b)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All required exit doors equipped with latching devices in buildings or spaces with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be equipped with approved panic hardware.

If there are more than two individual rooms which can be used for separate functions, each with an occupant load of more than 300, the required egress doors from such rooms shall lead directly outside or to an exit passageway. Exit passageways shall be completely enclosed by assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of at least two hours, shall lead directly outside and shall not be used for any other purpose unless a horizontal exit is provided in accordance with the building subcode.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11(b). Additionally, for buildings with an occupant load of 100 or more, a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least one-half the total occupant load is required. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity. This provision shall not apply in buildings with multiple main entrances. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building) Exceptions are allowed as follows:

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the BOCA 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the BOCA 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified, as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the following criteria: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times when the building is occupied by a source providing at least five foot candles at the illuminated surface or shall be approved self-luminous signs which provide evenly illuminated letters with a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot lamberts. Exit signs shall be connected to an emergency electrical system to provide continued illumination for at least one hour in the event of primary power loss. No emergency power shall be required for approved self-luminous signs.

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required. Exceptions are as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(k)

Structural elements: Structural elements which are uncovered during the course of the rehabilitation and which are found to be unsound or otherwise structurally deficient, shall be reinforced, supported or replaced in accordance with the applicable structural design criteria of the BOCA Code 1996. Where structural elements are sound, there is no excessive deflection (defined as deflection in excess of the standards set forth in 6.7(c)1), and fixed loads are not changing in a way that will increase the stresses on existing structures beyond that which is permitted by 6.7(c), existing structural elements shall be permitted to remain. (Building)

(1)

Plumbing Fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows. Where the International Plumbing Code 1995 allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

Total occupancy¹	Water closets	Male	Female	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
1—25	1	Unisex		1	0	0
26 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 1: For purposes of determining the number of plumbing fixtures required, total occupancy shall be the anticipated occupancy of the building under normal use conditions. It is not necessarily the same as the total permitted occupant load based on egress capacity.

(m)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(n)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(o)

5:23-6.13A Supplemental requirements—Use group A-2.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area is 5,000 square feet (gross enclosed floor area) or more, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the floor on which the A-2 Use is located and on all floors below. If the A-2 Use is below grade, then an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the floor on which the A-2 use is located and on all floor above up to and including the level of exit discharge. (Fire)

(b)

(c)

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic fire suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the BOCA 1996. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

5:23-6.14 Basic requirements—Use group A-3.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: Fire suppression shall be required in spaces of use group A-3 greater than 12,000 square feet. (Fire)

Exceptions: Suppression shall not be required if the space is divided into fire areas of not more than 12,000 square feet by a two-hour fire separation with 1 3/:-hour opening protectives or if the space is completely separated from any other uses by a two-hour fire separation with 1½-hour opening protectives.

(b)

When more than one exit is required, existing fire escapes shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress unless judged to be dangerous for use under emergency exiting conditions. For use of fire escapes, access shall be through a door except when serving an occupant load of 10 or fewer. All occupants shall have unobstructed access to fire escapes without having to pass through a room subject to locking.

When more than one exit is required and there is not sufficient space for an exterior stair within the lot line, a new fire escape shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress. Newly-installed fire escapes shall comply with section 1025.00 BOCA 1996.

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All required exit doors equipped with latching devices in buildings or spaces with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be equipped with approved panic hardware.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). Additionally, for buildings with an occupant load of 100 or more, a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least one-half the total occupant load is required. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity. This provision shall not apply in buildings with multiple main entrances. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection-Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the Building Code 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the Building Code 1996 in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required. Exceptions are as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(k)

(l)

Plumbing fixtures: (Plumbing)

For auditoriums, museums, libraries, and similar facilities, plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section.

Total occupancy¹	Water closets	Male	Female	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
1—25	1	Unisex		1	1	1
51—100		1	1	1 per sex	1	1
101 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 2: Requirements for employees and customers may be met with a single set of restrooms. The required number of fixtures shall be the greater of the required number for employees or customers.

For restaurants, plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section.

Total occupancy¹	Water closets	Male	Female	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
1—25	1	Unisex		1	0	0
26 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 2: Requirements for employees and customers may be met with a single set of restrooms. The required number of fixtures shall be the greater of the required number for employees or customers.

For recreational facilities, passenger terminals and other buildings of use group A-3, plumbing fixtures shall be provided as required by 404.1 International Plumbing Code of the plumbing subcode. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section.

(m)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(n)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1(c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(o)

5:23-6.14A Supplemental requirements—Use group A-3.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: For ballrooms, exhibit areas, and accessory spaces of use group A-3, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the A-3 use when the work area is 12,000 square feet (gross enclosed floor area) or more. (Fire)

(b)

(c)

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic fire suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the BOCA 1996. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

(g)

Amusement buildings: When any reconstruction project is undertaken in a building or portion thereof designed to disorient the occupant, reduce vision, present barriers or otherwise impede the flow of traffic, the following requirements shall be met throughout the building or portion thereof that constitutes the amusement use. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Every such amusement facility shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system installed in accordance with the BOCA Code 1996.

The interior finish of all walls and ceilings shall in no case be less than a class II material in accordance with this subchapter.

Every such amusement facility shall be equipped with exit signs installed in accordance with this subchapter.

Every such amusement facility shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the BOCA Code 1996 and in accordance with (g)5 through (g)8 below.

The automatic alarm system shall activate a prerecorded message which can be clearly heard throughout the entire facility instructing the patrons to proceed to the nearest exit. Any alarm signals used in conjunction with the prerecorded message shall produce a signal which is distinctive from all sounds used in the normal operation of the amusement facility.

Every such amusement facility shall be equipped with emergency lighting equipment installed in accordance with the BOCA Code 1996. The emergency lighting equipment shall automatically activate when:

The fire suppression system is activated;

ii.

The fire alarm system is activated; or

iii.

Loss of the primary power supply occurs.

All audio and visual equipment such as horns, bells, flashing, or otherwise distracting stimuli and mechanized displays shall cease operation upon initiation of an alarm by the automatic fire alarm system or activation of the automatic fire suppression system.

Activation of the automatic alarm system shall automatically shut down the air distribution system.

5:23-6.15 Basic requirements—Use group A-4.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All required exit doors equipped with latching devices in buildings or spaces with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be equipped with approved panic hardware.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). Additionally, for buildings with an occupant load of 100 or more, a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least one-half the total occupant load is required. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing one-half of the total required exit capacity. This provision shall not apply in buildings with multiple main entrances. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required. Exceptions are as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(j)

(k)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

Total occupancy¹	Water closets	Male	Female	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
1—25	1	Unisex		1	0	0
26 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 2: Requirements for employees and customers may be met with a single set of restrooms. The required number of fixtures shall be the greater of the required number for employees or customers.

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

Existing systems that are altered or extended shall not reduce the amount of outside air below the existing rate per person or the rate included in ASAE 62-89, whichever is lower. As a minimum, mechanically-ventilated spaces shall be provided with 5 CFM per person of outdoor air and 15 CFM of ventilation air per person unless the indoor air quality procedure of ASHRAE 62-89 is followed and results in a lesser amount.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.15A Supplemental requirements—Use group A-4.

(a)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic fire suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(b)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(c)

5:23-6.16 Basic requirements—Use group A-5.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All required exit doors equipped with latching devices in buildings or spaces with an occupant load greater than 100 shall be equipped with approved panic hardware.

(c)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows. Stairways are not required to be enclosed where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required. Exceptions are as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

(j)

(k)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as required by table 7.21.1 of the plumbing subcode. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

(1)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.16A Supplemental requirements—Use group A-5.

(a)

Manual alarm system: For buildings greater than three stories in height with occupant loads over 25, when the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarms shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

(b)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

When connecting the main floor and mezzanines; or

ii.

When all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

The communicating area has a low hazard occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy which is protected throughout by an automatic fire suppression system; and

(2)

The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street floor; and

(3)

The entire area is open and unobstructed in a manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all of the occupants; and

(4)

(5)

Exception: Stairways are not required to be enclosed where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside.

(c)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the UCC. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(d)

5:23-6.17 Basic requirements—Use group B.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

A single exit shall be permitted in buildings of not more than two stories in height, with not more than 3,000 square feet per floor when the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet and a minimum fire resistance rating of one hour is provided for the exit enclosure and the opening protection.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.1 l(b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required, with the following exception:

No vertical opening protection shall be required for vertical openings of up to three stories in buildings not exceeding 3,000 square feet per floor or in buildings with suppression throughout.

(j)

(k)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as follows: Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

Total occupancy^{1, 2}	Water closets	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
Employees 1—15	1 Unisex	1	1	1
16 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995
Customers 1—25	1 Unisex	1	1	1
26 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 2: Customer and employee facilities may be satisfied with a single unisex toilet facility where the number of employees does not exceed 15 and where the total occupancy does not exceed 25 or where the occupied floor area does not exceed 1500 square feet.

Note 3: Requirements for employees and customers may be met with a single set of restrooms. The required number of fixtures shall be the greater of the required number for employees and customers.

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.17A Supplemental requirements—Use group B.

(a)

Manual alarm system: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, a fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the building. (Fire)

Exception: Manual alarm systems are not required in buildings which do not have occupied floors which are two or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge or floors two or more stories below the highest level of exit discharge.

(b)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for buildings up to 3,000 square feet per floor or for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout.

(c)

Requirements for high-rise buildings: Any building or structure having one or more floors used for human occupancy located either more than six stories or more than 75 feet above the lowest level accessible to a fire department vehicle, shall comply with the following:

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the BOCA Code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area of the building, central control station and communication systems shall be provided as follows: (Fire)

An approved public address communication system consisting of loudspeakers in each corridor and in each room and tenant space exceeding 1,000 square feet, each elevator and elevator lobby and in each stair enclosure which shall be capable of being operated from the central control station;

ii.

A two-way fire department communication system which shall operate between the central control and every elevator, elevator lobby and entry to enclosed exit stairways;

iii.

A central control station for fire department operations shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department. It shall contain the public address panel, the fire department communications panel, fire detection and alarm system annunciator panels, status indicators and controls for air handling systems, sprinkler valve and water flow detector display panels, and status indicators and a telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system.

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area is an entire floor, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed on that floor. When an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building, even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the building. (Fire)

(d)

(e)

Airport traffic control towers: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of an airport traffic control tower, the entire structure shall comply with the requirements of section 414.0 of the building code.

5:23-6.18 Basic requirements—Use group E.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

A single exit shall not be permitted when a building is used as a child care

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

A single means of egress shall be permitted in classrooms having a maximum occupant load of 75 in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required, with the following exception:

No vertical opening protection shall be required for vertical openings of up to three stories in buildings with suppression throughout.

(j)

(k)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as required by table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. All public school buildings shall be provided with mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Spaces intended to be naturally ventilated shall be provided with openable doors, windows, louvers or other openings to the outdoors. The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated. Where rooms without openings to the outdoors are ventilated through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be at least 8 percent of the floor area of the interior room or space, but not less than 25 square feet. The ventilation openings to the outdoors shall be based on the total floor area being ventilated.

Mechanically ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly installed HVAC systems shall comply with ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

All newly-introduced devices, equipment, or operations that produce airborne particulates, odors, fumes, sprays, vapors, smoke, or gases in such quantities to be irritating or injurious to health shall be provided with local exhaust.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.18A Supplemental requirements—Use group E.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: In buildings three stories or more in height, with greater than 20,000 square feet per floor, when the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of a floor, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout that floor. (Fire)

(b)

Automatic alarm system: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the building as follows: (Fire)

An approved system of automatic smoke detectors; or

An approved automatic fire suppression system equipped with automatic fire alarm devices; or

An approved system which combines the following elements shall be acceptable when devices are located as indicated below:

Combination fixed temperature/rate-of-rise detectors in classrooms and ancillary spaces; and

ii.

Photoelectric or projected-beam smoke detectors in exit access corridors and at the top of the exit stair enclosures.

iii.

Fixed temperature detectors in such a system shall be accepted in locations such as boiler rooms, garage areas and other spaces in which conditions render other detectors inappropriate.

Existing fire detection systems, installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and meeting the intent of current standards for automatic fire alarms, shall be acceptable, provided:

The existing system is certified as functional by an approved service agency competent in the manufactured system.

ii.

Where a portion of an existing system is not serviceable and cannot be repaired, the existing system shall be replaced in accordance with the above and the provisions of the building subcode.

(c)

Manual alarm system: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided throughout the building in compliance with section 918.5 of the building code and in accordance with the following: (Fire)

Manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided in the natural path of escape from fire, near each exterior door from the corridor, kitchen, heater room and other exterior exits that are required to serve 50 or more persons. Additional fire alarm boxes shall be located in the main office, stage, at each stairway entrance from a corridor or place of assembly and near one exterior exit in each section of a place of assembly. It shall not be necessary to traverse more than 200 feet of unobstructed horizontal distance on the same floor in order to reach a fire alarm box.

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout.

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

5:23-6.19 Basic requirements—Use group F.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11(b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required, with the following exceptions:

No vertical opening protection shall be required for vertical openings of up to three stories in special purpose manufacturing occupancies when necessary for manufacturing operations and when direct access is provided to at least one protected stairway; or

ii.

In buildings with suppression throughout.

(j)

(k)

Total Occupancy¹	Water Closets	Lavatories	Drinking Water Facilities	Service Sinks
Light industrial 1—15	1 Unisex	1	1	1
16 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995
Heavy industrial	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.19A Supplemental requirements—Use group F.

(a)

Exception: Manual alarm systems shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic suppression system.

(b)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for special purpose occupancies when necessary for manufacturing operations and direct access is provided to at least one protected stairway or for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout.

(c)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(d)

5:23-6.20 Basic requirements—Use group H.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: An approved automatic fire suppression system shall be required. When an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building, even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the building. (Fire) (b) Exits: Two exits shall be required for stories with less than 500 occupants. Three exits shall be required for stories with 501 to 1,000 occupants. Four exits shall be required for stories with more than 1,000 occupants. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For buildings of use group H-1, H-2 or H-3, a minimum of two exits shall be required from all mezzanines with an occupant load of greater than three or in which the travel distance exceeds 50 feet. For buildings of use group H-4, a minimum of two exits shall be required from all mezzanines with an occupant load of greater than 10 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet.

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

For buildings of use group H-1 or H-2, new slidescapes or safety chutes shall be permitted where constructed in accordance with the building subcode.

(c)

Egress doorways: For buildings or spaces of use group H-1, H-2 or H-3, a minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than three or in which the travel distance exceeds 50 feet. For buildings or spaces of use group H-4, a minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 10 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.1 1 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(f)

Exception: Lighting to illuminate the exit discharge shall not be required.

(g)

Red or green letters at least six inches high; minimum width of each stroke ¾- inch on a white background or in other approved distinguishable colors. Arrows, if provided, shall be such that the direction cannot readily be changed. The word "exit" shall be clearly discernible when the sign is not energized.

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories, with the following exception:

No vertical opening protection shall be required for vertical openings of up to three stories when necessary for manufacturing operations in a building where every floor level has direct access to at least two remote enclosed stairways or other approved exits.

(k)

(l)

Total Occupancy¹	Water Closets	Lavatories	Drinking Water Facilities	Service Sinks
Light industrial 1—15	1 Unisex	1	1	1
16 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1, International Plumbing Code, 1995
Heavy industrial	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1, International Plumbing Code, 1995

(m)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(n)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1(c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(o)

5:23-6.20A Supplemental requirements—Use group H.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: An automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the work area. When an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building, even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the building. (Fire)

(b)

Manual alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building or use, a manual fire alarm system shall be installed throughout for buildings or portions thereof of use group H-2, H-3 or H-4. (Fire)

(c)

Automatic alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building or use, an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout in buildings of use group H. (Fire)

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required when the opening is when necessary for manufacturing operations in a building where every floor level has direct access to at least two remote enclosed stairways or other approved exits.

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

(g)

HPM facilities: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of an HPM facility, the entire building is required to comply with the requirements of section 416.0 of the building subcode. (Building)

(h)

Hazardous materials: When the work area exceeds 25 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the use group H portion of a building, the entire building is required to comply with the requirements of section 417.0 and 418.0 of the building subcode. (Building)

5:23-6.21 Basic requirements—Use group I-1.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: Fire suppression shall be required in buildings greater than two stories in height above grade with an occupant load greater than 20 excluding staff. (Fire)

(b)

A single exit shall not be permitted.

Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress unless judged to be dangerous for use under emergency exiting conditions. For use of fire escapes, access shall be through a door except when serving an occupant load of 10 or fewer. All occupants shall have unobstructed access to fire escapes without having to pass through a room subject to locking.

ii.

Ladders shall be prohibited on fire escapes used as a required means of egress.

iii.

Window access to fire escapes shall be permitted from individual rooms.

Existing slidescapes or safety chutes shall be permitted.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

All dwelling unit, guest room or rooming unit corridor doors shall be at least 1⅜-inch solid core wood or approved equal with approved door closers and shall not have any glass panels, other than approved wire glass in metal frames. Corridor doors shall not be constructed of hollow core wood, shall not contain louvers and shall not be of panel construction. Doors shall fit both plumb and level in frames, and be reasonably tight fitting. All replacement doors shall be 1¾-inch solid core wood or approved equal, unless existing frame will accommodate only a 1⅜-inch door. (Note: Existing doors meeting HUD Guidelines or BOCA Existing Structures Code (1984) for a rating of 15 minutes or better shall be accepted.)

In buildings with an automatic fire suppression system, doors are only required to provide a smoke barrier, to be free of louvers, to fit plumb and level and to be reasonably tight fitting.

All doors opening onto a passageway at grade or onto an exit stair shall be self-closing or automatic closing by listed closing devices.

Exception: Group homes with a maximum of 15 occupants and an approved automatic fire detection system shall not be required to have self-closing doors.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the criteria contained in 1. and 2. below: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exceptions: Illuminated exit signs shall not be required for buildings with an occupant load, excluding staff, of 20 or less or when the second means of egress is a fire escape that is accessed directly from the individual sleeping room.

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required, with the following exception:

Exception: Vertical opening protection shall not be required for either the top or bottom of a stairway connecting not more than two floor levels when such stairway does not serve as a required means of egress and the occupant load does not exceed 12, excluding staff.

(k)

Boiler/furnace equipment rooms: Boiler/furnace equipment rooms shall be enclosed by one-hour fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Enclosure shall not be required for boiler/furnace equipment of low pressure type (operating at pressures of 15 psig or less for steam equipment or 160 psig or less for hot water equipment) when installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations or for boiler/furnace equipment of residential, single-family type (200,000 BTU per hour input rating or less.)

Exception: Enclosure shall not be required for boiler/furnace equipment rooms equipped with a limited area sprinkler system in accordance with section 907.0 of the building subcode.

For group homes and supervised transitional living homes heated with oil-burning equipment, an emergency shutoff switch shall be required at the top of the stairs leading to the basement for equipment in the basement or outside of the room for equipment located in other enclosed rooms.

(l)

(m)

(n)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(o)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(p)

5:23-6.21A Supplemental requirements—Use group I-1.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area is more than two floors or when the work area will be occupied by more than 20 persons, excluding staff, an automatic fire suppression system shall be required throughout the work area. When an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building, even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the entire building. (Fire)

(b)

Exception: Automatic alarm systems shall not be required in buildings, other than boarding homes, with an automatic fire suppression system and a manual fire alarm system and with single station smoke detectors in the vicinity of sleeping areas in accordance with NFPA 72.

(c)

Manual alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarms shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for either the top or bottom of a stairway connecting not more than two floor levels when such stairway does not serve as a required means of egress and the occupant load does not exceed 12, excluding staff.

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

5:23-6.22 Basic requirements—Use group I-2.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: Fire suppression shall be required. (Fire)

Exception: Suppression shall not be required in buildings of Type 1 or Type 2A construction of any height or of Type 2B construction not over one story in height.

Exception: Suppression shall not be required in day care centers with an occupant load of 100 or less where all the children under 2½ years of age are cared for on the first floor and in which each child care room has an exit door directly to the exterior.

(b)

A single exit shall not be permitted.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for any patient sleeping room or suite of rooms greater than 1,000 square feet.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the criteria contained in 1. and 2. below: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: When the second means of egress is a fire escape that is accessed directly from the individual sleeping room, illuminated exit signs shall not be required above the means of egress serving the fire escape.

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required, with the following exception:

Exception: Vertical opening protection shall not be required for vertical openings connecting not more than two floor levels which are separated by a one-hour fire barrier equipped with a self-closing or automatically closing 20-minute door at the top or bottom of the stairway when such stairway does not serve as a required means of egress.

(k)

Boiler/furnace equipment rooms: Boiler/furnace equipment rooms shall be enclosed by one-hour fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies for day nurseries, children's shelter facilities, residential child care facilities and similar facilities with children below the age of 2½ years. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Enclosure shall not be required for boiler/furnace equipment rooms equipped with a limited area sprinkler system in accordance with section 907.0 of the BOCA Building Code.

Where oil-burning equipment is used, an emergency shutoff switch shall be required at the top of the stairs leading to the basement for equipment in the basement or outside of the room for equipment located in other enclosed rooms.

(l)

Smoke barriers: On every story used for sleeping purposes for more than 30 occupants and on stories which are usable, but unoccupied, when the work area exceeds 22,500 square feet on a floor, the work area shall be divided into not less than two compartments by smoke barrier walls complying with the technical requirements of section 6.30(e) such that each compartment does not exceed 22,500 square feet and is no more than 150 feet in length and width. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(m)

(n)

(o)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(p)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1(c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(q)

5:23-6.22A Supplemental requirements—Use group I-2.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area is 50 percent or more of the occupied floor area of the building, an automatic fire suppression system shall be required throughout the floor. When an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building, even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the building. (Fire)

Exception: No automatic fire suppression system shall be required for day care centers with an occupant load of 100 or less where all children below 2½ years of age are cared for on the first floor and in which each child care room has an exit door directly to the exterior. (Fire)

(b)

Exception: Automatic alarm systems shall not be required for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system and a manual fire alarm system and with single station smoke detectors in vicinity of sleeping areas in accordance with NFPA 72.

(c)

Manual alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarms shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

(d)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for vertical openings connecting not more than two floor levels which are separated by a one-hour fire barrier equipped with a self-closing or automatically closing 20-minute door at the top or bottom of the stairway when such stairway does not serve as a required means of egress.

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3.1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

Smoke barriers: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the occupied enclosed floor area of a story used for sleeping purposes for more than 30 occupants or of a story which is usable, but unoccupied, the story shall be divided into two or more compartments by smoke barrier walls complying with the technical requirements of section 6.30(e) such that each compartment does not exceed 22,500 square feet and is no more than 150 feet in length and width. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(g)

5:23-6.23 Basic requirements—Use group I-3.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: Fire suppression shall be required in buildings with an occupant load of six or more. As an alternative, buildings shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of chapter 15 "Existing Detention and Correctional Occupancies" of the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, 1985 edition. (Fire)

In buildings not required to be equipped throughout with suppression, suppression shall be provided in all padded cells, boiler rooms, storage and workshop rooms 24 square feet or larger, mechanical equipment and similar rooms.

(b)

A single exit shall not be permitted.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

Buildings with remote power unlocking capability on more than 10 doors shall provided with an emergency power source for such locks. Power shall be arranged to automatically operate upon failure of normal power within 10 seconds and for a duration of not less than one hour.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.1 1 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the criteria contained in 1. and 2. below: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required for all vertical openings. The vertical opening protection may be omitted if either of the following conditions is met: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

The building is in compliance with NFPA 101, chapter 15, 1985 edition; or

The building is equipped throughout with an automatic suppression system.

(k)

Interior finishes and furnishings: Interior furnishings, drapes, curtains, carpeting, decorations, bedding, etc. shall be flame retardant. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection Building)

(l)

(m)

(n)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(o)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(p)

5:23-6.23A Supplemental requirements—Use group I-3.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, an automatic fire suppression system or compliance with chapter 15 "Existing Detention and Correctional Occupancies" of the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, 1985 edition shall be required throughout the building when there is an occupant load of six or more. In buildings without an automatic fire suppression system, padded cells, boiler and mechanical equipment rooms, and storage and workshop rooms 24 square feet or larger must have an automatic fire suppression system. (Fire)

(b)

Automatic alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, a supervised automatic fire alarm system shall be required throughout all resident housing areas in the building. Smoke detectors shall be arranged and positioned to prevent damage or tampering, provided that the function and speed of detecting a fire is equivalent to that provided by the spacing and arrangement requirements of NFPA 72 listed in chapter 35 of the building subcode. (Fire)

Exception: An automatic fire alarm system shall not be required for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system and a manual fire alarm system and with single station smoke detectors in vicinity of sleeping areas in accordance with NFPA 72.

Exception: Smoke detectors shall not be required in sleeping rooms with four or fewer occupants.

(c)

Manual alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, manual fire alarms shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

(d)

Vertical opening protection: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, vertical opening protection shall be provided between floor levels of residential areas unless the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression or the building complies with NFPA 101, chapter 15, 1985 edition. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(f)

5:23-6.24 Basic requirements—Use group M.

(a)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6. 11(b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required, with the following exceptions:

No vertical opening protection shall be required for openings connecting only two floor levels, such as between the street floor and mezzanine or second floor; or

ii.

In buildings with suppression throughout.

(j)

(k)

Total occupancy ^{1, 2}	Water closets	Lavatories	Drinking water facilities	Service sinks
Employees 1—15	1 Unisex	1	1	1
16 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995
Customers 1—25	1 Unisex	1	1	1
26 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 International Plumbing Code, 1995

Note 3: Requirements for employees and customers may be met with a single set of restrooms. The required number of fixtures shall be the greater of the required number for employees and customers.

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

5:23-6.24A Supplemental requirements—Use group M.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: When the work area is 12,000 square feet or more, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the entire fire area. (Fire)

(b)

Exception: Manual alarm systems shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic suppression system.

(c)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories.

Exception: No vertical opening protection shall be required for openings connecting only two floor levels, such as between the street floor and mezzanine or second floor, or for buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout.

(d)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(e)

5:23-6.25 Basic requirements—Use group R-1.

(a)

Smoke detectors: Battery-powered, single station smoke detectors or smoke detectors complying with the building subcode shall be required in individual guestrooms. (Fire)

(b)

ii.

Window access to fire escapes shall be permitted from individual guestrooms.

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

Multilevel guest units do not require an exit from each level within the unit provided that these conditions are met: The building is Type 1 or Type 2 construction, with travel distance within the dwelling unit not exceeding 75 feet or the building is not more than three stories and all third floor space is part of a dwelling unit located in part on the second floor and no habitable room has a travel distance of greater than 50 feet from the door of the room to the entrance of the dwelling unit.

A single exit is permitted from floors that are not more than 16 feet above grade provided that each unit on such floors has an operable window with a sill height of not more than 44 inches.

A single exit is permitted in buildings that are not more than two stories in height from floors that are more than 16 feet above grade with not more than four dwelling units per floor and exit access travel distance not exceeding 50 feet and with a minimum fire resistance rating of one hour for the exit enclosure and opening protection and provided that each dwelling unit on such floors has an operable window with a sill height of not more than 44 inches.

(c)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

In buildings with suppression, doors are only required to provide a smoke barrier, to be free of louvers, to fit plumb and level and to be reasonably tight fitting.

All doors opening onto a passageway at grade or onto an exit stair shall be self-closing or automatic closing by listed closing devices.

(d)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6. 11(b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(e)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(f)

(g)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the criteria contained in 1. and 2. below: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum one-hour fire barrier shall be required, with the following exceptions:

Vertical opening protection shall not be required in buildings not exceeding three stories with suppression throughout; or

ii.

In buildings with not more than 25 guests when the following conditions are met:

(1)

Every sleeping room is provided with an operable window having a sill height not greater than 44 inches;

(2)

Every sleeping room above the second floor is provided with direct access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit;

(3)

Any exit access corridor exceeding eight feet in length which serves two means of egress, at least one of which is an unprotected vertical opening, is separated from the vertical opening by a one-hour fire barrier; and

(4)

The building is protected throughout by a supervised, automatic fire alarm system, installed in accordance with the building code.

(k)

Transoms and other interior openings: All transoms shall be either glazed with ¼- inch wire glass set in metal frames and permanently secured in the closed position or sealed with materials consistent with the corridor construction. Any other sash, grill or opening in a corridor, and any window in a corridor not opening to the outside air shall be sealed with materials consistent with the corridor construction. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(1)

Boiler/furnace equipment rooms: Boiler/furnace equipment rooms shall be enclosed by one-hour fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Enclosure shall not be required for boiler/furnace equipment rooms equipped with a limited area sprinkler system in accordance with section 907.0 of the building code.

(m)

(n)

Electrical equipment and wiring: Guestrooms shall be provided with one switch-controlled ceiling or wall type outlet or equivalent to illuminate entrances and exits. Additionally, each guest bathroom shall be provided with at least one duplex receptacle outlet which is GFCI protected and at least one switch-controlled lighting outlet.

(o)

Plumbing fixtures: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided as required by table 7.21.1 of the International Plumbing Code. Where the plumbing subcode allows for the substitution or omission of fixtures, such substitutions or omissions shall also be permitted under this section. (Plumbing)

(p)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(q)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(r)

Exception: Specific occupancy areas within and serving a dwelling unit are not required to comply with this section.

(s)

Accessibility of sleeping rooms: At least one sleeping room or suite of every 25 or fewer that are part of the scope of work shall be made accessible unless the facility already provides the number of accessible sleeping rooms required by the barrier free subcode. (5:237.1 (b)7) In addition, at least one sleeping room or suite of every 25 or fewer that are part of the scope of work shall be equipped with a visual alarm and notification device for the hearing impaired unless the facility already provides the number required by the barrier free subcode. (Building)

5:23-6.25A Supplemental requirements—Use group R-1.

(a)

Automatic fire suppression system: In buildings four or more stories in height (excluding basements), when the work area is an entire floor, an automatic fire suppression system shall be installed throughout the work area. (Fire)

(b)

Automatic alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, an automatic fire alarm system shall be required throughout the building. System smoke detectors are not required in guestrooms provided that the single-station detectors required by section 920.3.1 are connected to the emergency electrical system and are annunciated by guestroom at a constantly attended location from which the fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated. (Fire)

Exception: An automatic fire detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving guestrooms and where all guestrooms have a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access which leads directly to the exits. (Note: Single station smoke detectors are still required in individual guestrooms in such buildings in accordance with section 6.25(b) or 6.25A(d), as applicable).

(c)

Manual alarm system: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, a manual fire alarm system shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

No manual fire alarms shall be required for buildings with less than 25 occupants and less than 10 guestrooms.

(d)

Smoke detectors: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area to the building, smoke detectors within guestrooms that meet the specifications of the building subcode shall be required throughout the building. The smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations indicated in the building subcode and placed within those locations in accordance with NFPA 72. (Fire)

(e)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire barrier required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

For buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout;

ii.

For buildings with not more than 25 guests when the following conditions are met:

(1)

Every sleeping room is provided with an approved, operable window having a sill height not greater than 44 inches;

(2)

Every sleeping room above the second floor is provided with direct access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit;

(3)

Any exit access corridor exceeding eight feet in length which serves two means of egress, at least one of which is an unprotected vertical opening, shall be separated from the vertical opening by a one-hour fire barrier; and

(4)

The building is protected throughout by a supervised, automatic fire alarm system, installed in accordance with the building code.

(f)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

When the work area is one entire floor or more, central control station and communication systems shall be provided as follows: (Fire)

ii.

A two-way fire department communication system which shall operate between the central control and every elevator, elevator lobby and entry to enclosed exit stairways;

iii.

(g)

5:23-6.26 Basic requirements—Use group R-2.

(a)

ii.

Window access to fire escapes shall be permitted from individual units.

iii.

For rooming houses, ladders shall be prohibited on fire escapes used as a required means of egress.

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 75 feet.

Dwelling units in basements (stories below grade) shall have two means of egress unless the building has a n automatic fire suppression system. (An operable window with a net clear opening of at least 5 square feet, a minimum net clear opening of 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width, and a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the finished floor is acceptable as one of the means of egress.)

For rooming houses, a single exit shall be prohibited.

Multilevel dwelling units do not require an exit from each level within the dwelling unit provided that these conditions are met: The building is Type 1 or Type 2 construction, with travel distance within the dwelling unit not exceeding 75 feet or the building is not more than three stories and all third floor space is part of a dwelling unit located in part on the second floor and no habitable room has a travel distance of greater than 50 feet from the door of the room to the entrance of the dwelling unit.

A single exit is permitted from floor(s) are not more than 16 feet above grade provided that each dwelling unit on such floors has an operable window with a sill height of not more than 44 inches. (In community residences for the developmentally disabled, the maximum occupant load, excluding staff, is 12.)

A single exit is permitted in buildings that are not more than two stories in height from floors that are more than 16 feet above grade with not more than four dwelling units per floor and exit access travel distance not exceeding 50 feet and with a minimum fire resistance rating of one hour for the exit enclosure and opening protection provided that each dwelling unit on such floors has an operable window with a sill height of not more than 44 inches. (In community residences for the developmentally disabled, the maximum occupant load, excluding staff, is 12.)

As used in this subsection, "rooming house" means any building and any part thereof, which contains two or more units of dwelling space which do not provide a private, secure dwelling space arranged for independent living and containing both full bath and kitchen facilities (exclusive of any such unit occupied by an owner or operator), including any residential hotel. The term does not include any hotel, motel or established guest house in which a minimum of 85 percent of the units of dwelling space are offered on a temporary basis only, for periods lasting no more than 90 days, to guests who either maintain or intend to maintain a primary residence at a location other than the hotel, motel or established guest house. The term also does not include one-family residential dwellings made available for occupancy by not more than five roomers.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms and spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

In buildings with an automatic fire suppression system, doors are only required to provide a smoke barrier, to be free of louvers, to fit plumb and level and to be reasonably tight fitting.

All doors opening onto a passageway at grade or onto an exit stair shall be self-closing or automatic closing by listed closing devices.

Exception: Group homes with a maximum of 15 occupants and an approved automatic detection system shall not be required to have self-closing doors.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.1 l(b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

Means of egress lighting shall be wired on a circuit independent of circuits within any dwelling unit. The disconnecting means and over current protection device shall not be located within a dwelling unit or such that access must be obtained by going through a dwelling unit.

(f)

Illuminated exit signs: Illuminated exit signs shall be provided for all required means of egress in all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more than one exit or exit access. Exit signs shall be visible from the exit access and supplemented by directional signs when necessary. (Exception: Approved main exterior doors that are clearly identified as exits are not required to have exit signs.) Exit signs shall meet the criteria contained in 1. and 2. below: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings not exceeding three stories, a minimum 30-minute fire barrier shall be required, with the following exceptions:

Buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout; or

ii.

When the vertical opening connects not more than two floor levels and not more than four dwelling units per floor provided that each dwelling unit has access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit; or

iii.

Owner-occupied buildings with not more than four dwelling units per floor, and in which the following conditions are met:

(1)

Every sleeping room is provided with an operable window having a sill height not greater than 44 inches;

(2)

Every dwelling unit or sleeping room above the second floor is provided with direct access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit; and

(3)

The building is protected throughout by a supervised, automatic fire alarm system, installed in accordance with the building code.

(j)

Transoms and other interior openings: All transoms shall be either glazed with ¼-inch wire glass set in metal frames and permanently secured in the closed position or sealed with materials consistent with the corridor construction. Any other sash, grill or opening in a corridor, and any window in a corridor not opening to the outside air shall be sealed with materials consistent with the corridor construction. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(k)

Boiler/furnace equipment rooms: Boiler/furnace equipment rooms shall be enclosed by one-hour fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Enclosure shall not be required for boiler/furnace equipment rooms equipped with a limited area sprinkler system in accordance with section 907.0 of the BOCA Building Code.

For group homes and supervised transitional living homes heated by oil-burning equipment, an emergency shutoff switch is required at top of the stairs leading to the basement for equipment in the basement or outside of the room for equipment located in other enclosed rooms.

(l)

(m)

Electrical equipment and wiring: (Electrical)

All enclosed areas, other than kitchens, basements, garages, hallways, closets, laundry areas and bathrooms shall have a minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets.

Kitchen areas shall have a minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets or equivalent and a switch-controlled lighting outlet. At least one of the required duplex receptacles shall be provided to serve counter space.

Laundry areas shall have a minimum of one duplex receptacle outlet or equivalent located near the laundry equipment and installed on an independent circuit.

At least one switch controlled lighting outlet shall be provided in every bathroom, hallway, stairway, attached garage, detached garage with electric power, and to illuminate outdoor entrances and exits.

At least one switch controlled lighting outlet shall be provided in utility rooms and basements where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring service.

Electrical service equipment (overcurrent devices) shall be located where they will not be subject to physical damage and shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material.

All 125 volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in locations specified in section 210-8(a) of the NEC shall have ground-fault circuit protection for personnel.

(n)

(o)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(p)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.1 1 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(q)

Exception: Specific occupancy areas within and serving a dwelling unit are not required to comply with this section.

(r)

Accessibility: Accessible features shall be provided within the work area in those buildings with four or more dwelling units that are required by 5:23-7.1 to be accessible.

(s)

Communicating attic spaces: Where adjacent dwelling units have communicating space in the attic, a wall shall be constructed to provide a continuous one-hour fire separation using construction materials consistent with the existing wall or complying with the requirements for new structures. All work shall be performed on the side of the wall of the dwelling unit that is undergoing reconstruction. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

5:23-6.26A Supplemental requirements—Use group R-2.

(a)

(b)

Manual alarm systems: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, a manual fire alarm system shall be required throughout the building. (Fire)

Exception: No manual fire alarm system shall be required for buildings where all dwelling units are located fewer than three stories above the lowest level of exit discharge or one story or less below the highest level of exit discharge serving the dwelling unit(s).

(c)

Smoke detection systems: When the work area exceeds 25 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the building, approved smoke detection systems shall be located in all interior common areas. Such systems shall be powered by an alternating current (AC) constantly active electric circuit that cannot be deactivated by the operation of any interconnected switching device and shall comply with NFPA 70-93 (National Electric Code) requirements, except as otherwise provided in this section. Such systems shall be on circuitry that is connected into the building owner's electric meter. (Fire)

In multiple dwellings six stories or more in height and having 30 or more dwelling units, such systems:

Shall be connected to a supervisory type listed control panel conforming to U.L. 864 requirements and NFPA 72-90 standards, except as otherwise provided in this section;

ii.

Shall be powered by an approved emergency power source as installed in conformance with NFPA 70-93 (National Electrical Code);

iii.

Shall have a control panel of the multi-zoned type that will visually indicate the floor or zone from which the alarm is activated, which panel shall be located in accordance with NFPA 72-90 standards or as directed by the local fire subcode official.

A pre-signal alarm feature is not permitted.

The separate zoning of floors in high-rise buildings for selective floor evacuation is permitted at the discretion of the fire subcode official in consultation with the fire department.

Alarms shall be located so as to be effectively heard above all other sounds, by all the occupants, in every occupied space within the building not separated by fire walls having a fire-resistance rating of at least two hours.

With the approval of the fire subcode official, fixed temperature heat detectors in those locations where frequent nuisance alarms would be likely to occur. Such building spaces include, but are not limited to, garages, crawl spaces, uninhabitable attics, heater and boiler rooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, restaurant service areas, and other rooms where the ambient temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and/or have a relative humidity either below 20 percent or above 85 percent or where environmental conditions are likely to produce nuisance alarms.

Existing common area smoke detection systems that were installed in compliance with this subchapter or with the Regulations Governing Rooming and Boardinghouses or Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings and maintained in accordance with 5:18-3, for which a construction permit was issued subject to plan review approval, shall be accepted as conforming to this section.

(d)

Smoke detection within dwelling units: Smoke detectors shall be provided within dwelling units as follows: (Fire)

When the work area is an entire dwelling unit, smoke detectors that meet the specifications of the building subcode shall be installed. The smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations indicated in the building subcode and placed within those locations in accordance with NFPA 72.

When any work is undertaken within a dwelling unit, single station smoke detectors shall be installed. (Battery-powered units shall be permitted.) The smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations indicated in the building subcode and placed within those locations in accordance with NFPA 72.

(e)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

A minimum thirty-minute fire barrier shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings not exceeding three stories. Exceptions shall be permitted as follows:

Buildings with an automatic fire suppression system throughout; or

ii.

When the vertical opening connects not more than two floor levels with not more than four dwelling units per floor and each dwelling unit has access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit; or

iii.

Owner-occupied buildings with not more than four dwelling units per floor, and in which the following conditions are met:

(1)

Every sleeping room is provided with an approved, operable window having a sill height not greater than 44 inches;

(2)

Every dwelling unit or sleeping room above the second floor is provided with direct access to a fire escape or other approved secondary exit; and

(3)

The building is protected throughout by a supervised, automatic fire alarm system, installed in accordance with the building code.

(f)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)In

buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

An approved public address communication system consisting of loudspeakers in each common corridor, each elevator and elevator lobby and in each stair enclosure which shall be capable of being operated from the central control station;

ii.

A two-way fire department communication system which shall operate between the central control and every elevator, elevator lobby and entry to enclosed exit stairways;

iii.

(g)

Exception: Elevator devices wholly within individual dwelling units and not accessible to the general public shall not be required to comply.

5:23-6.27 Basic requirements—Use groups R-3/R-4.

(a)

Smoke detection within dwelling units: Smoke detectors that meet the specifications of the building subcode shall be installed. The smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations indicated in the building code and placed within those locations in accordance with NFPA 72.(Fire)

(b)

Egress windows: When the building is used as a bed and breakfast, every sleeping room below the fourth story shall be provided with an operable window having a sill height of not more than 44 inches. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Windows in sleeping rooms shall not be required to meet these requirements in buildings where the sleeping room is provided with a door to a corridor having access to two remote exits or in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

(c)

(d)

Electrical equipment and wiring: (Electrical)

All enclosed areas, other than kitchens, basements, garages, hallways, closets, laundry areas and bathrooms shall have a minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets.

Kitchen areas shall have a minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets or equivalent and one switch-controlled lighting outlet. At least one of the required duplex receptacles shall be provided to serve counter space.

Laundry areas shall have a minimum of one duplex receptacle outlet or equivalent located near the laundry equipment and installed on an independent circuit.

At least one switch controlled lighting outlet shall be provided in utility rooms and basements where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring service.

Electrical service equipment (overcurrent devices) shall be located where they will not be subject to physical damage and shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material.

All 125 volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in locations specified in section 21 0-8(a) of the NEC shall have ground-fault circuit protection for personnel.

(e)

5:23-6.27A Supplemental requirements—Use groups R-3/R-4.

There are no supplemental requirements applicable to use group R-3/R-4.

5:23-6.28 Basic requirements—Use group S.

(a)

Exits: Two exits shall be required for stories with less than 500 occupants. Three exits shall be required for stories with 501 to 1,000 occupants. Four exits shall be required for stories with more than 1,000 occupants. Two means of egress are also required from all mezzanines with an occupant load greater than 30 and with exit travel distance greater than 100 feet. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

A single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit discharge when the occupant load of the story does not exceed 30 and the exit access travel distance does not exceed 100 feet.

A single exit is permitted in open parking structures where vehicles are mechanically parked.

A single exit is permitted in buildings of use group S-2 not more than two stories in height, with not more than 3,000 square feet per floor when the exit access travel distance does not exceed 50 feet and a minimum fire resistance rating of one hour is provided for the exit enclosure and the opening protection.

(b)

Egress doorways: A minimum of two egress doorways shall be required for all rooms an spaces with an occupant load greater than 50 or in which the travel distance exceeds 75 feet. All egress doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Storage rooms with a maximum occupant load of 10 shall not be required to have two egress doorways.

(c)

Capacity of means of egress: The capacity of the means of egress in each work area shall be determined in accordance with section 6.11 (b). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Dead end corridors: Existing dead end corridors shall not exceed 35 feet in length. Exceptions are allowed as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with an automatic alarm system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

Dead end corridors may be up to 50 feet in length in a building with a suppression system installed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time of its installation.

(e)

Exception: Lighting to illuminate the exit discharge shall not be required.

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Vertical opening protection: Vertical opening protection for interior stairways and other vertical openings shall be provided as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels, approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours with approved opening protectives shall be required.

For vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels, approved assemblies, having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives shall be required.

(j)

(k)

Total Occupancy¹	Water Closets	Lavatories	Drinking Water Facilities	Service Sinks
1—15	1 Unisex	1	1	1
16 and over	Fixtures to be provided as per table 404.1 of the International Plumbing Code, 1995

(l)

Mechanical requirements: All spaces intended for occupancy shall be provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation. (Building)

Mechanically-ventilated spaces shall comply with the following:

Newly-installed HVAC systems shall comply with the requirements of ASHRAE 62-89.

ii.

(m)

Interior finishes shall comply with 6.11 (c). (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(n)

Specific occupancy areas: Specific occupancy areas within the work area, as listed in section. 6.30(h), shall comply with the requirements established in that section for separation and/or protection. (Building)

5:23-6.28A Supplemental requirements—Use group S.

(a)

Exception: Manual alarm systems shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic suppression system.

(b)

A minimum two-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting more than six floor levels.

A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly with approved opening protectives shall be required for interior stairways and other vertical openings connecting four to six floor levels.

(c)

When the work area is one entire floor or more or when the work area is 20 percent or more of the occupied floor area served by a recirculating air or exhaust system, the recirculating air or exhaust system which serves the work area shall be equipped with approved smoke and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the building code. The devices shall stop the fan(s) automatically and shall be of the manual reset type. Automatic fan shutdown is not required when the system is part of an approved smoke removal or smoke control system. (Building)

ii.

At least one elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation, as required by ASME A17.3-1993; and

(1)

In buildings with multiple elevators, at least one elevator to each floor served by an elevator shall be equipped with phase II emergency in-car operation.

iii.

All designated attendant elevators having a travel distance of 25 feet or more above or below the designated level shall be equipped with emergency controls, as required by ASME A17.3-1993.

ii.

Hose and hose cabinets shall not be required.

(d)

(e)

Public garages: When the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross floor area of a public garage, the entire building is required to comply with section 408.0, except Subsection 408.3.3, of the building subcode.

5:23-6.29 Mixed use buildings.

(a)

Each portion of a building shall be separately classified as to use. The requirements of this subcode shall apply to each portion of the building based on the use group of that portion, except that the most restrictive requirements of this subcode for fire suppression shall apply to the entire building. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: An automatic fire suppression system shall not be required for uses that would not otherwise need suppression provided that there is a one-hour fire separation between the use(s) requiring suppression and the other use(s) in the same building. A two-hour fire separation assembly shall be required to apply this exception in any building where one or more of the uses is H.

(b)

Separation: In any nonresidential use located below one or more dwelling units, when the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the nonresidential use, the nonresidential use shall be separated from the residential use by a one-hour fire resistance-rated ceiling assembly designed to protect the dwelling unit(s) above. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(c)

Alarms: In any nonresidential use located below one or more dwelling units (including single room occupancies), when the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the nonresidential use, single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed in the nonresidential portion(s) of the building in accordance with NFPA 72 and provided with an audible alarm located within each dwelling unit of the residential portion of the building. The detectors shall be AC powered with battery back-up. Hard-wired, interconnected smoke detectors installed throughout the building shall be accepted as meeting this requirement. (Fire)

5:23-6.30 Special technical requirements—All use groups.

(a)

The requirements of this section shall apply to reconstruction projects in all use groups except R-3 and R-4.

(b)

When an automatic sprinkler system is required or provided, the sprinkler riser shall be sized to serve the entire building even if the system currently being installed serves only a portion of the building. (Fire)

Exception: This requirement shall not apply to limited area sprinkler systems installed in accordance with section 907.0 of the BOCA Building Code.

(c)

Windowless stories: In all buildings, any windowless basement or story located below the seventh story which is created by the work being performed or any existing windowless basement or story located below the seventh story in which the work area exceeds 50 percent of the gross enclosed floor area of the windowless story, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system installed in accordance with the building code. (Fire)

Stories or basements shall not be considered windowless when there is provided on at least one side of such story or basement firefighter access through openings, such as windows, doors or access panels, that are located entirely above the adjoining grade level.

Such openings shall be at least:

32 inches by 48 inches in size, spaced not more than 100 square feet apart in each story or basement; or

ii.

22 inches by 42 inches in size, spaced not more than 30 feet apart in each story or basement.

All openings for firefighter access shall conform to all the following:

Openings shall be unobstructed to allow fire fighting and rescue operations from the exterior; and

ii.

Openings in stories at or above grade shall have a sill height of not more than 36 inches as measured from the finished floor level. Openings in basements shall have no sill height restrictions; and

iii.

Openings shall be readily identifiable and openable from the outside.

When openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75 feet from such openings, the story shall be considered windowless unless openings as specified above are provided on at least two sides of the exterior walls of the story.

If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from openings as specified above, the basement shall be considered windowless.

Windowless basements not exceeding 3,000 square feet in area shall be exempt from this automatic fire suppression requirement, provided a supervised automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with the building code.

In windowless basements greater than 3,000 square feet, but not exceeding 10,000 square feet in area, the required suppression system need not be connected to a water supply other than an existing domestic supply if the following conditions are met:

The suppression system shall be provided with a fire department connection, which shall be marked with a sign reading "Basement Area Sprinkler Water Supply"; and

ii.

A supervised automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with the building code.

(d)

Supervision of automatic fire suppression systems: When suppression systems are required by this subcode to be supervised, this shall be accomplished by one of the following methods as determined by the fire subcode official: (Fire)

Approved central station system in accordance with NFPA 72;

Approved proprietary system in accordance with NFPA 72;

Approved remote station system of the jurisdiction in accordance with NFPA 72;

Approved local alarm service which will cause the sounding of an alarm in accordance with NFPA 72;

The following are exceptions to (d) above:

Underground gate valves with roadway boxes;

ii.

Halogenated extinguishing systems;

iii.

Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems;

iv.

Dry chemical extinguishing systems; and

Limited area sprinkler systems.

(e)

Technical requirements for smoke barriers: Wherever smoke barriers are required by this subchapter, they shall be constructed in accordance with the following provisions: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Smoke barriers shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than one-half hour and shall form an effective membrane continuous from outside wall to outside wall and from floor slab to floor or roof deck above, including continuity through all concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and including interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. Transfer grilles, whether equipped with fusible link-operated dampers or not, shall not be used in these partitions. Wire glass panels not exceeding 1,296 square inches in approved steel frames may be used in smoke barriers.

Exception to (e)1 above: Smoke barriers are not required in interstitial spaces when such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings that provide passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by smoke barriers.

A means of egress shall be provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke barriers such that it is possible to reach an exit without re-entering the smoke compartment.

Doors in smoke barriers shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested in accordance with ASTM E152 without the hose stream and labeled by an approved agency. Double egress corridor doors shall have vision panels of one-quarter inch thick labeled wire glass mounted in approved steel frames. Such panels may also be provided in other doors in smoke barriers. The glass area of the vision panels shall be limited to 1,296 square inches for each door. The doors shall close the openings with only the clearance necessary for proper operation under self-closing or automatic closing and shall be without undercuts, louvers or grilles. Rabbets or astragals are required at the meeting edges of double egress doors, and stops are required on the head and jambs of all doors in smoke barriers. Positive latching devices are not required on double egress corridor doors, and center mullions are prohibited.

Exception to (e)3 above: Protection at the meeting edges of doors and stops at the head and sides of door frames may be omitted in buildings equipped with an approved engineered smoke control system. The engineered smoke control system shall respond automatically, preventing the transfer of smoke across the barrier.

Doors in smoke barriers shall be self-closing or shall be provided with approved door hold-open devices of the fail-safe type which shall release the doors causing them to close upon the actuation of smoke detectors as well as upon the application of a maximum manual pull of 50 pounds against the hold-open device.

An approved damper designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each point a duct penetrates a smoke barrier. The damper shall close upon detection of smoke by an approved smoke detector located within the duct.

In lieu of an approved smoke detector located within the duct, ducts which penetrate smoke barriers above doors are permitted to have the approved damper arranged to close upon detection of smoke on either side of the smoke barrier door opening.

ii.

Dampers are not required in buildings equipped with an approved engineered smoke control system.

iii.

Dampers are not required where the openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment and the ducts are of steel construction.

(f)

Existing alarm systems and suppression systems shall be accepted provided that they meet the requirements of section 6.8 (Materials and methods) or the standards applicable at the time of their installation and provided that there is no increase in the hazard of the use or in the load. (Fire)

(g)

Technical requirements for elevators devices: Where elevator requirements are triggered by the supplemental requirements for each use group (sections 6.12A through 6.28A), the following shall apply: (Elevator)

Passenger elevators. Elevator devices accessible to the general public shall conform to:

ASME A17.3-1993 requirements for Hoistway Door Locking Devices, Parking Devices, and Access (sections 2.7, 4.1); Hoistway Entrances (sections 2.6, 4.1); Power Operation of Doors and Gates (sections 2.8, 4.1); Floating Platforms (sections 3.3.4); Car Doors and Gates (section 3.4.2); Location of Car Doors and Gates (section 3.4.3); Emergency Exits (section 3.4.4); Car Illumination (section 3.4.5) and Protection of Light Bulbs and Tubes (section 3.4.6); Terminal Stopping Devices (sections 3.9, 4.6); Operating Devices and Control Equipment (section 3.10, 4.7 except 4.7.8); Car Emergency Signaling Devices (sections 3.111.1 and 4.7.8); Stop Switch (Pits) (sections 2.3.3, 4.1); Machine Rooms and Machinery Spaces: Lighting (section 2.2.3) and Ventilation (section 2.2.4); Check Valve (Hydraulic Elevators) (section 4.4.2).

ii.

ASME A17.1-1993 requirements for supply line shutoff valve (rule 303.4a) and manual lowering valve (rule 303.4d)

Freight elevators. Elevators which are allowed to carry passengers by the authority having jurisdiction shall conform to ASME A17.1-1993 Rule 207.4 and ASME A17.31993 requirements for Car Frames and Platforms (section 3.3) and Location of Car Doors and Gates (section 3.4.3).

Elevators shall be equipped with emergency operation as required by ASME A.17.1-1987, Rules 211.3 through 211.4 and 211.7.

Phase II emergency operation shall be provided only if required by the requirements for highrise buildings contained in the supplemental requirements for each use group, sections 6.12A through 6.28A. In addition, when phase II emergency operation is required, standby power shall be provided. Standby power shall be installed in accordance with the electrical subcode. The elevator powered by a standby power system shall be subject to the requirements of ANSVASME A17.1-1993 Rule 211.2

Escalators shall conform to ASME A17.3-1993 for Operating and Safety Devices (section 5.3), Anti-Slide Devices (5.1.4), Handrail Guards (5.1.6), Guards at Ceiling or Soffit Intersection (5.1.3), Lighting (5.4), Distinction Between Comb and Step (5.5.2), Adjacent Floor Surfaces (5.5.3).

(h)

Specific occupancy areas: Specific occupancy areas, as listed below, shall comply with the following: (Building)

Incinerator rooms in all use groups shall be separated from other portions of the building by a two-hour fire separation assembly and provided with an automatic fire suppression system.

5:23-6.31 Change of use.

(a)

General: The following are of general applicability to changes of use:

When the use of a building is changed, then the building must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this section. Each of the lettered subsections of this section establishes a specific type of requirement. This subsection establishes requirements for compliance with the basic requirements of this subcode, for means of egress, for enclosure of vertical openings, for height and area limitation, for exterior wall fire resistance, for fire suppression systems, for fire alarm systems, for fire detection systems, for structural soundness, for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, and for accessibility.

Limit on new buildings undergoing a change of use: Buildings that have been occupied for their originally intended use for less than one year shall be required to comply with the requirements of the building code for new construction for the proposed use.

The subsections governing compliance with the basic requirements, means of egress, height and area limitations, exterior wall fire resistance, and fire suppression incorporate relative use group hazard index tables. Compliance with the requirements of the subsection is required when the change of use will increase the relative hazard. Each of the subsections should be applied separately to the proposed new use.

This section may require an owner to undertake work in order to be permitted to change the use of a building or a portion of a building. Additionally, the owner of a building may wish to undertake other work not required by the section. That work must comply with the requirements for repair, renovation, alteration, and/or reconstruction applicable to the new use group in accordance with the provisions of this subcode.

Existing fire alarm, fire suppression and standpipe systems shall not be removed without replacement and shall be maintained in operating condition. (Fire)

(b)

Compliance with basic requirements: Compliance with the basic requirements shall be required as follows: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Table B

Relative use group hazard

1 (highest)	H-1, H-2, H-3
2	A-1, A-2, H-4, F-1, I-3, M, S-1
3	A-3, A-5, B, F-2, I-2, R-1, S-2
4	A-4, E, I-1, R-2 more than two stories in height or more than four dwelling units
5 (lowest)	R-2 two stories or fewer in height and four dwelling units of less, R-3, R-4, U

When the use of a building is changed to a higher relative use group hazard as shown in table B, the building shall comply with the basic requirements of sections 6.10 through 6.30 of this subcode applied throughout the building for the new use group unless otherwise provided. Where another lettered subsection of this section establishes a requirement that differs from the basic requirement, the requirement contained in that other lettered subsection shall govern.

Where a portion of a building is changed to a higher relative use group hazard, the building shall comply with the basic requirements of sections 6.10 through 6.30 of this subcode for fire suppression and fire detection and/or alarms applied throughout the building for the new use group unless the proposed use is separated from the existing use(s) by assemblies with the appropriate fire resistance rating in accordance with table 313.1.2 of the building subcode in which case only the portion changed shall comply. The portion of the building changed shall comply with all the other basic requirements of sections 6.10 through 6.30 for the new use group.

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser relative use group hazard as shown in table B, the existing building is not required to comply with the basic requirements except where required in connection with alteration or reconstruction work by the sections of this subcode applicable to alteration or reconstruction work.

Where the character of use of an existing building or portion thereof is changed to one of the following special use or occupancy categories as defined in the building subcode, the building or portion shall comply with the referenced section of the building subcode specific to the special use or occupancy regardless of whether a change of use group is involved.

Covered mall building—Section 402.0

ii.

Atriums—Sections 404.0

iii.

Underground structures—Section 405.0

iv.

Private garages—Section 407.0

Public garages—Section 408.0

vi.

Motion picture projection rooms, screening rooms and sound stages—Section 411.0

vii.

Stages and platforms—Section 412.0

viii.

Special amusement buildings—Section 413.0

ix.

HPM facilities—Section 416.0

Hazardous materials—Sections 417.0 and 418.0

xi.

Spray booths, spray rooms, and spray storage rooms—Section 419.0

Any fire suppression or fire detection and/or alarm requirements applicable to the special use or occupancy shall be applied throughout the entire building unless the special use or occupancy is separated from the remainder of the building by fire separation assemblies having a rating of at least two hours. (Fire)

(c)

Means of egress: The following requirements apply to means of egress in a change of use: (Plan review—Building, Fire. inspection—Building)

Table C

Hazard categories and classifications means of egress

Relative hazard	Use classification
1 (highest)	H-1, H-2, H-3
2	I-2, I-3
3	A, E, I-1, M, R-1, R-2
4	B, F-1, R-3, R-4, S-1, H-4
5 (lowest)	F-2, S-2, U

For any change of use, the occupant load of the space shall be calculated based on the capacity of the exits as per 5:23-6.11(b). The occupant load shall not exceed one occupant per 5 square feet floor area unless the building complies with chapter 10 of the building subcode in its entirety.

Where a portion of a building undergoes a change of use, the determination of the capacity of the exit(s) serving that portion shall include all spaces served by those exit(s).

When a change in use is made to a higher hazard category as shown in table C, the entire building or portion thereof shall comply with the following requirements of the building subcode or of this subcode as specified below.

Sections 1005.5 (Open-sided walking surfaces) and 1005.7 (Air movement in egress elements)

ii.

Sections 1006.2, (Arrangement) 1006.3 (Exit discharge), 1006.4 (Remote location), 1006.5 (Length of travel), 1006.6 (Elevators, escalators and moving walks) and 1006.7 (Common path of travel)

iii.

Sections 1010.2 (Minimum number) and 1010.3 (Buildings with one exit)

(1)

Exception: The occupant load of the space may be restricted in order to comply with the requirements of these sections.

iv.

Section 1011.4 (Corridor enclosure) and the basic requirements of this subcode (6.10—6.30) for corridor widths.

(1)

Existing lath and plaster in good condition or existing ½-inch thick gypsum wall board on both sides of the wall shall be accepted where a one-hour fire separation assembly is required by 1011.4 (Corridor enclosure).

Section 1012.0 (Assembly aisles and aisle access ways)

vi.

Section 1013.0 (Grandstands)

vii.

Section 1014.8 (Stairway egress doors) and the basic requirements of this subcode (6.10 through 6.30) for stairway widths, handrails and guardrails.

viii.

Section 1017.0 (Means of egress doorways) except 1017.3 (size of doors) and the basic requirements of this subcode (6.10—6.30) for door widths.

ix.

Section 1019.0 (Horizontal exits)

Section 1020.0 (Level of exit discharge passageways used as an exit element)

xi.

Section 1023.0 (Exit signs and lights)

xii.

Section 1024.0 (Means of egress lighting)

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in table C, the existing building is not required to comply with the requirements contained in (c)2. above except in areas where reconstruction work being performed in connection with the change of use triggers these requirements.

When a change of use to a higher hazard category is made as shown in table C, vertical opening protection shall be provided for all stairs that are part of a required means of egress. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Where a portion of a building is changed to a higher hazard category, vertical opening protection shall be provided for all stairs that are part of a required means of egress serving the proposed use from the floor(s) on which the proposed use is located to the level of exit discharge.

Notwithstanding the relative hazard as determined by table C above, where any change of use occurs to a single exit building, the building shall meet the requirements of section 1010.3 (single exits) of the building subcode for the proposed use. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

When a change of use is made to any residential use group (R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4) or to use group I-1, every sleeping room below the fourth story shall have at least one operable window or exterior door. Where windows are provided to comply with this requirement, the window shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches, and have a width of at least 20 inches, a height of at least 24 inches and a minimum total area of 5.7 square feet measured from head to sill and from side to side. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

An outside window or exterior door is not required in buildings where the sleeping room is provided with a door to a corridor having access to two remote exits.

ii.

An outside window or exterior door is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

iii.

In a building that originally was in use group R-3 and is returning to use group R-3, the windows shall be permitted to remain as they were during the time when the building previously was in use as a residence.

(d)

Enclosure of vertical openings other than stairs: The following requirements apply to enclosure of vertical openings other than stairs in a change of use: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

For any change of use which also constitutes a change of use group, vertical openings other than stairs shall be protected as required by sections 6.10—6.30, Basic requirements, for the proposed use within each space undergoing a change of use.

Exception: Atriums in compliance with section 404 of the building subcode are not required to be enclosed.

Stairs shall be enclosed in accordance with sections 6.10—6.30, Basic requirements, for the proposed use if required by (c) above.

(e)

Height and area limitations: The following height and area limitations apply in a change of use: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Table E

Hazard categories and classifications height and area

Relative hazard	Use classification
1 (highest)	A-2, H-1, H-2, I-2, I-3
2	A-1, A-3, E, F-1, H-3, H-4, M, I-1, S-1
3	A-4, B, R-1, R-2
4 (lowest)	F-2, R-3, R-4, S-2, U

When a change of use is made to a higher hazard category as shown in table E, the height and area of the building shall meet the limitations of chapter 5 of the building subcode for the proposed use group.

Exception: One and two story buildings in use groups other than H may exceed the floor area permitted by table 503 of the building code by up to 25 percent of the existing floor area without providing fire separation.

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in table E, the existing building may continue to exceed the maximum allowable height and area permitted for new buildings.

Where a change of use is made in a mixed use building or a single use building is changed to a mixed use building, and any of the proposed uses is a higher category as per table E, the building shall comply with one or any combination of the following:

Nonseparated use groups: The maximum allowable height and area shall be determined by applying the more restrictive of the height and area limitations of each use group, as per table 503 of the BOCA Building Code, to the entire building.

(1)

One and two story buildings of all use groups, except H, are permitted to exceed that allowable area by 25 percent.

(2)

Occupancies of use group H shall not be permitted to be unseparated when located in the same building as use groups A, E, I, M, R, or non-accessory use group B.

(3)

Accessory occupancies in compliance with section 302.1.2 of the building subcode are not required to comply with this requirement.

(4)

When a change of use is made such that any non-residential use is located below a residential use, a one-hour fire separation shall be provided between the use groups. The exits from the residential floors shall be separately enclosed.

ii.

Separated use groups: Each portion of the building containing a use group shall be completely separated from adjacent use groups by fire separation assemblies and floor/ceiling assemblies having a fire resistance determined in accordance with table 313.1.2 of the BOCA Code. For buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system, the required fire resistance rating for use groups other than H is permitted to be reduced by one hour, but shall not be reduced to less than one hour. Each portion of the building shall comply with the height limitation of table 503 of the BOCA Code for that use group. In each story, the area shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the floor area of each use group divided by the allowable area of table 503 of the BOCA Code for each use group shall not exceed 1.0 for buildings three or more stories in height, and 1.25, for one and two story buildings.

(1)

Exception: Accessory occupancies in compliance with section 302.1.2 of the building subcode are not required to comply with this requirement.

iii.

Separate buildings: If each use group is separated from other uses by fire walls that meet the requirements of table 602 of the BOCA Code, then each use shall be considered a separate building. Each building shall comply with the height and area limitation of table 503 of the building subcode. One and two story buildings of all use groups, except H, are permitted to exceed the allowable area of the new use group by 25 percent.

(1)

Exception: Accessory occupancies in compliance with section 302.1.2 of the building subcode are not required to comply with this requirement.

Change of use of an unlimited area building shall comply with the provisions of section 507 of the building subcode for the proposed use.

(f)

Exterior wall fire resistance ratings and maximum area of exterior wall openings: The following exterior wall fire resistance ratings and maximum area of exterior wall openings apply in changes of use: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Table F

Hazard categories and classifications exposure of exterior walls

Relative hazard	Use classification
1 (highest)	H
2	Building exceeding 12,000 square feet of F-1, M or S-1
3	A, B, E, F-2, I, R-1, S-2 Buildings 12,000 square feet or less of F-1, M or S-1
4 (lowest)	R-2, R-3, R-4, U

Exterior wall protection: If the use group of a building is changed to a higher hazard classification in accordance with table F, the requirements for exterior wall fire resistance rating in the table below shall be met.

Requirements for exterior wall fire resistance rating

Building use group^b

Fire separation distance	H-2	F-1, H-3, M, S-1	A, B, E, F-2, S-2, H-4, I, R-1
0—5 feet	4	3	2a
Over 5—10 feet	3	2a	1
Over 10—15 feet	2	1	0
Over 15—20 feet	1	0	0
Over 30 feet	0	0	0

Note a: Existing 8-inch hollow or 6-inch solid masonry walls shall be accepted as a two-hour rating in other than use group H-2 or H-3.

Note b: When the use group of a building is changed to H-1, the building shall be located in accordance with table F3004.3 of the BOCA Fire Prevention Code.

Exterior wall protection shall not be required when the height of each building and the aggregate area of all buildings on the same lot are within the limitations of table 503 of the building subcode.

ii.

Where a portion of a building is changed to a higher hazard classification, exterior walls and openings of the entire building shall comply with the provisions of this section. If the proposed use is separated from the rest of the building by walls with the appropriate fire resistance rating in accordance with table 313.1.2 of the building code, then only the portion changed must comply with the provisions of this section.

iii.

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser hazard classification as shown in table F, no change in the rating of existing exterior walls is required.

iv.

The fire resistance rating of non-loadbearing exterior walls may be reduced by one hour in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression or sprinkler system. Exceptions shall be as provided in section 705.2.4 of the building code, as follows:

(1)

Exception: Where the fire separation distance is five feet or less, the fire resistance rating shall not be reduced to less than one hour.

(2)

Exception: The rating of non-loadbearing exterior walls shall not be reduced in buildings of use group H.

Exterior Wall Openings: If the use group of a building is changed to a higher hazard classification in accordance with table F, the requirements for exterior wall openings in the table below shall be met.

Use group	Exterior wall requirements
H	No opening permitted with a fire separation distance of 3 feet or less. Protected openings required with a fire separation distance of 20 feet or less.
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-1, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, S-1, R-1	No opening permitted with a fire separation distance of 3 feet or less. Protected openings required with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or less.
F-2, S-2	No opening permitted with a fire separation distance of 3 feet or less. Protected openings required with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or less. Newly created openings in use group R-2, R-3, and R-4 with a fire separation distance of 3 feet or less shall be provided with opening protectives.

If the building is provided with an automatic fire suppression system throughout, the amount of unprotected openings shall be permitted to be increased to the limit for protected openings.

ii.

In all occupancies other than use group H, unlimited unprotected openings are permitted in the first story of exterior walls facing a street which have a fire separation distance of greater than 15 feet, or facing unoccupied space. The unoccupied space shall be on the same lot or dedicated for public use, shall not be less than 30 feet in width and shall have access from a street by a posted fire lane not less than 18 feet in width.

iii.

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser hazard classification as shown in table F, no change in existing exterior wall openings is required.

(g)

Fire suppression systems: The following fire suppression system requirements apply in changes of use: (Fire)

Table G

Hazard categories and classifications fire suppression

Relative hazard	Use classification
1 (highest)	H, I
2	A-2, R-1, R-2
3	A-1, A-3
4	F-1, M, S-1
5	A-4, E
6 (lowest)	B, F-2, R-3, R-4, S-2, U

When a change of use is made to a higher hazard category as shown in table G, the building shall be provided with an automatic fire suppression system as required by the following sections of the building code: section 904.2 of the building code for use groups A-1, A-3 and A-4, section 904.3 of the building code for use group A-2, section 904.4 of the building code for use group E, section 904.5 of the building code for use group H, section 904.6 of the building code for use group I, section 904.7 of the building code for use groups F-1, M and S-1, section 904.8 of the building code for use group R-1, section 904.9 of the building code for use group R-2 and section 904.10 of the BOCA Building Code for windowless stories.

When a portion of a building is changed to a higher hazard category and the proposed use is separated from the existing use(s) by assemblies that meet the applicable fire rating in table 313.1.2 of the BOCA Building Code, an automatic fire suppression system as required above shall be installed only in the portion changed.

When a change of use is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in table G, there is no requirement to install a suppression system except in areas where work being performed in connection with the change of use triggers a requirement for suppression and in windowless stories in accordance with section 6.30(c) of this subchapter.

Notwithstanding the relative hazard as determined by table G, when a change in the character of the use is made to a higher degree of hazard as defined by NFPA 13 (Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard Group 1, Ordinary Hazard Group 2, Extra Hazard Group 1, Extra Hazard Group 2 and Special Occupancy Hazards), the sprinkler system shall be evaluated and, where required by NFPA 13, altered to conform to the required density and maximum sprinkler protection area per head for the proposed occupancy.

(h)

Fire alarm systems: When a change of use is made to any of the following use groups, a fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with section 918.0 of the BOCA Building Code. Where a portion of a building is changed to any of the following use groups, a fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with section 918.0 of the BOCA Building Code unless the proposed use is separated from the other use(s) in the building by assemblies with the appropriate fire resistance rating in accordance with table 313.1.2 of the BOCA Building Code in which case only the portion changed shall comply. (For purposes of applying this section, horizontal separation shall not be considered.) (Fire)

Use group A-4 or E: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.1 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group B: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.2 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group H: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.3 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group I: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.4 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group R-1: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.5 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group R-2: A fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 918.4.6 of the BOCA Building Code.

(i)

Automatic fire detection systems: When a change of use is made to any of the following use groups, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with section 919.0 of the BOCA Building Code. Where a portion of a building is changed to any of the following use groups, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with section 919.0 of the BOCA Building Code unless the proposed use is separated from the other use(s) in the building by assemblies with the appropriate fire resistance rating in accordance with table 313.1.2 of the BOCA Building Code in which case only the portion changed shall comply. (For purposes of applying this section, horizontal separation shall not be considered.) (Fire)

Use group I-1: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 919.4.1 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group I-2: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 919.4.2 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group I-3: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 919.4.3 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group R-1: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed and maintained as required by section 919.4.4 of the BOCA Building Code.

Exception: A fire detection system is not required in the above use groups when the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with sections 906.2.1 or 906.2.2 of the BOCA Building Code. These buildings are required to be provided with a fire alarm system installed in accordance with section 918.0 of the BOCA Building Code.

(j)

Single and multiple station smoke detectors: When a change of use is made to any of the following use groups, single and multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with section 920.0 of the BOCA Building Code. (Fire)

Use group R-1: Single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained as required by section 920.3.1 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group R-2, R-3 and R-4: Single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained as required by section 920.3.2 of the BOCA Building Code.

Use group I-1: Single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained as required by section 920.3.3 of the BOCA Building Code. Single or multiple station smoke detectors shall not be required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic detection system in accordance with section 919.4.1 of the BOCA Building Code.

Where the use of a portion of a building is changed such that any nonresidential use is located below one or more dwelling units (including single room occupancies), single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be installed in the nonresidential portion(s) of the building in accordance with NFPA 72 and provided with an audible alarm located within each dwelling unit of the residential portion of the building. The detectors shall be AC powered with battery back-up. Hard-wired, interconnected smoke detectors installed throughout the building shall be accepted as meeting this requirement.

(k)

Structural requirements: The following structural requirements shall apply in changes of use: (Building)

Table K

Structural load categories

Load category	Use or character of use
1 (highest)	F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2, stack areas in libraries, stages and platforms, areas subject to vehicular loads, queuing areas
2	All loading conditions not listed in category 1 or 3
3 (lowest)	B, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4

When the use or the character of use of a building is changed to a higher load category as shown in table K, then the structure shall be capable of supporting the load requirement for the new use or character of use as specified in table 1606 of the building subcode.

If the building code official determines that the number of occupants or the placement and weight of furniture and equipment can be controlled by the occupants, the areas designed for the reduced live load shall be posted with the approved live load. Placards stating the allowable live loads shall be posted. Placards may state loads in forms usable by the occupants, in addition to posting the allowable load in pounds per square foot. Such information shall be developed by a licensed design professional and be approved by the subcode official.

(1)

Analysis and test methods for evaluation of existing structural members shall use methods specified in the code in effect at the time the building was originally constructed or other standards as approved by the subcode official.

ii.

The corridor and lobby loading requirements of table 1606 shall be met only if the corridor exceeds six feet in width or if the lobby or corridor area is used for queuing purposes.

Where the use or character of use within an existing building is changed to an equal or lower load category as shown in table K, then the existing structure may be used without modification, provided that the building is structurally sound and in good structural repair.

When a change of use results in a building being reclassified into one of the following occupancies, the building shall comply with the seismic design requirements of section 1610.0 of the BOCA Building Code: Fire, rescue and police station; Use group I-2 having surgery or emergency treatment facilities; emergency preparedness centers; post-earthquake recovery vehicle garages; power-generating stations and other utilities required as emergency backup facilities; primary communication facilities; highly toxic materials as defined by section 307.0 of the BOCA Building Code where the quantity of material exceeds the exempt amount as per section 307.8 of the BOCA Building Code.

(l)

Plumbing requirements: When the character of the use of a building or portion of a building is changed, the following plumbing provisions shall apply. (Plumbing)

The fixture requirements for the proposed new use shall comply with the basic requirements for that use.

If the new use is a food handling establishment, all existing sanitary waste lines above the food or drink preparation or storage areas shall be panned or otherwise protected to prevent leaking pipes or condensation on pipes from contaminating food or drink. New drainage lines shall not be installed above such areas except where it is the only practical alternative. Where new lines are to be installed, they shall be protected in accordance with the plumbing subcode.

New uses that will produce grease or oil laden wastes shall be provided with interceptors as required in the plumbing subcode.

If the new use produces chemical wastes, the following shall apply:

If the existing piping is compatible with the chemical waste, no change to the existing piping material is required.

ii.

If the existing piping is not compatible with the chemical waste, either the waste must be neutralized prior to entering the drainage system or the piping must be changed to a compatible material.

iii.

No chemical waste shall discharge to a public sewer system without the approval of the sewage authority.

Where a building's use is changed to a health care facility, the requirements of chapter 14 of the plumbing subcode shall apply.

(m)

Electrical requirements: The following electrical requirements shall apply in changes of use: (Electrical)

When the character of the use of a building or portion thereof is changed to one of the following special occupancies as described in chapter 5 of the NEC, the electrical wiring and equipment of the building or portion thereof that contains the proposed use shall comply with all applicable requirements of the electrical subcode regardless of whether a change of use group is involved:

Hazardous (classified) locations

ii.

Commercial garages, repair and storage

iii.

Aircraft hangars

iv.

Gasoline dispensing and service stations

Bulk storage plants

vi.

Spray application, dipping, and coating processes health care facilities

viii.

Places of assembly

ix.

Theaters, audience areas of motion picture and television studios and similar locations

Motion picture and television studios and similar locations

xi.

Agricultural buildings

When the use of a building is changed to use group R-2, R-3 or R-4, the electrical wiring and equipment of the building shall comply, at a minimum, with the basic requirements of this subcode for that use and shall have the electrical service (conductors and equipment) sized and rated in accordance with the NEC.

(n)

Mechanical requirements: When the character of the use of a building is changed, the following mechanical provisions shall apply: (Building)

All spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation. A building intended to be used as public school shall be mechanically ventilated.

ii.

Spaces intended to be mechanically ventilated shall comply with the following:

(1)

If the occupancy of a building is changed and the new occupancy would require the same or a lesser amount of outdoor air based on the equations below, no change to the mechanical ventilation system is required.

(2)

If the occupancy of a building is changed and the new occupancy would require a greater amount of outdoor air based on the equations below, the HVAC system shall be upgraded to satisfy the requirements of table N for the new occupancy. As an alternative to providing the amount of outdoor air required by table N, the indoor air quality procedure of ASHRAE 62-89 can be used.

(3)

Residential buildings that are intended to be mechanically ventilated shall be provided with the ventilation specified in the mechanical subcode.

(4)

When the use of a building is changed to a health care facility, mechanical ventilation shall be provided as required by the mechanical subcode and 5:23-3.2(b).

(5)

When the use group of a building is changed to B or E and the building is a class one or class two building, a test and balance report shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

A commercial hood and an automatic fire suppression system that comply with the mechanical subcode shall be required for commercial cooking equipment producing grease-laden vapors, except in use groups R-2, R-3 and R-4. No suppression system shall be required for completely enclosed ovens, steam tables or similar equipment.

Exception: Bed and breakfast homestay facilities, which are designed to accommodate five or fewer guests, shall not be required to comply with this provision.

The change of use of a building of 10,000 square feet or more total gross enclosed floor area shall comply with all applicable provisions of chapter 11, building code.

The change of use of a building of less than 10,000 square feet total gross enclosed floor area shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 11, building code, except as follows:

Table N

Outdoor air rates based on occupancy type

Occupancy	P/1000 sq. ft.	CFM/person
Storage warehouses	5	10
Correction facilities
Dining halls	100	15
Guard stations	40	15
Specialty shops
Barber	25	15
Florists	8	15
Hardware, drug, fabric	8	15
Reducing salons	20	15
Supermarkets	8	15
Dry cleaners, laundries
Coin oper. dry cleaner	20	15
Coin oper. laundries	20	15
Theaters
Auditoriums	150	15
Stages and studios	70	15
Education
Auditoriums	150	15
Classrooms	50	15
Libraries	20	15
Music rooms	50	15
Transportation
Platforms	100	15
Vehicles	150	15
Waiting rooms	100	15
Food & bev. service
Dining rooms	70	15
Kitchens (cooking)	20	15
Workrooms
Bank vaults	5	15
Meat processing^a	10	15
Pharmacy	20	15
Photo studios	10	15
Hospitals—Nursing & convalescent homes
Med. procedure rooms	20	15
Physical therapy	20	15
Recovery and ICU	20	15
Sports and amusement
Spectator sports	150	15
Hotels, motels, resorts, dormitories
Assembly rooms	120	15
Dormitory sleep areas	20	15
Lobbies	30	15
Correctional facilities
Cells	20	20
Offices
Conference rooms	50	20
Office spaces	7	20
Reception areas	60	20
Telecommunication ctrs. & data entry	60	20
Education
Laboratories	50	20
Training shops	30	20
Theaters
Lobbies	150	20
Ticket booths	60	20
Food & bev. service
Cafeteria, fast food	100	20
Sports and amusement
Playing floors (gym)	30	20
Hotels, motels, resorts, dormitories
Conference rooms	50	20
Dry cleaners
Commercial laundry	10	25
Sports and amusement
Ballrooms and discos	100	25
Bowling alleys (Seating areas)	70	25
Game rooms	70	25
Hospitals—Nursing and convalescent homes
Patient rooms	10	25
Specialty shops
Beauty	25	25
Dry cleaners, laundries
Commercial dry cleaner	30	30
Hospitals—Nursing & convalescent homes
Operating rooms	20	30
Food & bev. service
Bars & cocktail lounges	100	30
Hotels, motels, resorts, dormitories
Gambling casinos	120	30
Dry cleaners
Storage, pick-up	30	35
Smoking lounges	70	60

Table N (Continued)

Outdoor air rates based on occupancy type

Occupancy	CFM/sq. ft.
Education
Corridors	0.1
Locker rooms	0.5
Specialty shops
Automotive services	1.5
Clothes and furniture	0.3
Pet shops	1.0
Hospitals—Nursing and convalescent homes
Autopsy rooms	0.5
Sports & amusement
Ice arenas	0.5
Swimming pools (Pool & deck area)	0.5
Public spaces
Corridors and utilities	0.5
Elevators	1.0
Locker & dressing rooms	0.5
Public restrooms	75 cfm per water closet or urinal
Storage
Repair garages/public garages	1.5
Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors
Basement and street	0.3
Dressing rooms	0.2
Malls and arcades	0.2
Shipping and receiving	0.15
Storage rooms	0.15
Upper floors	0.2
Warehouses	0.05
Workrooms
Darkrooms	0.5
Duplicating	0.5

Note: P/1000 sq. ft.= persons per 1000 square feet of building area.

Note ^a: Spaces unheated or maintained below 50 degrees F are not covered by these requirements unless the occupancy is continuous.

Where ventilation rates in table N are based on CFM/person

(1)

Ol_n × V_n is less than or equal to OL_e × V_e: No upgrade

(2)

Ol_n × V_n is greater than OL_e × V_e: Upgrade

Where ventilation rates in table N are based on CFM/square footage

(3)

SF_n × V_n is less than or equal to SF_e × V_e: No upgrade

(4)

SF_n × V_n is greater than SF_e × V_e: Upgrade

Where ventilation rates in table N are based on CFM/square footage and CFM/person

(5)

Ol_n × V_n is less than or equal to SF_e × V_e: No upgrade

(6)

Ol_n × V_n is greater than to SF_e × V_e: Upgrade

(7)

SF_n × V_n is less than or equal to OL_e × V_e: No upgrade

(8)

SF_n × V_n is greater than OL_e × V_e: Upgrade

Where:

OL_n = The occupant load of the proposed occupancy based on table N. When accepted by the administrative authority this occupancy load can be reduced.

OL_e= The occupant load of the existing occupancy based on table N.

SF_n= The square footage of the proposed occupancy.

SF_e= The square footage of the existing occupancy.

V_n= The ventilation for the proposed occupancy based on table N.

V_e= The ventilation rate for the existing occupancy based on table N.

(o)

Accessibility requirements: The following accessibility requirements shall apply in changes of use: (Buildings)

The change of use of a building of 10,000 square feet or more total gross enclosed floor area shall comply with all applicable provisions of the chapter 11, BOCA Building Code.

The change of use of a building of less than 10,000 square feet total gross enclosed floor area shall be exempt from the provisions of the chapter 11, BOCA Building Code.

An alteration project undertaken in connection with the change of use of a small building shall provide accessibility as required by section 6.6 of this subchapter.

ii.

A reconstruction project undertaken in connection with the change of use of a small building shall provide accessibility as required by section 6.7 of this subchapter.

In a building of any size, where there is a change of use of an area of 10,000 square feet or more, the proposed new use shall comply with the requirements of chapter 11, BOCA Building Code.

In a building of any size, where there is a change of use of an area of less than 10,000 square feet, the proposed new use shall be exempt from the provisions of the barrier free subcode, except as follows:

A renovation project undertaken in connection with the change of use of a small building shall provide accessibility as required by section 6.5 of this subchapter.

ii.

An alteration project undertaken in connection with the change of use of a small building shall provide accessibility as required by section 6.6 of this subchapter.

iii.

A reconstruction project undertaken in connection with the change of use of a small building shall provide accessibility as required by section 6.7 of this subchapter.

(p)

Change of use to a bed & breakfast shall be done in compliance with 5:23-9.8. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

5:23-6.32 Additions.

(a)

Any addition to a building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the building code applicable to new construction.

Any repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction work undertaken within an existing building in connection with an addition shall comply with the requirements of this subchapter.

(b)

No addition shall create or extend any non-conformity in the existing building to which the addition is constructed with regard to accessibility, structural strength, egress capacity, exit access travel distance or the capacity of mechanical, plumbing, electrical or fire protection system provisions of the basic requirements of this subcode.

(c)

No addition shall increase the height of an existing building beyond that permitted under the applicable provisions of the building code for a new building of the same use group. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

No addition shall increase the area of an existing building beyond that permitted under the applicable provisions of the building code unless a fire wall is provided in accordance with section 313.1.3 of the building subcode. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Exception: Existing one and two story buildings may be expanded beyond what is permitted by table 503 of the BOCA Building Code by up to 25 percent of the existing floor area without providing fire separation. This exception may be applied only once in the life of the building or may be used in increments that total not more than 25 percent over the life of the building.

Infilling of floor openings, such as elevator and exit stair shafts, and the addition of mezzanines and equipment penthouses shall be permitted as allowed by the building code.

(e)

Where an addition increases or extends the size of a fire area beyond that allowed by chapter 9 of the BOCA Building Code, suppression shall be provided throughout the fire area unless the addition is separated from the existing building by a fire separation assembly in accordance with section 313.1.2 of the building subcode. (Fire)

Exception: This requirement shall not apply to increases to the floor area of the building of less than five percent.

(f)

Whenever an addition is made to a detached, single-family dwelling of use group R-3 or R-4, smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the following: (Fire)

If the area of the addition is 25 percent or more of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building, smoke detectors complying with the building code shall be installed throughout the addition and the existing building.

If the area of the addition is five percent or more, but less than 25 percent, of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building, hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors with battery back-up meeting the requirements of NFPA 72, except as otherwise provided in the building or fire protection subcode, shall be installed and maintained in each story in the dwelling unit, including basements.

(g)

All additions shall comply with the requirements of the barrier free subcode where applicable. (Building)

The addition shall include accessible entrance(s) unless the requirement that 50 percent of the building entrances be accessible has been met in the existing building. (For purposes of calculating the number of accessible entrances required, all entrances in the existing building and planned for the addition shall be included.)

If the only accessible entrance to the addition is located in the existing building or facility, at least one interior accessible route shall provide access through the existing building to all rooms, elements, or spaces in the addition.

If there are no toilet rooms in the addition, accessible toilet facilities that comply with section 1110 of the barrier free subcode shall be provided in the existing building.

(h)

Structural loads (Building)

An addition shall not impose new loads which would cause the existing building to be subject to stresses exceeding those permitted by the building subcode.

An addition shall not increase the forces in any structural element of the existing building or structure by more than 5 percent, unless the increased forces on the element are still in compliance with the building subcode for new structures.

An addition shall not decrease the strength of any structural element of the existing building or structure unless the element still exceeds the strength required by the building subcode for new structures.

5:23-6.33 Historic buildings.

(a)

Except as provided for herein, historic buildings shall comply with the provisions of this subcode relating to the repair, renovation, alteration, restoration, reconstruction, movement and/or change of use of structures.

For purposes of applying this section, historic buildings shall include any building that meets one or more of the following criteria:

Buildings listed on the Delaware or National Registers of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district;

ii.

Buildings that have been issued a Determination of Eligibility by the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places;

iii.

Buildings identified as contributing buildings to Local Historic Districts which have been Certified by the Keeper of the National Register as substantially meeting the National Register Criteria; or

iv.

Buildings with a State Historic Preservation Officer Opinion or Certification that the property is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district.

Variations: Building owners wishing to use an alternative to compliance with specific provisions of this subcode shall submit request(s) for variations in writing in accordance with 5:23-2.10. Requests for variations shall identify all nonconformities with the requirements of this subcode and shall include: a statement of the requirements of this subcode from which a variation is sought, a statement of the manner by which strict compliance with the provisions of this subcode would result in practical difficulties or would detract from the historic character of the building and a statement of feasible alternatives to the requirements of this subcode that would adequately protect the health, safety and welfare of the intended occupants and of the public generally.

The provisions of 5:23-2.10 (Variations) notwithstanding, a variation may be granted where no feasible alternative to the strict requirements of the subcode exists, provided that the owner submits a finding by a qualified architect that the feature of the building which cannot be brought into strict compliance with the requirements of this subcode is essential to maintaining the historical value and character of the building. Any such finding submitted in support of a variation application shall be in writing and shall state the basis and reasons for the finding.

Barrier free requirements: All buildings undergoing rehabilitation or change of use shall comply with the requirements of 5:23-7.1(b)17 except when compliance is technically infeasible. Unless the historic character of the building would be threatened or destroyed, there shall be, at a minimum, at least one accessible route from an accessible parking space, public transportation stop or passenger loading zone to an accessible entrance, at least one accessible entrance, an accessible route from the accessible entrance to all publicly-used spaces on the level of the accessible entrance, and, when toilet facilities are provided, at least one accessible toilet facility. (Building)

When a historic building is used as a historic museum, the building shall be classified as use group B provided that the following conditions are met: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

A limit on occupancy, not to exceed 50, is set by the construction official based on egress capacity and travel distance using the following parameters:

(1)

For buildings with a single means of egress, occupancy shall be limited to the first and second floors, and the travel distance shall not exceed 75 feet;

(2)

Two means of egress shall be required from all floors above the second floor where occupancy is permitted.

ii.

There is supervision by a guide or other employee or volunteer knowledgeable in the emergency exiting procedures during all times that the building is occupied by visitors.

(b)

Special provisions—Historic buildings undergoing repair, renovation, alteration, restoration or reconstruction consistent with the U. S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties may comply with the following in lieu of compliance with the corresponding requirements of this subcode. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Materials and methods—Original or replica materials and original methods of construction may be used, subject to the provisions of this section.

Exception: Components of building systems hidden from public view, including but not limited to electrical equipment and wiring, plumbing equipment and piping and heating equipment, shall comply with section 6.8 (Materials and methods).

Exterior walls—Exterior walls shall not be required to be modified to meet the requirements for fire-resistive wall construction.

One-Hour fire-resistive assemblies—Where one-hour fire-resistive construction is required by this subcode, it need not be provided regardless of construction or occupancy where the existing wall and ceiling finish is lath and plaster.

Roof covering—Historic buildings shall meet the intent of section 1505.0 of the building subcode, but shall not be required to meet section 1507.0. The existing type of roof covering may be continued or replaced with the same materials or the preexisting materials may be replaced or restored if the materials are documented to be historic. (Building)

Means of Egress—Existing door openings and corridor and stairway widths of less than that specified in sections 6.10—6.30 of this subcode may be approved, provided that, in the opinion of the subcode official, there is sufficient width and height for a person to pass through the opening or traverse the exit. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Doors—The existing front or main exit doors need not swing in the direction of exit travel when serving fewer than 50 people or when other approved exits having sufficient capacity to serve the total occupant load are provided. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Door hardware—Existing or replica hardware shall be permitted provided that no life safety hazard is created and that the hardware meets the intent of the barrier free subcode if applicable (i.e., operable without pinching, grasping or twisting.) Existing or replica hardware may be fixed in place or modified to meet the intent of the barrier free subcode.

Transoms—Existing transoms in corridors and other fire rated walls may be retained in accordance with this subcode. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Interior Finishes—The existing finishes or replacement finishes on corridor walls and ceilings may be accepted where it is demonstrated that it is the historic finish. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

In buildings other than use group R-3, finishes in exitways shall have a flame-spread classification of class III or better. Existing nonconforming materials shall be surfaced with an approved fire-retardant paint or finish unless the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system installed in accordance with the building subcode.

Stairways—Stairways shall comply with the following: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Enclosure—Stairway enclosures may be omitted in a historic building for that portion of the stair serving the first and second floor. This provision shall be applied to only one stair per building.

(1)

In buildings of three stories or less, exit enclosure construction shall limit the spread of smoke by the use of tight fitting doors and solid elements. Such elements shall not require a fire resistance rating.

ii.

Riser height and tread width—When stairs are replaced or repaired, the existing or original riser height and tread width shall be permitted to remain.

10.

Railings—Railings shall comply with the following: (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Handrails—Existing handrails may remain or may be replaced with handrails matching the original handrails.

ii.

Guardrails—For vertical drops of between 30 inches and 48 inches, a rail height of at least 30 inches shall be accepted and the existing or original baluster spacing shall be permitted to remain.

(1)

Exception: Replacement guardrails in buildings of use group E or R-1 shall comply with section 1021.0 of the building subcode.

11.

Exit signs—The fire protection subcode official may accept alternate exit sign design and/or location where strict compliance would damage the historic character of the building. Alternative signs shall identify the exits and exit path. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

12.

Ceiling height—Existing ceiling heights shall be permitted to remain. (Building)

Exception: Buildings of use group R-1 or R-2 shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Regulations 5:10, or shall obtain an exception under those rules.

(c)

Relocated historic buildings.

Foundations of relocated historic buildings and structures shall comply with the building subcode. (Building)

Relocated historic buildings shall be so sited that exterior walls and openings comply with the requirements of the building subcode. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

(d)

Special change of use provisions—Compliance with the following and with the provisions of (b) above shall be permitted for any change of use of a historic building provided that the restoration of the building is being performed consistent with the U. S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. (Plan review—Building, Fire. Inspection—Building)

Building area. The floor area for historic buildings undergoing a change of use to a higher hazard category as per table E of section 6.30 may exceed the allowable areas specified in the building subcode for the proposed use group by fifty percent.

(Ord. No. 99-042, § 2, 5-20-99; Ord. No. 99-079, § 1, 9-23-99)

Secs. 4-192—4-225. - Reserved.

SUBCHAPTER 6. - BUILDING RENOVATION CODE (REHABILITATION SUBCODE) [55]

SUBCHAPTER 6. - BUILDING RENOVATION CODE (REHABILITATION SUBCODE) ^[55]