Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-11-1-.24 - International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition with 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025 Georgia State Amendments

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GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD BUILDING CODE

(INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)

The INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with these and any other Georgia State Amendments to the INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 Edition, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code.

GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS

CODE REFERENCE:

(a) Replace all references to the ICC Electrical Code with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code with Georgia State Amendments).

(b) Replace all references to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code (IECC with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments). The Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code shall be used for efficiency and coefficient of performance ratings of equipment.

(c) Replace all references to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with references to Chapter 34 'Existing Buildings' of these Georgia State Amendments.

Note: By Georgia law, the International Existing Building Code is a permissive or optional State Minimum Standard Code. Consequently, the provisions contained in the International Existing Building Code are not mandatory or applicable unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance of local governments.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

SCOPE:

The provisions of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception #1: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses separated by a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings with Georgia State Amendments).

Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.

CODES REFERENCE GUIDE
Area	Primary	Supplement
Occupancy Classification	LSC	IBC
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types.	IBC	LSC
Means of Egress	LSC	NONE
Standpipes	IBC	IFC
Interior Finish	LSC	NONE
HVAC Systems	IMC	NONE
Vertical Openings	LSC	NONE
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard	LSC	NONE
Fire Alarm Systems	LSC	NONE
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems	State Statute and LSC	NONE
Portable Fire Extinguishers	IFC	NONE
Cooking Equipment	LSC and NFPA 96	NONE
Fuel Fired Appliances	IFGC	NFPA 54
Liquid Petroleum Gas	NFPA 58	NFPA 54
Compressed Natural Gas	NFPA 52	NONE

*Revise the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, to read as follows:

APPENDIX P

TALL MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS

*Revise IBC Appendix P "Tall Mass Timber Buildings" Section 602.4 'Type IV' last paragraph to read as follows:

602.4 TYPE IV

...

In buildings of Type IV-A, IV-B and IV-C, construction with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, up to and including 12 stories or 180 feet (54 864 mm) above grade plane, mass timber interior exit and elevator hoistway enclosures shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2. In buildings greater than 12 stories or 180 feet (54 864 mm) above grade plane, interior exit and elevator hoistway enclosures shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

(Effective January 1, 2025)

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GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD BUILDING CODE

(INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)

GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS

CODE REFERENCE:

(a) Replace all references to the ICC Electrical Code with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code with Georgia State Amendments).

(c) Replace all references to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with references to Chapter 34 'Existing Buildings' of these Georgia State Amendments.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

SCOPE:

Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.

CODES REFERENCE GUIDE
Area	Primary	Supplement
Occupancy Classification	LSC	IBC
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types.	IBC	LSC
Means of Egress	LSC	NONE
Standpipes	IBC	IFC
Interior Finish	LSC	NONE
HVAC Systems	IMC	NONE
Vertical Openings	LSC	NONE
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard	LSC	NONE
Fire Alarm Systems	LSC	NONE
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems	State Statute and LSC	NONE
Portable Fire Extinguishers	IFC	NONE
Cooking Equipment	LSC and NFPA 96	NONE
Fuel Fired Appliances	IFGC	NFPA 54
Liquid Petroleum Gas	NFPA 58	NFPA 54
Compressed Natural Gas	NFPA 52	NONE

*Revise the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, to read as follows:

CHAPTER 2

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 202

DEFINITIONS

*Revise Section 202 'Definitions' to read as follows:

[F] FLAMMABLE GAS. A material which is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (101 kPa) of pressure [a material that has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia (101 kPa)], subdivided as follows:

1. Category 1A.

1. A gas which is ignitable at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume with air.

2. A gas with a flammable range at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) with air of not less than 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit, unless data show compliance with Category 1B.

2. Category 1B.

A gas which meets the flammability criteria for Category 1A, is not pyrophoric or chemically unstable, and meets one or more of the following:

1. A lower flammability limit of more than 6 percent by volume of air; or

2. A fundamental burning velocity of less than 3.9 in/s (10 cm/s).

The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi (101 kPa) of pressure and a temperature of 68°F (20°C) in accordance with ASTM E681.

Where not otherwise specified, the term "flammable gas" includes both Category 1A and Category 1B.

(Effective January 1, 2024)

CHAPTER 4

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

SECTION 414

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

*Revise Table 414.5.1 'Explosion Control Requirements' and add new footnote to read as follows:

TABLE 414.5.1 EXPLOSION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

Portions of table not shown remain unchanged.

MATERIAL	CLASS	EXPLOSION CONTROL METHODS
		Barricade construction	Explosion (deflagration) venting or explosion (deflagration) prevention systems
Hazard Category
Flammable gas	Gaseous	Not required	Requiredⁱ
	Liquefied	Not required	Requiredⁱ

...

i. Not required for Category 1B Flammable Gases having a burning velocity not exceeding 3.9 in/s (10 cm/s).

CHAPTER 15

ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES

SECTION 1511

REROOFING

*Revise Section 1511.1 'General' to read as follows:

1511.1 General.

Materials and methods of application for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.

Exception 1

Roof replacement or roof recover of existing low-slope roof coverings shall not be required to meet the minimum design slope requirement of one-quarter unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in Section 1507 for roofs that provide positive roof drainage and meet the requirements of Section 1608.3 and Section 1611.2.

Exception 2

Recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall not be required to meet the requirement for secondary (emergency overflow) drains or scuppers in Section 1502.2 for roofs that provide for positive roof drainage and meet the requirements of Section 1608.3 and Section 1611.2. For the purposes of this exception, existing secondary drainage or scupper systems required in accordance with this code shall not be removed unless they are replaced by secondary drains or scuppers designed and installed in accordance with Section 1502.2.

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GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD BUILDING CODE

(INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)

GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS

CODE REFERENCE:

(a) Replace all references to the ICC Electrical Code with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code with Georgia State Amendments).

(c) Replace all references to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with references to Chapter 34 'Existing Buildings' of these Georgia State Amendments.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

SCOPE:

Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.

CODES REFERENCE GUIDE
Area	Primary	Supplement
Occupancy Classification	LSC	IBC
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types.	IBC	LSC
Means of Egress	LSC	NONE
Standpipes	IBC	IFC
Interior Finish	LSC	NONE
HVAC Systems	IMC	NONE
Vertical Openings	LSC	NONE
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard	LSC	NONE
Fire Alarm Systems	LSC	NONE
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems	State Statute and LSC	NONE
Portable Fire Extinguishers	IFC	NONE
Cooking Equipment	LSC and NFPA 96	NONE
Fuel Fired Appliances	IFGC	NFPA 54
Liquid Petroleum Gas	NFPA 58	NFPA 54
Compressed Natural Gas	NFPA 52	NONE

*Revise the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, to read as follows:

CHAPTER 6

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 602

CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION

*Add new Section 602.1.2 'Alternative mass timber provisions (Appendix P)' to read as follows:

602.1.2 Alternative mass timber provisions (Appendix P). As an alternative to the construction types defined in 602.2 through 602.5, buildings and structures erected or to be erected, altered or extended in height or area shall be permitted to be classified as construction Type IV-A, IV-B or IV-C in accordance with Appendix P. Buildings and structures classified as IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C shall comply with the provisions of Appendix P, as well as all other applicable provisions of this code, including provisions for buildings of Type IV construction. (Effective January 1, 2022)

CHAPTER 17

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

SECTION 1704

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTRUAL OBSERVATION

*Revise Table 1704.2 'Minimum Special Inspector Qualifications' to read as follows:

TABLE 1704.2 MINIMUM SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Category of Testing and Inspection	Minimum Qualifications (refer to key at end of Table)
Category of Testing and Inspection	Shop Testing or Inspection	Field Testing or Inspection	Review Testing, Certification & Lab Reports
1704.2.5 Inspection of Fabricators
Pre-cast concrete	A, C, E
Structural steel construction	C, F, G
Wood construction	A
Cold formed metal construction	A
1705.2, 1705.10, 1705.11 & 1705.12 Steel Construction
Verification of welding consumables, filler metals, procedure specifications, procedure qualification records and personnel performance qualification records			C, F
Nondestructive testing of welding	G	G
Inspection of welding	C, F	C, F
Verification of fabricator and erector documents as listed in AISC 360, chapter N, paragraph 3.2			A, C
Material verification of weld filler materials			C, F
Inspection of high strength bolting and steel frame joint details		A, C
Inspection of embedment		A, C, F
Inspection of steel elements of composite construction		A, C, F
Verification of reinforcing steel, cold formed steel deck and truss materials			A, C, F
Inspection of reinforcing steel, cold formed steel deck and trusses		A, C
1705.3 & 1705.12 Concrete Construction
Reinforcing placement, cast-in-place bolts, post installed anchors concrete and shotcrete placement and curing operations. Inspection of formwork for shape, location and dimensions		A, C, H
Pre-stressing steel installation		A, C, D, E
Erection of pre-cast concrete members		A, C, H
Concrete field sampling and field testing		J
Concrete strength testing		P
Review certified mill reports			A, C
Verify use of required design mix		A, I, J, H, C
Pre-stressed (pre-tensioned) concrete force application	A, C, E
Post-tensioned concrete force application		A, C, D
Review of in-situ concrete strength, prior to stressing of

Remainder of Table to remain unchanged.

(Effective January 1, 2022)

SECTION 1705

REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

*Revise Table 1705.3 'Required Special Inspections and Tests of Concrete Construction' to read as follows:

TABLE 1705.3

REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

TYPE	CONTINUOUS SPECIAL INSPECTION	PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION	REFERENCE D STANDARD^a	IBC REFERENCE
1. Inspect reinforcement, including prestressing tendons, and verify placement.		X	ACI 318: Ch. 20, 25.2, 25.3, 26.6.126.6.3	1908.4
2. Reinforcing bar welding: a. Verify weldability of reinforcing bars other than ASTM A706; b. Inspect single-pass fillet welds, maximum ⁵/16"; and c. Inspect all other welds.	-	X	AWS D1.4 ACI 318: 26.6.4	-
		X
	X
3. Inspect anchors cast in concrete.	-	X	ACI 318: 17.8.2	-
4. Inspect anchors post-installed in hardened concrete members.^b a. Adhesive anchors installed in horizontally or upwardly inclined orientations to resist sustained tension loads. b. Mechanical anchors and adhesive anchors not defined in 4.a.	X	X	ACI 318: 17.8.2.4	-
	X	X	ACI 318: 17.8.2	-
5. Verify use of required design mix.	-	X	ACI 318: Ch. 19, 26.4.3, 26.4.4	1904.1, 1904.2, 1908.2, 1908.3
6a. Prior to concrete placement, fabricate specimens for strength tests, perform slump or slump flow, air content tests, density and determine the temperature of the concrete with all results included in the test reports.	X	-	ASTM C172 ASTM C31 ACI 318: 26.5, 26.12	1908.10
6b. Verify that concrete specimens for strength tests are maintained in the required initial curing and laboratory curing environment, and that the maximum and minimum temperatures during the initial curing period are reported.	X	-	ACI 318 26.12 ASTM C31	-
7. Inspect concrete and shotcrete placement for proper application techniques.	X	-	ACI 318: 26.5	1908.6, 1908.7, 1908.8
8. Verify maintenance of specified curing temperature and techniques.	-	X	ACI 318: 26.5.3-26.5.5	1908.9
9. Inspect prestressed concrete for: a. Application of prestressing forces; and b. Grouting of bonded prestressing tendons.	X X	-	ACI 318: 26.10	-
10. Inspect erection of precast concrete members.		X	ACI 318: 26.9
11. Verify in-situ concrete strength, prior to stressing of tendons in post-tensioned concrete and prior to removal of shores and forms from beams and structural slabs.		X	ACI 318: 26.11.2
12. Inspect formwork for shape, location and dimensions of the concrete member being formed.	-	X	ACI 318: 26.11.1.2(b)	-

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4mm.

a. Where applicable, see Section 1705.12, Special inspections for seismic resistance.

b. Specific requirements for special inspection shall be included in the research report for the anchor issued by an approved source in accordance with 17.8.2 in ACI 318, or other qualification procedures. Where specific requirements are not provided, special inspection requirements shall be specified by the registered design professional and shall be approved by the building official prior to the commencement of work.

(Effective January 1, 2022)

*Add new Section 1705.3.3 'Testing agency' to read as follows:

1705.3.3 Testing agency. The testing agency performing acceptance testing shall comply with ASTM C1077.

(Effective January 1, 2022)

CHAPTER 35

REFERENCED STANDARDS

*Revise Chapter 35 'Referenced Standards' to add the following new reference standards to read as follows:

ASTM

ASTM International

100 Barr Harbor Drive

West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

c1077-17

Standard Practice for Agencies Testing concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency Evaluation.

1705.3.3, GA Amendments

IBC APPENDIX P

TALL MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS

P101

GENERAL

P101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide criteria for three new mass timber construction types: Type IV-A, Type IV-B and Type IV-C. These building types expand the allowable use of mass timber construction to larger areas and greater heights than allowed for Type IV-HT construction.

P101.2 Scope. The provisions in this appendix shall be permitted to be used in addition to or in lieu of the corresponding sections in the 2018 International Building Code, and shall be mandatory where Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction are used. Where building Types IV-A, IV-B, or IV-C are not used, this appendix does not apply.

P102

AMENDMENTS TO THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

CHAPTER 1

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

Add new text as follows:

110.3.5 Type IV-A, IV-B and IV-C connection protection inspection. In buildings of Type IVA, IV-B and IV-C Construction where connection fire resistance ratings are provided by wood cover calculated to meet the requirements of Section 2304.10.1 inspection of the wood cover shall be made after the cover is installed but before any other coverings or finishes are installed.

CHAPTER 2

DEFINITIONS

Add new text as follows:

MASS TIMBER. Structural elements of Type IV construction primarily of solid, built-up, panelized or engineered wood products that meet minimum cross section dimensions of Type IV construction.

NONCOMBUSTIBLE PROTECTION (FOR MASS TIMBER). Noncombustible material, in accordance with Section 703.5, designed to increase the fire-resistance rating and delay the combustion of mass timber.

Revise as follows:

[BS] WALL, LOAD-BEARING. Any wall meeting either of the following classifications:

1. Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than 100 pounds per linear foot (1459 N/m) of vertical load in addition to its own weight.

2. Any masonry, concrete or mass timber wall that supports more than 200 pounds per linear foot (2919 N/m) of vertical load in addition to its own weight.

CHAPTER 4

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

Revise as follows:

[F] 403.3.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In all buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, and buildings of Type IV-A and IV-B construction that are more than 120 feet in building height, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.

Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be permitted provided that the main is valved such that an interruption can be isolated so that the water supply will continue without interruption through not fewer than one of the connections.

CHAPTER 5

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT AND AREAS

Revise as follows:

TABLE 504.3

ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT IN FEET ABOVE GRADE PLANE^a

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I		TYPE II		TYPE III		TYPE IV				TYPE V
	SEE FOOTNOTES	A	B	A	B	A	B	A	B	C	HT	A	B
A, B, E, F, M, S, U	NS^b	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
A, B, E, F, M, S, U	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	270	180	85	85	70	60
H-1, H-2, H-3, H-5	NS^c,d	UL	160	65	55	65	55	120	90	65	65	50	40
H-1, H-2, H-3, H-5	S	UL	160	65	55	65	55	120	90	65	65	50	40
H-4	NS^c,d	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
H-4	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	140	100	85	85	70	60
I-1 Condition 1, I-3	NS^d,e	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
I-1 Condition 1, I-3	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	180	120	85	85	70	60
I-1 Condition 2, I-2	NS^d,e,f	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
I-1 Condition 2, I-2	S	UL	180	85	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
I-4	NS^d,g	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
I-4	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	180	120	85	85	70	60
R^h	NS^d	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	65	65	65	50	40
	S13D	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	50	40
	S13R	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	270	180	85	85	70	60

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm

UL = Unlimited; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable heights in the chapter.

b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.

c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5

d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.

e. New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.

f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.

g. For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.

h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

Revise as follows:

TABLE 504.4

ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE^{a, b}

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I		TYPE II		TYPE III		TYPE IV				TYPE V
	SEE FOOTNOTES	A	B	A	B	A	B	A	B	C	HT	A	B
A-1	NS	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	2	1
A-1	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	9	6	4	4	3	2
A-2	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	2	1
A-2	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	18	12	6	4	3	2
A-3	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	2	1
A-3	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	18	12	6	4	3	2
A-4	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	2	1
A-4	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	18	12	6	4	3	2
A-5	NS	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	1	1	1	UL	UL	UL
A-5	S	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL
B	NS	UL	11	5	3	5	3	5	5	5	5	3	2
B	S	UL	12	6	4	6	4	18	12	9	6	4	3
E	NS	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	1	1
E	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	9	6	4	4	2	2
F-1	NS	UL	11	4	2	3	2	3	3	3	4	2	1
F-1	S	UL	12	5	3	4	3	10	7	5	5	3	2
F-2	NS	UL	11	5	3	4	3	5	5	5	5	3	2
F-2	S	UL	12	6	4	5	4	12	8	6	6	4	3
H-1	NS^c,d	1	1	1	1	1	1	NP	NP	NP	1	1	NP
H-1	S	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	NP
H-2	NS^c,d	UL	3	2	1	2	1	1	1	1	2	1	1
H-2	S	UL	3	2	1	2	1	2	2	2	2	1	1
H-3	NS^c,d	UL	6	4	2	4	2	3	3	3	4	2	1
H-3	S	UL	6	4	2	4	2	4	4	4	4	2	1
H-4	NS^c,d	UL	7	5	3	5	3	5	5	5	5	3	2
H-4	S	UL	8	6	4	6	4	8	7	6	6	4	3
H-5	NS^c,d	4	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	2	3	3	2
H-5	S	4	4	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	2
I-1 Condition 1	NS^d,e	UL	9	4	3	4	3	4	4	4	4	3	2
I-1 Condition 1	S	UL	10	5	4	5	4	10	7	5	5	4	3
I-1 Condition 2	NS^d,e	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP
I-1 Condition 2	Sⁱ	UL	10	3	2	2	1	7	4	1	2	2	1
I-2	NS^d,f	UL	4	2	1	1	NP	NP	NP	NP	1	1	NP
I-2	S	UL	5	3	1	1	NP	7	5	1	1	1	NP
I-3	NS^d,e	UL	4	2	1	2	1	2	2	2	2	2	1
I-3	S	UL	5	3	2	3	2	7	5	3	3	3	2
I-4	NS^d,g	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	3	3	3	1	1
I-4	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	9	6	4	4	2	2
M	NS	UL	11	4	2	4	2	4	4	4	4	3	1
M	S	UL	12	5	3	5	3	12	8	6	5	4	2
R-1^h	NS^d	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	2
	S13R	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	18	12	8	5	4	3
R-2^h	NS^d	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	2
	S13R	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	18	12	8	5	4	3
R-3^h	NS^d	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	3
	S13D	4	4									3	3
	S13R	4	4									4	4
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	18	12	5	5	4	4
R-4^h	NS^d	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	2
	S13D	4	4									3	2
	S13R	4	4									4	3
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	18	12	5	5	4	3
S-1	NS	UL	11	4	2	3	2	4	4	4	4	3	1
S-1	S	UL	12	5	3	4	3	10	7	5	5	4	2
S-2	NS	UL	11	5	3	4	3	4	4	4	4	4	2
S-2	S	UL	12	6	4	5	4	12	8	5	5	5	3
U	NS	UL	5	4	2	3	2	4	4	4	4	2	1
U	S	UL	6	5	3	4	3	9	6	5	5	3	2

UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.

b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.

c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.

d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.

e. New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.

f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.

g. For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.

h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

i. For all I-1 Condition 2, the building shall be protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, installed in accordance with NFPA 13 as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner. No increase in story height shall be permitted.

Revise as follows:

TABLE 506.2

ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (A_t= NS, S1, S13R, S13D OR SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET^a,b

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I		TYPE II		TYPE III		TYPE IV				TYPE V
	SEE FOOTNOTES	A	B	A	B	A	B	A	B	C	HT	A	B
A-1	NS	UL	UL	15,500	8,500	14,000	8,500	45,000	30,000	18,750	15,000	11,500	5,500
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	180,000	120,000	75,000	60,000	46,000	22,000
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	25,500	42,000	25,500	135,000	90,000	56,250	45,000	34,500	16,500
A-2	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	45,000	30,000	18,750	15,000	11,500	6,000
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	180,000	120,000	75,000	60,000	46,000	24,000
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	135,000	90,000	56,250	45,000	34,500	18,000
A-3	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	45,000	30,000	18,750	15,000	11,500	6,000
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	180,000	120,000	75,000	60,000	46,000	24,000
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	135,000	90,000	56,250	45,000	34,500	18,000
A-4	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	45,000	30,000	18,750	15,000	11,500	6,000
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	180,000	120,000	75,000	60,000	46,000	24,000
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	135,000	90,000	56,250	45,000	34,500	18,000
A-5	NS	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL
	S1
	SM
B	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	108,000	72,000	45,000	36,000	18,000	9,000
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	432,000	288,000	180,000	144,000	72,000	36,000
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	324,000	216,000	135,000	108,000	54,000	27,000
E	NS	UL	UL	26,500	14,500	23,500	14,500	76,500	51,000	31,875	25,500	18,500	9,500
	S1	UL	UL	106,000	58,000	94,000	58,000	306,000	204,000	127,500	102,000	74,000	38,000
	SM	UL	UL	79,500	43,500	70,500	43,500	229,500	153,000	95,625	76,500	55,500	28,500
F-1	NS	UL	UL	25,000	15,500	19,000	12,000	100,500	67,000	41.875	33,500	14,000	8,500
	S1	UL	UL	100,000	62,000	76,000	48,000	402,000	268,000	167,500	134,000	56,000	34,000
	SM	UL	UL	75,000	46,500	57,000	36,000	301,500	201,000	125,625	100,500	42,000	25,500
F-2	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	18,000	151,500	101,000	63,125	50,500	21,000	13,000
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	72,000	606,000	404,000	252,500	202,000	84,000	52,000
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	54,000	454,500	303,000	189,375	151,500	63,000	39,000
H-1	NS^c	21,000	16,500	11,000	7,000	9,500	7,000	10,500	10,500	10,500	10,500	7,500	NP
H-1	S1	21,000	16,500	11,000	7,000	9,500	7,000	10,500	10,500	10,500	10,500	7,500	NP
H-2	NS^c	21,000	16,500	11,000	7,000	9,500	7,000	10,500	10,500	10,500	10,500	7,500	3,000
	S1
	SM
H-3	NS^c	UL	60,000	26,500	14,000	17,500	13,000	25,500	25,500	25,500	25,500	10,000	5,000
	S1
	SM
H-4	NS^c,d	UL	UL	37,500	17,500	28,500	17,500	72,000	54,000	40,500	36,000	18,000	6,500
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	70,000	114,000	70,000	288,000	216,000	162,000	144,000	72,000	26,000
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	52,500	85,500	52,500	216,000	162,000	121,500	108,000	54,000	19,500
H-5	NS^c,d	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	72,000	54,000	40,500	36,000	18,000	9,000
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	288,000	216,000	162,000	144,000	72,000	36,000
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	216,000	162,000	121,500	108,000	54,000	27,000
I-1	NS^d,e	UL	55,000	19,000	10,000	16,500	10,000	54,000	36,000	18,000	18,000	10,500	4,500
	S1	UL	220,000	76,000	40,000	66,000	40,000	216,000	144,000	72,000	72,000	42,000	18,000
	SM	UL	165,000	57,000	30,000	49,500	30,000	162,000	108,000	54,000	54,000	31,500	13,500
I-2	NS^d,f	UL	UL	15,000	11,000	12,000	NP	36,000	24,000	12,000	12,000	9,500	NP
	S1	UL	UL	60,000	44,000	48,000	NP	144,000	96,000	48,000	48,000	38,000	NP
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	33,000	36,000	NP	108,000	72,000	36,000	36,000	28,500	NP
I-3	NS^d,e	UL	UL	15,000	10,000	10,500	7,500	36,000	24,000	12,000	12,000	7,500	5,000
	S1	UL	UL	45,000	40,000	42,000	30,000	144,000	96,000	48,000	48,000	30,000	20,000
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	30,000	31,500	22,500	108,000	72,000	36,000	36,000	22,500	15,000
I-4	NS^d,g	UL	60,500	26,500	13,000	23,500	13,000	76,500	51,000	25,500	25,500	18,500	9,000
	S1	UL	121,000	106,000	52,000	94,000	52,000	306,000	204,000	102,000	102,000	74,000	36,000
	SM	UL	181,500	79,500	39,000	70,500	39,000	229,500	153,000	76,500	76,500	55,500	27,000
M	NS	UL	UL	21,500	12,500	18,500	12,500	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	14,000	9,000
	S1	UL	UL	86,000	50,000	74,000	50,000	246,000	164,000	102,500	82,000	56,000	36,000
	SM	UL	UL	64,500	37,500	55,500	37,500	184,500	123,000	76,875	61,500	42,000	27,000
R-1^h	NS^d	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	12,000	7,000
	S13R	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	12,000	7,000
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	246,000	164,000	102,500	82,000	48,000	28,000
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	184,500	123,000	76,875	61,500	36,000	21,000
R-2^h	NS^d	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	12,000	7,000
	S13R	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	12,000	7,000
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	246,000	164,000	102,500	82,000	48,000	28,000
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	184,500	123,000	76,875	61,500	36,000	21,000
R-3^h	NS^d	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL
	S13D
	S13R
	S1
	SM
R-4^h	NS^d	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	61,500	41,000	25,625	20,500	12,000	7,000
	S13D
	S13R
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	246,000	164,000	102,500	82,000	48,000	28,000
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	184,500	123,000	76,875	61,500	36,000	21,000
S-1	NS	UL	48,000	26,000	17,500	26,000	17,500	76,500	51,000	31,875	25,500	14,000	9,000
	S1	UL	192,000	104,000	70,000	104,000	70,000	306,000	204,000	127,500	102,000	56,000	36,000
	SM	UL	144,000	78,000	52,500	78,000	52,500	229,500	153,000	95,625	76,500	42,000	27,000
S-2	NS	UL	79,000	39,000	26,000	39,000	26,000	115,500	77,000	48,125	38,500	21,000	13,500
	S1	UL	316,000	156,000	104,000	156,000	104,000	462,000	308,000	192,500	154,000	84,000	54,000
	SM	UL	237,000	117,000	78,000	117,000	78,000	346,500	231,000	144,375	115,500	63,000	40,500
U	NSⁱ	UL	35,500	19,000	8,500	14,000	8,500	54,000	36,000	22,500	18,000	9,000	5,500
	S1	UL	142,000	76,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	216,000	144,000	90,000	72,000	36,000	22,000
	SM	UL	106,500	57,000	25,500	42,000	25,500	162,000	108,000	67,500	54,000	27,000	16,500

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m².

UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.

b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.

c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.

d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.

f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.

g. New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.

h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

i. The maximum allowable area for a single-story nonsprinklered Group U greenhouse is permitted to be 9,000 square feet, or the allowable area shall be permitted to comply with Table C102.1 of Appendix C.

Revise as follows:

508.4.4.1 Construction. Required separations shall be fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, so as to completely separate adjacent occupancies. Mass timber elements serving as fire barriers or horizontal assemblies to separate occupancies in Type IV-B or IV-C construction shall be separated from the interior of the building with an approved thermal barrier consisting of gypsum board that is not less than 12 inch (12.7 mm) in thickness or a material that is tested in accordance with and meets the acceptance criteria of both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA 275.

Add new text as follows:

509.4.1.1 Type IV-B and IV-C construction. Where Table 509 specifies a fire-resistance-rated separation, mass timber elements serving as fire barriers or horizontal assemblies in Type IV-B or IV-C construction shall be separated from the interior of the incidental use with an approved thermal barrier consisting of gypsum board that is not less than 12 inch (12.7 mm) in thickness or a material that is tested in accordance with and meets the acceptance criteria of both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA 275.

CHAPTER 6

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Revise as follows:

602.4 Type IV.

Type IV construction is that type of construction in which the building elements are mass timber or noncombustible materials and have fire resistance ratings in accordance with Table 601. Mass timber elements shall meet the fire resistance rating requirements of this section based on either the fire resistance rating of the noncombustible protection, the mass timber, or a combination of both and shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or 703.3. The minimum dimensions and permitted materials for building elements shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section 2304.11. Mass timber elements of Type IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction shall be protected with noncombustible protection applied directly to the mass timber in accordance with Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.3. The time assigned to the noncombustible protection shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.8 and comply with Section 722.7.

Cross laminated timber shall be labeled as conforming to PRG 320-19 as reference in Section 2303.1.4.

Exterior load bearing walls and nonload-bearing walls shall be mass timber construction, or shall be of noncombustible construction.

Exception: Exterior load-bearing walls and nonload-bearing walls of Type IV-HT Construction in accordance with Section 602.4.4.

The interior building elements, including nonload-bearing walls and partitions, shall be of mass timber construction or of noncombustible construction.

Exception: Interior building elements and nonload-bearing walls and partitions of Type IV-HT Construction in accordance with Section 602.4.4.

Combustible concealed spaces are not permitted except as otherwise indicated in Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.4. Combustible stud spaces within light frame walls of Type IV-HT construction shall not be considered concealed spaces, but shall comply with Section 718.

In buildings of Type IV-A, IV-B and IV-C, construction with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department access, up to and including 12 stories or 180 feet (54 864 mm) above grade plane, mass timber interior exit and elevator hoistway enclosures shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2. In buildings greater than 12 stories or 180 feet (54 864 mm) above grade plane, interior exit and elevator hoistway enclosures shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

Add new text as follows:

602.4.1 Type IV-A. Building elements in Type IV-A construction shall be protected in accordance with Sections 602.4.1.1 through 602.4.1.6. The required fire resistance rating of noncombustible elements and protected mass timber elements shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3.

602.4.1.1 Exterior protection. The outside face of exterior walls of mass timber construction shall be protected with noncombustible protection with a minimum assigned time of 40 minutes as determined in Table 722.7.1(1). Components of the exterior wall covering shall be of noncombustible material except water resistive barriers having a peak heat release rate of less than 150 kW/m², a total heat release of less than 20 MJ/m² and an effective heat of combustion of less than 18 MJ/kg as determined in accordance with ASTM E1354 and having a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 of less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The ASTM E1354 test shall be conducted on specimens at the thickness intended for use, in the horizontal orientation and at an incident radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m².

602.4.1.2 Interior protection. Interior faces of all mass timber elements, including the inside faces of exterior mass timber walls and mass timber roofs, shall be protected with material complying with Section 703.5.

602.4.1.2.1 Protection time. Noncombustible protection shall contribute a time equal to or greater than times assigned in Table 722.7.1(1), but not less than 80 minutes. The use of materials and their respective protection contributions listed in Table 722.7.1(2) shall be permitted to be used for compliance with Section 722.7.1.

602.4.1.3 Floors. The floor assembly shall contain a noncombustible material not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in thickness above the mass timber. Floor finishes in accordance with Section 804 shall be permitted on top of the noncombustible material. The underside of floor assemblies shall be protected in accordance with 602.4.1.2.

602.4.1.4 Roofs. The interior surfaces of roof assemblies shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2. Roof coverings in accordance with Chapter 15 shall be permitted on the outside surface of the roof assembly.

602.4.1.5 Concealed spaces. Concealed spaces shall not contain combustibles other than electrical, mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing materials and equipment permitted in plenums in accordance with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code, and shall comply with all applicable provisions of Section 718. Combustible construction forming concealed spaces shall be protected in accordance with Sections 602.4.1.2.

602.4.1.6 Shafts. Shafts shall be permitted in accordance with Section 713 and Section 718. Both the shaft side and room side of mass timber elements shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2.

602.4.2 Type IV-B. Building elements in Type IV-B construction shall be protected in accordance with Sections 602.4.2.1 through 602.4.2.6. The required fire resistance rating of noncombustible elements or mass timber elements shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3.

602.4.2.1 Exterior protection. The outside face of exterior walls of mass timber construction shall be protected with non-combustible protection with a minimum assigned time of 40 minutes as determined in Table 722.7.1(1). Components of the exterior wall covering shall be of noncombustible material except water resistive barriers having a peak heat release rate of less than 150 kW/m², a total heat release of less than 20 MJ/m² and an effective heat of combustion of less than 18 MJ/kg as determined in accordance with ASTM E1354, and having a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The ASTM E1354 test shall be conducted on specimens at the thickness intended for use, in the horizontal orientation and at an incident radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m².

602.4.2.2 Interior protection. Interior faces of all mass timber elements, including the inside face of exterior mass timber walls and mass timber roofs, shall be protected, as required by this section, with materials complying with Section 703.5.

602.4.2.2.1 Protection time. Noncombustible protection shall contribute a time equal to or greater than times assigned in Table 722.7.1(1), but not less than 80 minutes. The use of materials and their respective protection contributions listed in Table 722.7.1(2) shall be permitted to be used for compliance with Section 722.7.1.

602.4.2.2.2 Protected area. Interior faces of all mass timber elements, including the inside face of exterior mass timber walls and mass timber roofs, shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.2.2.1.

Exceptions: Unprotected portions of mass timber ceilings and walls complying with Section 602.4.2.2.4 and the following:

1. Unprotected portions of mass timber ceilings and walls complying with one of the following:

1.1 Unprotected portions of mass timber ceilings, including attached beams, shall be permitted and shall be limited to an area equal to 20 percent of the floor area in any dwelling unit or fire area.

1.2 Unprotected portions of mass timber walls, including attached columns, shall be permitted and shall be limited to an area equal to 40 percent of the floor area in any dwelling unit or fire area.

1.3 Unprotected portions of both walls and ceilings of mass timbers, including attached columns and beams, in any dwelling unit or fire area shall be permitted in accordance with Section 602.4.2.2.3.

2. Mass timber columns and beams that are not an integral portion of walls or ceilings, respectively, shall be permitted to be unprotected without restriction of either aggregate area or separation from one another.

602.4.2.2.3 Mixed unprotected areas. In each dwelling unit or fire area, where both portions of ceilings and portions of walls are unprotected, the total allowable unprotected area shall be determined in accordance with Equations 6-1.

Click here to view image (Equation 6-1)

where:

U_tc = Total unprotected mass timber ceiling areas

U_ac = Allowable unprotected mass timber ceiling area conforming to Exception 1.1 of Section 602.4.2.2.2.

U_tw = Total unprotected mass timber wall areas

U_aw = Allowable unprotected mass timber wall area conforming to Exception 1.2 of Section 602.4.2.2.2.

602.4.2.2.4 Separation distance between unprotected mass timber elements. In each dwelling unit or fire area, unprotected portions of mass timber walls and ceilings shall be not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) from unprotected portions of other walls and ceilings, measured horizontally along the ceiling and from other unprotected portions of walls measure horizontally along the floor.

602.4.2.3 Floors. The floor assembly shall contain a noncombustible material not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in thickness above the mass timber. Floor finishes in accordance with Section 804 shall be permitted on top of the noncombustible material. The underside of floor assemblies shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2.

602.4.2.4 Roofs. The interior surfaces of roof assemblies shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.2.2 except, in nonoccupiable spaces, they shall be treated as a concealed space with no portion left unprotected. Roof coverings in accordance with Chapter 15 shall be permitted on the outside surface of the roof assembly.

602.4.2.5 Concealed spaces. Concealed spaces shall not contain combustibles other than electrical, mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing materials and equipment permitted in plenums in accordance with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code, and shall comply with all applicable provisions of Section 718. Combustible construction forming concealed spaces shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2.

602.4.2.6 Shafts. Shafts shall be permitted in accordance with Section 713 and Section 718. Both the shaft side and room side of mass timber elements shall be protected in accordance with Section 602.4.1.2.

602.4.3 Type IV-C. Building elements in Type IV-C construction shall be protected in accordance with Sections 602.4.3.1 through 602.4.3.6. The required fire resistance rating of building elements shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3.

602.4.3.1 Exterior protection. The exterior side of walls of combustible construction shall be protected with noncombustible protection with a minimum assigned time of 40 minutes as determined in Table 722.7.1(1). Components of the exterior wall covering shall be of noncombustible material except water resistive barriers having a peak heat release rate of less than 150 kW/m², a total heat release of less than 20 MJ/m² and an effective heat of combustion of less than 18 MJ/kg as determined in accordance with ASTM E1354 and having a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The ASTM E1354 test shall be conducted on specimens at the thickness intended for use, in the horizontal orientation and at an incident radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m².

602.4.3.2 Interior protection. Mass timber elements are permitted to be unprotected.

602.4.3.3 Floors. Floor finishes in accordance with Section 804 shall be permitted on top of the floor construction.

602.4.3.4 Roofs. Roof coverings in accordance with Chapter 15 shall be permitted on the outside surface of the roof assembly.

602.4.3.5 Concealed spaces. Concealed spaces shall not contain combustibles other than electrical, mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing materials and equipment permitted in plenums in accordance with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code, and shall comply with all applicable provisions of Section 718. Combustible construction forming concealed spaces shall be protected with noncombustible protection with a minimum assigned time of 40 minutes as specified in Table 722.7.1(1).

602.4.3.6 Shafts. Shafts shall be permitted in accordance with Section 713 and 718. Shafts and elevator hoistway and interior exit stairway enclosures shall be protected with noncombustible protection with a minimum assigned time of 40 minutes as specified in Table 722.7.1(1), on both the inside of the shaft and the outside of the shaft.

602.4.4 Type IV-HT. Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber) construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid wood, laminated heavy timber or structural composite lumber (SCL), without concealed spaces. The minimum dimensions for permitted materials including solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite lumber (SCL) and cross laminated timber (CLT) and details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section 2304.11. Exterior walls complying with Section 602.4.4.1 or 602.4.4.2 shall be permitted. Interior walls and partitions not less than 1-hour fire resistance rating or heavy timber conforming with Section 2304.11.2.2 shall be permitted.

Renumber and Revise as follows:

602.4.1 to 602.4.4.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood in exterior walls. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness with a 2-hour rating or less.

602.4.2 to 602.4.4.2 Cross-laminated timber in exterior walls. Cross-laminated timber complying with Section 2303.1.4 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness with a 2-hour rating or less, provided the exterior surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by one of the following:

1. Fire-retardant-treated wood sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 and not less than ¹⁵/32 inch (12 mm) thick; or

2. Gypsum board not less than ½ inch (12.7 mm) thick; or

3. A noncombustible material.

602.4.3 to 602.4.4.3 Exterior structural members. Where a horizontal separation of 20 feet (6096 mm) or more is provided, wood columns and arches conforming to heavy timber sizes complying with Section 2304.11 shall be permitted to be used externally.

TABLE 601

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (HOURS)

BUILDING ELEMENT	TYPE I		TYPE II		TYPE III		TYPE IV				TYPE V
BUILDING ELEMENT	A	B	A	B	A	B	A	B	C	HT	A	B
Primary structural frame^f (see Section 202)	3^a,b	2^a,b	1^b	0	1^b	0	3^a	2^a	2^a	HT	1^b	0
Bearing walls Exterior^e,f Interior	3 3^a	2 2^a	1 1	0 0	2 1	2 0	3 3	2 2	2 2	2 1/HT	1 1	0 0
Nonbearing walls and partitions Exterior	See Table 602
Nonbearing walls and partitions Interior^d	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	See Section 2304.11. 2	0	0
Floor construction and associated secondary members (see Section 202)	2	2	1	0	1	0	2	2	2	HT	1	0
Roof construction and associated secondary members (see Section 202)	1 ½^b	1^b,c	1^b,c	0^c	1^b,c	0	1 ½	1	1	HT	1^b,c	0

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.

b. Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members in roof construction shall not be required, including protection of primary structural frame members, roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.

c. In all occupancies, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.

d. Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.

e. Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).

f. Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10.

TABLE 602

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE ^a,d,g

FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE = X (feet)	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	OCCUPANCY GROUP H^e	OCCUPANCY GROUP F-1, M, S-1^f	OCCUPANCY GROUP A, B, E, F-2, I, Rⁱ, S-2, U^h
X 5^b	All	3	2	1
5 <= X < 10	IA, IV-A Others	3 2	2 1	1 1
10 <= X < 30	IA, IB, IV-A, IV-B IIB, VB Others	2 1 1	1 0 1	1^c 0 1^c
X >= 30	All	0	0	0

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601.

b. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls.

c. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.

d. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located.

e. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6.

f. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangers, see Section 412.3.1.

g. Where Table 705.8 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours.

h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.

i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.

CHAPTER 7

FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

Add new text as follows:

703.8 Determination of noncombustible protection time contribution. The time, in minutes, contributed to the fire resistance rating by the noncombustible protection of mass timber building elements, components, or assemblies, shall be established through a comparison of assemblies tested using procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL263. The test assemblies shall be identical in construction, loading, and materials, other than the noncombustible protection. The two test assemblies shall be tested to the same criteria of structural failure with the following conditions:

1. Test Assembly 1 shall be without protection.

2. Test Assembly 2 shall include the representative noncombustible protection. The protection shall be fully defined in terms of configuration details, attachment details, joint sealing details, accessories and all other relevant details.

The noncombustible protection time contribution shall be determined by subtracting the fire resistance time, in minutes, of Test Assembly 1 from the fire resistance time, in minutes, of Test Assembly 2.

Add new text as follows:

703.9 Sealing of adjacent mass timber elements. In buildings of Type IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction, sealant or adhesive shall be provided to resist the passage of air in the following locations:

1. At abutting edges and intersections of mass timber building elements required to be fire-resistance rated.

2. At abutting intersections of mass timber building elements and building elements of other materials where both are required to be fire-resistance rated.

Sealants shall meet the requirements of ASTM C920. Adhesives shall meet the requirements of ASTM D3498.

Exception: Sealants or adhesives need not be provided where they are not a required component of a tested fire-resistance-rated assembly.

Revise as follows:

705.2.3.1 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of heavy timber construction in accordance with Section 2304.11. The aggregate length of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the building's perimeter on each floor.

Exceptions:

1. On buildings of Types I and II construction, three stories or less above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.

2. Untreated wood and plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612 are permitted for pickets, rails and similar guard components that are limited to 42 inches (1067 mm) in height.

3. Balconies and similar projections on buildings of Types III, IV-HT and V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where sprinkler protection is extended to these areas.

4. Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.

Revise as follows:

718.2.1 Fireblocking materials. Fireblocking shall consists of the following materials:

1. Two-inch (51 mm) nominal lumber.

2. Two thicknesses of 1-inch (25 mm) nominal lumber with broken lap joints.

3. One thickness of 0.719-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panels with joints backed by 0.719-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panels.

4. One thickness of 0.75-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard with joints backed by 0.75-inch (19 mm) particleboard.

5. One-half-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.

6. One-fourth-inch (6.4 mm) cement-based millboard.

7. Batts or blankets of mineral wood, mineral fiber or other approved materials installed in such a manner as to be securely retained in place.

8. Cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application.

9. Mass timber complying with Section 2304.11.

Add new text as follows:

722.7 Fire resistance rating of mass timber. The required fire resistance of mass timber elements in Section 602.4 shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3. The fire resistance rating of building elements shall be as required in Tables 601 and 602 and as specified elsewhere in this code. The fire resistance rating of the mass timber elements shall consist of the fire resistance of the unprotected element added to the protection time of the noncombustible protection.

722.7.1 Minimum required protection. Where required by Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.3, noncombustible protection shall be provided for mass timber building elements in accordance with Table 722.7.1(1). The rating, in minutes, contributed by the noncombustible protection of mass timber building elements, components, or assemblies, shall be established in accordance with Section 703.8. The protection contributions indicated in Table 722.7.1(2) shall be deemed to comply with this requirement where installed and fastened in accordance with Section 722.7.2.

TABLE 722.7.1(1)

PROTECTION REQUIRED FROM NONCOMBUSTIBLE COVERING MATERIAL

REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF BUILDING ELEMENT PER TABLE 601 AND TABLE 602 (hours)	MINIMUM PROTECTION REQUIRED FROM NONCOMBUSTIBLE PROTECTION (minutes)
1	40
2	80
3 or more	120

TABLE 722.7.1(2)

PROTECTION PROVIDED BY NONCOMBUSTIBLE COVERING MATERIAL

NONCOMBUSTIBLE PROTECTION	PROTECTION CONTRIBUTION (minutes)
½-inch Type X gypsum board	25
⁵/₈-inch Type X gypsum board	40

722.7.2 Installation of gypsum board noncombustible protection. Gypsum board complying with Table 722.7.1(2) shall be installed in accordance with this section.

722.7.2.1 Interior surfaces. Layers of Type X gypsum board serving as noncombustible protection for interior surfaces of wall and ceiling assemblies determined in accordance with Table 722.7.1(1) shall be installed in accordance with the following:

1. Each layer shall be attached with Type S drywall screws of sufficient length to penetrate the mass timber at least 1-inch (25 mm) when driven flush with the paper surface of the gypsum board.

Exception: The third layer, where determined necessary by Section 722.7, shall be permitted to be attached with 1-inch (25 mm) No. 6 Type S drywall screws to furring channels in accordance with AISI S220.

2. Screws for attaching the base layer shall be 12 inches (305 mm) on center in both directions.

3. Screws for each layer after the base layer shall be 12 inches (305 mm) on center in both directions and offset from the screws of the previous layers by 4 inches (102 mm) in both directions.

4. All panel edges of any layer shall be offset 18 inches (457 mm) from those of the previous layer.

5. All panel edges shall be attached with screws sized and offset as in Items 1 through 4 and placed at least 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 2 inches (51 mm) from the panel edge.

6. All panels installed at wall-to-ceiling intersections shall be installed such that ceiling panels are installed first and the wall panels are installed after the ceiling panel has been installed and is fitted tight to the ceiling panel. Where multiple layers are required, each layer shall repeat this process.

7. All panels installed at a wall-to-wall intersection shall be installed such that the panels covering an exterior wall or a wall with a greater fire resistance rating shall be installed first and the panels covering the other wall shall be fitted tight to the panel covering the first wall. Where multiple layers are required, each layer shall repeat this process.

8. Panel edges of the face layer shall be taped and finished with joint compound. Fastener heads shall be covered with joint compound.

9. Panel edges protecting mass timber elements adjacent to unprotected mass timber elements in accordance with Section 602.4.2.2 shall be covered with 1 ¼-inch (32 mm) metal corner bead and finished with joint compound.

722.7.2.2 Exterior surfaces. Layers of Type X gypsum board serving as noncombustible protection for the outside of the exterior mass timber walls determined in accordance with Table 722.7.1(1) shall be fastened 12 inches (305 mm) on center each way and 6 inches (152 mm) on center at all joints or ends. All panel edges shall be attached with fasteners located at least 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 2 inches (51 mm) from the panel edge. Fasteners shall comply with one of the following:

1. Galvanized nails of minimum 12 gage with a 7/16-inch (11 mm) inch head of sufficient length to penetrate the mass timber a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm).

2. Screws which comply with ASTM C1002 (Type S, W, or G) of sufficient length to penetrate the mass timber a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm).

CHAPTER 14

EXTERIOR WALLS

Revise as follows:

1405.1.1 Types I, II, III and IV-HT construction. On buildings of Types I, II, III and IV-HT construction, exterior wall coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials, complying with the following limitations:

1. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exceed 10 percent of an exterior wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less.

2. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall be limited to 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane.

3. Combustible exterior wall coverings constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 for exterior installation shall not be limited in wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less and shall be permitted up to 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane regardless of the fire separation distance.

4. Wood veneers shall comply with Section 1404.5.

CHAPTER 17

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

Add new text as follows:

1705.5.3 Mass Timber construction. Special inspections of mass timber elements in Types IVA, IV-B and IV-C construction shall be in accordance with Table 1705.5.3.

Add new table as follows:

TABLE 1705.5.3

REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTION OF MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

TYPE			CONTINUOUS SPECIAL INSPECTION	PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION
1.	Inspection of anchorage and connections of mass timber construction to timber deep foundation systems.		-	X
2.	Inspect erection of mass timber construction.		-	X
3.	Inspection of connections where installation methods are required to meet design loads.
	Threaded fasteners	Verify use of proper installation equipment.	-	X
		Verify use of pre-drilled holes where required.	-	X
		Inspect screws, including diameter, length, head type, spacing, installation angle and depth.	-	X
	Adhesive anchors installed in horizontal or upwardly inclined orientation to resist sustained tension loads.		X	-
	Adhesive anchors not defined in preceding cell.		-	X
	Bolted connections.		-	X
	Concealed connections.		-	X

Add new text as follows:

1705.19 Sealing of mass timber Periodic special inspections of sealants or adhesives shall be conducted where sealant or adhesive required by Section 703.9 is applied to mass timber building elements as designated in the approved construction documents.

CHAPTER 23

WOOD

Add new text as follows:

2304.10.1 Connection fire-resistance rating. Fire resistance ratings for connections in Type IV-A, IV-B, or IV-C construction shall be determined by one of the following:

1. Testing in accordance with Section 703.2 where the connection is part of the fire resistance test.

2. Engineering analysis that demonstrates that the temperature rise at any portion of the connection is limited to an average temperature rise of 250°F (139° C), and a maximum temperature rise of 325°F (181° C), for a time corresponding to the required fire resistance rating of the structural element being connected. For the purposes of this analysis, the connection includes connectors, fasteners, and portions of wood members included in the structural design of the connection.

CHAPTER 31

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

Revise as follows:

3102.3 Type of construction. Noncombustible membrane structures shall be classified as Type II B construction. Noncombustible frame or cable-supported structures covered by an approved membrane in accordance with Section 3102.3.1 shall be classified as Type II B construction. Heavy timber frame-supported structures covered by an approved membrane in accordance with Section 3102.3.1 shall be classified as Type IV-HT construction. Other membrane structures shall be classified as Type V construction.

Exception: Plastic less than 30 feet (9144 mm) above any floor used in greenhouses, where occupancy by the general public is not authorized, and for aquaculture pond covers is not required to meet the fire propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.

Revise as follows:

3102.6.1.1 Membrane. A membrane meeting the fire propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 710 shall be permitted to be used as the roof or as a skylight on buildings of Type II B, III, IV-HT and V construction, provided that the membrane is not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) above and floor, balcony or gallery.

CHAPTER 35

REFERENCED STANDARDS

Revise as follows:

APA

APA - Engineered Wood Association

7011 South 19^th Street

Tacoma WA 98466-7400

ANSI/APA PRG 320 "19: Standard for Performance-rated Cross-laminated Timber

602.4, 2303.1.4

Add new text as follows:

ASTM

ASTM International

100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700

West Conshohocken PA 19428-2959

D3498-03(2011): Standard Specification for Adhesives for Field-Gluing Plywood to Lumber Framing for Floor Systems

703.9

AWC

American Wood Council

222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 201

Leesburg, VA 20175

ANSI/AWC SDPWS-2021: Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic

202, 2305.1, 2305.2, 2305.3, 2306.1, 2306.2, 2306.3, Table 2306.3(1), Table 2306.3(3), 2307.1

AWC

American Wood Council

222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite

201 Leesburg, VA 20175

APPENDIX D

FIRE DISTRICTS

Revise Appendix D as follows:

D102.2.5 Structural fire rating. Walls, floors, roofs and their supporting structural members shall be not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings of Type IV-HT construction.

2. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

3. Automobile parking structures.

4. Buildings surrounded on all sides by a permanently open space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm).

5. Partitions complying with Section 603.1, Item 11.

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GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD BUILDING CODE

(INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)

The INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with these Georgia State Amendments, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code.

GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS

CODE REFERENCE:

(a) Replace all references to the ICC Electrical Code with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code with Georgia State Amendments).

(c) Replace all references to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with references to Chapter 34 'Existing Buildings' of these Georgia State Amendments.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

SCOPE:

Exception #1: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses separated by a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard One and Two Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings with Georgia State Amendments).

Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.

CODES REFERENCE GUIDE
Area	Primary	Supplement
Occupancy Classification	LSC	IBC
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types.	IBC	LSC
Means of Egress	LSC	NONE
Standpipes	IBC	IFC
Interior Finish	LSC	NONE
HVAC Systems	IMC	NONE
Vertical Openings	LSC	NONE
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard	LSC	NONE
Fire Alarm Systems	LSC	NONE
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems	State Statute and LSC	NONE
Portable Fire Extinguishers	IFC	NONE
Cooking Equipment	LSC and NFPA 96	NONE
Fuel Fired Appliances	IFGC	NFPA 54
Liquid Petroleum Gas	NFPA 58	NFPA 54
Compressed Natural Gas	NFPA 52	NONE

*Revise the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, to read as follows:

CHAPTER 1

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

*Delete Chapter 1 'Scope and Administration' entirely without substitution. Chapter 1 to remain in the Code as a reference guide for local governments to use in development of their own Administrative Procedures.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 2

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 202

DEFINITIONS

*Add definition of 'Elevator Door Opening Protective Device' to read as follows:

ELEVATOR DOOR OPENING PROTECTIVE DEVICE. Any device that either independently or in conjunction with the (elevator) door assembly allows the device(s) to meet the requirements of Sections 716.5.3 716, 716.2.2.1 and 3008.6.3.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 3

OCCUPANCY AND USE CLASSIFICATION

SECTION 308

INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I

*Add a new Section 308.3.3 'Assisted living communities' to read as follows:

308.3.3 Assisted living communities. Assisted living communities, licensed by the State, housing twenty-five or more persons, meeting the Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office Life Safety Code requirements shall be deemed as equivalent compliance to the International Building Code Chapters 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 4

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

SECTION 415

GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5

*Revise Section [F] 415.9.2 'Liquefied petroleum gas facilities' to read as follows:

[F] 415.9.2 Liquefied petroleum gas facilities. The construction and installation of liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code, the International Mechanical Code, NFPA 58 and NFPA 54 as adopted by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-16, "Rules and Regulations for Liquefied Petroleum Gases". (Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 5

GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS

SECTION 504

BUILDING HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES

*Revise Table 504.4 'Allowable Number of Stories Above Grade Plane^a,b' for the Occupancy Classification "I-1 Condition 2" as shown and add a new footnote "i" to read as follows:

TABLE 504.4

ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE ^{a, b}

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE 1		TYPE II		TYPE III		TYPE IV	TYPE V
	SEE FOOTNOTES	A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B
I-1 Condition 2	NS^d,e	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP
I-1 Condition 2	S ^j	UL	10	3	2	2	1	2	2	1

(Remainder of table unchanged)

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 7

FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

SECTION 706

FIRE WALLS

*Revise Section 706.2 'Structural stability' to read as follows:

706.2 Structural stability. Fire walls shall be designed and constructed to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall under fire conditions and loading per Section 1607.15.2. Fire walls designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA 221 shall be deemed to comply with this section.

Exception: In Seismic Design Categories D through F, where double fire walls are used in accordance with NFPA 221, floor and roof sheathing not exceeding 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) thickness shall be permitted to be continuous through the wall assemblies of light frame construction.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Exception to Section 706.3 'Materials' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 713

SHAFT ENCLOSURES

*Add new Section 713.14.1 'Designated floor lobbies for elevator return' to read as follows:

713.14.1 Designated floor lobbies for elevator return. New elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The designated elevator lobby of the designated floor and the designated alternate floor specified by ASME A17.1 Section 2.27.3 shall be separated from the remainder of the building by 1-hour fire-rated construction. In buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler protection, smoke partitions in accordance with the 'Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3 Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards' may be used in lieu of 1-hour fire-rated construction. Except health care occupancies, openings in the elevator lobby shall be limited to those required for access to the elevators from exit access corridors only. Elevator lobbies may be used as part of the means of egress from the building.

Exceptions:

1. Designated floor elevator lobbies are not required within an atrium.

2. Designated floor elevator lobbies are not required where elevators are installed on open exterior walls.

3. Designated floor elevator lobbies are not required where elevators are installed in open air parking structures.

4. Designated floor elevator lobbies are not required in buildings three stories or less with vertical openings protected in accordance with the applicable occupancy chapter.

5. Existing installations acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

6. For existing buildings or existing structures, reference Section 3401.7 (GA Amendments).

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 9

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

SECTION 903

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

*Revise Section [F] 903.2.8 'Group R' to add exception to read as follows:

[F] 903.2.8 Group R.

Exception: Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies which meet the exceptions allowed by the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3 'Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards' are exempt from this requirement.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section [F] 903.2.8.1 'Group R-3' to read as follows:

[F] 903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section [F] 903.2.8.2 'Group R-4, Condition 1' to read as follows:

[F] 903.2.8.2 Group R-4, Condition 1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group R-4, Condition 1 occupancies.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section [F] 903.2.8.4 'Care facilities' to read as follows:

[F] 903.2.8.4 Care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in care facilities with five or fewer individuals in a single-family dwelling.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section [F] 903.3.1.3 'NFPA 13D sprinkler systems' to read as follows:

[F] 903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; and townhouses separated by 2 hour firewalls shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 909

SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

*Delete Section 909.21.1 'Pressurization requirements' entirely and substitute to read as follows:

909.21.1 Pressurization requirements. The system shall be designed such that the maximum pressure differential shall not restrict or prohibit the free operation of the elevated cab and all hoistway doors serving all levels of the building. The air shall not be introduced into the hoistway in such a manner as to cause erratic operation by impingement of traveling cables, selector tapes, governor ropes, compensating ropes, and other components sensitive to excessive movement or deflection.

Exception: In existing buildings, when testing existing elevator pressurization systems, they shall be certified to ensure a minimum positive pressure, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. This pressure shall be measured at the midpoint of each hoistway door, with all elevator cars at the floor of recall and all hoistway doors on the floor of recall open and all other hoistway doors closed. The opening and closing of hoistway doors at each level must be demonstrated during this test. The supply air intake shall be from an outside, uncontaminated source.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 11

ACCESSIBILITY

*Delete Chapter 11 'Accessibility' entirely without substitution.

{Cross-reference in State law: Title 30, Chapter 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A) and the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner.}

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 14

EXTERIOR WALLS

SECTION 1404

INSTALLATION OF WALL COVERINGS

*Add new Section [BS] 1404.19 'Installation of wall coverings' to read as follows:

[BS] 1404.19 Installation of wall coverings. Except masonry veneer, wall cladding shall be installed a minimum of 6 inches above the finished earth grade, or a minimum of 2 inches above paved areas to provide a clear, visible inspection gap.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 17

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

SECTION 1701

GENERAL

*Add new Section 1701.2 'Construction documents' to read as follows:

1701.2 Construction documents. The construction documents for special inspections shall include:

1. The statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.

2. The following statement:

"Special inspection reports and a final report in accordance with Section 1704.2.4 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the time that phase of the work is approved for occupancy."

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new Section 1701.3 'Guidelines' to read as follows:

1701.3 Guidelines. The local building official or authority having jurisdiction shall be authorized to use ACEC/SEAOG SI GL 01, Georgia Special Inspections Guidelines, in part or in whole for the purposes of implementing and enforcing the provisions of Chapter 17, 'Special Inspections and Tests', and/or establishing a Special Inspections program for their jurisdiction.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 1704

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION

*Revise Section 1704.2 'Special inspections and tests' to read as follows:

1704.2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as described in this section, the owner or the registered design professional in responsible charge acting as the owner's agent, other than the contractor, shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705. These inspections are in addition to the inspections by the building official identified in Section 110.

Exceptions:

1. Special inspections are not required for construction of a minor nature that does not require the practice of professional engineering or architecture, as defined by Georgia statutes and regulations governing the professional registration and certification of engineers or architects or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.

2. Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections and tests are not required for Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential occupancy including, but not limited to, those listed in Section 312.1.

3. Special inspections and tests are not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2211.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section 1704.2.1 'Special inspector qualifications' to read as follows:

1704.2.1 Special inspector qualifications. The special inspector shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating his or her competence and relevant experience or training. Experience or training shall be considered relevant when the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. The special inspector shall be qualified in accordance with Table 1704.2. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.

The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as the approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as the special inspector for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new Table 1704.2 'Minimum Special Inspector Qualifications' to read as follows:

TABLE 1704.2 MINIMUM SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Category of Testing and Inspection	Minimum Qualifications (refer to key at end of Table)
Category of Testing and Inspection	Shop Testing or Inspection	Field Testing or Inspection	Review Testing, Certification & Lab Reports
1704.2.5 Inspection of Fabricators
Pre-cast concrete	A, C, E
Structural steel construction	C, F, G
Wood construction	A
Cold formed metal construction	A
1705.2, 1705.10, 1705.11 & 1705.12 Steel Construction
Verification of welding consumables, filler metals, procedure specifications, procedure qualification records and personnel performance qualification records			C, F
Nondestructive testing of welding	G	G
Inspection of welding	C, F	C, F
Verification of fabricator and erector documents as listed in AISC 360, chapter N, paragraph 3.2			A, C
Material verification of weld filler materials			C, F
Inspection of high strength bolting and steel frame joint details		A, C
Inspection of embedment		A, C, F
Inspection of steel elements of composite construction		A, C, F
Verification of reinforcing steel, cold formed steel deck and truss materials			A, C, F
Inspection of reinforcing steel, cold formed steel deck and trusses		A, C
1705.3 & 1705.12 Concrete Construction
Reinforcing placement, cast-in-place bolts, post installed anchors concrete and shotcrete placement and curing operations. Inspection of formwork for shape, location and dimensions		A, C, H
Pre-stressing steel installation		A, C, D, E
Erection of pre-cast concrete members		A, C, H
Concrete field sampling and field testing		A, J
Concrete strength testing		P
Review certified mill reports			A, C
Verify use of required design mix		A, I, J, H, C
Pre-stressed (pre-tensioned) concrete force application	A, C, E
Post-tensioned concrete force application		A, C, D
Review of in-situ concrete strength, prior to stressing of tendons in post-tensioned concrete and prior to removal of shores and forms from beams and structural slabs		A, C, D, H
Reinforcing steel weldability, reinforcing welding, weld filler material		C, F
Testing of welding of reinforcing steel		G
1705.4 Masonry
Verification of f'_m and f'_AAC		A, C, L, M
Mortar joint construction, grout protection and placement, materials proportion, type/size/location of reinforcement, structural elements, anchorage, and connectors		A, C, K
Sampling/testing of grout/mortar specimens		A, C, L, M
Observe preparation of masonry prisms for testing of compressive strength of masonry, f'_m and f'_AAC		A, C, K, L, M
Inspection of welding of reinforcing steel		C, F
Testing of welding of reinforcing steel		G
1705.6 & 1804 Soils
Observe site preparation, fill placement testing of compaction for compliance with the construction documents for the project		A, C, I, N
Observe test bearing materials below shallow foundations for ability to achieve design bearing capacity		A, C, N, I (Level III)
Review compaction testing for compliance with the construction documents for the project			A
1705.5, 1705.10, 1705.11 & 1705.12 Wood Construction
Observe structural panel sheathing, size of framing members, nail or staple diameter and length, number of fastener lines, and spacing of fastener lines and fasteners for compliance with construction documents for the project		A
Observe temporary and permanent truss member restraint/bracing, field gluing of elements. Observe bolting, anchoring or other fastening of: shear walls, diaphragms, drag struts, braces and hold-downs		A
1705.7, 1705.8, 1705.9 & 1810 Pile and Pier Foundations
Observe installation		A, N
Observe load tests		A
1705.13 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials
Observe surface conditions, application, average thickness and density of applied material, and cohesive/adhesive bond		A, C
1705.14 Mastic and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings
Observe application compliance with AWCI 12-B		A, C
1705.15 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
Inspect EIFS systems		A, B, C, O
1705.1 Special Cases
Work of unusual or special nature		A, B, O
1705.16 Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints	See Requirements of IBC Sections 1705.16.1 and 1705.16.2
1705.17 Smoke Control	See Requirements of IBC Section 1705.17.2
1705.10, 1705.11 & 1705.12 Seismic and Wind Resistance
Periodic inspection of fabrication, installation and/or anchorage of building systems and components		A
KEY: A. Georgia Professional Engineer (GA PE) competent in the specific task area or graduate of accredited engineering/engineering technology program under the direct supervision of a GA PE. B. Georgia Registered Architect (GA RA) or graduate of accredited architecture/architecture technology program under the direction of a GA RA. C. International Code Council (ICC) Special Inspector Certification specific to the particular material and testing methodology applicable to each Category of Testing and Inspection listed in the table. D. Post-tensioning Institute (PTI) Certification, Level 2, bonded or unbonded as applicable. E. Pre-stressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Certified Inspector. F. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector working under the direct on-site supervision of a CWI. G. American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification, or a Level III certification if previously certified as a Level II in the particular material and testing methodology applicable to each Category of Testing and Inspection listed in the table. H. American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Construction Special Inspector. I. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or higher certification specific to the particular material and testing methodology applicable to each Category of Testing and Inspection listed in the table. J. ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician with Grade 1 certification. K. Georgia Concrete and Products Association (GC&PA) - Masonry Association of Georgia (MAG) Masonry Construction Inspector Certification. L. National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) Concrete Masonry Testing Procedures certification. M. GC&PA - MAG Masonry Testing Technician certification. N. NICET Certified Engineering Technologist (CT). O. Other Qualified Special Inspector as approved by the Building Official. P. American Concrete Institute (ACI) Strength Testing Technician. *Notes:* 1. The Special Inspector shall meet one of the minimum qualifications listed for the applicable Category of Testing and Inspection. 2. Materials testing shall be done by an Approved Testing Agency meeting the requirements of IBC Section 1703 and ASTM E 329.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section 1704.2.4 'Report requirement' to read as follows:

1704.2.4 Report Requirement. Approved agencies shall keep records of inspections and tests. The approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge. Reports shall indicate that work inspected was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents. Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted to the building official prior to the time that phase of the work is approved for occupancy.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 18

SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS

SECTION 1810

DEEP FOUNDATIONS

*Revise Section 1810.3.2.6 'Allowable stresses' title to read as follows:

1810.3.2.6 Allowable axial stresses. The allowable stresses for materials used in deep foundation elements shall not exceed those specified in Table 1810.3.2.6.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Table 1810.3.2.6 'Allowable Stresses for Materials Used in Deep Foundation Elements' title and item 4 'Other conditions' to read as follows:

TABLE 1810.3.2.6

ALLOWABLE AXIAL STRESSES FOR MATERIALS USED IN DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS

MATERIAL TYPE AND CONDITION

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AXIAL STRESS^a

4. Non-prestressed reinforcement in tension

Within micropiles

Other conditions

For load combinations not including wind or seismic loads

For load combinations including wind or seismic loads

0.6 f_y

0.5 f_y <= 24,000 30,000 psi

0.5 f_y <=40,000 psi

Remainder of table and footnotes remain unchanged.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 29

PLUMBING SYSTEMS

SECTION 2902

MINIMUM PLUMBING FACILITIES

*Delete the requirements for "service sinks" from Table [P] 2902.1 'Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures^a' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 30

ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

SECTION 3001

GENERAL

*Revise Table 3001.3 'Elevators and Conveying Systems and Components' under 'STANDARDS' for Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts to add the following new standards to read as follows:

TABLE 3001.3

ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS

TYPE	STANDARDS
Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts	ANSI/ASSE A10.4, ANSI/ASSE A10.5

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 3002

HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES

*Revise Section 3002.4 'Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher' to add a new exception at the end of the section to read as follows:

3002.4 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher.

Exception: Elevators with 50 feet or less of travel serving only one residence of a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse shall be in compliance with ASME A17.1 as currently adopted and amended by the Georgia Office of Safety Fire Commissioner.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 3005

MACHINE ROOMS

*Delete Section 3005.4 'Machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces' and substitute to read as follows:

3005.4 Machine rooms and machinery spaces. Elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less two hours. Openings in the fire barriers shall be protected with assemblies having a fire protection rating not less than that required for the hoistway enclosure doors.

Exception: Where machine rooms and machinery spaces do not meet the required fire-resistance rating, they shall require sprinklers and shunt trip breaker in accordance with NFPA 72.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section 3005.5 'Shunt trip' to read as follows:

3005.5 Shunt trip. Where elevator hoistways or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with NFPA 72, Section 6.16.4, Elevator Shutdown, shall be provided to disconnect automatically the main line power supply to the affected elevator prior to the application of water. If the means is located in the affected elevator machine room, it shall be in a water resistant enclosure. This means shall not be self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply. Machine rooms having a two- hour fire separation from the building and provided with smoke detection interconnected to the building fire alarm system are not required to be sprinklered.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 34

EXISTING STRUCTURES

*Revise the title of Chapter 34 'Reserved' to read as 'Existing Buildings' and carry forward all the provisions from Chapter 34 'Existing Buildings' of the 2012 International Building Code. (Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 3401

GENERAL

*Add new Section 3401.7 'Existing system conformance' to read as follows:

3401.7 Existing system conformance. The extent to which the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems shall be made to conform to the requirements of the State Minimum Standard Codes for new construction shall be as follows unless otherwise required by this section:

1. When the estimated cost of the new work is less than fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost of the existing system, the new work shall be brought in to conformance with the requirements of the State Minimum Standard Codes for new construction.

2. When the estimated cost of the new work is equal to or greater than fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost of the existing system, the entire system shall be made to conform to the requirements of the State Minimum Standard Codes for new construction.

3. For essential service facilities Occupancy Category IV type buildings as defined by Table 1604.5, when the estimated cost of the new work is equal to or greater than thirty percent (30%) of the replacement cost of the existing system, the entire system shall be made to conform to the requirements of the State Minimum Standard Codes for new construction.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION 3408

CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

*Add new Section 3408.2.1 'Assisted living communities' to read as follows:

3408.2.1 Assisted living communities. Existing buildings or portions of buildings proposed as a change of occupancy to Assisted Living Communities, licensed by the State, housing twenty-five or more persons, shall be allowed to meet the Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office Life Safety Code requirements for primary equivalent compliance to the International Building Code Chapters 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 35

REFERENCED STANDARDS

*Revise Chapter 35 'Referenced Standards' to add the following new reference standards to read as follows:

ACEC/GA	American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia Peachtree Center, Harris Tower, Suite 700 233 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303
Standard reference number	Title	Referenced in code section number
ACEC/SEAOG SI GL 01-19	Georgia Special Inspections Guidelines (http://www.seaog.org/si.html)	1704.2.1, GA Amendments
ASTM	ASTM International 100 Barr Harbor Drive West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859
Standard reference number	Title	Referenced in code section number
E 329-11c	Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in Construction Inspection, Testing, or Special Inspection	1704.2.1, GA Amendments
ANSI/ASSE	American Society of Safety Engineers 520 N. Northwest Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068
Standard reference number	Title	Referenced in code section number
A10.4-2016 A10.5-2013	Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoist and Employee Elevators on Construction and Demolition Sites Safety Requirements for Material Hoists	Table 3001.3, GA Amendments Table 3001.3, GA Amendments

Remainder of reference standards remain unchanged.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

APPENDIX O

DISASTER RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION

*The Department of Community Affairs hereby adopts Appendix O 'Disaster Resilient Construction' as optional. This document can be downloaded at https://dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction-codes-industrialized-buildings/construction-codes.

(Effective: January 1, 2020)

Click here to view image

GEORGIA STATE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

APPENDIX O

DISASTER RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION

The INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with the Georgia State Amendments to the INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2028 Edition and Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code.

FORWARD

Introduction

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) was awarded a grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop Disaster Resilient Building Code (DRBC) Appendices for the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). The DRBC Appendices are optional regulations that local jurisdictions may adopt, in whole or in part, through local ordinance. A task force of stakeholders was appointed to look for opportunities to improve any code provisions relating to damage from hurricane, flood, and tornado disasters. In addition to the approved recommendations from the task force, the state has developed and will conduct a comprehensive training program for code enforcement officials on the importance, implementation and enforcement of the Disaster Resilient Construction Appendices.

The meetings for the Disaster Resilient Building Code Appendices Task Force were open to the public, interested individuals and organizations that desired participation. The technical content of currently published documents on flooding, high-wind construction, and storm shelters, were used and referenced. Those publications included documents of the International Code Council (ICC), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Program, Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), APA - The Engineered Wood Association, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Science Foundation (NSF), The State of Florida, American Forest & Paper Association's American Wood Council, Southern Forest Products Association, NAHB Research Center, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.

Adoption

Local jurisdictions may adopt this entire appendix with chosen options or specific sections that apply to their communities through a local ordinance. The adopting ordinance must also be filed on record with DCA. A sample ordinance has been included in this document to assist the local jurisdictions with the adoption process. Recommended training is being offered to assist code enforcement officials in the implementation and enforcement of the appendices documents. Contact DCA at (404) 679-3118 or www.dca.ga.gov for more information.

Neither The Disaster Resilient Building Code Appendices Task Force, its members nor those participating in the development of Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction accept any liability resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction.

The 2012 Disaster Resilient Building Code (DRBC) Appendices Task Force was charged with the development of two appendices. One appendix is for the International Residential Code and the other appendix is for the International Building Code. These two appendices look for opportunities to improve any provisions relating to hurricane, flood, and tornado disasters. In addition to improving existing provisions in the codes, the task force also developed new provisions to be included in the appendices that address these issues. These appendices contain increased construction requirements for disaster resilience and are intended to be made available for adoption by local jurisdictions in the State of Georgia.

These appendices have reasonable and substantial connection with the public health, safety, and general welfare. In addition, the financial impact and costs associated with these appendices have been taken into consideration.

Members:

Mr. Gregori Anderson, Chairman, States Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC)

Mr. David L. Adams, Vice Chairman, States Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC)

Mr. Bill Abballe, AIA, American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Georgia Chapter

Mr. John Hutton, P.E., S.E., American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC/G)

Mr. Ron Anderson, Code Consultant

Mr. Lamar Smith, Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG)

Mr. Thomas Harper, Georgia State Inspectors Association (GSIA)

Mr. Tom Buttram, Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG)

Capt. Zane Newman, Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office (Local Fire Official)

Mr. Terry Lunn, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)

Mr. Alan Giles, CFM, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (EPD / Floodplain Management Unit)

Mr. Tony Hebert, HUD Georgia State Representative (Region IV Office)

Mr. Jim C. Beck, Sr., Georgia Underwriting Association

Mr. Tim Thornton, Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR)

Mr. Steve Harrison, Building Owners and Managers Association - Georgia (BOMA)

Mr. Tom Aderhold, Georgia Apartment Association (GAA)

Mr. Tim Bromley, Accessibility Consultant - Georgia State ADA Coordinator's Office

Mayor Mark Mathews, Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)

Commissioner Jeff Long, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG)

Ad Hoc Subcommittee:

Mr. Tom Buttram, Chairman, DRBC Task Force Liaison (BOAG)

Mr. Ron Anderson, Vice Chairman, Code Consultant

Mr. Stephen V. Skalko, Concrete Industry

Mr. Jeffrey B. Stone, Wood Industry (AWC)

Mr. Robert Wills, Steel Industry (AISC)

Mr. Tom Cunningham, PhD., Residential Building Design

Mr. Duncan J. Hastie, P.E., Disaster Mitigation

DCA Staff:

Mr. Ted Miltiades, Director of Construction Codes & Industrialized Buildings

Mrs. Deirdre "Dee" Leclair, DRBC Grant Project Manager

Mr. Max Rietschier, Lead Codes Consultant

Mr. Bill Towson, 2012 International Residential Code Task Force Liaison, Code Consultant

Mr. Calvin Jordan, 2012 International Building Code Task Force Liaison, Code Consultant

How to Use Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction

The appendix may be adopted in whole or in part by Local Jurisdictions to fit the needs of their community. The following sample ordinance has been provided to aid in the process of identifying Chapters and Sections of the appendix that may be adopted. The format easily allows for choosing to adopt, revise or delete individual Chapters and Sections. Download the MS Word (.doc) version from the DCA website to take advantage of the dropdown menu choices and edit ability features of the document. Note that in Chapter 3, choose one of three options for flood elevation. Only one option may be chosen and that option must be higher than what has been previously adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction. Also note that in Chapter 4, choose one of three options for increased wind load. Only one option may be chosen and that option must be higher than what has been previously adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction. The Sample Ordinance document takes into account the flood elevation option in Chapter 3 and the wind load option in Chapter 4 of this appendix.

SAMPLE ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION OF

GEORGIA STATE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

APPENDIX O

DISASTER RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION

ORDINANCE NO. _______

An ordinance of the [JURISDICTION] adopting the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs of Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction regulating and governing the mitigation of hazard to life and property from natural weather related disasters, high-wind damages, flooding, and establishing construction standards for storm shelters in the [JURISDICTION]; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefore; repealing Ordinance No. __ of the [JURISDICTION] and all other ordinances or parts of the laws in conflict therewith.

The [GOVERNING BODY] of the [JURISDICTION] does ordain as follows:

Section 1. That a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the [TITLE OF JURISDICTION'S KEEPER OF RECORDS] of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], being marked and designated as Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction to the International Building Code, the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, be and is adopted as the Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction of the [JURISDICTION], in the State of Georgia for regulating and governing the mitigation of hazard to life and property from natural weather related disasters, high-wind damages, flooding, and establishing construction standards for storm shelters; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefore; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction on file in the office of the [JURISDICTION] are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any prescribed in Section 2 of this ordinance.

Section 2. [NAME Of JURISDICTION] hereby:

Choose an item. CHAPTER AO1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO101 ADMINISTRATION Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO101.1 Purpose Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO101.2 Objectives Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO101.3 Scope Choose an item.

AO101.3.1 Insert [Name Of Jurisdiction] for [NAME OF JURISDICTION].

Choose an item. AO101.4 Violations Choose an item.

Insert [Name Of Jurisdiction] for [NAME OF JURISDICTION].

Choose an item. SECTION AO102 APPLICABILITY Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO102.1 General Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO102.2 Other laws Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO102.3 Referenced codes and standards Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO103 POST DISASTER EVENT INSPECTIONS GUIDLINES Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO103.1 Inspections Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO103.1.1 Right of entry Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO103.2 Types of inspections Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO103.3 Post disaster building safety evaluation chart Choose an item.

Choose an item. Figure AO103.3 Post Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Chart Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO103.4 Evaluation Forms Choose an item.

Insert [Name Of Jurisdiction] for [NAME OF JURISDICTION].

Choose an item. AO103.5 Placement and remove of placards Choose an item.

Choose an item. CHAPTER AO2 DEFINITIONS Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO201 GENERAL Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO201.1 Scope Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO201.2 Terms defined in other codes Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO201.3 Terms not defined Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO202 DEFINITIONS Choose an item.

Choose an item. CHAPTER AO3 FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO301 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO301.1 Identification of flood hazard areas Choose an item.

Insert [Name Of Jurisdiction] for [NAME OF JURISDICTION].

Insert [Date of Issuance] for [DATE OF ISSUANCE].

Choose an item. SECTION AO302 SCOPE Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO301.1 Flood Loads Choose an item.

Choose an item. FLOOD ELEVATION OPTION Choose an item. Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO303 FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO303.1 Flood damage-resistant materials Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO303.2 Location of flood damage-resistant materials Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO303.3 Fasteners and connectors used for flood-resistant materials Choose an item.

Choose an item. CHAPTER AO4 HIGH-WIND RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO401 GENERAL Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO401.1 Applications Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO401.2 Limitations Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO402 DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO403 WIND LOADS Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO403.1 Wind Directionality Factor Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO403.2 Exposure Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO403.3 Enclosure classification Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO403.4 Continuous operation of Risk Category IV buildings Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION Choose an item. Choose an item.

Choose an item. CHAPTER AO5 STORM SHELTERS, SAFE ROOMS AND BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO501 GENERAL Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO501.1 General Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO501.2 Occupant load Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO501.3 Construction documents Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO501.4 Signage Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO502 DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO502.1 Definitions Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO502.2 Additional definitions Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO503 BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO503.1 General Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO503.2 Occupant Density Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO503.3 Identification of best available refuge areas Choose an item.

Choose an item. SECTION AO504 APPLICABILITY Choose an item.

Choose an item. AO504.1 Required storm shelters or safe rooms Choose an item.

Section 3. That Ordinance No. __ of [JURISDICTION] entitled [FILL IN HERE THE COMPLETE TITLE OF THE LEGISLATION OR LAWS IN EFFECT AT THE PRESENT TIME SO THAT THEY WILL BE REPEALED BY DEFINITE MENTION] and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Section 4. That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The [GOVERNING BODY] hereby declares that it would have passed this law, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.

Section 5. That nothing in this ordinance or in Appendix O Disaster Resilient Construction hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing under any act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited in Section 3 of this ordinance; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.

Section 6. That the [JURISDICTION'S KEEPER OF RECORDS] is hereby ordered and directed to cause this ordinance to be published. (An additional provision may be required to direct the number of times the ordinance is to be published and to specify that it is to be in a newspaper in general circulation. Posting may also be required.)

Section 7. That this ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force and effect [TIME PERIOD] from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.

Section 8. Chapter AO6 Resources, of this document is intended to be used by the building officials as a resource guide.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER AO1 Scope and Administration ............... 8

Section

AO101 Administration......................8

AO102 Applicability ........................................................8

AO103 Post Disaster Event Inspections Guidelines ..........9

CHAPTER AO2 Definitions .........................................11

Section

AO201 General .............................................................. 11

AO202 Definitions .........................................................11

CHAPTER AO3 Flood-resistant Construction.........................................12

Section

AO301 Hazard Identification .......................................... 12

AO302 Scope .................................................................12

AO303 Flood damage-resistant materials ....................... 12

CHAPTER AO4 High-wind Resistive Construction...13

Section

AO401 General ..............................................................13

AO402 Definitions and Notations.......................13

AO403 Wind Loads..................................13

AO404 Wind Load Option A .........................................13

AO405 Wind Load Option B ........................................ 14

AO406 Wind Load Option C ........................................ 14

CHAPTER AO5 Storm Shelters, Safe Rooms and Best Available Refuge Areas .........................................15

Section

AO501 General..........................15

AO502 Definitions and Notations.................................. 15

AO503 Best Available Refuge Areas ............................ 15

AO504 Applicability ..................................................... 15

CHAPTER AO6 Resources 16

Section

AO601 Contacts ............................................................. 16

AO602 Emergency Inspection Kit ................................. 16

AO603 Safety Tips..........................................................17

AO604 Major Disaster Process ...................................... 17

AO605 Sample Evaluation Forms and Placards ............. 17

CHAPTER AO7 References .........................................24

INDEX OF FIGURES ..................................................24

APPENDIX O

DISASTER RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER AO1

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION AO101

ADMINISTRATION

AO101.1 Purpose. The scope of this appendix is to promote enhanced public health, safety and general welfare and to reduce public and private property losses due to hazards and natural disasters associated with flooding, high-winds, and windborne debris above that which is provided in the general provisions of this appendix.

AO101.2 Objectives. The objectives of this appendix are to:

1. Protect human life, to minimize property loss and to minimize the expenditures of public money associated with natural weather related disasters, including flooding, tornadoes and other high-wind events.

2. Establish enhanced design and construction regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practices for the safeguarding of life and property.

AO101.3 Scope.

AO101.3.1 The provisions of this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in an adopting ordinance of [NAME OF JURISDICTION]. If adopted, the provisions shall apply to all new development and to substantial improvements to existing development.

AO101.3.2 The provisions of this appendix supplement the jurisdiction's building and fire codes to provide for enhanced provisions to mitigate the hazard to life and property from natural weather related disasters, including flooding, tornadoes and other high- wind events.

AO101.3.3 The provisions of this appendix establish design and construction standards for storm shelters.

AO101.4 Violations. Any violation of a provision of this appendix or failure to comply with a permit of variance issued pursuant to this appendix or any requirement of this appendix shall be handled in accordance with the ordinances of [NAME OF JURISDICTION].

SECTION AO102

APPLICABILITY

AO102.1 General. This appendix provides enhanced minimum requirements for development of new construction and substantial improvement of existing development above that contained in the International Building Code (IBC).

AO102.1.1 The provisions of this appendix shall apply to all new construction and additions, and shall apply to substantial alterations in flood hazard areas unless it is technically infeasible or otherwise exempted in Section 3403.2 of the International Building Code.

AO102.1.2 Regardless of the category of work being performed, the work shall not cause the structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building; shall not cause an existing mechanical or plumbing system to become unsafe, hazardous, insanitary or overloaded; and unless expressly permitted by these provisions, shall not make the building any less compliant with this appendix or to any previously approved alternative arrangements than it was before the work was undertaken.

AO102.1.3 Where there is a conflict between a requirement of the International Building Code and a requirement of this appendix, the requirement of this appendix shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement of this appendix and a specific requirement of this appendix, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this appendix specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

AO102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this appendix shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

AO102.3 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this appendix shall be those that are listed in Chapter AO7 and such codes and standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this appendix to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions this appendix and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this appendix shall apply.

SECTION AO103

POST DISASTER EVENT INSPECTIONS GUIDELINES

AO103.1 Inspections. The building official or agents shall inspect buildings and structures to determine the habitability of each with the goal of getting the community back into their residences quickly and safely. Inspections shall always be performed by teams of at least two individuals, also known as disaster assessment teams.

AO103.1.1 Right of entry. Unless permitted under the exigent circumstances provisions or from an order from State or Federal Authorities, disaster assessment teams shall confirm the right of entry requirements with the incident commander. Upon approval, the assessment teams shall be authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or perform duties as provided by this code, provided that the structure or premises be occupied, that credentials are presented, that entry is requested, and that entry is granted by the owner or person having charge over the structure or premises.

AO103.2 Types of inspections.

AO103.2.1 Rapid evaluation. Rapid evaluation is performed after a disaster event to determine if a building is apparently safe or obviously unsafe. The evaluation should last 10 to 30 minutes per building and shall be performed by the building official and/or their designated responders. Evaluation shall determine if a detailed evaluation is necessary. Placards are posted on buildings indicating status as one of the following:

1. INSPECTED

2. RESTRICTED USE

3. UNSAFE

See Section AO605 for Placards that may be reproduced for use in the field during evaluations. The jurisdiction shall alter placards to meet the jurisdiction and building department's requirements.

AO103.2.2 Detailed evaluation. Detailed evaluation is a thorough visual examination of a damaged building performed by a team of two, including an inspector and a design professional. Evaluation should last 30 minutes to 4 hours per building. Evaluation shall determine necessary restrictions on a damaged building's use, the need for an engineering evaluation or to evaluate postings.

AO103.2.3 Engineering evaluation. When indicated by the building official as necessary, engineering evaluations shall be completed by a registered design professional hired by the building owner.

AO103.3 Post disaster building safety evaluation chart. See Figure AO103.3 for Post Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Chart.

AO103.4 Evaluation Forms. ATC-45 Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment Form and ATC-45 Detailed Evaluation Safety Assessment Form shall be used by [Name of Jurisdiction]'s Building Official for post disaster inspections. See Section AO605 for copies of the Safety Assessment Forms.

AO103.5 Placement and removal of placards.

AO103.5.1 Placement. Placards are to be posted in a clearly visible location near the main entrance and shall be visible from the public right-of-way. RESTRICTED USE or UNSAFE placards shall be placed at all entrances.

AO103.5.2 Removal. Placards shall not be removed or replaced, except by the authorized representatives of the local jurisdiction.

Figure AO103.3 Post Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Chart ^a

Click here to view image

CHAPTER AO2

DEFINITIONS

SECTION AO201

GENERAL

AO201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown in this chapter.

AO201.2 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this appendix and are defined in other International Codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.

AO201.3 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

SECTION AO202

DEFINITIONS

500-YEAR FLOOD. Flood having a 0.2% annual probability of being equaled or exceeded.

ADVISORY BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (ABFE).

An advisory base flood elevation (BFE) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that reflects post-storm conditions and vulnerability to damages from future flooding.

BASE FLOOD. Flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also referred to as the 100-year flood.

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE). The elevation of flooding, including wave height, having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year established relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the International Building Code, or the building official's duly authorized representative.

DESIGN FLOOD. The greater of the following two flood events:

(1) The base flood, affecting those areas identified as special flood hazard areas on the community's FIRM;

(2) The flood corresponding to the area designated as a flood hazard area on a community's flood hazard map or otherwise legally designated.

DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE). The elevation of the design flood, including wave height, relative to the datum specified on the community's legally designated flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AO, the design flood elevation shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of the building's perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified on the flood hazard map.

FLOOD [DAMAGE]-RESISTANT MATERIAL. Any building product [material, component or system] capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage.

FLOOD HAZARD MAP. Map delineating flood hazard areas adopted by the authority having jurisdiction.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

FREEBOARD. A factor of safety expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management.

FUTURE-CONDITIONS FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year based on future-conditions hydrology. Also known as the 100-year future-conditions flood.

FUTURE-CONDITIONS FLOOD ELEVATION. The flood standard equal to or higher than the Base Flood Elevation. The future-conditions flood elevation is defined as the highest water surface anticipated at any given point during the future-conditions flood.

CHAPTER AO3

FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

Forward: This appendix provides three different options for increased freeboard. The jurisdiction may pick only one option that is higher than previously adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum standards reference Base Flood Elevation without any freeboard in high risk flood hazard areas. Due to the flood damage prevention updates performed during the Map Modernization initiative that led to flood risks being digitally identified in all 159 Georgia counties, all Georgia NFIP participating communities have freeboard standards that meet or exceed the 1 foot standard used in the State model ordinances for areas where BFEs have been established.

SECTION AO301

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

AO301.1 Identification of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas:

(a) flood hazard map adopted by jurisdiction based on areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study of [INSERT NAME OF JURISDICTION]," dated [INSERT DATE ISSUANCE], and amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto.

(b) FIRM maps provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

SECTION AO302

SCOPE

AO302.1 Flood loads. Buildings designed and constructed in flood hazard areas defined in IBC Section 1612.3.1 shall comply with the following:

AO302.1.1 Flood hazard areas without base flood elevations. In flood hazard areas without base flood or future-conditions flood elevation data, new construction and substantial improvements of existing structures shall have the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement) elevated no less than three (3) feet above the highest adjacent grade to the building foundation.

OPTION A - FLOOD ELEVATION

AO302.1.2 Increase to base flood elevation requirements. Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:

The higher of:

(a) Design flood elevation plus one (1) foot, or

(b) Base flood elevation plus one (1) foot, or

(d) Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or

(e) 500-year flood, if known

OPTION B - FLOOD ELEVATION

AO302.1.3 Increase to base flood elevation requirements. Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:

The higher of:

(a) Design flood elevation plus two (2) feet, or

(b) Base flood elevation plus two (2) feet, or

(d) Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or

(e) 500-year flood, if known

OPTION C - FLOOD ELEVATION

AO302.1.4 Increase to base flood elevation requirements. Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:

The higher of:

(a) Design flood elevation plus three (3) feet, or

(b) Base flood elevation plus three (3) feet, or

(d) Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or

(e) 500-year flood, if known

SECTION AO303

FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS

AO303.1 Flood damage-resistant materials. Flood damage-resistant materials comply with FEMA Technical Bulletin 2, Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials.

AO303.2 Location of flood damage-resistant materials. Building components and materials located below the increase to base flood elevation as determined by the local jurisdiction in accordance with AO302.1 shall be flood damage-resistant as defined by Section AO303.1.

AO303.3 Fasteners and connectors used for flood damage-resistant materials. Fasteners and connectors used for flood damage-resistant materials to be made of stainless steel, hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, mechanically deposited-zinc coated, silicon bronze or copper. Copper fasteners shall not be permitted for use in conjunction with steel.

CHAPTER AO4

HIGH-WIND RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION

SECTION AO401

GENERAL

AO401.1 Applications. Buildings, and parts thereof shall be designed to withstand the minimum wind loads and meet the opening protection requirements of IBC Section 1609 as modified in this chapter. Wind Load Option A, B or C shall be selected. Table AO401.1 may be used to assist in the selection of an appropriate Wind Load Option.

AO401.2 Limitations. The following limitations shall apply to the design and construction of buildings with respect to winds.

AO401.2.1 Empirical masonry. The empirical masonry provisions in IBC Section 2109 or Chapter 5 of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.

AO401.2.2 Unreinforced (plain) masonry. The unreinforced masonry provisions in IBC Section 2109 or sections 2.2, 3.2 or 8.2 of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.

AO401.2.3 Conventional light-frame construction. The conventional light-frame constriction provisions in IBC Section 2308 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.

Exception: Compliance with AF&PA WFCM shall be permitted subject to the limitations therein and the limitations of this appendix.

SECTION AO402

DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS

AO402.1 General. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code:

CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME

CONSTRUCTION.

MASONRY.

Unreinforced (plain) masonry.

WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION.

WIND SPEED, V_ult.

SECTION AO403

WIND LOADS

AO403.1 Wind Directionality Factor. The directionality factor for Wind Option B and C shall be taken as 1.0.

AO403.2 Exposure. Wind pressures for Wind Option B and C shall be based on exposure category C or D in accordance with IBC Section 1609.4 or ASCE 7.

AO403.3 Enclosure classification. The enclosure classification shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7 with the largest door or window on a wall that receives positive external pressure considered as an opening.

AO403.4 Continuous operation of Risk Category IV buildings. When a building or an internal area within a building in Risk Category IV is required to remain operational during a design wind event (target performance level OB), that building or that internal area shall be designed in accordance with ICC-500 or FEMA- 361.

SECTION AO404

WIND LOAD OPTION A

AO404.1 Basic wind speed. The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Section 1609.3.

AO404.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings. Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.

Exception:

1. For Risk Category III buildings with a Life Safety target performance level for the entire building, the exterior glazing shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996.

2. For Risk Category IV buildings with an Immediate Occupancy target performance level for the entire building, the exterior glazing shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996 for Enhanced Protection.

SECTION AO405

WIND LOAD OPTION B

AO405.1 Basic wind speed. The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category I buildings and structures shall be obtained from 0 Section 1609.3. The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category II buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1). The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category III and IV buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1) or 135 mph, whichever is greater.

AO405.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings. Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with this Section in addition to IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.

Exception:

1. For Risk Category IV buildings, all components of the exterior envelope shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996 for Enhanced Protection.

SECTION AO406

WIND LOAD OPTION C

AO406.1 Basic wind speed. The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category I buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Section 1609.3. The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category II buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1). The ultimate design wind speed, V_ult, for use in the design of Risk Category III and IV buildings and structures shall

be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1) or 170 mph, whichever is greater.

AO406.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings. Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with this Section in addition to IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.

Exception:

Table AO401.1

WIND LOAD OPTIONS:

TARGET PERFORMANCE LEVELS AND DESIGN CRITERIA⁴

OPTION	DESIGN WIND EVENT	Risk Category II¹			Risk Category III¹			Risk Category IV¹
OPTION	DESIGN WIND EVENT	Target Performance Level²	Min Wind Speed Vult	Wind-Borne Debris	Target Performance Level²	Min Wind Speed V_ult	Wind-Borne Debris	Target Performance Level²	Min Wind Speed V_ult	Wind-Borne Debris
A	EF0 & 1 Tornado - IBC level Hurricane	CP³	IBC 1609.3	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7	CP³	IBC 1609.3	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7	CP³	IBC 1609.3	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7
A	EF0 & 1 Tornado - IBC level Hurricane	CP³	IBC 1609.3	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7	LS	IBC 1609.3	Glazing	IO⁵	IBC 1609.3	Glazing
B	EF2 Tornado - Cat 3 Hurricane	CP³ for EF0-EF1-IBC Hurricane for Risk Cat. III/IV	IBC 1609.3 for Risk Cat. III/IV	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7	LS	145 mph	Req'd for glazing per IBC 1609.2 and ASCE 7	IO⁵	145 mph	Exterior Envelope
C	EF3 Tornado - Cat 4 Hurricane	CP³ for EF0-EF1-IBC Hurricane for Risk Cat. III/IV	IBC 1609.3 for Risk Cat. III/IV	IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7	LS	170 mph	Req'd for glazing per IBC 1609.2 and ASCE 7	IO⁵	170 mph	Exterior Envelope

Notes:

1. Risk Category per IBC Section 1604.5

2. Performance Levels:

CP: Collapse Prevention

LS: Life Safety

IO: Immediate Occupancy

OB: Operational Building

3. LS for occupants away from exterior envelope. IO for storm shelters or safe rooms.

4. See Section AO401 and Section AO403 for additional limitations and criteria.

5. OB for building or an internal area within a building designed to ICC-500 or FEMA 361.

CHAPTER AO5

STORM SHELTERS, SAFE ROOMS AND BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS

SECTION AO501

GENERAL

AO501.1 General. This section applies to the location and construction of storm shelters and safe rooms when constructed as separate detached buildings or as internal areas within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge for storms that produce high winds, such as tornados and hurricanes, and to the selection of best available refuge areas. Storm shelters shall be designed and constructed in accordance with IBC Section 423. Safe rooms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with FEMA 361. Storm shelters, safe rooms, and best available refuge areas shall be located on an accessible route.

Exception: Residential Safe Rooms and safe rooms serving a Business Group B Occupancy and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons may be constructed in accordance with FEMA 320.

AO501.2 Occupant load. The occupant load for storm shelters and safe rooms shall be determined by ICC 500 and FEMA 361 respectively.

AO501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents for buildings containing a storm shelter or safe room shall include the information required in ICC 500 or FEMA 361 respectively. Construction documents for buildings with access to a remote community storm shelter or safe room shall indicate the location of and access to the community storm shelter or safe room. Construction documents for buildings not containing or without access to a remote storm shelter or safe room, shall indicate the best available refuge area.

AO501.4 Signage. The location(s) of storm shelters, safe rooms or the best available refuge area(s) shall be clearly marked with a permanent sign.

SECTION AO502

DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS

AO502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code:

DWELLING UNITS.

OCCUPANT LOAD.

STORM SHELTER.

Community Storm Shelter.

Residential Storm Shelter.

AO502.2 Additional definitions.

BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS. Areas in a building that have been deemed by a registered design professional to likely offer the greatest safety for building occupants during a tornado or hurricane. Because these areas were not specifically designed as storm shelters or safe rooms, their occupants may be injured or killed during a tornado or hurricane. However, people in the best available refuge areas are less likely to be injured or killed than people in other areas of a building.

SAFE ROOM. A building, structure or portions thereof, constructed in accordance with FEMA 361 and designed for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.

Community Safe Room. A safe room not defined as a "Residential Safe Room"

Residential Safe Room. A safe room serving occupants of dwelling units and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons.

SECTION AO503

BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS

AO503.1 General. Best available refuge area occupants may be injured or killed during a tornado or hurricane. However, people in the best available refuge areas are less likely to be injured or killed than people in other areas of a building.

AO503.2 Occupant Density. The minimum required floor area per occupant for best available refuge area(s) shall be determined in accordance with ICC 500 Table 501.1.1.

AO503.3 Identification of best available refuge areas. Best available refuge areas shall be identified by a registered design professional in accordance with the Wind Hazard Checklist of FEMA 361, Appendix B and FEMA P-431.

SECTION AO504

APPLICABILITY

AO504.1 Required storm shelters or safe rooms.

1. All new kindergarten through 12th grade schools with 50 or more occupants in total, per school, shall have a storm shelter or safe room.

2. All new 911 call stations, emergency operation centers, and fire, rescue, ambulance, and police stations shall have a storm shelter or safe room.

CHAPTER AO6

RESOURCES

SECTION AO601

CONTACTS

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Construction Codes

Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes

dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction-codes-industrialized-buildings/construction-codes

Phone: 404-679-3118

Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Floodplain Management

4220 International Parkway, Ste. 101

Atlanta, GA 30354-3902

www.georgiadfirm.com

Phone: 404-675-1757

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

www.fema.gov; www.floodsmart.gov

www.fema.gov/rebuild/buildingscience/

FEMA Publications and Technical Bulletins:

(www.fema.gov/library/index.jsp)

(www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/techbul.shtm)

Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)

Georgia Office of Homeland Security

P.O. Box 18055

Atlanta, GA 30316-0055

www.gema.ga.gov

www.ready.ga.gov

Phone: 404-635-7000

Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC)

www.garc.ga.gov (http://garc.ga.gov/main.php?regional-Commissions-2) (for assistance in identifying Flood Hazard Areas)

International Code Council (ICC)

www.iccsafe.org

National Weather Service

www.weather.gov

State Fire Marshal's Office

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Suite 920 / West Tower

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

www.oci.ga.gov

Phone: 404-656-7087

SECTION AO602

EMERGENCY INSPECTION KIT ^b

[] Staff's disaster response management plan	[] Safety glasses	[] Duct tape
[] Staff's disaster response management plan	[] Sunglasses	[] Staples & stapler
[] Team contact list	[] Pocket knife	[] Staple gun
[] Area maps	[] Matches	[] Calculator
[] Official identification	[] Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer	[] Tire repair kit
[] Personal identification
[] Inspection forms and placards	[] Insect repellant (w/ Deet or Picaridin)	*Remember to grab:*
[] Communication equipment		[] Personal identification
[] Clipboard	[] Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)	[] Rain gear, extra clothing
[] Hard hat	[] Camera	[] Water bottle
[] Orange safety vest	[] Black markers	[] Prescription medication
[] Dust mask	[] Pens & pencils	[] Cell phone and charger
[] Work gloves	[] Envelope for expense receipts	[] Cash for personal expenses
[] Steel toe and waterproof boots	[] Compass, GPS unit	[] Toiletries
[] Whistle	[] Backpack, waistpack
[] First aid kit	[] Flashlight and extra batteries
[] Latex gloves	[] Battery-operated radio

SECTION AO603

SAFETY TIPS ^a

1. Always travel in teams of at least two people.

2. Always wear a hard hat, gloves, goggles, safety vest, and dust masks.

3. Always wear safety shoes capable of protecting the toes and bottom of the foot.

4. Survey the building exterior completely before entering.

5. Enter building only if authorized and if deemed safe to do so.

6. Be alert for falling objects.

7. In case of fire, injuries or victims, evacuate the area and alert the fire department immediately.

8. Avoid downed power lines and buildings under them or water surrounding them.

9. In case of gas leaks, shut off the gas (if possible) and report the leak.

10. In a flood situation, have a "walking stick."

SECTION AO604

MAJOR DISASTER PROCESS

(from link https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process)

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

* Incident occurs and local government responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;

Generally the local government will issue a local state of emergency

* The State responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;

Prior to committing state resources, the Governor will declare a state of emergency in the counties impacted by the event for which assistance is needed.

* Damage assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determine losses and recovery needs;

Generally the locals will submit a preliminary damage assessment to the state and the state will review and determine if state and/or federal assistance is needed. If federal assistance is needed, the state will request FEMA perform a preliminary joint damage assessment. If the Governor determines that the incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments then supplementary Federal assistance is requested (next step).

* A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the Governor, based on the damage assessment, and agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;

* FEMA evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state's ability to recover;

* The President approves the request or FEMA informs the Governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

SECTION AO605

SAMPLE EVALUATION FORMS AND INSPECTION PLACARDS ^b (following pages)

Figure AO605.1b

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Figure AO605.2 ^b

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Figure AO605.3 ^b

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CHAPTER AO7

REFERENCES

REFERENCED STANDARDS

ASCE Standards ASCE/SEI 24-14 Flood Resistant Design and Construction

FEMA P-320, Fourth Edition / December 2014 Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room For Your Home or Small Business, Includes Construction Plans and Cost Estimates

FEMA 361, Third Edition / March 2015 Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms

FEMA P-431, Second Edition/October 2009 Tornado Protection: Selecting Refuge Areas in Buildings

FEMA Technical Bulletin 2, Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials

REFERENCED RESOURCES

INDEX OF FIGURES:

Figure AO103.3 Post Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Chart ^a ........................................................................................................ 10

Figure AO605.1 ATC-45 Rapid Evaluation Form ........................................................................................................... 18

Figure AO605.2 ATC-45 Detail Evaluation Form ........................................................................................................... 19

Figure AO605.3 Inspected Placard ................................................................................................................................... 21

Figure AO605.4 Restricted Placard .................................................................................................................................. 22

Figure AO605.5 Unsafe Placard ........................................................................................................................................23

INDEX

Best available refuge area ......Chapter 5, AO501.1, AO502. 2, AO503

Connectors ........................................................................ AO303.3

Conventional Light-Frame Construction ................... AO401.2.3

Emergency operation centers .......................................... AO504.1

Enclosure classification .................................................... AO403.3

Essential Facility .............................................................. AO103.3

Evaluation

Detailed .........AO103.2.1, AO103 3 2.2, AO103.4

Engineering ........AO103.2.2, AO103 2.3, Figure 103.3

Rapid ........AO103.2.1, AO103.4, Figure AO605.1

Exposure .......................................................................... AO403.2

Fasteners.......................................................................... AO303.3

Flood

500-Year ......Chapter 2, AO302.1.2, AO302 1.3, AO302.1.4

Base ...........................................................Chapter 2, AO302.1.1

Design ..........................................................................Chapter 2

Future-conditions ......Chapter 2, AO302.1.1, AO302.1.2, AO302.1.3, AO302.1.4

Flood Elevation

Advisory Base ...Chapter 2, AO302.1.2, AO302 1.3, AO302.1.4

Base ..................Chapter 2, AO302.1.2, AO302 1.3, AO302.1.4

Design ...........Chapter 2, AO302.1.2, AO302 1.3, AO302.1.4

Futures-conditions ....................................................... Chapter 2

Flood Hazard Area ..AO102.1.1, Chapter 2, AO301.1, AO302.1, AO302.1.1

Flood-(Damage) Resistant Material ...................Chapter 2, AO303

Freeboard ...................................................... Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Grade Schools .....................................................................AO504

Impact Resistant ...............AO404.2, AO405.2, AO406.2

Inspections ..................AO103.1, AO103.2

Masonry

Empirical ................................................................... AO401.2.1

Unreinforced ............................................................... AO401.2.2

Opening Protection ........AO401.1, AO404.2, AO405.2, AO406.2

Placards ............. AO103.2.1, AO103.5, Figure AO605.3-AO605.5

Safe rooms

Community....................................................................AO502.2

Occupant density .................AO501.2, AO503.2

Residential ..........................AO501.1, AO502, AO502.2

Sample Ordinance ................................................... Page 2, 3, and 4

Storm shelters .................AO101.3.3, Table AO401.1, Chapter AO5

Substantial alterations ..................................................AO102.1.1

Substantial improvements ...................AO101 3.1, AO302.1.1

Table of Contents ................................................................ Page 7

Ultimate design wind speed ...................AO404.1, AO405.1, AO406.1

Violations ......................................................................... AO101.4

Wind Directionality Factor ............................................ AO403.1

Wind Load .....................AO401, AO403, AO404, AO405, AO406

CHAPTER 34

EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

SECTION 3401

GENERAL

3401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

Exception: Existing bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall comply with ICC 300.

3401.2 Maintenance. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be reinspected. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.

3401.3 Compliance. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in the International Energy Conservation Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Residential Code and NFPA 70. Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.

3401.4 Building materials and systems. Building materials and systems shall comply with the requirements of this section.

3401.4.1 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the building official to be unsafe per Section 116.

3401.4.2 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.

3401.4.3 Existing seismic force-resisting systems. Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated ordinary, values of R, [OMEGA]₀, and C_d for the existing seismic force-resisting system shall be those specified by this code for an ordinary system unless it is demonstrated that the existing system will provide performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate or special system.

3401.5 Dangerous conditions. The building official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

3401.6 Alternative compliance. Work performed in accordance with the International Existing Building Code shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 3402

DEFINITIONS

3402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

DANGEROUS.

EXISTING STRUCTURE.

PRIMARY FUNCTION.

SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE.

SECTION 3403

ADDITIONS

3403.1 General. Additions to any building or structure shall comply with the requirements of this code for new construction. Alterations to the existing building or structure shall be made to ensure that the existing building or structure together with the addition are no less conforming with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the addition. An existing building together with its additions shall comply with the height and area provisions of Chapter 5.

3403.2 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any addition that constitutes substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, and all aspects of the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design.

For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any additions that do not constitute substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, are not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction.

3403.3 Existing structural elements carrying gravity load. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an addition and its related alterations cause an increase in design gravity load of more than 5 percent shall be strengthened, supplemented, replaced or otherwise altered as needed to carry the increased gravity load required by this code for new structures. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element whose gravity load-carrying capacity is decreased shall be considered an altered element subject to the requirements of Section 3404.3. Any existing element that will form part of the lateral load path for any part of the addition shall be considered an existing lateral load-carrying structural element subject to the requirements of Section 3403.4.

3403.3.1 Design live load. Where the addition does not result in increased design live load, existing gravity loadcarrying structural elements shall be permitted to be evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the addition. If the approved live load is less than that required by Section 1607, the area designed for the non-conforming live load shall be posted with placards of approved design indicating the approved live load. Where the addition does result in increased design live load, the live load required by Section 1607 shall be used.

3403.4 Existing structural elements carrying lateral load. Where the addition is structurally independent of the existing structure, existing lateral load-carrying structural elements shall be permitted to remain unaltered. Where the addition is not structurally independent of the existing structure, the existing structure and its addition acting together as a single structure shall be shown to meet the requirements of Sections 1609 and 1613.

Exception: Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is no more than 10 percent greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations with design lateral loads or forces in accordance with Sections 1609 and 1613. For purposes of this exception, comparisons of demand-capacity ratios and calculation of design lateral loads, forces and capacities shall account for the cumulative effects of additions and alterations since original construction.

3403.5 Smoke alarms in existing portions of a building. Where an addition is made to a building or structure of a Group R or I-1 occupancy, the existing building shall be provided with smoke alarms in accordance with Section 1103.8 of the International Fire Code.

SECTION 3404

ALTERATIONS

3404.1 General. Except as provided by Section 3401.4 or this section, alterations to any building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the code for new construction. Alterations shall be such that the existing building or structure is no less complying with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the alteration.

Exceptions:

1. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.

2. Handrails otherwise required to comply with Section 1011.11 shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1014.6 regarding full extension of the handrails where such extensions would be hazardous due to plan configuration.

3404.2 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any alteration that constitutes substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, and all aspects of the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design.

For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any alterations that do not constitute substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, are not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction.

3404.3 Existing structural elements carrying gravity load. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design gravity load of more than 5 percent shall be strengthened, supplemented, replaced or otherwise altered as needed to carry the increased gravity load required by this code for new structures. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element whose gravity load-carrying capacity is decreased as part of the alteration shall be shown to have the capacity to resist the applicable design gravity loads required by this code for new structures.

3404.3.1 Design live load. Where the alteration does not result in increased design live load, existing gravity loadcarrying structural elements shall be permitted to be evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the alteration. If the approved live load is less than that required by Section 1607, the area designed for the nonconforming live load shall be posted with placards of approved design indicating the approved live load. Where the alteration does result in increased design live load, the live load required by Section 1607 shall be used.

3404.4 Existing structural elements carrying lateral load. Except as permitted by Section 3404.5, where the alteration increases design lateral loads in accordance with Section 1609 or 1613, or where the alteration results in a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7, or where the alteration decreases the capacity of any existing lateral load-carrying structural element, the structure of the altered building or structure shall be shown to meet the requirements of Sections 1609 and 1613.

Exception: Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the alteration considered is no more than 10 percent greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the alteration ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations with design lateral loads or forces per Sections 1609 and 1613. For purposes of this exception, comparisons of demand-capacity ratios and calculation of design lateral loads, forces, and capacities shall account for the cumulative effects of additions and alterations since original construction.

3404.5 Voluntary seismic improvements. Alterations to existing structural elements or additions of new structural elements that are not otherwise required by this chapter and are initiated for the purpose of improving the performance of the seismic force-resisting system of an existing structure or the performance of seismic bracing or anchorage of existing non-structural elements shall be permitted, provided that an engineering analysis is submitted demonstrating the following:

1. The altered structure and the altered nonstructural elements are no less conforming with the provisions of this code with respect to earthquake design than they were prior to the alteration.

2. New structural elements are detailed as required for new construction.

3. New or relocated nonstructural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new structural elements as required for new construction.

4. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural irregularity more severe.

3404.6 Smoke alarms. Individual sleeping units and individual dwelling units in Group R and I-1 occupancies shall be provided with smoke alarms in accordance with Section 1103.8 of the International Fire Code.

SECTION 3405

REPAIRS

3405.1 General. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be repaired in compliance with Section 3405 and 3401.2. Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to the requirements for alterations in this chapter. Routine maintenance required by Section 3401.2, ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with Section 105.2, and abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this section.

3405.2 Substantial structural damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system. A building that has sustained substantial structural damage to the vertical elements of its lateral force-resisting system shall be evaluated and repaired in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 3405.2.1 through 3405.2.3.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that include earthquake effects.

2. One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that include earthquake effects.

3405.2.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to the building official. The evaluation shall establish whether the damaged building, if repaired to its pre-damage state, would comply with the provisions of this code for wind and earthquake loads.

Wind loads for this evaluation shall be those prescribed in Section 1609. Earthquake loads for this evaluation, if required, shall be permitted to be 75 percent of those prescribed in Section 1613.

3405.2.2 Extent of repair for compliant buildings. If the evaluation establishes compliance of the pre-damage building in accordance with Section 3405.2.1, then repairs shall be permitted that restore the building to its pre-damage state, based on material properties and design strengths applicable at the time of original construction.

3405.2.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If the evaluation does not establish compliance of the predamage building in accordance with Section 3404.2.1, then the building shall be rehabilitated to comply with applicable provisions of this code for load combinations that include wind or seismic loads. The wind loads for the repair shall be as required by the building code in effect at the time of original construction, unless the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind loads shall be as required by this code. Earthquake loads for this rehabilitation design shall be those required for the design of the predamage building, but not less than 75 percent of those prescribed in Section 1613. New structural members and connections required by this rehabilitation design shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

3405.3 Substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components. Gravity load-carrying components that have sustained substantial structural damage shall be rehabilitated to comply with the applicable provisions of this code for dead and live loads. Snow loads shall be considered if the substantial structural damage was caused by or related to snow load effects. Existing gravity load-carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be designed for live loads approved prior to the damage. Nondamaged gravity load-carrying components that receive dead, live or snow loads from rehabilitated components shall also be rehabilitated or shown to have the capacity to carry the design loads of the rehabilitation design. New structural members and connections required by this rehabilitation design shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

3405.3.1 Lateral force-resisting elements. Regardless of the level of damage to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system, if substantial structural damage to gravity load-carrying components was caused primarily by wind or earthquake effects, then the building shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 3405.2.1 and, if noncom-pliant, rehabilitated in accordance with Section 3405.2.3.

Exceptions:

1. One- and two-family dwellings need not be evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that include earthquake effects.

2. Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused by earthquake need not be evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that include earthquake effects.

3405.4 Less than substantial structural damage. For damage less than substantial structural damage, repairs shall be allowed that restore the building to its pre-damage state, based on material properties and design strengths applicable at the time of original construction. New structural members and connections used for this repair shall comply with the detailing provisions of this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

3405.5 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any repair that constitutes substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction, and all aspects of the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design.

For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any repairs that do not constitute substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage of the existing structure, as defined in Section 202, are not required to comply with the flood design requirements for new construction.

SECTION 3406

FIRE ESCAPES

3406.1 Where permitted. Fire escapes shall be permitted only as provided for in Sections 3406.1.1 through 3406.1.4.

3406.1.1 New buildings. Fire escapes shall not constitute any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.

3406.1.2 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall be continued to be accepted as a component in the means of egress in existing buildings only.

3406.1.3 New fire escapes. New fire escapes for existing buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairs cannot be utilized due to lot lines limiting stair size or due to the sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.

3406.1.4 Limitations. Fire escapes shall comply with this section and shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required number of exits nor more than 50 percent of the required exit capacity.

3406.2 Location. Where located on the front of the building and where projecting beyond the building line, the lowest landing shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) or more than 12 feet (3658 mm) above grade, and shall be equipped with a counterbalanced stairway to the street. In alleyways and thoroughfares less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the clearance under the lowest landing shall not be less than 12 feet (3658 mm).

3406.3 Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and shall be constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. Fire escapes constructed of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on buildings of Type V construction. Walkways and railings located over or supported by combustible roofs in buildings of Type III and IV construction are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick.

3406.4 Dimensions. Stairs shall be at least 22 inches (559 mm) wide with risers not more than, and treads not less than, 8 inches (203 mm) and landings at the foot of stairs not less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) long, located not more than 8 inches (203 mm) below the door.

3406.5 Opening protectives. Doors and windows along the fire escape shall be protected with ³/₄ hour opening protectives.

SECTION 3407

GLASS REPLACEMENT

3407.1 Conformance. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations.

SECTION 3408

CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

3408.1 Conformance. No change shall be made in the use or occupancy of any building that would place the building in a different division of the same group of occupancies or in a different group of occupancies, unless such building is made to comply with the requirements of this code for such division or group of occupancies. Subject to the approval of the building official, the use or occupancy of existing buildings shall be permitted to be changed and the building is allowed to be occupied for purposes in other groups without conforming to all the requirements of this code for those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.

3408.2 Certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where it has been determined that the requirements for the new occupancy classification have been met.

3408.3 Stairways. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1009 where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.

3408.4 Seismic. When a change of occupancy results in a structure being reclassified to a higher risk category, the structure shall conform to the seismic requirements for a new structure of the higher risk category.

Exceptions:

1. Specific seismic detailing requirements of Section 1613 for a new structure shall not be required to be met where the seismic performance is shown to be equivalent to that of a new structure. A demonstration of equivalence shall consider the regularity, overstrength, redundancy and ductility of the structure.

2. When a change of use results in a structure being reclassified from Risk Category I or II to Risk Category III and the structure is located where the seismic coefficient, S_DS, is less than 0.33, compliance with the seismic requirements of Section 1613 are not required.

SECTION 3409

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

3409.1 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, addition, restoration and movement of structures, and change of occupancy shall not be mandatory for historic buildings where such buildings are judged by the building official to not constitute a distinct life safety hazard.

3409.2 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas established in accordance with Section 1612.3, where the work proposed constitutes substantial improvement as defined in Section 202, the building shall be brought into compliance with Section 1612.

Exception: Historic buildings that are:

1. Listed or preliminarily determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places;

2. Determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined to qualify as an historic district; or

3. Designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation program that is approved by the Department of Interior.

SECTION 3410

MOVED STRUCTURES

3410.1 Conformance. Structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new structures.

SECTION 3411

ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

3411.1 Scope. The provisions of Sections 3411.1 through 3411.9 apply to maintenance, change of occupancy, additions and alterations to existing buildings, including those identified as historic buildings.

3411.2 Maintenance of facilities. A facility that is constructed or altered to be accessible shall be maintained accessible during occupancy.

3411.3 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing facility shall not impose a requirement for greater accessibility than that which would be required for new construction. Alterations shall not reduce or have the effect of reducing accessibility of a facility or portion of a facility.

3411.4 Change of occupancy. Existing buildings that undergo a change of group or occupancy shall comply with this section.

Exception: Type B dwelling units or sleeping units required by Section 1107 of this code are not required to be provided in existing buildings and facilities undergoing a change of occupancy in conjunction with alterations where the work area is 50 percent or less of the aggregate area of the building.

3411.4.1 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification, any alterations shall comply with Sections 3411.6, 3411.7 and 3411.8.

3411.4.2 Complete change of occupancy. Where an entire building undergoes a change of occupancy, it shall comply with Section 3411.4.1 and shall have all of the following accessible features:

1. At least one accessible building entrance.

2. At least one accessible route from an accessible building entrance to primary function areas.

3. Signage complying with Section 1111.

4. Accessible parking, where parking is being provided.

5. At least one accessible passenger loading zone, when loading zones are provided.

6. At least one accessible route connecting accessible parking and accessible passenger loading zones to an accessible entrance.

Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the new construction standards for any of these requirements for a change of group or occupancy, the above items shall conform to the requirements to the maximum extent technically feasible.

Exception: The accessible features listed in Items 1 through 6 are not required for an accessible route to Type B units.

3411.5 Additions. Provisions for new construction shall apply to additions. An addition that affects the accessibility to, or contains an area of, a primary function shall comply with the requirements in Section 3411.7.

3411.6 Alterations. A facility that is altered shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 11 of this code, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent technically feasible.

Exceptions:

1. The altered element or space is not required to be on an accessible route, unless required by Section 3411.7.

2. Accessible means of egress required by Chapter 10 are not required to be provided in existing facilities.

3. The alteration to Type A individually owned dwelling units within a Group R-2 occupancy shall be permitted to meet the provision for a Type B dwelling unit.

4. Type B dwelling or sleeping units required by Section 1107 of this code are not required to be provided in existing buildings and facilities undergoing a change of occupancy in conjunction with alterations where the work area is 50 percent or less of the aggregate area of the building.

3411.7 Alterations affecting an area containing a primary function. Where an alteration affects the accessibility to, or contains an area of primary function, the route to the primary function area shall be accessible. The accessible route to the primary function area shall include toilet facilities or drinking fountains serving the area of primary function.

Exceptions:

1. The costs of providing the accessible route are not required to exceed 20 percent of the costs of the alterations affecting the area of primary function.

2. This provision does not apply to alterations limited solely to windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical outlets and signs.

3. This provision does not apply to alterations limited solely to mechanical systems, electrical systems, installation or alteration of fire protection systems and abatement of hazardous materials.

4. This provision does not apply to alterations undertaken for the primary purpose of increasing the accessibility of a facility.

5. This provision does not apply to altered areas limited to Type B dwelling and sleeping units.

3411.8 Scoping for alterations. The provisions of Sections 3411.8.1 through 3411.8.14 shall apply to alterations to existing buildings and facilities.

3411.8.1 Entrances. Accessible entrances shall be provided in accordance with Section 1105.

Exception: Where an alteration includes alterations to an entrance, and the facility has an accessible entrance, the altered entrance is not required to be accessible, unless required by Section 3411.7. Signs complying with Section 1111 shall be provided.

3411.8.2 Elevators. Altered elements of existing elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1 and ICC A117.1. Such elements shall also be altered in elevators programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the altered elevator.

3411.8.3 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts complying with ICC A117.1 and installed in accordance with ASME A18.1 shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route.

3411.8.4 Stairs and escalators in existing buildings. In alterations, change of occupancy or additions where an escalator or stair is added where none existed previously and major structural modifications are necessary for installation, an accessible route shall be provided between the levels served by the escalator or stairs in accordance with Sections 1104.4 and 1104.5.

3411.8.5 Ramps. Where slopes steeper than allowed by Section 1012.2 are necessitated by space limitations, the slope of ramps in or providing access to existing facilities shall comply with Table 3411.8.5.

TABLE 3411.8.5

RAMPS

SLOPE	MAXIMUM RISE
Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8	3 inches
Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10	6 inches

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

3411.8.6 Performance areas. Where it is technically infeasible to alter performance areas to be on an accessible route, at least one of each type of performance area shall be made accessible.

3411.8.7 Accessible dwelling or sleeping units. Where Group I-1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2 or R-4 dwelling or sleeping units are being altered or added, the requirements of Section 1107 for Accessible units apply only to the quantity of spaces being altered or added.

3411.8.8 Type A dwelling or sleeping units. Where more than 20 Group R-2 dwelling or sleeping units are being altered or added, the requirements of Section 1107 for Type A units apply only to the quantity of the spaces being altered or added.

3411.8.9 Type B dwelling or sleeping units. Where four or more Group I-1, I-2, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 dwelling or sleeping units are being added, the requirements of Section 1107 for Type B units apply only to the quantity of the spaces being added. Where Group I-1, I-2, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 dwelling or sleeping units are being altered and where the work area is greater than 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building, the requirements of Section 1107 for Type B units apply only to the quantity of the spaces being altered.

3411.8.10 Jury boxes and witness stands. In alterations, accessible wheelchair spaces are not required to be located within the defined area of raised jury boxes or witness stands and shall be permitted to be located outside these spaces where the ramp or lift access restricts or projects into the means of egress.

3411.8.11 Toilet rooms. Where it is technically infeasible to alter existing toilet and bathing rooms to be accessible, an accessible family or assisted-use toilet or bathing room constructed in accordance with Section 1109.2.1 is permitted. The family or assisted-use toilet or bathing room shall be located on the same floor and in the same area as the existing toilet or bathing rooms.

3411.8.12 Dressing, fitting and locker rooms. Where it is technically infeasible to provide accessible dressing, fitting or locker rooms at the same location as similar types of rooms, one accessible room on the same level shall be provided. Where separate-sex facilities are provided, accessible rooms for each sex shall be provided. Separatesex facilities are not required where only unisex rooms are provided.

3411.8.13 Fuel dispensers. Operable parts of replacement fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.

3411.8.14 Thresholds. The maximum height of thresholds at doorways shall be ³/4 inch (19.1 mm). Such thresholds shall have beveled edges on each side.

3411.9 Historic buildings. These provisions shall apply to facilities designated as historic structures that undergo alterations or a change of occupancy, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, entrances or toilet rooms would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the facility, as determined by the applicable governing authority, the alternative requirements of Sections 3411.9.1 through 3411.9.4 for that element shall be permitted.

Exception: Type B dwelling or sleeping units required by Section 1107 are not required to be provided in historical buildings.

3411.9.1 Site arrival points. At least one accessible route from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be provided.

3411.9.2 Multilevel buildings and facilities. An accessible route from an accessible entrance to public spaces on the level of the accessible entrance shall be provided.

3411.9.3 Entrances. At least one main entrance shall be accessible.

Exceptions:

1. If a main entrance cannot be made accessible, an accessible nonpublic entrance that is unlocked while the building is occupied shall be provided; or

2. If a main entrance cannot be made accessible, a locked accessible entrance with a notification system or remote monitoring shall be provided.

Signs complying with Section 1111 shall be provided at the primary entrance and the accessible entrance.

3411.9.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. Where toilet rooms are provided, at least one accessible family or assisted-use toilet room complying with Section 1109.2.1 shall be provided.

SECTION 3412

COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES

3412.1 Compliance. The provisions of this section are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapters 2 through 33, or Sections 3401.3, and 3403 through 3409, except where compliance with other provisions of this code is specifically required in this section.

3412.2 Applicability. Structures existing prior to [DATE TO BE INSERTED BY THE JURISDICTION. NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS DATE COINCIDE WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF BUILDING CODES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION], in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to comply with the requirements of this section or the provisions of Sections 3403 through 3409. The provisions in Sections 3412.2.1 through 3412.2.5 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, S and U. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or I.

3412.2.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing building is changed to a new occupancy classification and this section is applicable, the provisions of this section for the new occupancy shall be used to determine compliance with this code.

3412.2.2 Partial change in occupancy. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification, and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire barriers or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to comply with the provisions of this section.

Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification, and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire barriers or horizontal assemblies having a fire-resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the provisions of this section which apply to each occupancy shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the greater public safety shall apply to the entire building or structure.

3412.2.3 Additions. Additions to existing buildings shall comply with the requirements of this code for new construction. The combined height and area of the existing building and the new addition shall not exceed the height and area allowed by Chapter 5. Where a fire wall that complies with Section 706 is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered a separate building.

3412.2.4 Alterations and repairs. An existing building or portion thereof, which does not comply with the requirements of this code for new construction, shall not be altered or repaired in such a manner that results in the building being less safe or sanitary than such building is currently. If, in the alteration or repair, the current level of safety or sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered or repaired shall conform to the requirements of Chapters 2 through 12 and Chapters 14 through 33.

3412.2.4.1 Flood hazard areas. For existing buildings located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, if the alterations and repairs constitute substantial improvement of the existing building, the existing building shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design.

3412.2.5 Accessibility requirements. All portions of the buildings proposed for change of occupancy shall conform to the accessibility provisions of Section 3411.

3412.3 Acceptance. For repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section, compliance with this section shall be accepted by the building official.

3412.3.1 Hazards. Where the building official determines that an unsafe condition exists, as provided for in Section 116, such unsafe condition shall be abated in accordance with Section 116.

3412.3.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall comply with the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code.

3412.4 Investigation and evaluation. For proposed work covered by this section, the building owner shall cause the existing building to be investigated and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this section.

3412.4.1 Structural analysis. The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building made to determine adequacy of structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The analysis shall demonstrate that the building with the work completed is capable of resisting the loads specified in Chapter 16.

3412.4.2 Submittal. The results of the investigation and evaluation as required in Section 3412.4, along with proposed compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the building official.

3412.4.3 Determination of compliance. The building official shall determine whether the existing building, with the proposed addition, alteration or change of occupancy, complies with the provisions of this section in accordance with the evaluation process in Sections 3412.5 through 3412.9.

3412.5 Evaluation. The evaluation shall be comprised of three categories: fire safety, means of egress and general safety, as defined in Sections 3412.5.1 through 3412.5.3.

3412.5.1 Fire safety. Included within the fire safety category are the structural fire resistance, automatic fire detection, fire alarm, automatic sprinkler system and fire suppression system features of the facility.

3412.5.2 Means of egress. Included within the means of egress category are the configuration, characteristics and support features for means of egress in the facility.

3412.5.3 General safety. Included within the general safety category are the fire safety parameters and the means of egress parameters.

3412.6 Evaluation process. The evaluation process specified herein shall be followed in its entirety to evaluate existing buildings. Table 3412.7 shall be utilized for tabulating the results of the evaluation. References to other sections of this code indicate that compliance with those sections is required in order to gain credit in the evaluation herein outlined. In applying this section to a building with mixed occupancies, where the separation between the mixed occupancies does not qualify for any category indicated in Section 3412.6.16, the score for each occupancy shall be determined and the lower score determined for each section of the evaluation process shall apply to the entire building.

Where the separation between mixed occupancies qualifies for any category indicated in Section 3412.6.16, the score for each occupancy shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of the space.

3412.6.1 Building height. The value for building height shall be the lesser value determined by the formula in Section 3412.6.1.1. Chapter 5 shall be used to determine the allowable height of the building, including allowable increases due to automatic sprinklers as provided for in Section 504.2. Subtract the actual building height in feet from the allowable and divide by 12 ¹/2 feet. Enter the height value and its sign (positive or negative) in Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.1, Building Height, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. The maximum score for a building shall be 10.

3412.6.1.1 Height formula. The following formulas shall be used in computing the building height value.

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-1)

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-2)

where:

AH = Allowable height in feet from 2012 IBC Table 503.

EBH = Existing building height in feet.

AS = Allowable height in stories from 2012 IBC Table 503.

EBS = Existing building height in stories.

CF = 1 if (AH) - (EBH) is positive.

CF = Construction-type factor shown in Table 3412.6.6(2) if (AH) - (EBH) is negative.

Note: Where mixed occupancies are separated and individually evaluated as indicated in Section 3412.6, the values AH, AS, EBH and EBS shall be based on the height of the occupancy being evaluated.

3412.6.2 Building area. The value for building area shall be determined by the formula in Section 3412.6.2.2. Section 503 and the formula in Section 3412.6.2.1 shall be used to determine the allowable area of the building. This shall include any allowable increases due to frontage and automatic sprinklers as provided for in Section 506. Subtract the actual building area in square feet from the allowable area and divide by 1,200 square feet. Enter the area value and its sign (positive or negative) in Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.2, Building Area, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. In determining the area value, the maximum permitted positive value for area is 50 percent of the fire safety score as listed in Table 3412.8, Mandatory Safety Scores.

3412.6.2.1 Allowable area formula. The following formula shall be used in computing allowable area:

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-3)

where:

A_a = Allowable building area per story (square feet).

A_t = Tabular building area per story in accordance with 2012 IBC Table 503. (square feet).

I_s = Area increase factor due to sprinkler protection as calculated in accordance with 2012 IBC Section 506.3.

I_f = Area increase factor due to for frontage as calculated in accordance with 2012 IBC Section 506.2.

3412.6.2.2 Area formula. The following formula shall be used in computing the area value. Determine the area value for each occupancy floor area on a floor-by-floor basis. For each occupancy, choose the minimum area value of the set of values obtained for the particular occupancy

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-4)

where:

i = Value for an individual separated occupancy on a floor.

n = Number of separated occupancies on a floor.

3412.6.3 Compartmentation. Evaluate the compartments created by fire barriers or horizontal assemblies which comply with Sections 3412.6.3.1 and 3412.6.3.2 and which are exclusive of the wall elements considered under Sections 3412.6.4 and 3412.6.5. Conforming compartments shall be figured as the net area and do not include shafts, chases, stairways, walls or columns. Using Table 3412.6.3, determine the appropriate compartmentation value (CV) and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.3, Compartmentation, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety

3412.6.3.1 Wall construction. A wall used to create separate compartments shall be a fire barrier conforming to Section 707 with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is not divided into more than one compartment, the compartment size shall be taken as the total floor area on all floors. Where there is more than one compartment within a story, each compartmented area on such story shall be provided with a horizontal exit conforming to Section 1026. The fire door serving as the horizontal exit between compartments shall be so installed, fitted and gasketed that such fire door will provide a substantial barrier to the passage of smoke.

3412.6.3.2 Floor/ceiling construction. A floor/ceiling assembly used to create compartments shall conform to Section 711 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

3412.6.4 Tenant and dwelling unit separations. Evaluate the fire-resistance rating of floors and walls separating tenants, including dwelling units, and not evaluated under Sections 3412.6.3 and 3412.6.5. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.4, determine the appropriate value and enter that value in Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.4, Tenant and Dwelling Unit Separations, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.4

SEPARATION VALUES

OCCUPANCY.	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY.	a	b	c	d	e
A-1	0	0	0	0	1
A-2	-5	-3	0	1	3
A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M, S-1	-4	-3	0	2	4
R	-4	-2	0	2	4
S-2	-5	-2	0	2	4

3412.6.4.1 Categories. The categories for tenant and dwelling unit separations are:

1. Category a-No fire partitions; incomplete fire partitions; no doors; doors not self-closing or automatic-closing.

2. Category b-Fire partitions or floor assemblies with less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Sections 708 or 711.

3. Category c-Fire partitions with a 1-hour or greater fire-resistance rating constructed in accordance with Section 708 and floor assemblies with a 1-hour but less than 2-hour fire-resistance rating constructed in accordance with Section 711, or with only one tenant within the floor area.

4. Category d-Fire barriers with a 1-hour but less than 2-hour fire-resistance rating constructed in accordance with Section 707 and floor assemblies with a 2-hour or greater fire-resistance rating constructed in accordance with Section 711.

5. Category e-Fire barriers and floor assemblies with a 2-hour or greater fire-resistance rating and constructed in accordance with Sections 707 and 711, respectively.

3412.6.5 Corridor walls. Evaluate the fire-resistance rating and degree of completeness of walls which create corridors serving the floor, and constructed in accordance with Section 1020. This evaluation shall not include the wall elements considered under Sections 3412.6.3 and 3412.6.4. Under the categories and groups in Table 3412.6.5, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.5, Corridor Walls, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.5

CORRIDOR WALL VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c^a	d^a
A-1	-10	-4	0	2
A-2	-30	-12	0	2
A-3, F, M, R, S-1	-7	-3	0	2
A-4, B, E, S-2	-5	-2	0	5

a. Corridors not providing at least one-half the travel distance for all occupants on a floor shall be category b.

3412.6.5.1 Categories. The categories for Corridor Walls are:

1. Category a-No fire partitions; incomplete fire partitions; no doors; or doors not self-closing.

2. Category b-Less than 1-hour fire-resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Section 708.4.

3. Category c-1-hour to less than 2-hour fire-resistance rating, with doors conforming to Section 716 or without corridors as permitted by Section 1020.

4. Category d-2-hour or greater fire-resistance rating, with doors conforming to Section 716.

3412.6.6 Vertical openings. Evaluate the fire-resistance rating of exit enclosures, hoistways, escalator openings and other shaft enclosures within the building, and openings between two or more floors. Table 3412.6.6(1) contains the appropriate protection values. Multiply that value by the construction type factor found in Table 3412.6.6(2). Enter the vertical opening value and its sign (positive or negative) in Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.6, Vertical Openings, for fire safety, means of egress, and general safety. If the structure is a one-story building or if all the unenclosed vertical openings within the building conform to the requirements of Section 712, enter a value of 2. The maximum positive value for this requirement shall be 2.

TABLE 3412.6.6(1)

VERTICAL OPENING PROTECTION VALUE

PROTECTION	VALUE
None (unprotected opening)	-2 times number floors connected
Less than 1 hour	-1 times number floors connected
1 to less than 2 hours	1
2 hours or more	2

TABLE 3412.6.6(2)

CONSTRUCTION-TYPE FACTOR

FACTOR	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
	IA	IB	IIA	IIB	IIIA	IIIB	IV	VA	VB
	1.2	1.5	2.2	3.5	2.5	3.5	2.3	3.3	7

3412.6.6.1 Vertical opening formula. The following formula shall be used in computing vertical opening value.

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-5)

where:

VO = Vertical opening value.

PV = Protection value [Table 3412.6.6(1)].

CF = Construction type factor [Table 3412.6.6(2)].

3412.6.7 HVAC systems. Evaluate the ability of the HVAC system to resist the movement of smoke and fire beyond the point of origin. Under the categories in Section 3412.6.7.1, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.7, HVAC Systems, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.3

COMPARTMENTATION VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES^a
OCCUPANCY	a Compartment size equal to or greater than 15,000 square feet	b Compartment size of 10,000 square feet	c Compartment size of 7,500 square feet	d Compartment size of 5,000 square feet	e Compartment size of 2,500 square feet or less
A-1, A-3	0	6	10	14	18
A-2	0	4	10	14	18
A-4, B, E, S-2	0	5	10	15	20
F, M, R, S-1	0	4	10	16	22

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.093 m².

a. For areas between categories, the compartmentation value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

3412.6.7.1 Categories. The categories for HVAC systems are:

1. Category a-Plenums not in accordance with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code. -10 points.

2. Category b-Air movement in egress elements not in accordance with Section 1020.5. -5 points.

3. Category c-Both categories a and b are applicable. -15 points.

4. Category d-Compliance of the HVAC system with Section 1018.5 and Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code. 0 points.

5. Category e-Systems serving one story; or a central boiler/chiller system without ductwork connecting two or more stories. 5 points.

3412.6.8 Automatic fire detection. Evaluate the smoke detection capability based on the location and operation of automatic fire detectors in accordance with Section 907 and the International Mechanical Code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.8, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.8, Automatic Fire Detection, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.8

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c	d	e
A-1, A-3, F, M, R, S-1	-10	-5	0	2	6
A-2	-25	-5	0	5	9
A-4, B, E, S-2	-4	-2	0	4	8

3412.6.8.1 Categories. The categories for automatic fire detection are:

1. Category a-None.

2. Category b-Existing smoke detectors in HVAC systems and maintained in accordance with the International Fire Code.

3. Category c-Smoke detectors in HVAC systems. The detectors are installed in accordance with the requirements for new buildings in the International Mechanical Code.

4. Category d-Smoke detectors throughout all floor areas other than individual sleeping units, tenant spaces and dwelling units.

5. Category e-Smoke detectors installed throughout the floor area.

3412.6.9 Fire alarm systems. Evaluate the capability of the fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.9, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into

Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.9, Fire Alarm Systems, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.9

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b^a	c	d
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, R	-10	-5	0	5
F, M, S	0	5	10	15

a. For buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, add 2 points for activation by a sprinkler waterflow device.

3412.6.9.1 Categories. The categories for fire alarm systems are:

1. Category a-None.

2. Category b-Fire alarm system with manual fire alarm boxes in accordance with Section 907.4 and alarm notification appliances in accordance with Section 907.5.2.

3. Category c-Fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.

4. Category d-Category c plus a required emergency voice/alarm communications system and a fire command center that conforms to Section 403.4.6 and contains the emergency voice/alarm communications system controls, fire department communication system controls and any other controls specified in Section 911 where those systems are provided.

3412.6.10 Smoke control. Evaluate the ability of a natural or mechanical venting, exhaust or pressurization system to control the movement of smoke from a fire. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.10, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.10, Smoke Control, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.10

SMOKE CONTROL VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c	d	e	f
A-1, A-2, A-3	0	1	2	3	6	6
A-4, E	0	0	0	1	3	5
B, M, R	0	2^a	3^a	3^a	3^a	4^a
F, S	0	2^a	2^a	3^a	3^a	3^a

a. This value shall be 0 if compliance with Category d or e in Section 3412.6.8.1 has not been obtained.

3412.6.10.1 Categories. The categories for smoke control are:

1. Category a-None.

2. Category b-The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Openings are provided in exterior walls at the rate of 20 square feet (1.86 m²) per 50 linear feet (15 240 mm) of exterior wall in each story and distributed around the building perimeter at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm). Such openings shall be readily openable from the inside without a key or separate tool and shall be provided with ready access thereto. In lieu of operable openings, clearly and permanently marked tempered glass panels shall be used.

3. Category c-One enclosed exit stairway, with ready access thereto, from each occupied floor of the building. The stairway has operable exterior windows and the building has openings in accordance with Category b.

4. Category d-One smokeproof enclosure and the building has openings in accordance with Category b.

5. Category e-The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Each floor area is provided with a mechanical air-handling system designed to accomplish smoke containment. Return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other floor areas of the building under fire conditions. The system shall exhaust not less than six air changes per hour from the floor area. Supply air by mechanical means to the floor area is not required. Containment of smoke shall be considered as confining smoke to the floor area involved without migration to other floor areas. Any other tested and approved design which will adequately accomplish smoke containment is permitted.

6. Category f-Each stairway shall be one of the following: a smokeproof enclosure in accordance with Section 1023.11; pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.5 or shall have operable exterior windows.

3412.6.11 Means of egress capacity and number. Evaluate the means of egress capacity and the number of exits available to the building occupants. In applying this section, the means of egress are required to conform to the following sections of this code: 1003.7, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1016.2, 1017.2, 1026.1, 1029.2, 1028.5, 1029.2, 1029.3, 1029.4 and 1030. The number of exits credited is the number that is available to each occupant of the area being evaluated. Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as a component in the means of egress when conforming to Section 3406.

Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.11, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.11, Means of Egress Capacity, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.11

MEANS OF EGRESS VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a^a	b	c	d	e
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, E	-10	0	2	8	10
M	-3	0	1	2	4
B, F, S	-1	0	0	0	0
R	-3	0	0	0	0

a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.

3412.6.11.1 Categories. The categories for Means of Egress Capacity and number of exits are:

1. Category a-Compliance with the minimum required means of egress capacity or number of exits is achieved through the use of a fire escape in accordance with Section 3406.

2. Category b-Capacity of the means of egress complies with Section 1004 and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006.

3. Category c-Capacity of the means of egress is equal to or exceeds 125 percent of the required means of egress capacity, the means of egress complies with the minimum required width dimensions specified in the code and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006.

4. Category d-The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006. Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1006.

5. Category e-The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

3412.6.12 Dead ends. In spaces required to be served by more than one means of egress, evaluate the length of the exit access travel path in which the building occupants are confined to a single path of travel. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.12, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.12, Dead Ends, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.12

DEAD-END VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES^a
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c
A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M, R, S	-2	0	2
A-2, E	-2	0	2

a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

3412.6.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead ends are:

1. Category a-Dead end of 35 feet (10 670 mm) in nonsprinklered buildings or 70 feet (21 340 mm) in sprinklered buildings.

2. Category b-Dead end of 20 feet (6096 mm); or 50 feet (15 240 mm) in Group B in accordance with Section 1020.4, exception 2.

3. Category c-No dead ends; or ratio of length to width (l/w) is less than 2.5:1.

3412.6.13 Maximum exit access travel distance. Evaluate the length of exit access travel to an approved exit. Determine the appropriate points in accordance with the following equation and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.13, Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance, for means of egress and general safety. The maximum allowable exit access travel distance shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017.1.

Click here to view image

(Equation 34-6)

3412.6.14 Elevator control. Evaluate the passenger elevator equipment and controls that are available to the fire department to reach all occupied floors. Emergency recall and in-car operation of elevator recall controls shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.14, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.14, Elevator Control, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. The values shall be zero for a single-story building.

3412.6.14.1 Categories. The categories for elevator controls are:

1. Category a - No elevator.

2. Category b-Any elevator without Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in car operation.

3. Category c - All elevators with Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in car operation as required by the International Fire Code.

4. Category d-All meet Category c; or Category b where permitted to be without Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in-car operation; and at least one elevator that complies with new construction requirements serves all occupied floors.

3412.6.15 Means of egress emergency lighting. Evaluate the presence of and reliability of means of egress emergency lighting. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.15, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.15, Means of Egress Emergency Lighting, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.15

MEANS OF EGRESS EMERGENCY LIGHTING VALUES

NUMBER OF EXITS REQUIRED BY SECTION 1007	CATEGORIES
NUMBER OF EXITS REQUIRED BY SECTION 1007	a	b	c
Two or more exits	NP	0	4
Minimum of one exit	0	1	1

3412.6.15.1 Categories. The categories for means of

egress emergency lighting are:

1. Category a-Means of egress lighting and exit signs not provided with emergency power in accordance with Chapter 27.

2. Category b-Means of egress lighting and exit signs provided with emergency power in accordance with Chapter 27.

3. Category c-Emergency power provided to means of egress lighting and exit signs which provides protection in the event of power failure to the site or building.

3412.6.16 Mixed occupancies. Where a building has two or more occupancies that are not in the same occupancy classification, the separation between the mixed occupancies shall be evaluated in accordance with this section. Where there is no separation between the mixed occupancies or the separation between mixed occupancies does not qualify for any of the categories indicated in Section 3412.6.16.1, the building shall be evaluated as indicated in Section 3412.6 and the value for mixed occupancies shall be zero. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.16, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.16, Mixed Occupancies, for fire safety and general safety. For buildings without mixed occupancies, the value shall be zero.

TABLE 3412.6.14

ELEVATOR CONTROL VALUES

ELEVATOR TRAVEL	CATEGORIES
ELEVATOR TRAVEL	a	b	c	d
Less than 25 feet of travel above or below the primary level of elevator access for emergency fire-fighting or rescue personnel	-2	0	0	+2
Travel of 25 feet or more above or below the primary level of elevator access for emergency fire-fighting or rescue personnel	-4	NP	0	+4

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

NP = Not permitted

TABLE 3412.6.16

MIXED OCCUPANCY VALUES^a

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c
A-1, A-2, R	-10	0	10
A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M, S	-5	0	5

a. For fire-resistance ratings between categories, the value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

3412.6.16.1 Categories. The categories for mixed occupancies are:

1. Category a-Occupancies separated by minimum 1-hour fire barriers or minimum 1-hour horizontal assemblies, or both.

2. Category b-Separations between occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.

3. Category c-Separations between occupancies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than twice that required by Section 508.4.4.

3412.6.17 Automatic sprinklers. Evaluate the ability to suppress a fire based on the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. "Required sprinklers" shall be based on the requirements of this code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.17, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.17, Automatic Sprinklers, for fire safety, means of egress divided by 2 and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.17

SPRINKLER SYSTEM VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c	d	e	f
A-1, A-3, F, M, R, S-1	-6	-3	0	2	4	6
A-2	-4	-2	0	1	2	4
A-4, B, E, S-2	-12	-6	0	3	6	12

3412.6.17.1 Categories. The categories for automatic sprinkler system protection are:

1. Category a-Sprinklers are required throughout; sprinkler protection is not provided or the sprinkler system design is not adequate for the hazard protected in accordance with Section 903.

2. Category b-Sprinklers are required in a portion of the building; sprinkler protection is not provided or the sprinkler system design is not adequate for the hazard protected in accordance with Section 903.

3. Category c-Sprinklers are not required; none are provided.

4. Category d-Sprinklers are required in a portion of the building; sprinklers are provided in such portion; the system is one which complied with the code at the time of installation and is maintained and supervised in accordance with Section 903.

5. Category e-Sprinklers are required throughout; sprinklers are provided throughout in accordance with Chapter 9.

6. Category f-Sprinklers are not required throughout; sprinklers are provided throughout in accordance with Chapter 9.

3412.6.18 Standpipes. Evaluate the ability to initiate attack on a fire by making a supply of water available readily through the installation of standpipes in accordance with Section 905. Required standpipes shall be based on the requirements of this code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 3412.6.18, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under Safety Parameter 3412.6.18, Standpipes, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 3412.6.18

STANDPIPE SYSTEM VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES
OCCUPANCY	a^a	b	c	d
A-1, A-3, F, M, R, S-1	-6	0	4	6
A-2	-4	0	2	4
A-4, B, E, S-2	-12	0	6	12

a. This option cannot be taken if Category a or b in Section 3412.6.17 is used.

3412.6.18.1 Standpipe. The categories for standpipe systems are:

1. Category a-Standpipes are required; standpipe is not provided or the standpipe system design is not in compliance with Section 905.3.

2. Category b-Standpipes are not required; none are provided.

3. Category c-Standpipes are required; standpipes are provided in accordance with Section 905.

4. Category d-Standpipes are not required; standpipes are provided in accordance with Section 905.

3412.6.19 Incidental uses. Evaluate the protection of incidental uses in accordance with Section 509.4.2. Do not include those where this code requires automatic sprinkler systems throughout the buildings, including covered or open mall buildings, high-rise buildings, public garages and unlimited area buildings. Assign the lowest score from Table 3412.6.19 for the building or floor area being evaluated and enter that value into Table 3412.7 under safety Parameter 3412.6.19, Incidental Use Area, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. If there are no specific occupancy areas in the building or floor area being evaluated, the value shall be zero.

3412.7 Building score. After determining the appropriate data from Section 3412.6, enter those data in Table 3412.7 and total the building score.

3412.8 Safety scores. The values in Table 3412.8 are the required mandatory safety scores for the evaluation process listed in Section 3412.6.

3412.9 Evaluation of building safety. The mandatory safety score in Table 3412.8 shall be subtracted from the building score in Table 3412.7 for each category. Where the final score for any category equals zero or more, the building is in compliance with the requirements of this section for that category. Where the final score for any category is less than zero, the building is not in compliance with the requirements of this section.

3412.9.1 Mixed occupancies. For mixed occupancies, the following provisions shall apply:

1. Where the separation between mixed occupancies does not qualify for any category indicated in Section 3412.6.16, the mandatory safety scores for the occupancy with the lowest general safety score in Table 3412.8 shall be utilized (see Section 3412.6).

2. Where the separation between mixed occupancies qualifies for any category indicated in Section 3412.6.16, the mandatory safety scores for each occupancy shall be placed against the evaluation scores for the appropriate occupancy.

TABLE 3412.6.19

INCIDENTAL USE AREA VALUES

PROTECTION REQUIRED BY TABLE 509	PROTECTION PROVIDED
PROTECTION REQUIRED BY TABLE 509	None	1 Hour	AS	AS with SP	1 Hour and AS	2 Hours	2 Hours and AS
2 Hours and AS	-4	-3	-2	-2	-1	-2	0
2 Hours, or 1 Hour and AS	-3	-2	-1	-1	0	0	0
1 Hour and AS	-3	-2	-1	-1	0	-1	0
1 Hour	-1	0	-1	0	0	0	0
1 Hour, or AS with SP	-1	0	-1	0	0	0	0
AS with SP	-1	-1	-1	0	0	-1	0
1 Hour or AS	-1	0	0	0	0	0	0

AS = Automatic sprinkler system; SP = Smoke partitions (See Section 509.4.2).

Note: For Table 3412.7, see next page.

TABLE 3412.7

SUMMARY SHEET-BUILDING CODE

Click here to view image

* * * *No applicable value to be inserted.

TABLE 3412.8

MANDATORY SAFETY SCORES^a

OCCUPANCY	FIRE SAFETY (MFS)	MEANS OF EGRESS (MME)	GENERAL SAFETY (MGS)
A-1	20	31	31
A-2	21	32	32
A-3	22	33	33
A-4, E	29	40	40
B	30	40	40
F	24	34	34
M	23	40	40
R	21	38	38
S-1	19	29	29
S-2	29	39	39

a. MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety;

MME = Mandatory Means of Egress;

MGS = Mandatory General Safety.

TABLE 3412.9

EVALUATION FORMULAS^a

FORMULA	T.3412.7			T.3412.8	SCORE	PASS	FAIL
FS-MFS >= 0		(FS)	-	_ (MFS) =
ME-MME >= 0		(ME)	-	(MME) =
GS-MGS >= 0		(GS)	-	_ (MGS) =

a. FS = Fire Safety

ME = Means of Egress

GS = General Safety

MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety

MME = Mandatory Means of Egress

MGS = Mandatory General Safety

End of Amendments.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-11-1-.24

O.C.G.A. § 8-2-20 et seq.

Original Rule entitled "International Building Code (IBC), 2012 Edition with 2014 Georgia State Amendments" adopted. F. Nov. 13, 2013; eff. Jan. 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2012 Edition with 2014 and 2015 Georgia State Amendments." F. Nov. 12, 2014; eff. Jan. 1, 2015, as specified by the Agency. Amended: F. Nov. 17, 2016; eff. Jan. 1, 2017, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2012 Edition with 2014 and 2015 and 2017 and 2018 Georgia State Amendments." F. Nov. 21, 2017; eff. Jan. 1, 2018, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition with 2020 Georgia State Amendments." F. Dec. 7, 2018; eff. Jan. 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition with 2020 and 2022 Georgia State Amendments." F. Nov. 18, 2021; eff. Jan. 1, 2022, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition with 2020, 2022 and 2024 Georgia State Amendments." F. Oct. 11, 2023; eff. Jan. 1, 2024, as specified by the Agency. Amended: New title, "International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition with 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025 Georgia State Amendments." F. Nov. 21, 2024; eff. Jan. 1, 2025, as specified by the Agency.

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