Seattle City Council Bills and Ordinances
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Ordinance 119079
Introduced as Council Bill 112217
Title | |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Building Code; repealing Section 22.100.010 (Ordinance 117721, as amended by Ordinances 117865, 118181, 118553 and 118664); adding a new Section 22.100.010; adopting Chapters 2 through 10, 12 through 28, 31, 33 and 35 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the 1997 Uniform Building Code Standards; and amending the adopted Uniform Building Code by adding a new Chapter 1 related to administration, enforcement and permitting, a new Chapter 29 related to plumbing fixtures, a new Chapter 30 regulating elevators, escalators and material lifts, a new Chapter 32 regulating construction in the right of way, marquees, awnings and signs, and a new Chapter 34 regulating existing structures; amending Chapter 2, Definitions; amending Chapters 3 and 4, uses and occupancies; amending Chapter 5, providing general building limitations; amending Chapter 6, types of construction; amending Chapter 7, fire-resistant materials and construction; amending Chapter 8, interior finishes; amending Chapter 9, fire-protection systems; amending Chapter 10, means of egress; amending Chapter 12, interior environment; amending Chapter 13, energy conservation; amending Chapter 14, exterior wall coverings; amending Chapter 15, roof coverings and roof structures; amending Chapters 16-23 providing engineering standards for quality, design, and materials of construction; amending Chapter 24, glazing; amending Chapter 25, gypsum board and plaster; amending Chapter 26, plastic; amending Chapters 27 and 28, electrical and mechanical systems; amending Chapter 31, chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues; amending Chapter 33, site work and demolitions. |
Description and Background | |
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Current Status: | Passed |
Index Terms: | BUILDING-CODES |
References: | Amending: Ord 117721, 117865, 118181, 118553, 118664 |
Legislative History | |
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Sponsor: | DRAGO | tr>
Date Introduced: | June 15, 1998 |
Committee Referral: | Business, Economic and Community Development |
City Council Action Date: | July 13, 1998 |
City Council Action: | Passed |
City Council Vote: | 9-0 |
Date Delivered to Mayor: | July 13, 1998 |
Date Signed by Mayor: (About the signature date) | July 16, 1998 |
Date Filed with Clerk: | July 16, 1998 |
Signed Copy: | PDF scan of Ordinance No. 119079 |
Text | |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Building Code: repealing Section 22.100.010 (Ordinance 117721, as amended by Ordinances 117865, 118181, 118553 and 118664); adding a new Section 22.100.010; adopting Chapters 2 through 10, 12 through 28, 31, 33 and 35 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the 1997 Uniform Building Code Standards; and amending the adopted Uniform Building Code by adding a new Chapter 1 related to administration, enforcement and permitting, a new Chapter 29 related to plumbing fixtures, a new Chapter 30 regulating elevators, escalators and material lifts, a new Chapter 32 regulating construction in the right of way, marquees, awnings and signs, and a new Chapter 34 regulating existing structures; amending Chapter 2, Definitions; amending Chapters 3 and 4 , uses and occupancies; amending Chapter 5, providing general building limitations; amending Chapter 6, types of construction; amending Chapter 7, fire-resistant materials and construction; amending Chapter 8, interior finishes; amending Chapter 9, fire-protection systems; amending Chapter 10, means of egress; amending Chapter 12, interior environment; amending Chapter 13, energy conservation; amending Chapter 14, exterior wall coverings; amending Chapter 15, roof coverings and roof structures; amending Chapters 16-23 providing engineering standards for quality, design, and materials of construction; amending Chapter 24, glazing; amending Chapter 25, gypsum board and plaster; amending Chapter 26, plastic; amending Chapters 27 and 28, electrical and mechanical systems; amending Chapter 31, chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues; amending Chapter 33, site work and demolitions. Section 1. Section 22.100.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code adopting the 1994 Uniform Building Code and Uniform Building Code Standards (Ordinance 117721 as amended by Ordinances 117865, 118181, 118553 and 118664) is hereby repealed, and a new Section 22.100.010 is added to the Seattle Municipal Code to read as follows: 22.100.010 Adoption of the Uniform Building Code The following are hereby adopted and by this reference made a part of this subtitle: Uniform Building Code, 1997 edition, excepting Chapters 1, 11, 29, 30, 32 and 34 and including the Uniform Building Code Standards, 1997 edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials; ASME A17.1-1996 with ASME A17.1a1994 Addenda, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, excepting Part XIX of ASME A17.1, Elevators Used for Construction; Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-81, Sections .005 through .370, Safety rules governing elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and other lifting devices moving walks; Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-91, Safety regulations for casket lifts in mortuaries; Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-93 for Material lifts; and Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-95, Minimum standards for existing conveyances. One copy of each of the above is filed with the City Clerk in C. F. _______________. The Seattle Building Code shall consist of the Uniform Building Code and Uniform Building Code Standards, 1997 edition, and the codes and standards listed above, together with the amendments and additions thereto adopted. Section 2. Wherever in this ordinance there is a conflict between metric units of measurement and English units, the English units shall govern. Section 3. Wherever in this ordinance there is a reference to "WSBC", it shall mean the Washington State Building Code, Washington Administrative Code Chapter 51-30. Wherever there is a reference to "VIAQ" it shall mean the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, Washington Administrative Code Chapter 51-13. The provisions of the Washington State Building Code and the Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code contained herein are adopted as part of the Seattle Building Code. Section 4. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Chapter 1 to read as follows: Chapter 1 ADMINISTRATION NOTE: Chapter 1 is entirely Seattle amendments to the Uniform Building Code and is not underlined. SECTION 101--TITLE, PURPOSE AND SCOPE 101. 1 Title. This subtitle shall be known as the "Seattle Building Code" and may be so cited, and is referred to herein as "this code." 101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the City and certain equipment specifically regulated herein. The purpose of this code is to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public, and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this code. 101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and occupancy of any building or structure within the City, except public utility towers and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in this code, and hydraulic flood control structures. See Chapter 32 for regulation of structures located on, over or under public property or a public right of way. Additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of occupancy or character of occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for new buildings and structures, except as otherwise provided in Chapter 34 of this code. Code Alternate CA101.3: A building which fully complies with the Washington State Building Code may be permitted for construction and occupancy without meeting all requirements of this Seattle Building Code, provided the building complies with the following Seattle Building Code provisions, when applicable: 1. Section 311.2.3.6 and Section 601.5.3 provisions for mini-storage facilities; 2. Section 307.1 and Section 1629.1.2 requirements for preapplication meetings for hazardous occupancies and buildings with unusual load resisting structural designs; 3. Section 310.2 and Section 1007.6 requirements for one-hour construction and corridor construction for certain residential occupancies; 4. Section 511 requirements for construction in the fire district; 5. Section 402 provisions for atria; 6. Section 403 provisions for high rise buildings; 7. Section 904.2.2, 904.2.4, 904.2.8 and 904.2.9 sprinkler requirements for certain basement-like stories and certain storage and Group R-1 occupancies; 8. Section 502 addressing provisions; 9. Section 412 provisions for floating homes; and 10. Section 413 provisions for waterfront piers. 101.4 Internal Consistency. Where in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Wherever in this code reference is made to the Appendix, the provisions in the Appendix shall not apply unless specifically adopted. WSBC WAC 51-30-004: Conflict with Ventilation Code. In the case of conflict between the ventilation requirements of Chapter 12 of this code and the ventilation requirements of Section 406 of the Mechanical Code, the provisions of Section 406 shall govern. SECTION 102--UNSAFE BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES OR PREMISES 102.1 Definition. For the purpose of this section unsafe buildings, structures or premises shall be defined to include all buildings or structures, whether erected before or after the effective date of this code, and all premises immediately surrounding buildings or structures which are structurally unsound or unsafe or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or which in relation to existing occupancy constitute a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, deterioration, instability, dilapidation, obsolescence, damage by fire or other causes or abandonment as specified in this code or any other effective ordinance. 102.2 Emergency Orders. Whenever the building official finds that any building or structure, or portion thereof is in such a dangerous and unsafe condition as to constitute an imminent hazard to life or limb, the building official may issue an emergency order directing that the building or structure, or portion thereof be restored to a safe condition. The order shall specify the time for compliance. The order may also require that the building or structure, or portion thereof, be vacated within a reasonable time, to be specified in the order. In the case of extreme danger, the order may specify immediate vacation of the building or structure, or may authorize disconnection of the utilities or energy source pursuant to the notice provisions of Section 104.6. No person shall occupy the building or structure, or portion thereof after the date on which the building is required to be vacated until the building or structure, or portion thereof, is restored to a safe condition as required by the order and this code. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with an emergency order issued by the building official. 102.3 Hazard Correction Order. Whenever the building official finds that an unsafe building, structure or premises exists, the building official may issue a hazard correction order specifying the conditions causing the building, structure or premises to be unsafe and directing the owner or other person responsible for the unsafe building, structure or premises to correct the condition. In lieu of correction, the owner may submit a report or analysis to the building official analyzing said conditions and establishing that the building, structure or premises is, in fact, safe. The building official may require that the report or analysis be prepared by a licensed engineer and may require compliance with Chapter 34. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with a hazard correction order as specified in this subsection. SECTION 103--VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES 103.1. Violations. It shall be a violation of this code for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, occupy, inspect or maintain any building or structure in the City, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. It shall be a violation of this code for any person, firm or corporation to knowingly aid, abet, counsel, encourage, hire, commend, induce or otherwise procure another to violate or fail to comply with this code. It shall be a violation of this code for any person, firm or corporation to use any material or to install any device, appliance or equipment which does not comply with applicable standards of this code or which has not been approved by the building official. 103.2. Notice of Violation. If after investigation the building official determines that standards or requirements of this code have been violated, the building official may serve a notice of violation upon the owner or other person responsible for the action or condition. The notice of violation shall state the standards or requirements violated, shall state what corrective action, if any, is necessary to comply with the standards or requirements, and shall set a reasonable time for compliance. The notice shall be served upon the owner or other responsible person by personal service, certified mail with return receipt requested or registered mail with return receipt requested or registered mail addressed to the last known address of such person. In addition, a copy of the notice may be posted at a conspicuous place on the property. The notice of violation shall be considered an order of the building official. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to limit or preclude any action or proceeding pursuant to Sections 102 or 104 of this code, and nothing in this section shall be deemed to obligate or require the building official to issue a notice of violation prior to the imposition of civil or criminal penalties in this section. 103.3 Civil Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with the provisions of this code shall be subject to a cumulative civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500 per day for each violation from the date the violation occurs or begins until compliance is achieved. In cases where the building official has issued a notice of violation, the violation will be deemed to begin, for purposes of determining the number of days of violation, on the date compliance is required by the notice of violation. 103.4 Criminal Penalty. Anyone who violates or fails to comply with any order issued by the building official pursuant to this code or who removes, mutilates, destroys or conceals a notice issued or posted by the building official shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 360 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day's violation or failure to comply shall constitute a separate offense. Anyone violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this code and who within the past five years has had a judgment against them for civil penalties arising from a violation of the building code, shall upon conviction thereof, be fined in a sum not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment for not more than 180 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day's violation or failure to comply shall constitute a separate offense. 103.5 Additional Relief. The building official may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin any acts or practices and abate any condition which constitutes a violation of this code when civil or criminal penalties are inadequate to effect compliance. 103.6 Notices. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, mutilate, destroy or conceal any notice issued or posted by the building official pursuant to the provisions of this code, or any notice issued or posted by the building official in response to a natural disaster or other emergency. The building official may record a copy of any order or notice with the Department of Records and Elections of King County. The building official may record with the Department of Records and Elections of King County a notification that a permit has expired without a final inspection after reasonable efforts have been made to provide a final inspection. 103.7 Review By The Director 103.7.1 Any party affected by a notice of violation issued by the Director pursuant to Section 103.2 may obtain a review of the notice by requesting such review in writing within ten days after service of the notice. When the last day of the period computed is a Saturday, Sunday, federal or City holiday, the period shall run until 5:00 p.m. of the next business day. Upon receipt of a request, the Director shall notify the person requesting the review of the date, time and place of the Director's review. The review shall be not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the request is received, unless otherwise agreed by the person requesting the review. Any person affected by the notice of violation may submit any written material to the Director for consideration on or before the date of the review. 103.7.2 The review will consist of an informal review meeting held at the Department. A representative of the Director who is familiar with the case and the applicable ordinances will attend. The Director's representative shall explain the reasons for the issuance of the notice of violation and will consider any information presented by the persons attending. At or after the review, the Director shall: 1. Sustain the notice of violation; or 2. Withdraw the notice of violation; or 3. Continue the review to a future date; or 4. Amend the notice of violation. 103.7.3 The Director shall issue a decision within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the review. The Director shall mail the decision by regular first class mail to the person or persons named in the notice of violation. SECTION 104--ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT 104.1 Jurisdiction of Department of Construction and Land Use. The Department of Construction and Land Use is the code enforcement agency in the City of Seattle for this code. The Department is under the administrative and operational control of the Director of the Department of Construction and Land Use who is the building official. 104.2 Powers and Duties of the Building Official. The building official is authorized and directed to enforce this code, except where authority as elsewhere provided in this code is specifically vested in the Director of Public Health, the fire chief, the Director of Transportation or the Director of Seattle Public Utilities. Compliance with the requirements of this code is the obligation of the owner of the building, structure, or premises, the duly authorized agent of the owner, or other person responsible for the condition or work, and not of the City or any of its officers or employees. 104.3 Deputies. The building official may appoint such officers, inspectors and assistants and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The building official may deputize such employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Department of Construction and Land Use. 104.4 Right of Entry. With the consent of the owner or occupier of a building or premises, or pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant, the building official may enter a building or premises at any reasonable time to perform the duties imposed by this code. 104.5 Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, or in the event of dangerous or unsafe conditions related to construction or demolition, the building official may order the affected work stopped by a notice describing the violation in writing, posted on the premises or served on any person responsible for the condition or work. It is unlawful for any person to engage in or to cause any further work to be done until authorization from the building official is received. 104.6 Occupancy Violations. Whenever any building or structure is being occupied contrary to the provisions of this code, the building official may order such occupancy discontinued and the building or structure, or portion thereof, vacated by notice, posted on the premises or served on any person causing such occupancy to be continued. Any person occupying the building or structure shall discontinue the occupancy within 10 days after receipt or posting of such notice or shall make the building or structure, or portion thereof, comply with the requirements of this code; provided, however, that in the event of an unsafe building, Section 102 may apply. It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with an order or notice issued by the building official. 104.7 Liability. Nothing contained in this code is intended to be nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the City, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from the failure of a building to conform to the provisions of this code, or by reason or in consequence of any inspection, notice, order, certificate, permission or approval authorized or issued or done in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this code, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of the City related in any manner to the enforcement of this code by its officers, employees or agents. Neither the building official nor any employee charged with the enforcement of this code shall be personally liable for any damage that accrues to persons or property as a result of any act or omission committed in the discharge of their duties, provided that the building official or employee acted in good faith and without malice. This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building or structure for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the Department of Construction and Land Use or the City of Seattle be held to have assumed any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or any permits or certificates issued under this code. 104.8 Duties of the Fire Chief. The duties of the fire chief are as defined in the Fire Code. 104.9 Responsibilities of Project Architect or Structural Engineer of Record. It is the responsibility of the Project Architect or Structural Engineer of Record to ensure that the information on the contract documents submitted for a building permit is complete and to the best of his/her knowledge conforms with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances. 104.10 Responsibilities of Structural Engineer of Record. It is the responsibility of the Structural Engineer of Record to: 1. Design the primary structure; 2. Specify design loads, configurations, controlling dimensions, deflection limits and/or other criteria necessary for the design of secondary structural components and sub-systems and the selection of structurally qualified products; 3. Determine the adequacy and conformance of the application of the structurally qualified products with the design intent of the City approved contract documents; 4. Review for compatibility with the design intent of the City approved contract documents the shop drawings for the primary structural parts and design and shop drawings for secondary structural parts for the following structural elements: Wood trusses Glue-lam beams Steel joists Structural steel Steel decking Prefabricated stair systems Precast concrete piles Post-tensioned floor systems Curtain wall systems Precast prestress planks Major skylight frames Precast concrete/masonry wall panels The building official may approve additions to, or deletions from this list. 5. When required by the building official or the Structural Engineer of Record, review the compatibility with the design intent of the City-approved contract documents of the design and shop drawings for mechanical and electrical life safety equipment anchorage required by Section 403.10, including generators, pressurization fans, fire pumps and elevator drive and suspension systems. If there is no Structural Engineer of Record on the project, the Project Architect shall assume these responsibilities. For the purpose of this section, primary structure and secondary structural parts shall be defined as follows: 1. Primary Structure consists of the foundation(s), structural floor(s), roof and walls, bracing members, columns, all other structural components and all connections within and between these elements, which, acting together, provide a complete stable structural framework. 2. Secondary Structural Part (component or subsystem) is a structurally significant portion of the building that is supported by the primary structure, but which does not contribute to the strength or stability of the primary structure. Such a part must have internal structural integrity to perform its function and must have its interactions with, and its attachments to the primary structure analyzed and designed to assure its proper integration within the total structure. 104.11 Responsibilities of Contractor. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to perform all the work in conformance with the City approved contract documents. 104.12 Responsibilities of Plans Examiner. It is the responsibility of the plans examiner to verify that the description of the work in an application for permit and permit plans is substantially complete, and to require corrections where, to the best of the plans examiner's knowledge, the plans do not conform to this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances. 104.13 Responsibilities of Field Inspector. It is the responsibility of the field inspector to make called inspections to verify that the work in progress conforms with the approved plans and to require corrections where, to the best of the field inspector's knowledge, the work either does not conform to the plans or where the work is in violation of this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances. 104.14 Modifications. The building official may modify the requirements of this code for individual cases provided the building official finds: (1) there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code; (2) the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code; and (3) the modification will provide a reasonable level of fire protection and structural integrity when considered together with other safety features of the building or other relevant circumstances. The building official may, but is not required to, record the approval of modifications and any relevant information in the files of the building official or on the approved permit plans. 104.15 Alternate Materials, Methods of Construction and Design. This code does not prevent the use of any material, design or method of construction not specifically allowed or prohibited by this code, provided the alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the building official. The building official may approve an alternate, provided he/she finds that the proposed alternate complies with the provisions of this code and that the alternate, when considered together with other safety features of the building or other relevant circumstances, will provide at least an equivalent level of strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation. Certain code alternates have been pre-approved by the building official and are identified in this code as numbered code alternates. The building official may require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to reasonably substantiate any claims regarding the use or suitability of the alternate. The building official may, but is not required to, record the approval of modifications and any relevant information in the files of the building official or on the approved permit plans. 104.16 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of this code or evidence that any material or construction does not conform to the requirements of this code, the building official may require tests as proof of compliance to be made at no expense to the City. Test methods shall be specified by this code or by other recognized test standards. If there are no recognized and accepted test methods for the proposed alternate, the building official shall determine the test procedures. All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building official. 104.17 Rules of the Building Official. 104.17.1 Authority of Building Official. The building official has the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this code as may be deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this code. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code. The building official is authorized to promulgate, adopt and issue the following rules: 1. "Building Construction Standards" to promulgate standards which are acceptable as a method or as an alternative design for meeting code-required performance criteria, to recognize new technical data affecting code requirements and to eliminate conflicts among code requirements. 2. "Code Interpretations" to interpret and clarify conditions or language expressed in this code. 3. Any other rule necessary for the administration of the purpose and intent of this code. 104.17.2 Procedure for Adoption of Rules. The building official shall promulgate, adopt and issue rules according to the procedures as specified in Chapter 3.02 of the Administrative Code, Seattle Municipal Code. 104.18 Appeals. Appeals from decisions or actions pertaining to the administration and enforcement of this code shall be addressed to the building official. The appellant may request a review by three or more members of the Construction Codes Advisory Board, convened by the Chair. The issue of the appeal shall be taken into account by the Chair when selecting members to hear an appeal. The results of this appeal shall be advisory only. SECTION 105--CONSTRUCTION CODES ADVISORY BOARD 105.1 Establishment. There is hereby created a "Construction Codes Advisory Board" ("Board") to consist of 13 voting members, appointed by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Board membership shall consist of one representative of each of the following professions or organizations. The representative of a profession need not be a member of the profession but may be a representative of an organization of such professionals. 1 architect; 1 structural engineer; 1 electrical engineer; 1 heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning engineer; 1 general contractor; 1 electrical contractor; 1 commercial building owner or operator; 1 apartment building owner or operator; 1 developer and/or contractor of residential projects; 1 member of organized labor; and 3 members of the general public. A representative of each of the following departments shall be ex officio, non-voting members of the Board: Seattle Fire Department; Seattle City Light; and Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. 105.2 Duties of Board. 105.2.1 General. The Board shall act in an advisory capacity for all of its duties. The Board shall meet on call either by the building official or the Board Chair, subject to timely notice. 105.2.2 Code Adoption and Amendment. The Board may examine proposed new editions and amendments to the following codes and regulations: Seattle Building Code Chapter 22.100 S.M.C.* Seattle Mechanical Code Chapter 22.400 S.M.C. Seattle Boiler Code Chapter 22.450 S.M.C. Seattle Energy Code Chapter 22.700 S.M.C. Seattle Electrical Code Chapter 22.300 S.M.C. Grading regulations contained in the Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Control Code Chapter 22.800 through 22.808 S.M.C. Building Code-related provisions of the Housing and Building Maintenance Code Chapter 22.206. * S.M.C. is the Seattle Municipal Code. The Board may make recommendations to the building official and to the City Council for adoption and amendment of these codes. 105.2.3 Review of Director's Rules. The Board may examine proposed administrative rules relating to the codes and regulations listed above and make recommendations to the building official. 105.2.4 Appeals. The Board shall serve as an advisory hearing body for appeals sought under Section 104.18 of the Seattle Building Code, Section 110 of the Seattle Mechanical Code and Section 208 of the Seattle Electrical Code. The final decision on any appealable matter shall be made by the building official. 105.3 Organization. The Board shall organize, elect a chair and any other officers as may be established by the Board. The Board may adopt rules of procedure. There shall be a committee of the Board for each code assigned to its review. Committees shall consist of Board members and may include additional members such as representatives of the general public and professions not specifically represented on the Board. Non-Board members of committees shall be appointed by the Chair. The Chair may, from time to time, appoint special topic subcommittees. 105.4 Terms of Service. Terms of Board members are three years dating from the day of expiration of the preceding term; provided, a member whose term has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and confirmed. Terms on the Board shall be staggered so that the terms of not more than 5 positions expire concurrently. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as original appointment. 105.5 Removal of Board Member. A member may be removed by the Mayor, subject to a vote of a majority of members of the City Council. 105.6 Compensation of Board Members. No member shall receive any compensation for service on the Board. SECTION 106--BUILDING PERMITS 106.1 Permits Required. It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, change the occupancy of, or demolish any building or structure in the City, or allow the same to be done, without first obtaining a building permit for each such building or structure from the building official. All work shall comply with this code, even where no permit is required. 106.2 Work Exempt from Permit. A building permit shall not be required for the work listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of the City. 1. Minor repairs or alterations which, as determined by the building official, cost the owner $4,000 or less in any 6-month period, provided that no structural changes are made and egress, light, air and ventilation are not reduced. Note: A shoreline substantial development permit may be required for work with a value of more than $2,500. 2. Miscellaneous work including the following, provided no changes are made to the building envelope: patio and concrete slabs on grade, painting or cleaning a building, repointing a chimney, installing kitchen cabinets, paneling or other surface finishes over existing wall and ceiling systems applied in accordance with Sections 801-806, insulating existing buildings, abatement of hazardous materials, demolition of nonstructural interior tenant improvements in retail and office uses, and in-kind or similar replacement of or repair of deteriorated members of a structure. 3. One-story detached accessory buildings used for greenhouse, tool or storage shed, or similar uses, provided: 3.1 The projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet; and 3.2 The building is not placed on a concrete foundation other than a slab on grade. 4. Fences not over 8 feet high which do not have masonry or concrete elements above 6 feet. 5. Cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high. 6. Retaining walls and rockeries which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, provided: 6.1 There is no surcharge or impoundment of Class I, II or III-A liquids. 6.2 Construction is not in a critical area or an environmentally sensitive area, nor supports soils in areas of geologic hazard, steep slope or having landslide potential as identified in the environmentally sensitive and critical area regulations contained in Chapters 25.05 and 25.09 of the Seattle Municipal Code. 6.3 Possible failure would likely cause no damage to adjoining property or structures. 7. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 18 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below. 8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. 9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches. 10. Prefabricated swimming pools, spas and similar equipment accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. 11. Replacement of roofing materials and siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alterations to doors and windows. In single-family dwelling reroofing projects, the existing roof sheathing may be replaced and roof structure may be repaired without permit provided no changes are made to the building envelope other than adding or replacing insulation, and the work is equivalent or better than the existing structure. See Energy Code Sections 101.3.2.5 and 1132.1 for insulation requirements for existing buildings. 12. School, park or private playground equipment including playhouses and tree houses. 13. Removal and/or replacement of underground storage tanks that are subject to regulation by a state or federal agency. Note: A Fire Department permit is required for removal, replacement and decommissioning of underground storage tanks. 14. Installation of dish antennas and video programming service antennas 6.56 feet (2 m) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement, used for receiving only. 106.3 Other Permits Required. Unless otherwise exempted by this or other pertinent codes, separate master use, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits shall be required for the above exempted items. 106.4 Flood Hazard Areas. In addition to the permit required by this section, all work to be performed in areas of special flood hazard, as identified in the report entitled "Flood Insurance Study for King County, Washington and Incorporated Areas" and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and filed in C.F. 295948, is subject to additional standards and requirements, including floodplain development approval or a Floodplain Development License, as set forth in Chapter 25.06, the Seattle Floodplain Development Ordinance. 106.5 Application for Permit 106.5.1 Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the Department of Construction and Land Use for that purpose. Every such application shall: 1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made. 2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, property address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work. 3. Provide contractor's business name, address, phone number and current contractor registration number (required if contractor has been selected). 4. Be accompanied by plans, and other data as required in Section 106.5.2. 5. State the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building including cost breakdown between additions and alterations. 6. Be signed by the owner of the property or building, or his/her authorized agent who may be required to submit evidence to indicate such authority. 7. Give such other data and information as may be required by the building official, including, but not limited to, master use and shoreline permits and building identification plans. 8. Indicate the name of the owner and contractor and the name, address and phone number of a contact person. 9. Substantially conform with the Land Use Code, critical areas regulations and building code regulations in effect on the date that the application is submitted. 106.5.2 Plans and Specifications. 106.5.2.1 General. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. EXCEPTION: The building official may waive the submission of plans, calculations, diagrams and other data, if he/she finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code. 106.5.2.2 Preparation by Licensed Professionals. Plans, computations and specifications for all work shall be prepared and designed by or under the direct supervision of an architect or structural engineer licensed to practice under the laws of the State of Washington. Plans and specifications for work not involving structural design shall be prepared by a professional engineer or architect qualified in the proposed work. Each sheet of plans shall bear the seal and the signature of the licensee. EXCEPTION: When authorized by the building official, plans and specifications need not be prepared by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of Washington for the following: 1. Oneand two-family dwellings. 2. New buildings or structures, and additions, alterations or repairs of conventional light frame construction, having a total valuation of less than $30,000. 3. Nonstructural alterations and repairs having a total valuation of less than $30,000, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, fixtures, equipment, interior finish and millwork. 4. The building official may accept the design of a licensed professional engineer for assembly line products or designed specialty structural products. 5. Other work as specified in rules promulgated by the Director. 106.5.2.3 Clarity of Plans. Plans shall be drawn to a clearly indicated and commonly accepted scale upon substantial paper such as blueprint quality or standard drafting paper. Tissue paper, posterboard or cardboard will not be accepted. The plans shall be of microfilm quality and limited to a minimum size of 18 inches by 18 inches and a maximum size of 41 inches by 54 inches. EXCEPTION: The plans for metal plate connected wood trusses may be not less than 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches for single family structures and no less than 11 inches by 17 inches for all other structures. 106.5.2.4 Information Required on Plans. Plans shall include the following, as applicable: 1. A plot plan showing the width of streets, alleys, yards and courts. 2. The location (and/or location within a building), floor area, story, height, type of construction and occupancy classification as defined by the Building Code and use as defined by the Land Use Code of the proposed building and of every existing building on the property. 3. Where there are more than two buildings located on a property, a building identification plan identifying the location of each building on the property and identifying each building by a numbering system unrelated to address. Such plan shall not be required where a plan for the site is already on file and no new buildings are being added to the site. 4. Types of heating and air conditioning systems. 5. Architectural plans, including floor plans, elevations and door and finish schedules showing location of all doors, windows, mechanical equipment, shafts, pipes, vents and ducts. 6. Structural plans, including foundation plan and framing plans. 7. Cross-sections and construction details for both architectural and structural plans including wall sections, foundation, floor and roof details, connections of structural members and types of construction material. 8. Topographic plans, including original and final contours, location of all buildings and structures on and, when required by the building official, adjacent to the site, and cubic yards of cut and fill. A survey of the property prepared by a land surveyor licensed by the State of Washington shall be required for all new construction, and for additions or accessory buildings where the building official has reason to believe that there may be an intrusion into required open areas or over the property line. 9. Where any building or structure is to be erected or constructed on property abutting an unimproved or partially improved street or alley, such plans shall also include a profile showing the established or proposed grade of such street or alley, based upon information obtained from the Director of Transportation relating to the proposed finished elevations of the property and improvements thereon. 106.5.2.5 Information on First Sheet. The first or general note sheet of each set of plans shall specify the following, as applicable: 1. The building and street address of the work. 2. The name and address of the owner and person who prepared the plans. 3. Legal description of the property. 4. Type of occupancy of all parts of the building as defined in this code including notation of fixed fire protection devices or systems. 5. Zoning classification of the property and existing and proposed uses of the structure as defined in the Land Use Code. 6. Indication of location within the fire district as defined in this code, if applicable. 7. Type of construction as defined in this code. 8. Number of stories and basements as defined in this code. 9. Variances, conditional uses, special exceptions, including project numbers, approval and approval extension dates. 10. Where applicable, a description of the design selected and approved at a Section 307 hazardous occupancy pre-design conference, a Section 402 atrium pre-design conference, a Section 403 highrise building pre-design conference, a Section 1629 seismic design predesign conference or a similar conference on a building subject to Fire Code Article 193. 106.5.2.6 Structural Notes. Plans submitted for buildings with an occupant load of 50 or more, buildings of more than two stories, buildings of more than 4,500 square feet total floor area or buildings or other structures that are determined by the building official to embody hazards or complex structural concepts shall include applicable information including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Design loads: Snow load, live loads and live load reductions and lateral loads. When required by the building official, the structural notes for plans engineered to Division IV, Earthquake Design, of Chapter 16 shall include the factors of the base shear formula used in the design; 2. Foundations: Foundation investigations, allowable bearing pressure for spread footings, allowable load capacity of piles, pile driving formulas, lateral earth pressure; 3. Soil fill and back fill: Type, compaction and drainage; 4. Masonry: Type and strength of units, strength or proportions of mortar and grout, type and strength of reinforcement, method of testing, design strength; 5. Wood: Species or species groups, and grades of sawn lumber, glued-laminated lumber, plywood and assemblies, type of fasteners; 6. Concrete: Design strengths, mix designs, type and strength of reinforcing steel, welding of reinforcing steel, restrictions, if any; 7. Steel and aluminum: Specification types, grades and strengths, welding electrode types and strengths; 8. Assignment of responsibilities for inspection and testing during construction, and the degree of inspection and testing; 9. Computations, stress diagrams, shop and fabrication drawings and other data sufficient to show the adequacy of the plans shall be submitted when required by the building official. In lieu of detailed structural notes the building official may approve minor references on the plans to a specific section or part of this code or other ordinances or laws. 106.5.2.7 Fire-resistive Notes. The building official may require that plans for buildings more than two stories in height of other than Groups R, Division 3 and U Occupancies indicate how required structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems. The building official may require that, when required for fireresistive construction, the method of installation of wall and ceiling coverings and the protection of structural parts be specified on the plans unless the listing which documents the rating specifies a method no more restrictive than the minimum standards of Chapter 25. 106.5.3 Construction Inspection Notes. The engineer or architect of record shall include in the final permit documents the following: 1. Special inspections required by Section 1701. 2. Other structural inspections required by the engineer or architect of record. 106.6 Permit Issuance 106.6.1 General. The application, plans, specifications and other data filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of the City to check compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction. The building official shall mail notice to or otherwise notify the applicant within twenty-eight days of application if additional information is required and what additional information is required before the application will be complete. Within fourteen days of receiving the additional information, the building official shall notify the applicant in writing whether the application is now complete or what additional information is necessary. An application shall be deemed to be complete if the building official does not notify the applicant in writing by the deadlines in this section that the application is incomplete. The Director shall approve, condition or deny the application within 120 days as that time period is calculated pursuant to RCW 36.70B.090. If the building official finds that the work as described in an application for permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith substantially conforms to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances and that the fees specified in the Fee Subtitle have been paid, he/she shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant who becomes the permit holder or authorized agent. EXCEPTIONS: 1. The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building or structure before complete plans for the whole building or structure have been submitted or approved, provided that the proposed project complies with the State Environmental Policy Act as adopted by the City (Chapter 25.05 Seattle Municipal Code) and as amended and the Land Use Code, as amended; and provided further that adequate information and plans have been filed and checked to assure compliance with all pertinent requirements of this and other pertinent codes. The holder of such a permit shall proceed at his/her own risk without the assurance that the permit for the entire building or structure will be granted. 2. After approval of a Master Use Permit as required by the Land Use Code, a permit for excavation may be issued. The building official may condition a permit where he/she determines that risks associated with development, construction, ownership and occupation in areas of the city, including, but not limited to potential slide areas, can be reduced to an acceptable level. The building official may deny such permit where he/she determines that the risks cannot be reduced to an acceptable level. 106.6.2 Compliance with Approved Plans and Permit. When the building official issues a permit, he/she shall endorse the permit in writing and endorse in writing or stamp the plans APPROVED. Such approved plans and permit shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the building official, and all work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans and permit except as the building official may require during field inspection to correct errors or omissions. 106.6.3 Amendments to the Permit. When substitutions or changes are made during construction, approval shall be secured prior to execution, however, the building inspector may approve minor modifications to the plans for work not reducing the structural strength or fire and life safety of the structure. The building inspector shall determine if it is necessary to revise the approved plans. Substitutions or changes made during construction subject to special inspection required by Section 1701 shall be approved by the building official. Substitutions, changes and clarifications shall be shown on two sets of plans which shall be submitted to and approved by the building official, accompanied by fees specified in the Fee Subtitle prior to occupancy. These substitutions and changes shall conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances. 106.6.4. Cancellation of Permit Application. An application shall be deemed abandoned and void if a permit is not issued after a period of sixty days from the date of written notice of approval for issuance or if complete corrections are not received after a period of sixty days from the date of written notification of required corrections for compliance with this code. The building official may extend the period for issuance or submission of corrections if the building official determines that there are satisfactory reasons for the delay, or if a different schedule is agreed upon in writing before the end of the sixty day period. The building official may require the applicant to submit a written request for the extension with rationale before the end of the sixty day period. If the permit application is canceled, the site may be inspected to verify that no work has taken place. The application and any accompanying plans and specifications may be destroyed. If the application is being reviewed concurrently with a Master Use Permit application, and it is for a project vested to prior Land Use Code or Zoning Ordinance provisions, and the project does not conform with the codes in effect while it is being reviewed for Master Use Permit approval, cancellation of the building permit application under the provisions of this section shall cause the concurrent cancellation of the Master Use Permit application. 106.7 Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans, which may be on microfilm, shall be retained by the building official. One set of approved plans shall be returned to the applicant and shall be kept at the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized is in progress for use by the inspection personnel. 106.8 Validity of Permit. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful. The issuance of a permit based upon plans shall not prevent the building official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City. The issuance of a building permit shall not prevent the building official from requiring correction of conditions found to be in violation of this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City, nor shall the period of time for which any such permit is issued be construed to extend or otherwise affect any period of time for compliance specified in any notice or order issued by the building official or other administrative authority requiring the correction of any such conditions. 106.9 Expiration and Renewal. 106.9.1 Expiration. Permits and renewed permits shall expire eighteen months from the date of issuance. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Initial permits for major construction projects that require more than eighteen months to complete, according to a construction schedule submitted by the applicant, may be issued for a period that provides reasonable time to complete the work but in no case longer than three years. 2. Permits which expire in less than eighteen months may be issued where the building official determines a shorter period is appropriate. 106.9.2 Renewal. Permits may be renewed and renewed permits may be further renewed by the building official provided the following conditions are met: 1. Application for renewal shall be made within the thirty-day period immediately preceding the date of expiration of the permit; and 2. If the permit has had an associated discretionary Land Use review, (a) the Land Use application was approved for issuance five years or less before the date of the application for renewal; or (b) the work authorized by the permit has been started and is substantially underway. "Substantially underway" means that work such as excavation, inspections, and installation of framing, electrical, mechanical and finish work is being completed on a continuing basis. 3. If an application for renewal is made either more than eighteen months after the date of mandatory compliance with a new or revised edition of the building code or after the effective date of an amendment to applicable provisions of the Land Use Code or the Regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas, the permit shall not be renewed unless: 3.1 The building official determines that the permit complies, or is modified to comply, with the code or codes in effect on the date of application renewal; or 3.2 The work authorized by the permit is substantially underway and progressing at a rate approved by the building official. "Substantially underway" means that work such as excavation, inspections, and installation of framing, electrical, mechanical and finish work is being completed on a continuing basis. Permits may also be renewed where commencement or completion of the work authorized by the permit is delayed by litigation, appeals, strikes or other causes related to the work authorized by the permit, beyond the permit holder's control. Note: In addition to satisfying the provisions of this section, an applicant seeking to renew a building permit for new or additional development in a landslide-prone area, as described in the Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Ordinance, (SMC 25.09), must satisfy Section 25.09.345 of the ECA Ordinance, Permit Renewals in Landslide-prone Areas. 106.9.3 Reestablishment. A new permit shall be required to complete work where a permit has expired and was not renewed. EXCEPTION: A permit which has been expired for less than one year may be reestablished upon approval of the building official provided it complies with Section 106.9.2, Items 2 and 3 above. 106.9.4 Suspension or Revocation. The building official may, by written order, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any provisions of this code. 106.10 Permits and Certificates of Occupancy for Temporary Structures. 106.10.1 Tents and Similar Facilities. The building official may issue a nonrenewable permit and certificate of occupancy to erect and maintain for a period not to exceed six months, a tent or other temporary structure to be used for religious services, conventions, circuses, carnivals, fairs, special sales or similar uses. Such structures shall be removed before the expiration of the sixmonth period specified on the certificate of occupancy. Removal shall be guaranteed by a cash deposit with the building official or by a surety bond, the amount of which, in either case, shall be fixed by the building official. Note: The Land Use and Fire codes may impose additional restrictions on tents and temporary structures. The conditions relative to the cash deposit or the bond shall be such that in case of failure of the occupant or owner to conform to any of the lawful requirements of the City relative to erection, maintenance or removal of said tent or other structure, the properly authorized officers of the City may enter the premises and take such steps as are necessary to conform to such lawful requirements, and shall recover the cost thereof from the cash deposit or bond. The construction of the structure shall be subject to reasonable safeguards for the persons and property as the building official shall prescribe. The nature and extent of fire-extinguishing equipment and decorations shall be subject to the requirements of the fire chief, and the sanitary facilities shall meet the requirements of the Director of Public Health. 106.10.2 Temporary Structures. Temporary structures such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous structures conforming to the requirements of this code, and sheds, canopies, or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected by special permit from the building official for a limited period of time and such building or structure shall be subject to the bonding, removal and safety provisions noted in Section 106.10.1. Temporary buildings or structures in the right-of-way shall be regulated by the Director of Transportation. 106.10.3 Temporary Office Trailers. The building official may issue a building/use permit and certificate of occupancy for eighteen months for the installation of a Commercial Coach or Modular Home as a temporary office or other uses as may be determined by the building official, subject to the following: 1. The Commercial Coach shall be identified by a State of Washington black sticker located by the door. The structure may be placed on a temporary foundation and shall be anchored to resist wind and seismic lateral forces. 2. The Modular Home shall be identified by a State of Washington gold sticker located by the door. It will be accepted as long as no heavy storage is anticipated for the temporary office use. The structure may be placed on a temporary foundation and shall be anchored to resist wind and seismic lateral forces. 3. A plot plan shall be submitted to verify compliance with the Land Use Code and to check exposure to other buildings. 4. The proposed use must be permitted outright under the Land Use Code and comply with all other pertinent laws and ordinances. 5. Construction offices shall be regulated by Section 106.10.4. A subsequent permit and certificate of occupancy for another eighteen months may be issued at the end of each eighteen-month period if the building official determines that the trailer complies with this section. 106.10.4 Construction Buildings. The building official may issue a permit to erect and maintain construction offices, dry shacks and similar temporary buildings, including material and equipment storage, all for the purpose of constructing an improvement. EXCEPTION: Construction offices and similar temporary buildings located on the same premises for which a construction permit has been issued, do not require an additional temporary permit. Such structures shall be removed within 14 days after the termination of the permit, and such removal shall be guaranteed by a cash deposit with the building official or by a surety bond, the amount of which, in either case, shall be fixed by the building official. The conditions relative to the cash deposit or the bond shall be such that in case of failure of the occupant or owner to conform to any of the lawful requirements of the City relative to erection, maintenance or removal of said construction offices, dry shacks or similar temporary buildings, the properly authorized officers of the City may enter the premises and take such steps as are necessary to conform to such lawful requirements, and shall recover the cost thereof from the cash deposit or bond. The construction of the structure shall be subject to reasonable safeguards for persons and property as the building official shall prescribe; the nature and extent of fire-extinguishing equipment shall be subject to the requirements of the fire chief, and the sanitary facilities shall meet the requirements of the Director of Public Health. SECTION 107--FEES A fee for each building permit and for other activities related to the enforcement of this code shall be paid as set forth in the Fee Subtitle. SECTION 108--INSPECTIONS 108.1 General. All construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the building official, and certain types of construction shall have special inspections by registered special inspectors as specified in Section 1701. A survey of the lot may be required by the building official to verify compliance of the structure with approved plans. 108.2 Inspection Requests. It is the duty of the owner of the property or his/her authorized agent, or the person designated by the owner/agent to do the work authorized by a permit, to notify the building official that work requiring inspection as specified in this section and Section 1701 is ready for inspection. It is the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work. It is the duty of the permit holder to cause the work to be accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official. Neither the building official nor the City shall be liable for expense entailed in the required removal or replacement of any material to allow inspection. 108.3 Inspection Record. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or his/her agent has posted an inspection record in a conspicuous place on the premises and in a position which allows the building official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This record shall be maintained in such a position by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the building official. 108.4 Approvals Required. No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the building official. Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required in Section 108.5. There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings when completed and ready for occupancy. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City shall not be valid. 108.5 Required Inspections. 108.5.1 General. No required reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall be covered or concealed in any manner whatsoever without first obtaining the approval of the building official. EXCEPTION: Modular homes and commercial coaches identified by State of Washington stickers as specified in Section 106.10.3 and placed upon a permanent foundation approved and inspected by the building official. The building official, upon notification by the permit holder or his/her agent, of the property address and permit number, shall make the following inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his/her agent where the construction fails to comply with the law. 108.5.2 Foundation and Site Inspection: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected and when all materials for the foundation are delivered on the job. Where concrete from a central mixing plant (commonly termed "ready mix") is to be used, materials need not be on the job. 108.5.3 Concrete Slab or Under-floor Inspection: To be made after all in-slab or under-floor building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place but before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor. 108.5.4 Frame Inspection: To be made after the roof, all framing, fire-blocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, and heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved. 108.5.5 Insulation Inspection: To be made after all insulation and vapor barriers are in place but before any gypsum board or plaster is applied. 108.5.6 Lath and/or Gypsum Board Inspection: For shear walls, to be made after lathing and/or gypsum board, interior and exterior, is in place, but before any plastering is applied or before gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished. 108.5.7 Final Inspection: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and before occupancy. 108.6 Special Inspections. For special inspections, see Chapter 17. 108.7 Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspections specified above, the building official may make or require any other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances which are enforced by the building official. Where work, for which any permit or approval is required, is commenced or performed prior to making formal application and receiving the building official's permission to proceed, the building official may make a special investigation inspection before a permit may be issued for such work. Where a special investigation is made, a special investigation fee may be assessed in accordance with the Fee Subtitle. 108.8 Reinspections. The building official may require a reinspection when work for which inspection is called is not complete, corrections called for are not made, the inspection record is not properly posted on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or when deviations from plans which require the approval of the building official have been made without proper approval. For the purpose of determining compliance with Section 3402, Maintenance, the building official or the fire chief may cause any structure to be reinspected. The building official may assess a reinspection fee as set forth in the Fee Subtitle for any action listed above for which reinspection may be required, whether or not a reinspection is actually performed. A reinspection fee shall not be assessed the first time the work subject to inspection is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work shall be performed until the required fees have been paid. SECTION 109--CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY 109.1 Occupancy. No new building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure, or portion thereof, shall be made until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor. EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies provided buildings and structures of Group R, Division 3 shall not be used or occupied until approved for occupancy after final inspection. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City shall not be valid. 109.2 Change in Occupancy. Changes in the occupancy of a building shall not be made except as specified in Section 3405 of this code. 109.3 Certificate Issued. After satisfactory completion of inspections, when it is found that the building or structure requiring a Certificate of Occupancy complies with the provisions of this code, the Fire Code and other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City, the building official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy which shall contain the following information: 1. The building permit number; 2. The address of the building; 3. A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued; 4. A statement that the described portion of the building complies with the requirements of this code for group and division of occupancy and the activity for which the proposed occupancy is classified; and 5. The name of the building official. 109.4 Temporary Certificate. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued by the building official for the use of a portion, or portions, of a building or structure prior to the completion of the entire building or structure provided all devices and safeguards for fire protection and life safety, as required by this code, the Fire Code, and other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City, are maintained in a safe and usable condition. See Section 106.10 for Certificates of Occupancy for temporary structures. 109.5 Posting. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official. 109.6 Revocation. The building official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a Certificate of Occupancy issued under the provisions of this code whenever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any pertinent laws or ordinances of the City or any of the provisions of this code. Section 5. Chapter 2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: Chapter 2 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS SECTION 201 those DEFINITIONS 201.1 General. For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter and elsewhere in this code where specific definitions are provided. Terms, phrases and words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Terms, phrases and words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine. Where terms, phrases and words are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, copyright 1986, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings. Interpretation I201: Whenever a Uniform or National code is referenced in this code, it shall mean the Seattle edition of that code, including local amendments. 201.2 Standards of Quality. 201.2.1 General. The standards listed below labeled a "UBC Standard" are also listed in Chapter 35, Part II, and are part of this code. The other standards listed below are recognized standards (see Sections 3503 and 3504). 201.2.2 Noncombustible material. UBC Standard 2-1, Noncombustible Material Test 201.2.3 Burning characteristics of building materials. 1. UBC Standard 8-1, Test Method for Surface-burning Characteristics of Building Materials 2. UBC Standard 23-4, Fire-retardant-treated Wood Tests on Durability and Hygroscopic Properties 3. UBC Standard 26-5, Chamber Method of Test for Measuring the Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of Plastic Materials 4. UBC Standard 26-6, Ignition Properties of Plastics 201.2.4 Corrosives and irritants. 1. 49 C.F.R. 173, Appendix A, Testing for Corrosiveness 2. 16 C.F.R. 1500.41 and 1500.42, Methods of Testing Primary Irritant Substances and Test for Eye Irritants 201.2.5 Ranking of hazardous materials. UFC Standard 79-3, Identification of the Health, Flammability and Reactivity of Hazardous Materials 201.2.6 Classification of plastics. UBC Standard 26-7, Method of Test for Determining Classification of Approved Light-transmitting Plastics SECTION 202 those A ACCESS FLOOR SYSTEM is an assembly consisting of panels mounted on pedestals to provide an under-floor space for the installations of mechanical, electrical, communication or similar systems or to serve as an air-supply or return-air plenum. ACCREDITATION BODY is an approved, third-party organization that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks. ACI is the American Concrete Institute, Box 19150, Redford Station, Detroit, Michigan 48219. ADDITION is an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure. AEROSOL is a product that is dispensed by a propellant from a metal can up to a maximum size of 33.8 fluid ounces (1000 mL) or a glass or plastic bottle up to a size of 4 fluid ounces (118.3 mL), other than a rim-vented container. VIAQ: AGGREGATE, for the purpose of emission control design is crushed stone, stone, or other inert material or combinations thereof having hard, strong, durable pieces. AGRICULTURAL BUILDING is a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public. VIAQ: AIR BARRIER is a continuous material or system of materials used for the purpose of minimizing the movement of air across a defined boundary, and capable of withstanding the maximum pressure developed across it, without failing by becoming significantly more leaky. VIAQ: AIR, SUPPLY is that air delivered to the conditioned space and used for ventilation, heating, cooling, humidification or dehumidification. AISC is the American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., One East Wacker Drive, Suite 3100, Chicago, Illinois 60601-2001. ALLEY is any public way or thoroughfare ALTER or ALTERATION is any change, addition or modification in construction or occupancy. AMUSEMENT BUILDING. See Section 408.2. ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018. APARTMENT HOUSE is any building or portion thereof that contains three or more dwelling units and, for the purpose of this code, includes residential condominiums. APPROVED, as to materials and types of construction, refers to approval by the building official as the result of investigation and tests conducted by the building official, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations. APPROVED AGENCY is an established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved. APPROVED FABRICATOR is an established and qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official pursuant to Section 1701.7 of this code. ARCHITECT. See "project architect or engineer." AREA. See "floor area." ASSEMBLY BUILDING is a building or portion of a building used for the gathering together of 50 or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, education, instruction, worship, entertainment, amusement, drinking or dining, or awaiting transportation. ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428. ATRIUM is an opening through two or more floor levels other than enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning or other equipment, which is closed at the top and not defined as a mall. Floor levels, as used in this definition, do not include balconies within assembly occupancies or mezzanines that comply with Section 507. AUTOMATIC, as applied to fire-protection devices, is a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of rise of temperature or increase in the level of combustion products. AWNING. See Section 3203. AWNING SIGN. See Section 3203. SECTION 203 those B BALCONY is that portion of the seating space of an assembly room, the lowest part of which is raised 4 feet (1219 mm) or more above the level of the main floor and shall include the area providing access to the seating area or serving only as a foyer. BALCONY, EXTERIOR EXIT. See Section 1006.3. BASEMENT is any floor level below the first story in a building BOILER, HIGH-PRESSURE, is a boiler furnishing steam at pressures in excess of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) (103.4 kPa) or hot water at temperatures in excess of 250usedF (121usedC), or at pressures in excess of 160 psi (1103.2 kPa). BOILER ROOM is any room containing a steam or hot-water boiler. BUILDING is any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any BUILDING, EXISTING, is a building erected prior to the adoption of this code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued under the prior code and construction has been started within eighteen months after adoption of this code. BUILDING OFFICIAL is the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or the building official's duly authorized representative. Interpretation I203: BUILDING OFFICIAL is the Director of the Department of Construction and Land Use. As used in this code, the term includes authorized representatives of the Director of the Department of Construction and Land Use. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION, FULLY COMPLETE, is an application which the building official has judged to meet the requirements of Section 106.5. It shall be the application for all the architectural and structural parts of a building, except when the building official allows application for portions of buildings the application shall be at least the complete structural frame. BULK HANDLING is the transferring of flammable or combustible liquids from tanks or drums into smaller containers for distribution. SECTION 204 C CAST STONE is a precast building stone manufactured from portland cement concrete and used as a trim, veneer or facing on or in buildings or structures. CENTRAL HEATING PLANT is environmental heating equipment that directly utilizes fuel to generate heat in a medium for distribution by means of ducts or pipes to areas other than the room or space in which the equipment is located. C.F.R. is the Code of Federal Regulations, a regulation of the United States of America available from the Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT or FIRE CHIEF is the head of the fire department or a regularly authorized deputy. CHILD DAY CARE means the care of children during any period of a 24-hour day. CHILD DAY CARE HOME, FAMILY is a child day care facility, licensed by the state, located in the family abode of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of twelve or fewer children, including children who reside at the home. Interpretation I204: CITY, as used in this code, is the City of Seattle, Washington. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. See the Fire Code. CONDOMINIUM, RESIDENTIAL. See "apartment house." CONGREGATE RESIDENCE is any building or portion thereof that contains facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation, as required by this code, and may include facilities for eating and cooking, for occupancy by other than a family. A congregate residence may be a shelter, convent, monastery, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, but does not include jails, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels or lodging houses. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are those design drawings, written specifications, letters, sketches and other documents that fully define the work to be constructed. CONTROL AREA is a building or portion of a building within which the exempted amounts of hazardous materials may be stored, dispensed, handled or used. CORROSIVE is a chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in the United States Department of Transportation in Appendix A to 49 C.F.R. 173, it destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the site of contact following an exposure period of four hours. This term shall not refer to action on inanimate surfaces. COURT is a space, open and unobstructed to the sky, located at or above grade level on a lot and bounded on three or more sides by walls of a building. SECTION 205 D
DAY CARE CENTER is an agency, other than a family child day care home, which provides care for children for periods of less than 24 hours. DAY TREATMENT CENTER is an agency which provides care, supervision and appropriate therapeutic and educational services during part of the 24-hour day for children. VIAQ: DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM is a contaminated soil gas control technique that depressurizes the space below a concrete slab or other soil gas retarder relative to the space above it. The purpose of the depressurization system is to maintain a slightly lower pressure in the soil gas under the slab or other soil gas retarder, compared to the indoor pressure above it, to ensure that flows are from the indoors to the soil, thus preventing mass transport of contaminated soil gas to the indoor air. DIRECTOR. See "building official." DISPENSING is the pouring or transferring of any material from a container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors, dusts, fumes, mists or gases may be liberated to the atmosphere. DISPERSAL AREA, SAFE. See Section 1008.2. DRAFT STOP is a material, device or construction installed to restrict the movement of air within open spaces of concealed areas of building components such as crawl spaces, floor-ceiling assemblies, roof-ceiling assemblies and attics. DWELLING is any building or portion thereof that contains not more than two dwelling units. DWELLING UNIT is any building or portion thereof that contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, as required by this code, for not more than one family, or a congregate residence for 10 or less persons. SECTION 206 E EFFICIENCY DWELLING UNIT is a dwelling unit containing only one habitable room. ELECTRICAL CODE is the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted by this jurisdiction. ELEVATOR CODE is the safety code for elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and moving walks as adopted by this jurisdiction (see EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION is an approved location on the premises of a Group H, Division 6 Occupancy where signals from emergency equipment are received and that is continually staffed by trained personnel. ENERGY CODE is the Seattle Energy Code. ENGINEER. See "project architect or engineer" and "structural engineer of record." EXISTING BUILDINGS. See "building, existing." EXIT. See Section EXIT COURT. See Section EXIT PASSAGEWAY. See Section EXIT PLACARD. See Section 1002. EXIT SIGN. See Section 1002. EXTERIOR STAIRWAY. See Section 1006.3.3.1.
SECTION 207 F FABRICATION AREA (fab area) is an area within a semiconductor fabrication facility and related research and development areas in which there are processes using hazardous production materials. Such areas are allowed to include ancillary rooms or areas such as dressing rooms and offices that are directly related to the fab area processes. FAMILY is WSBC: FAMILY ABODE is a single dwelling unit and accessory buildings occupied for living purposes by a family which provides permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. FAMILY CHILD DAY CARE HOME. See "child day care home, family." FIRE ASSEMBLY. See Section 713.2. FIRE CODE is the Uniform Fire Code promulgated by the International Fire Code Institute, as adopted by this jurisdiction. FIRE RESISTANCE or FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION is construction to resist the spread of fire, details of which are specified in this code. FIRE-RETARDANT COVERING. See Section 3203. FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD is any wood product impregnated with chemicals by a pressure process or other means during manufacture, and which, when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 8-1 for a period of 30 minutes, shall have a flame spread of not over 25 and show no evidence of progressive combustion. In addition, the flame front shall not progress more than 101/2 feet (3200 mm) beyond the center line of the burner at any time during the test. Materials that may be exposed to the weather shall pass the accelerated weathering test and be identified as Exterior type, in accordance with UBC Standard 23-4. Where material is not directly exposed to rainfall but exposed to high humidity conditions, it shall be subjected to the hygroscopic test and identified as Interior Type A in accordance with UBC Standard 23-4. All materials shall bear identification showing the fire performance rating thereof. Such identifications shall be issued by an approved agency having a service for inspection of materials at the factory. FLAMMABLE LIQUID. See the Fire Code. FLOOR AREA is the area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts, FM is Factory Mutual Engineering and Research, 1151 BostonProvidence Turnpike, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062. FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION is a plastic that is intentionally expanded by the use of a foaming agent to produce a reduced-density plastic containing voids consisting of hollow spheres or interconnected cells distributed throughout the plastic for thermal insulating or acoustical purposes and that has a density less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (320 kg/m3). FOOTING is that portion of the foundation of a structure that spreads and transmits loads directly to the soil or the piles. FRONT OF LOT is the front boundary line of a lot bordering on the street and, in the case of a corner lot, may be either frontage. SECTION 208 G GARAGE is a building or portion thereof in which a motor vehicle containing flammable or combustible liquids or gas in its tank is stored, repaired or kept. GARAGE, PRIVATE, is a building or a portion of a building, not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area, in which only motor vehicles used by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept. (See Section 312.) GARAGE, PUBLIC, is any garage other than a private garage. GAS ROOM is a separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only toxic and highly toxic compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used. GRADE (Adjacent Ground Elevation) is the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the building, between the building and a line 5 feet (1524 mm) from the building. For grade of structures built over water, see Section 413.2. GRADE (Lumber) is the classification of lumber in regard to strength and utility. GUARDRAIL is a system of building components located near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces for the purpose of minimizing the possibility of an accidental fall from the walking surface to the lower level. GUEST is any person hiring or occupying a room for living or sleeping purposes. GUEST ROOM is any room or rooms used or intended to be used by a guest for living or sleeping purposes. Every 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of superficial floor area in a dormitory shall be considered to be a guest room. SECTION 209 H HABITABLE SPACE (ROOM) is space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas, are not considered habitable space. HANDLING is the deliberate movement of material by any means to a point of storage or use. HANDRAIL is a railing provided for grasping with the hand for support. See also "guardrail." HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM) is a solid, liquid or gas that has a degree of hazard rating in health, flammability or reactivity of 3 or 4 and that is used directly in research, laboratory or production processes that have, as their end product, materials that are not hazardous. HEALTH HAZARD is a classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system, and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes. HEIGHT OF BUILDING is the vertical distance above a reference datum measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the following, whichever yields a greater height of building: 1. The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface within a 5-foot (1524 mm) horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when such sidewalk or ground surface is not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above lowest grade. 2. An elevation 10 feet (3048 mm) higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk or ground surface described in Item 1 is more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above lowest grade. The height of a stepped or terraced building is the maximum height of any segment of the building. HELIPORT is an area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for use, for the landing and take-off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings and other heliport facilities. HELISTOP is the same as a heliport, except that no refueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters is permitted. HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIAL is a material that produces a lethal dose or a lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories: 1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. 2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each. 3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. Mixtures of these materials with ordinary materials, such as water, may not warrant a classification of highly toxic. While this system is basically simple in application, any hazard evaluation that is required for the precise categorization of this type of material shall be performed by experienced, technically competent persons. HORIZONTAL EXIT. See Section 1005.3.5. HOTEL is any building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed to be used, or that are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests. HOT-WATER-HEATING BOILER is a boiler having a volume exceeding 120 gallons (454.2 L), or a heat input exceeding 200,000 Btu/h (149 540 kW), or an operating temperature exceeding 210usedF (99usedC) that provides hot water to be used externally to itself. HPM ROOM is a room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H, Division 6 Occupancy that hazardous production materials (HPM) are stored or used and that is classified as a Group H, Division 2, 3 or 7 Occupancy. VIAQ: HVAC means heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
SECTION 210 I IRRITANT is a chemical that is not corrosive but that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is a skin irritant if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 C.F.R. 1500.41 for four hours' exposure or by other appropriate techniques, it results in an empirical score of 5 or more. A chemical is an eye irritant if so determined under the procedure listed in 16 C.F.R. 1500.42 or other appropriate techniques. SECTION 211 J JURISDICTION, as used in this code, is SECTION 212 K No definitions. SECTION 213 L LAND USE CODE is the Land Use Code, Title 23 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as amended. LINTEL is a structural member placed over an opening or a recess in a wall and supporting construction above. LIQUID is any material that has a fluidity greater than that of 300 penetration asphalt when tested in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code standards. When not otherwise identified, the term "liquid" is both flammable and combustible liquids. LIQUID STORAGE ROOM is a room classified as a Group H, Division 3 Occupancy used only for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in a closed condition. The quantities of flammable or combustible liquids in storage shall not exceed the limits set forth in the Fire Code. LIQUID STORAGE WAREHOUSE is a Group H, Division 3 Occupancy used only for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in an unopened condition. The quantities of flammable or combustible liquids stored are not limited. LISTED and LISTING are terms referring to equipment or materials included in a list published by an approved testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of current productions of listed equipment or materials. The published list shall state that the material or equipment complies with approved nationally recognized codes, standards or tests and has been tested or evaluated and found suitable for use in a specified manner. LOADS. See Chapter 16. LODGING HOUSE is any building or portion thereof containing not more than five guest rooms where rent is paid in money, goods, labor or otherwise. LOW-PRESSURE HOT-WATER-HEATING BOILER is a boiler furnishing hot water at pressures not exceeding 160 psi (1103.2 kPa) and at temperatures not exceeding 250usedF (121usedC). LOW-PRESSURE STEAM-HEATING BOILER is a boiler furnishing steam at pressures not exceeding 15 psi (103.4 kPa). SECTION 214 M MARQUEE is a MASONRY is that form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, hollow-clay tile, concrete block or tile, glass block or other similar building units or materials or combination of these materials laid up unit by unit and set in mortar. MASONRY, SOLID, is masonry of solid units built without hollow spaces. Interpretation I214: MAY, as used in this code, is permissive for compliance. MECHANICAL CODE is the Uniform Mechanical Code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. MEZZANINE or MEZZANINE FLOOR is an intermediate floor placed within a room. MOTEL shall mean hotel as defined in this code. MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL-DISPENSING STATION is that portion of a building where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles. SECTION 215 N NONCOMBUSTIBLE, as applied to building construction material, means a material that, in the form in which it is used, is either one of the following: 1. Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any material conforming to UBC Standard 2-1 shall be considered noncombustible within the meaning of this section. 2. Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in Item 1, with a surfacing material not over 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thick which has a flame-spread rating of 50 or less. "Noncombustible" does not apply to surface finish materials. Material required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to flues, heating appliances or other sources of high temperature shall refer to material conforming to Item 1. No material shall be classed as noncombustible, which is subject to increase in combustibility or flame-spread rating, beyond the limits herein established, through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric condition. Flame-spread rating as used herein refers to rating obtained according to tests conducted as specified in UBC Standard 8-1. SECTION 216 O OCCUPANCY is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. ORIEL WINDOW is a window that projects from the main line of an enclosing wall of a building and is carried on brackets or corbels. OWNER is any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property. SECTION 217 P PANIC HARDWARE. See Section 1002. PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY is a walkway used exclusively as a pedestrian trafficway. PERMIT is an official document or certificate issued by the building official authorizing performance of a specified activity. PERSON is a natural person, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid. PHOTOLUMINESCENT is the property of emitting light as the result of absorption of visible or invisible light, which continues for a length of time after excitation. PLASTIC MATERIALS, APPROVED, other than foam plastics regulated under Sections 601.5.5 and 2602, are those plastic materials having a self-ignition temperature of 650usedF (343usedC) or greater as determined in accordance with UBC Standard 26-6, and a smoke-density rating not greater than 450 when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 8-1, in the way intended for use, or a smoke-density rating not greater than 75 when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 26-5 in the thickness intended for use. Approved plastics shall be classified as either CC1 or CC2 in accordance with UBC Standard 26-7. See also "foam plastic insulation." PLATFORM. See Section 405.1.2. PLUMBING CODE is the Plumbing Code, as adopted by this jurisdiction. WSBC: PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM is a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which requires a chassis to be transported, and is designed to be used as an educational space with or without a permanent foundation. The structure shall be trailerable and capable of being demounted and relocated to other locations as needs arise. PROJECT ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER is the licensed architect or engineer who has been commissioned as the prime consultant, having overall responsibility for the design and the coordination of the design work of other consultants and whose seal is on the contract documents. PROTECTIVE MEMBRANE is a surface material that forms the required outer layer or layers of a fire-resistive assembly containing concealed spaces. PUBLIC WAY. See Section 1002. SECTION 218 Q No definitions. SECTION 219 R REPAIR is the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance. SECTION 220 S SELF-LUMINOUS means powered continuously by a self-contained power source other than a battery or batteries, such as radioactive tritium gas. A self-luminous sign is independent of external power supplies or other energy for its operation. SENSITIZER is a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical. SERVICE CORRIDOR is a fully enclosed passage used for transporting hazardous production materials and for purposes other than required exiting. SHAFT is an interior space, enclosed by walls or construction, extending through one or more stories or basements that connects openings in successive floors, or floors and roof, to accommodate elevators, dumbwaiters, mechanical equipment or similar devices or to transmit light or ventilation air. SHAFT ENCLOSURE is the walls or construction forming the boundaries of a shaft. SHALL, as used in this code, is mandatory. SIGN. See Section 3204. SMOKE DETECTOR is an approved, listed device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion. VIAQ: SOIL GAS RETARDER MEMBRANE is a flexible sheet material placed between the soil and the indoor air for the purpose of reducing the flow of soil gas into the building. STAGE. See Chapter 4. STORY is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level directly above a Interpretation I220: In stepped or terraced buildings, the number of stories is the number counted from the first story of the lowest building segment to the top story of the highest building segment. For purposes of this interpretation, portions of buildings divided by area separation walls shall be considered separate buildings. STORY, BASEMENT-LIKE is a story which, because of topography, has exterior walls that are covered or partially covered by earth, where the building official determines that egress and emergency access are restricted and which is subject to special restrictions for occupancy, egress and sprinkler systems that apply to basements.
STREET is any thoroughfare or public way STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OF RECORD is the engineer who has been commissioned to design the primary structure of the building. The structural documents prepared by, or under the supervision of, this engineer must contain his/her seal and are the structural contract documents used for the construction permit application. STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION means the visual observation of the structural system, for general conformance to the approved plans and specifications STRUCTURALLY QUALIFIED PRODUCTS are products that have been prequalified by current acceptance and certification by an accepted authority such as International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Concrete Institute (ACI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), or others widely accepted in the engineering field. STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner. SURGICAL AREA is the preoperating, operating, recovery and similar rooms within an outpatient health-care center where the patients are incapable of unassisted self-preservation. SECTION 221 T TOWNHOUSE is a form of ground-related housing in which individual dwelling units are attached along at least one common wall to at least one other dwelling unit. Each dwelling unit occupies space from the ground to the roof. For the purposes of this code a townhouse containing more than two dwelling units shall be considered an apartment house, and a townhouse containing only two dwelling units shall be considered a dwelling. TRAVEL DISTANCE. See Section 1004.2.5. SECTION 222 U UBC STANDARDS are those standards published in Volume 3 of the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. (See Chapter 35.) UL is the Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062. USE, with reference to flammable or combustible liquids, is the placing in action or service of flammable or combustible liquids whereby flammable vapors may be liberated to the atmosphere. USE, with reference to hazardous materials other than flammable or combustible liquids, is the placing in action or making available for service by opening or connecting any container utilized for confinement of material whether a solid, liquid or gas. Interpretation I222: USE where otherwise mentioned in this code is equivalent to character of occupancy and not intended to be construed as the definition of USE in the Land Use Code. USE, CLOSED SYSTEM, is use of a solid or liquid hazardous material in a closed vessel or system that remains closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and the product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations, and all uses of compressed gases. Examples of closed systems for solids and liquids include product conveyed through a piping system into a closed vessel, system or piece of equipment, and reaction process operations. USE, OPEN SYSTEM, is use of a solid or liquid hazardous material in a vessel or system that is continuously open to the atmosphere during normal operations and where vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations. Examples of open systems for solids and liquids include dispensing from or into open beakers or containers, dip tank and plating tank operations. SECTION 223 V VALUE or VALUATION of a building shall be the estimated cost to replace the building and structure in kind, based on current replacement costs, as determined in VENEER. See Section 1403.2. VIAQ: VENTILATION EFFECTIVENESS is the fraction of the outdoor air delivered to the space that reaches the occupied zone. VIAQ: VIRGIN POLYETHYLENE is extruded polyethylene sheets made from nonreprocessed resins.
SECTION 224 W WALLS shall be defined as follows: Bearing Wall is any wall meeting either of the following classifications: 1. Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than 100 pounds per lineal foot (0.445 kN per lineal meter) of superimposed load. 2. Any masonry or concrete wall that supports more than 200 pounds per lineal foot (0.89 kN per lineal meter) superimposed load, or any such wall supporting its own weight for more than one story. Exterior Wall is any wall or element of a wall, or any member or group of members, that defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building and that has a slope of 60 degrees or greater with the horizontal plane. Faced Wall is a wall in which the masonry facing and backing are so bonded as to exert a common action under load. Nonbearing Wall is any wall that is not a bearing wall. Parapet Wall is that part of any wall entirely above the roof line. Retaining Wall is a wall designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil or other materials. WATER HEATER is an appliance designed primarily to supply hot water and is equipped with automatic controls limiting water temperature to a maximum of 210usedF (99usedC). Interpretation I224: "Water Heater" includes only those appliances which do not exceed pressure of 160 pounds per square inch, volume of 120 gallons and a heat input of 200,000 Btu/hr. WEATHER-EXPOSED SURFACES are all surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits and similar surfaces exposed to the weather, excepting the following: 1. Ceilings and roof soffits enclosed by walls or by beams, which extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) below such ceiling or roof soffits. 2. Walls or portions of walls within an unenclosed roof area, when located a horizontal distance from an exterior opening equal to twice the height of the opening. 3. Ceiling and roof soffits beyond a horizontal distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the outer edge of the ceiling or roof soffits. WINDOW WELL is a soil-retaining structure at a window having a sill height lower than the adjacent ground elevation. SECTION 225 X No definitions. SECTION 226 Y YARD is an open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by this code, on the lot on which a building is situated. SECTION 227 Z No definitions. Section 6. Section 302.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 302.1 General. When a building is used for more than one occupancy purpose, each part of the building comprising a distinct "occupancy," as described in Section 301, shall be separated from any other occupancy as specified in Section 302.4. EXCEPTIONS: 1. When an approved spray booth constructed in accordance with the Fire Code is installed, such booth need not be separated from Group B, F, H, M or S Occupancies. 2. The following occupancies need not be separated from the uses to which they are accessory: 2.1 Assembly rooms having a floor area of not over 750 square feet (69.7 m2). 2.2 Administrative and clerical offices and similar rooms that do not exceed 25 percent of the floor area of the major use when not related to Group H, Division 2 and Group H, Division 3 Occupancies. 2.3 Gift shops, administrative offices and similar rooms in Group R, Division 1 Occupancies not exceeding 10 percent of the floor area of the major use. 2.4 The kitchen serving the dining area of which it is a part. Interpretation I302.1: Paragraph 2.4 waives the separation between a kitchen and dining area when they are adjacent and when the kitchen serves the dining area. 2.5 Customer waiting rooms not exceeding 450 square feet (41.8 m2) when not related to Group H Occupancies and when such waiting rooms have an exit directly to the exterior. 2.6. Business, office or similar uses occurring within a dwelling unit, conducted primarily by the occupants of the dwelling, and which are secondary to the use of the unit for dwelling purposes. 3. An occupancy separation need not be provided between a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy and a carport having no enclosed uses above, provided the carport is entirely open on two or more sides. 4. A Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used exclusively for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles need not be separated from a Group S, Division 4 Occupancy open parking garage as defined in Section 311.1. When a building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to the requirements for the occupancy housed therein. An occupancy shall not be located above the story or height set forth in Table 5-B, except as provided in Section 506. When a mixed occupancy building contains a Group H, Division 6 Occupancy, the portion containing the Group H, Division 6 Occupancy shall not exceed three stories or 55 feet (16 764 mm) in height. Section 7. Section 302.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 302.3 Types of Occupancy Separations. Occupancy separations shall be classed as "four-hour fire-resistive," "three-hour fire-resistive," "two-hour fire-resistive" and "one-hour fire-resistive." 1. A four-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation shall have no openings therein and shall not be of less than four-hour fireresistive construction. 2. A three-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation shall not be of less than three-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in walls forming such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-protection rating. The total width of all openings in any three-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation wall in any one story shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall in that story and no single opening shall have an area greater than 120 square feet (11 m2). All openings in floors forming a three-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation shall be protected by shaft, stairway, ramp or escalator enclosures extending above and below such openings. The walls of such enclosures shall not be of less than two-hour fire-resistive construction and all openings therein shall be protected by a fire assembly having a oneand one-half-hour fire-protection rating. EXCEPTION: When the walls of such enclosure extending below the three-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation to the foundation are provided with a fire-resistive rating of not less than three hours with openings therein protected as required for walls forming threehour occupancy separations, the enclosure walls extending above such floor used as the three-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation may have a one-hour fire-resistive rating, provided: 1. The occupancy above is not required to be of Type I or II fireresistive construction, and 2. The enclosure walls do not enclose an exit stairway, a ramp or an escalator required to have enclosure walls of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. Code Alternate CA302.3: Stair and elevator doors in the three-hour enclosure walls may be one and one-half hour fire assemblies if they open into vestibules which are separated from the remainder of the floor by walls of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Openings in vestibule walls shall be protected by a tightfitting smoke and draft control assembly conforming to Sections 1004.3.4.3.2.1 and 1004.3.4.3.2.2. 3. A two-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation shall not be of less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a oneand one-half-hour fire-protection rating. 4. A one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one-hour fire-protection rating. Section 8. Section 302.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 302.4 Fire Ratings for Occupancy Separations. Occupancy separations shall be provided between the various groups and divisions of occupancies as set forth in Table 3-B. For required separation of specific uses in Group I, Division 1 hospitals and nursing homes, see Table 3-C. See also Section 504.6.1. EXCEPTIONS: 1. A three-hour occupancy separation may be used between a Group A, Division 1 and a Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used exclusively for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles provided no repair or fueling is done. A two-hour occupancy separation may be used between a Group A, Division 2, 2.1, 3 or 4 or E or I Occupancy and a Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used exclusively for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles provided no repair or fueling is done. 2. Unless required by Section 311.2.2, the three-hour occupancy separation between a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy and a Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used only for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles with no repair or fueling may be reduced to two hours. Such occupancy separation may be further reduced to one hour where the area of such Group S, Division 3 Occupancy does not exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m2). Code Alternate CA302.4a: When exception 2 above is used for areas larger than 3,000 square feet and not exceeding 10,000 square feet, a one-hour occupancy separation is permitted provided the garage is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. 3. In the one-hour occupancy separation between Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies, the separation may be limited to the installation of 4. Group H, Division 2 and Group H, Division 3 Occupancies need not be separated from Group H, Division 7 Occupancies when such occupancies also comply with the requirements for a Group H, Division 7 Occupancy. Interpretation I302.4: The construction requirements of Section 307 for storage and mixing rooms apply when exception 4 above is used.
Code Alternate CA302.4b: No occupancy separation is required between Group A, Division 2.1 and Groups B or M occupancies when both are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Code Alternate CA302.4c: Subject to the approval of the building official, opening protection in occupancy separation walls may be waived between Group S, Division 3 or Division 4 parking areas and enclosed portions of buildings such as entry lobbies and similar areas provided: A. The floors of the enclosed building, where the opening protection is waived, are protected by an automatic sprinkler system; B. The openings are glazed with either tempered or laminated glazing materials; C. When required by the building official, the glazing is protected on the parking side with a sprinkler system designed to wet the entire glazed surface; and D. The Group S, Division 3 or Division 4 occupancy is used primarily for passenger loading and unloading and vehicle drive-through uses. Section 9. Section 303.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 303.4 Access and Exit Facilities. Exits shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. (For special exiting requirements, see Section 1007.2.) Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. For amusement buildings, see Section 408. Section 10. Section 303.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 303.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. In Group A Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29. Section 11. Section 303.9 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 303.9 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed as set forth in the Fire Code in Group A, Divisions 1, 2 and 2.1 Occupancies. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided and installed as required by Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. For amusement building alarm systems, see Section 408.5.1. Section 12. Section 304.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 304.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 304.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed as Group B Occupancies because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in Table 5-B. Such occupancies shall not exceed, in area or height, the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506 and shall comply with the provisions of this section. 304.2.2 Special provisions. 304.2.2.1 Laboratories and vocational shops. Laboratories or groups of laboratories under the same management, For the application and use of control areas, see Footnote 1 of Tables 3-D and 3-E.
304.2.2.2 Amusement buildings. Amusement buildings with an occupant load of less than 50 shall comply with Section 408. Section 13. Section 304.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 304.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. See also Section 304.2.2.1 for means of egress from laboratories. Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 14. Section 304.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 304.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. In Group B Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29.
304.5.2 Sanitation. The number of plumbing fixtures shall not be less than specified in Section 2902.3.
304.7 Fire Detection, Alarm, Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided and installed as required by Article 10 of the Fire Code. When required by Section 904.2.1 or other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be installed as specified in Chapter 9. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. Section 16. Section 304.8 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 304.8 Special Hazards. Chimneys and heating apparatus shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 31 of this code and the Mechanical Code. Storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA Standard 31 and the Fire Code. Devices generating a glow, spark or flame capable of igniting flammable vapors shall be installed such that sources of ignition are at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor of any room in which Class I flammable liquids or flammable gases are used or stored. See also Section 303.1.3 of the Mechanical Code. Stationary lead-acid battery systems used for facility standby, emergency power or uninterrupted power supplies shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Fire Code. Section 17. Section 305 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 305 REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP E OCCUPANCIES 305.1 Group E Occupancies Defined. Group E Occupancies shall be: Division 1. Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by 50 or more persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day. Division 2. Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by less than 50 persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day. Division 3. EXCEPTION: Family child day-care homes shall be considered Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. 305.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 305.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group E because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in Table 5-B and shall not exceed, in area or height, the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506, except that the area may be increased by 50 percent when the maximum travel distance specified in Section 1004.2.5 is reduced by 50 percent. 305.2.2 Atmospheric separation requirements. 305.2.2.1 Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter and Section 1007.3, the following definitions are applicable: COMMON ATMOSPHERE exists between rooms, spaces or areas within a building that are not separated by an approved smokeand draft-stop barrier. SEPARATE ATMOSPHERE exists between rooms, spaces or areas that are separated by an approved smoke barrier. SMOKE BARRIER consists of walls, partitions, floors and openings therein as will prevent the transmission of smoke or gases through the construction. See Section 905. 305.2.2.2 General provisions. The provisions of this section apply when a separate exit system is required in accordance with Section 1007.3. Walls, partitions and floors forming all or part of an atmospheric separation shall be as required by Section 905.2.3. Glass lights of approved wired glass set in steel frames may be installed in such walls or partitions. All automatic-closing fire assemblies installed in the atmospheric separation shall be activated by approved smoke detectors. The specific requirements of this section are not intended to prevent the design or use of other systems, equipment or techniques that will effectively prevent the products of combustion from breaching the atmospheric separation. 305.2.3 Special provisions. Rooms in Divisions 1 and 2 Occupancies used for kindergarten, firstor second-grade pupils, and Division 3 Occupancies shall not be located above or below the first story. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Basements or stories having floor levels located within 4 feet (1219 mm), measured vertically, from adjacent ground level at the level of exit discharge, provided the basement or story has exterior exit doors at that level. 2. In buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout, rooms used for kindergarten, and first 3. Division 3 Occupancies may be located above the first story in buildings of Type I construction and in Types II-F.R., II One-hour and III One-hour construction, subject to the limitation of Section 506 when: 3.1 Division 3 Occupancies 3.2 The entire story in which the day-care facility is located is equipped with an approved manual fire alarm and smoke-detection system. (See the Fire Code.) Actuation of an initiating device shall sound an audible alarm throughout the entire story. When a building fire alarm system is required by other provisions of this code or the Fire Code, the alarm system shall be connected to the building alarm system. An approved alarm signal shall sound at an approved location in the day-care occupancy to indicate a fire alarm or sprinkler flow condition in other portions of the building; and 3.3 The day-care facility, if more than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) in area, is divided into at least two compartments of approximately the same size by a smoke barrier with door openings protected by smokeand draft-control assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Smoke barriers shall have a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. In addition to the requirements of Section 302, occupancy separations between Division 3 Occupancies and other occupancies shall be constructed as smoke barriers. Door openings in the smoke barrier shall be tightfitting, with gaskets installed as required by Section 1005, and shall be automatic closing by actuation of the automatic sprinklers, fire alarm or smokedetection system. Openings for ducts and other heating, ventilating and air-conditioning openings shall be equipped with a minimum Class I, 250 F (121 C) smoke damper as defined and tested in accordance with approved recognized standards. See Chapter 35, Part IV. The damper shall close upon detection of smoke by an approved smoke detector located within the duct, or upon the activation of the fire alarm system; and 3.4 Each compartment formed by the smoke barrier has not less than two exits or exit-access doors, one of which is permitted to pass through the adjoining compartment; and 3.5 At least one exit or exit-access door from the Division 3 Occupancy shall be into a separate means of egress as defined in Section 1007.3; and 3.6 The building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout. 4. In buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout using fast-response heads, rooms used for second-grade children may be located on the second story. In existing buildings, fast-response heads are not required in attic spaces. Stages and platforms shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 4. For attic space partitions and draft stops, see Section 708. 305.2.4 Special hazards. Laboratories, vocational shops and similar areas containing hazardous materials shall be separated from each other and from other portions of the building by not less than a onehour fire-resistive occupancy separation. When the quantities of hazardous materials in such uses do not exceed those listed in Table 3-D or 3-E, the requirements of Sections 307.5.2 and 307.8 shall apply. When the quantities of hazardous materials in such uses exceed those listed in Table 3-D or 3-E, the use shall be classified as the appropriate Group H Occupancy. See Section 1007.3 for means of egress from laboratories in Group E Occupancies. Equipment in rooms or groups of rooms sharing a common atmosphere where flammable liquids, combustible dust or hazardous materials are used, stored, developed or handled shall conform to the requirements of the Fire Code. 305.3 Location on Property. All buildings housing Group E Occupancies shall front directly on a public street or an exit discharge not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width. The exit discharge to the public street shall be a minimum 20-foot-wide (6096 mm) right-of-way, unobstructed and maintained only as access to the public street. At least one required exit shall be located on the public street or on the exit discharge. For fire-resistive protection of exterior walls and openings, as determined by location on property, see Section 503 and Chapter 6. EXCEPTION: Group E, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies in buildings of types II One-hour, II-N or V construction having an occupant load of not more than 20, may have exterior wall and opening protection as required for Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. 305.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. (For special provisions, see Section 1007.3.) Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. 305.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation.
In Group E Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29. 305.6 Shaft and Exit Enclosures. Exits shall be enclosed as specified in Chapter 10. Elevator shafts, vent shafts and other vertical openings shall be enclosed, and the enclosure shall be as specified in Section 711. 305.7 Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. When required by Section 904.2.1 or other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be designed and installed as specified in Chapter 9. 305.8 Special Hazards. Chimneys and heating apparatus shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 31 of this code and the Mechanical Code. Motion picture machine rooms shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 4. All exterior openings in a boiler room or rooms containing central heating equipment, if located below openings in another story or if less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from other doors or windows of the same building, shall be protected by a fire assembly having a threefourths-hour fire-protection rating. Such fire assemblies shall be fixed, automatic closing or self-closing. Class I, II or III-A liquids shall not be placed, stored or used in Group E Occupancies, except in approved quantities as necessary in laboratories and classrooms and for operation and maintenance as set forth in the Fire Code. 305.9 Fire Alarm Systems. An approved fire alarm system shall be provided for Group E Occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more persons. In Group E Occupancies provided with an automatic sprinkler or detection system, the operation of such system shall automatically activate the school fire alarm system, which shall include an alarm mounted on the exterior of the building. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be provided and installed as specified in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. See Chapter 10 for smoke-detection requirements. For installation requirements, see the Fire Code. Section 18. Section 306.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 306.1 Group F Occupancies Defined. Group F Occupancies shall include the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or processing operations that are not classified as Group H Occupancies. Interpretation I306.1a: Where amounts of hazardous materials less than specified in Tables 3-D and 3-E are present, the occupancy will not be classified as a Group H occupancy. For the application and use of control areas, see Footnote 1 of Tables 3-D and 3-E. Factory and industrial occupancies shall include the following: Division 1. Moderate-hazard factory and industrial occupancies shall include factory and industrial uses that are not classified as Group F, Division 2 Occupancies, but are not limited to facilities producing the following: 1. Aircraft. 2. Appliances. 3. Athletic equipment. 4. Automobiles and other motor vehicles. 5. Bakeries. 6. Alcoholic beverages. 7. Bicycles. 8. Boats. 9. Brooms and brushes. 10. Business machines. 11. Canvas or similar fabric. 12. Cameras and photo equipment. 13. Carpets and rugs, including cleaning. 14. Clothing. 15. Construction and agricultural machinery. 16. Dry cleaning and dyeing. 17. Electronics assembly. 18. Engines, including rebuilding. 19. Photographic film. 20. Food processing. 21. Furniture. 22. Hemp products. 23. Jute products. 24. Laundries. 25. Leather products. 26. Machinery. 27. Metal. 28. Motion pictures and television filming and videotaping. 29. Musical instruments. 30. Optical goods. 31. Paper mills or products. 32. Plastic products. 33. Printing or publishing. 34. Recreational vehicles. 35. Refuse incineration. 36. Shoes. 37. Soaps and detergents. 38. Tobacco. 39. Trailers. 40. Wood, distillation. 41. Millwork (sash and door). 42. Woodworking, cabinet. Interpretation I306.1b: Group F, Division 1 includes facilities producing and repairing boats and ships of all types. If hazardous materials are present in excess of exempt amounts, Section 307 shall apply. Painting and use of synthetic materials may require compliance with Section 307. Division 2. Low-hazard factory and industrial occupancies shall include facilities producing noncombustible or nonexplosive materials which, during finishing, packing or processing, do not involve a significant fire hazard, including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Nonalcoholic beverages. 2. Brick and masonry. 3. Ceramic products. 4. Foundries. 5. Glass products. 6. Gypsum. 7. Steel products-fabrication and assembly. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. Section 19. Section 306.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 306.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 20. Section 306.7 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 306.7 Fire Detection, Alarm, Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. When required by Section 904.2 or other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be installed as specified in Chapter 9. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall also be provided and installed as required in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. Section 21. Section 306.8 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 306.8 Special Hazards. For special hazards of Group F Occupancies, see Section 304.8. Storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA Standard 31 and the Fire Code. Buildings erected or converted to house high-piled combustible stock or aerosols shall comply with the Fire Code. Equipment, machinery or appliances that generate finely divided combustible waste or that use finely divided combustible material shall be equipped with an approved method of collection and removal. Section 22. Section 307.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 307.1 Group H Occupancies Defined. 307.1.1 General. Group H Occupancies shall include buildings or structures, or portions thereof, that involve the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a high fire, explosion or health hazard. For definitions, identification and control of hazardous materials and pesticides, and the display of nonflammable solid and nonflammable and noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in Group B, F, M or S Occupancies, see the Fire Code. For hazardous materials used as refrigerants or lubricants within closed cycle refrigeration systems and the areas served by them, see Chapter 28 of this code, the Mechanical Code and the Fire Code. For the application and use of control areas, see Footnote 1 of Tables 3-D and 3-E. Group H Occupancies shall be: Division 1. Occupancies with a quantity of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D, which present a high explosion hazard, including, but not limited to: 1. Explosives, blasting agents, Class 1.3G (Class B, Special) fireworks and black powder. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Storage and use of pyrotechnic special effect materials in motion picture, television, theatrical and group entertainment production when under permit as required in the Fire Code. The time period for storage shall not exceed 90 days. 2. Indoor storage and display of smokeless powder, black sporting powder, and primers or percussion caps exceeding the exempt amounts for Group M retail sales need not be classified as a Group H, Division 1 Occupancy where stored and displayed in accordance with the Fire Code. 2. Manufacturing of Class 1.4G (Class C, Common) fireworks. 3. Unclassified detonatable organic peroxides. 4. Class 4 oxidizers. 5. Class 4 or Class 3 detonatable unstable (reactive) materials. Division 2. Occupancies where combustible dust is manufactured, used or generated in such a manner that concentrations and conditions create a fire or explosion potential; occupancies with a quantity of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D, which present a moderate explosion hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning, including, but not limited to: 1. Class I organic peroxides. 2. Class 3 nondetonatable unstable (reactive) materials. 3. Pyrophoric gases. 4. Flammable or oxidizing gases. 5. Class I, II or III-A flammable or combustible liquids which are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15-pounds-per-squareinch (psi) (103.4 kPa) gage. EXCEPTION: Aerosols. 6. Class 3 oxidizers. 7. Class 3 water-reactive materials. Division 3. Occupancies where flammable solids, other than combustible dust, are manufactured, used or generated. Division 3 Occupancies also include uses in which the quantity of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D presents a high physical hazard, including, but not limited to: 1. Class II, III or IV organic peroxides. 2. Class 1 or 2 oxidizers. 3. Class I, II or III-A flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems and containers or systems pressurized at 15 psi (103.4 kPa) gage or less, and aerosols. 4. Class III-B combustible liquids. 5. Pyrophoric liquids or solids. 6. Class 1 or 2 water-reactive materials. 7. Flammable solids in storage. 8. Flammable or oxidizing cryogenic fluids (other than inert). 9. Class 1 unstable (reactive) gas or Class 2 unstable (reactive) materials. 10. Storage of Class 1.4G (Class C, Common) fireworks. Division 4. Repair garages and body shops not classified as Group S, Division 3 Occupancies. Division 5. Aircraft repair hangars not classified as Group S, Division 5 Occupancies and heliports. Division 6. Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are used and the aggregate quantity of materials are in excess of those listed in Table 3-D or 3-E. Such facilities and areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 307.11. Division 7. Occupancies having quantities of materials in excess of those listed in Table 3-E that are health hazards, including: 1. Corrosives. EXCEPTION: Stationary lead-acid battery systems. 2. Toxic and highly toxic materials.
307.1.2 Multiple hazards. When a hazardous material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed and controlled in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. 307.1.3 Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms. Rooms in which Class I, Class II and Class III-A flammable or combustible liquids are used, dispensed or mixed in open containers shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for a Group H, Division 2 Occupancy and the following: 1. Rooms in excess of 500 square feet (46.5 m2) shall have at least one exterior exit door approved for fire department access. 2. Rooms shall be separated from other areas by an occupancy separation having a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour for rooms up to 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area and not less than two hours where the room is more than 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area. Separations from other occupancies shall not be less than required by Section 302 and Table 3-B. 3. Shelving, racks and wainscoting in such areas shall be of noncombustible construction or wood not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. 4. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms shall not be located in basements. 307.1.4 Liquid storage rooms. Rooms in which Class I, Class II and Class III-A flammable or combustible liquids are stored in closed containers shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for a Group H, Division 3 Occupancy and to the following: 1. Rooms in excess of 500 square feet (46.5 m2) shall have at least one exterior exit door approved for fire department access. 2. Rooms shall be separated from other areas by an occupancy separation having a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour for rooms up to 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area and not less than two hours where the room is more than 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area. Separations from other occupancies shall not be less than required by Section 302 and Table 3-B. 3. Shelving, racks and wainscoting in such areas shall be of noncombustible construction or wood of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. 4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall not be located in a basement. 307.1.5 Flammable or combustible liquid storage warehouses. Liquid storage warehouses in which Class I, Class II and Class III-A flammable or combustible liquids are stored in closed containers shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for a Group H, Division 3 Occupancy and the following: 1. Liquid storage warehouses shall be separated from all other uses by a four-hour area separation wall. 2. Shelving, racks and wainscoting in such warehouses shall be of noncombustible construction or wood not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. 3. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall not be located in a basement. 307.1.6 Requirement for report. The building official may require a technical opinion and report to identify and develop methods of protection from the hazards presented by the hazardous material. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official and shall be provided without charge to the enforcing agency. The opinion and report may include, but is not limited to, the preparation of a hazardous material management plan (HMMP); chemical analysis; recommendations for methods of isolation, separation, containment or protection of hazardous materials or processes, including appropriate engineering controls to be applied; the extent of changes in the hazardous behavior to be anticipated under conditions of exposure to fire or from hazard control procedures; and the limitations or conditions of use necessary to achieve and maintain control of the hazardous materials or operations. The report shall be entered into the files of the code enforcement agencies. Proprietary and trade secret information shall be protected under the laws of the state or jurisdiction having authority. 307.1.7. Pre-design Conference. Prior to application for permit for a Division 6 Occupancy, the applicant shall arrange a pre-design conference with the design team, the building official and fire chief to review proposed emergency life safety systems for the building and the appropriate protection of the life safety systems. For Division 7 occupancies, a pre-design conference is recommended. (See also Table 5-B). It is the purpose of the meeting to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire chief of the proposed systems and to allow for design based upon the latest state-of-the-art. Applicants shall bring to the conference preliminary building plans and a draft of the Hazardous Materials Management Plan. The building official and fire chief may require sufficient documentation, based upon appropriate analyses, that the proposal meets the intent of nationally-recognized good practices. The building permit shall not be issued until the building official and fire chief have approved, in writing, the emergency life safety systems for the building and the appropriate protection of the life safety systems. The documentation of the pre-design meeting shall be reflected on the plans for the building and become a permanent part of the Department of Construction and Land Use's records. Section 23. Section 307.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 307.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 307.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group H because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in Table 5-B and shall not exceed, in area or height, the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506. For restrictions on Group H Occupancies in the Downtown Fire District, see Section 511. 307.2.2 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors in areas containing hazardous materials and in areas where motor vehicles, boats, helicopters or airplanes are stored, repaired or operated shall be of noncombustible, liquid-tight construction. EXCEPTION: In Group H, Divisions 4 and 5 Occupancies, floors may be surfaced or waterproofed with asphaltic paving materials in that portion of the facility where no repair work is done. 307.2.3 Spill control and secondary containment for the storage of hazardous materials liquids and solids. 307.2.3.1 Applicability. When required by the Fire Code, rooms, buildings or areas used for the storage of liquid or solid hazardous materials shall be provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 307.2.3. See the Fire Code for outdoor storage provisions. 307.2.3.2 Spill control for hazardous materials liquids. Rooms, buildings or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials liquids in individual vessels having a capacity of more than 55 gallons (208.2 L) or when the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L) shall be provided with spill control to prevent the flow of liquids to adjoining areas. Floors shall be constructed to contain a spill from the largest single vessel by one of the following methods: 1. Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors, 2. Liquid-tight floors provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes, or 3. Sumps and collection systems. Except for surfacing, the floors, sills, dikes, sumps and collection systems shall be constructed of noncombustible material, and the liquid-tight seal shall be compatible with the material stored. When liquid-tight sills or dikes are provided, they are not required at perimeter openings, which are provided with an open-grate trench across the opening that connects to an approved collection system. 307.2.3.3 Secondary containment for hazardous materials liquids and solids. When required by the Fire Code, buildings, rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials liquids or solids shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with this section when the capacity of an individual vessel or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds the following: Liquids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 55 gallons (208.2 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L). Solids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 550 pounds (248.8 kg) or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 10,000 pounds (4524.8 kg). The building, room or area shall contain or drain the hazardous materials and fire-protection water through the use of one of the following methods: 1. Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors, 2. Liquid-tight floors provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes, 3. Sumps and collection systems, or 4. Drainage systems leading to an approved location. Incompatible materials shall be separated from each other in the secondary containment system. Secondary containment for indoor storage areas shall be designed to contain a spill from the largest vessel, plus the design flow volume of fire-protection water calculated to discharge from the fireextinguishing system over the minimum required system design area or area of the room or area in which the storage is located, whichever is smaller, for a period of 20 minutes. A monitoring method shall be provided to detect hazardous materials in the secondary containment system. The monitoring method is allowed to be visual inspection of the primary or secondary containment, or other approved means. Where secondary containment is subject to the intrusion of water, a monitoring method for detecting water shall be provided. When monitoring devices are provided, they shall be connected to distinct visual or audible alarms. Drainage systems shall be in accordance with the Plumbing Code and the following: 1. The slope of floors to drains shall not be less than 1 percent, 2. Drains shall be sized to carry the volume of the fire-protection water as determined by the design density discharged from the automatic fire-extinguishing system over the minimum required system design area or area of the room or area in which the storage is located, whichever is smaller, 3. Materials of construction for drainage systems shall be compatible with the materials stored, 4. Incompatible materials shall be separated from each other in the drainage system, and 5. Drains shall terminate in an approved location away from buildings, valves, means of egress, fire-access roadways, adjoining property and storm drains. 307.2.4 Spill control and secondary containment for use of hazardous materials liquids. 307.2.4.1 Open containers and systems. 307.2.4.1.1 Spill control for hazardous materials liquids. When required by the Fire Code, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous materials liquids are dispensed into vessels exceeding a 1.1-gallon (4 L) capacity or used in open systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 307.2.3.2. 307.2.4.1.2 Secondary containment for hazardous materials liquids. When required by the Fire Code, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous materials liquids are dispensed or used in open systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 307.2.3.3 when the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following: Individual vessel or system: Greater than 1.1 gallons (4 L) Multiple vessels or systems: Greater than 5.3 gallons (20 L) 307.2.4.2 Closed containers and systems. 307.2.4.2.1 Spill control for hazardous materials liquids. When required by the Fire Code, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous materials liquids are used in individual vessels exceeding a 55-gallon (208.2 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 307.2.3.2. 307.2.4.2.2 Secondary containment for hazardous materials liquids. When required by the Fire Code, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous materials liquids are used in vessels or systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 307.2.3.3 when the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following: Individual vessel or system: Greater than 55 gallons (208.2 L) Multiple vessels or systems: Greater than 1,000 gallons (3785 L) 307.2.5 Smoke and heat vents. Smoke and heat venting shall be provided in areas containing hazardous materials as set forth in the Fire Code in addition to the provisions of this code. 307.2.6 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided in Group H, Divisions 1, 307.2.7 Emergency power. An emergency power system shall be provided in Group H, Division
Interpretation I307.2: The standby and emergency power systems required by Sections 307.2.6 and 307.2.7 shall be provided for required mechanical exhaust ventilation, treatment, temperature control, liquid-level limit control, pressure control, alarm, and detection or other required electrically-operated systems. For required systems, see the Fire Code. The systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Article 700-12 (a), (b), (c) or (e) of the Electrical Code, or, if the building official approves at the predesign conference, they may be designed and installed in accordance with Article 700-12 (d) of the Electrical Code. 307.2.8 Special provisions for Group H, Division 1 Occupancies. Group H, Division 1 Occupancies shall be in buildings used for no other purpose, without basements, crawl spaces or other under-floor spaces. Roofs shall be of lightweight construction with suitable thermal insulation to prevent sensitive material from reaching its decomposition temperature. Group H, Division 1 Occupancies containing materials, which are in themselves both physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the exempt amounts in Table 3-E, shall comply with requirements for both Group H, Division 1 and Group H, Division 7 Occupancies. 307.2.9 Special provisions for Group H, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies. Group H, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies containing quantities of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table 3-G shall be in buildings used for no other purpose, shall not exceed one story in height and shall be without basements, crawl spaces or other underfloor spaces. Group H, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies containing water-reactive materials shall be resistant to water penetration. Piping for conveying liquids shall not be over or through areas containing water reactives, unless isolated by approved liquid-tight construction. EXCEPTION: Fire-protection piping may be installed over reactives without isolation. 307.2.10 Special provisions for Group H, Division 4 Occupancies. Group H, Division 4 Occupancies having a floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) may have exterior walls of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction when less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from a property line and not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction when less than 307.2.11 Special provisions for Group H, Division 6 Occupancies. See Section 307.10. Section 24. Section 307.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 307.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. (For special provisions, see Section 1007.4.) Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 25. Section 307.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 307.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. In Group H Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29.
307.5.2 Ventilation in hazardous locations. See Section 1202.2.3 for ventilation requirements in hazardous locations. 307.5.3 Ventilation in Group H, Division 4 Occupancies. See Section 1202.2.4 for ventilation requirements in Group H, Division 4 Occupancies. 307.5.4 Sanitation. The number of plumbing fixtures shall not be less than specified in Section 2902.3. Section 26. Section 307.9 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 307.9 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be provided in Group H Occupancies used for the manufacturing of organic coatings. Approved automatic fire detection, fire alarm and smoke detection shall be provided for rooms used for the storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials when required by the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. For Group H, Division 6 Occupancies, see Section 307.11. For installation requirements, see the Fire Code. For aerosol storage warehouses, see the Fire Code. Section 27. Section 308.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 308.1 Group I Occupancies Defined. Group I Occupancies shall be: Division 1.1. Nurseries for the full-time care of children under the age of six (each accommodating more than five children). Hospitals, Division 1.2. Health-care centers for ambulatory patients receiving outpatient medical care that may render the patient incapable of unassisted self-preservation (each tenant space accommodating more than five such patients). Division 2. Nursing homes for ambulatory patients Division 3. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group I Occupancies shall not include buildings used only for private residential purposes for a family group. 2. One-story nursing homes accommodating 15 or fewer ambulatory or mobile nonambulatory developmentally-disabled persons shall be classified as a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy, or as a Group LC Occupancy if licensed by the State. Section 28. Section 308.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 308.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. (For special provisions, see Section 1007.5.) Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 29. Section 308.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 308.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. In Group I Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29.
308.5.2 Sanitation. The number of plumbing fixtures shall not be less than specified in Section 2902.5. Section 30. Section 308.9 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 308.9 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. An approved manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided for Group I Occupancies. Audible alarm devices shall be used in nonpatient areas. Visible alarm devices may be used in lieu of audible devices in patient-occupied areas. For installation requirements, see Article 10 of the Fire Code. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall also be provided and installed as specified in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. Section 31. Section 309.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 309.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 32. Section 309.7 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 309.7 Fire Detection, Alarm, Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. When required by other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be installed as specified in Chapter 9. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be provided and installed as specified in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. Section 33. Section 309.8 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 309.8 Special Hazards. For special hazards of Group M Occupancies, see Section 304.8. Storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA Standard 31 and the Fire Code. Buildings erected or converted to house high-piled combustible stock or aerosols shall comply with the Fire Code. Section 34. Section 310.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.1 Group R Occupancies Defined. Group R Occupancies shall be: Division 1. Hotels and apartment houses. Congregate residences (each accommodating more than 10 persons). Division 2. Not used. Division 3. Family child day care homes.
For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. Interpretation I310.1: For the purposes of this code, one or two dwelling units located in a mixed occupancy building shall be regulated the same as apartment houses except where the only other occupancy is Group U. Living quarters for a building's watchkeeper or caretaker occupied by not more than 2 adults shall be considered Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.
Interpretation I310.2: See the following definitions related to Group R, Division 3: "Dwelling"; "Dwelling unit"; "Congregate residence"; "Family". Group R, Division 3 "detached dwellings" includes single-family residences; duplexes; and buildings containing one or two congregate residences, each of which accommodates 10 or fewer persons. WSBC: Foster family care homes licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services shall be permitted, as an accessory use to a dwelling unit, for six or fewer children including those of the resident family.
Section 35. Section 310.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 310.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group R because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in Table 5-B and shall not exceed, in area or height, the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506. For radon-resistive construction standards and formaldehyde reduction requirements, see Chapter 12. 310.2.2 Special provisions. Walls and floors separating individual dwelling units in the same building, separating individual guest rooms in hotels and walls separating dwelling units and guest rooms from corridors, or guest rooms in Group R, Division 1 hotel occupancies, shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Roof-ceiling soffits shall be provided with a minimum of 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard in buildings of Types II-N, III-N and V-N construction. Group R, Division 1 Occupancies more than two stories in height or having more than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) of floor area above the first story shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout, except as provided in Section 601.5.2.2. Storage or laundry rooms that are within Group R, Division 1 Occupancies that are used in common by tenants shall be separated from the rest of the building by not less than one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. Individual storage lockers shall be separated from each other with one-hour fire-resistive construction, and openings in the separation shall have one-hour protection. EXCEPTION: The separation between individual storage lockers may be non-rated in rooms 500 square feet (46 m2) or less in area and in sprinklered rooms of any size. For automatic sprinkler system requirements for storage rooms in basements and basement-like stories, see Section 904.2.2. For Group R, Division 1 Occupancies with a Group S, Division 3 parking garage in the basement or first story, see Section 311.2.2. For attic space partitions and draft stops, see Section 708. Section 36. Section 310.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities and Emergency Escapes. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. (See also Section 1007.6.2 for exit markings.) EXCEPTION: Only one egress door from a family child day care home need comply with the requirements of Section 1003.3.1.5. Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth story shall have at least one operable window or door approved for emergency escape or rescue that shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or exit court. The emergency door or window shall be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of separate tools. EXCEPTION: The window or door may open into an atrium complying with Section 402 provided the window or door opens onto an exit-access balcony and the dwelling unit or guest room has an exit or exit-access doorway that does not open into the atrium. Escape or rescue windows shall have a minimum net clear openable area of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2). The minimum net clear openable height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 mm). The minimum net clear openable width dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm). When windows are provided as a means of escape or rescue, they shall have a finished sill height not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Escape and rescue windows with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall have a window well. Window wells at escape or rescue windows shall comply with the following: 1. The clear horizontal dimensions shall allow the window to be fully opened and provide a minimum accessible net clear opening of 9 square feet (0.84 m2), with a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm). 2. Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or stairs that are accessible with the window in the fully open position. The ladder or stairs shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than 6 inches (152 mm). Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices may be installed on emergency escape or rescue windows, doors or window wells, provided: 1. The devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms that are openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort; and 2. The building is equipped with smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section 310.9. Section 37. Section 310.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. In no dwelling unit or congregate residence shall the only access from a bedroom to a bathroom be through another bedroom. No water closet shall be housed in any room or space used for the preparation of food nor shall a water closet compartment open directly, without a door, into any such room or space. Kitchens shall be provided with a kitchen sink, hot and cold running water, counter work space, cabinets for storage of cooking utensils and dishes, and stove and refrigerator or adequate space for the installation of the stove and refrigerator. Splash backs and counter tops shall have impervious surfaces. Section 38. Section 310.6 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.6 Room Dimensions. 310.6.1 Ceiling heights. Habitable space shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) except as otherwise permitted in this section. Kitchens, halls, bathrooms and toilet compartments may have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) measured to the lowest projection from the ceiling. Where exposed beam ceiling members are spaced at less than 48 inches (1219 mm) on center, ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom of these members. Where exposed beam ceiling members are spaced at 48 inches (1219 mm) or more on center, ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom of the deck supported by these members, provided that the bottom of the members is not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the floor. If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for the room is required in only one half the area thereof. No portion of the room measuring less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall be included in any computation of the minimum area thereof. If any room has a furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is required in two thirds the area thereof, but in no case shall the height of the furred ceiling be less than 7 feet (2134 mm). 310.6.2 Floor area. Dwelling units and congregate residences shall have at least one common room that shall have not less than 120 square feet (11.2 m2) of floor area. Every room which is used for both cooking and living or both living and sleeping quarters shall have a floor area of not less than 130 square feet (12 m2) if used or intended to be used by only one occupant, or of not less than 150 square feet (14 m2) if used or intended to be used by more than one occupant. Where more than two persons occupy a room used for sleeping purposes, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet (4.6 m2) for each occupant in excess of two. In a dormitory, minimum floor area shall be 60 square feet (5.5 m2) per single or double bunk and aisles not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width shall be provided between the sides of bunks and from every bunk to an exit or exit-access doorway. Other habitable rooms except kitchens shall have an area of not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m2). Efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the requirements of Section 310.7. 310.6.3 Width. Habitable rooms other than a kitchen shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any dimension. Section 39. Section 310.7 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.7 Efficiency Dwelling Units. An efficiency dwelling unit shall conform to the requirements of the code except as herein provided: 1. The unit shall have a living room of not less than 220 square feet (20.4 m2) of superficial floor area. An additional 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of superficial floor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in excess of two. Interpretation I310.7: The required square footage may not include built-in equipment which extends from floor to ceiling such as wardrobes, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures. 2. The unit shall be provided with a separate closet. 3. The unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance and refrigeration facilities, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall be provided. 4. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower. Section 40. Section 310.9 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.9 Smoke Detectors and Sprinkler Systems. 310.9.1 Smoke detectors. 310.9.1.1 General. Dwelling units, congregate residences and hotel or lodging house guest rooms that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors. Detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer's instructions. 310.9.1.2 Additions, alterations or repairs to Group R Occupancies. When the valuation of an addition, alteration or repair to a Group R Occupancy exceeds EXCEPTION: Repairs to the exterior surfaces of a Group R Occupancy are exempt from the requirements of this section. 310.9.1.3 Power source. In new construction, required smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. The detector shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Smoke detectors may be solely battery operated when installed in existing buildings; or in buildings without commercial power; or in buildings which undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by Section 310.9.1.2. 310.9.1.4 Location within dwelling units and congregate residences . In dwelling units and congregate residences, a detector shall be installed in each sleeping room and at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each separate sleeping area. When the dwelling unit or congregate residence has more than one story and in dwellings and congregate residences with basements, a detector shall be installed on each story and in the basement. In dwelling units and congregate residences where a story or basement is split into two or more levels, the smoke detector shall be installed on the upper level, except that when the lower level contains a sleeping area, a detector shall be installed on each level. When sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the ceiling of the upper level in close proximity to the stairway. In dwelling units and congregate residences where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches (610 mm) or more, smoke detectors shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room. Detectors shall sound an alarm audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling unit or congregate residence in which they are located. 310.9.1.5 Location in efficiency dwelling units 310.9.1.6 Location within family child day care homes. In family child day care homes, operable detectors shall be located in all sleeping and napping areas. When the family child day care home has more than one story, and in family child day care homes with basements, an operable detector shall be installed on each story and in the basement. In family child day care homes where a story or basement is split into two or more levels, the smoke detector shall be installed in the upper level, except that when the lower level contains a sleeping or napping area, an operable detector shall be located on each level. When sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the ceiling of the upper level in close proximity to the stairway. In family child day care homes where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches or more, smoke detectors shall be installed in the hallway and the adjacent room. Detectors shall sound an alarm audible in all areas of the building. 310.9.2 Sprinkler and standpipe systems. When required by Section 904.2.1 or other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be designed and installed as specified in Chapter 9. Section 41. Section 310.10 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.10 Fire Alarm Systems. Group R, Division 1 Occupancies shall be provided with a manual and automatic fire alarm system in apartment houses three or more stories in height or containing 16 or more dwelling units, in hotels three or more stories in height or containing 20 or more guest rooms and in congregate residences three or more stories in height or having an occupant load of 20 or more. A fire alarm and communication system shall be provided in Group R, Division 1 Occupancies located in a high-rise building. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall also be provided and installed as specified in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See also Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. EXCEPTIONS: 1. A manual fire alarm system need not be provided in buildings not over two stories in height when all individual dwelling units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separations and each individual dwelling unit or guest room has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or yard. Code Alternate CA310.10: A fire alarm system need not be installed in buildings of 3 stories or less, where units are separated as specified in exception 1 above, where each unit has means of egress directly to the public way which are not shared by another unit and where no unit is located above another unit. 2. A separate fire alarm system need not be provided in buildings that are protected throughout by an approved supervised fire sprinkler system having a local alarm to notify all occupants. The alarm signal shall be a distinctive sound that is not used for any other purpose other than the fire alarm. Alarm-signaling devices shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing equivalent sound level in the room or space by 15 decibels minimum, or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 30 seconds minimum by 5 decibels minimum, whichever is louder. Sound levels for alarm signals shall be 120 decibels maximum. For the purposes of this section, area separation walls shall not define separate buildings. Section 42. Section 310.11 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 310.11 Heating. Dwelling units, guest rooms and congregate residences shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining an average room temperature of 70 F (21 C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor in all habitable rooms, baths and toilet rooms when the outside temperature is 24 F. See also the Seattle Energy Code and the Seattle Mechanical Code for further requirements concerning heating systems. Section 43. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 310.13 to read as follows: 310.13 Family Child Day Care Homes. For family child day care homes with more than six children, each floor level used for family child day care purposes shall be served by two remote means of egress. Outside exit doors shall be operable from the inside without the use of keys or any special knowledge or effort. Basements with exit discharge located more than four feet (1219 mm) below grade level shall not be used for family child day care homes unless one of the following conditions exist: 1. Egress stairways from the basement open directly to exterior of the building without entering the first floor; or 2. One of the two required means of egress discharges directly to the exterior from the basement level, and a self-closing door is installed at the top or bottom of the interior stair leading to the floor above; or 3. One operable window or door, approved for emergency escape or rescue, that opens directly to a public street, public alley, yard or exit court is provided; or 4. A residential sprinkler system is provided in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D. Floors with exit discharge located more than four feet (1219 mm) above grade level shall not be occupied by children in family child day care homes. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Use of toilet facilities while under supervision of an adult staff person. 2. Family child day care homes may be allowed on the second story if one of the following conditions exists: 2.1 Egress stairways from the second story open directly to the exterior of the building without entering the first floor; or 2.2 One of the two required means of egress discharges directly to the exterior from the second story level, and a self-closing door is installed at the top or bottom of the interior stair leading to the floor below; or 2.3 A residential sprinkler system is provided throughout the entire building in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D. Every sleeping or napping room in a family child day care home shall have at least one operable window for emergency rescue. EXCEPTION: Sleeping or napping rooms having doors leading to two separate exits or exit access doorway, or to a door leading directly to the exterior of the building. Rooms or spaces containing a commercial-type cooking kitchen, boiler, maintenance shop, janitor closet, laundry, woodworking shop, flammable or combustible storage, or painting operation shall be separated from the family child day care area by at least one-hour fire-resistive construction. EXCEPTION: A fire-resistive separation shall not be required where the food preparation kitchen contains only a domestic cooking range, and the preparation of food does not result in the production of smoke or grease ladened vapors. For restrictions on the installation of warm-air furnaces in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets, see Section 315 of the Mechanical Code. Section 44. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 310.14 to read as follows: 310.14 Security from Criminal Activity 310.14.1 Group R Occupancies other than Detached One-family Dwellings. 310.14.1.1. General. This section applies to all housing units except detached one-family dwellings. 310.14.1.2. Definition. For the purposes of this section, HOUSING UNIT is any dwelling unit, guest room or congregate residence. 310.14.1.3. Building entrance doors and locks. Building entrance doors shall be without openings and shall be as capable of resisting forcible entry as a flush solid core wood door 1-3/8 inches thick. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Building entrance doors may have visitorobservation ports which do not impair the fire resistance of the door. 2. Main entrance doors may be framed or unframed non-shattering glass, framed 1/4-inch plate glass or other security glazing. 3. Building entrance doors other than main entrance doors may have glazed openings. Glazed openings shall have wire or grilles to prevent operation of the door latch from outside by hand or instrument. Building entrance doors shall be self-closing, self-locking and equipped with a dead-locking latch bolt with at least a 1/2-inch throw which shall penetrate the striker at least 1/4 inch. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Building entrance doors that open directly into a housing unit shall comply with Section 310.14.1.5 below. 2. Garage-to-building doors need not be self-locking when the garage-to-exterior door is equipped with an electrically-operated remote control device for opening and automatically closing. 3. When either the garage-to-exterior doors or garage-to-building doors are equipped for self-closing and self-locking, the other need not be so equipped. 310.14.1.4. Locks. All exit doors, including those from individual housing units, shall be openable from the interior without use of keys or special knowledge or effort. 310.14.1.5. Housing unit doors and locks. Doors from interior corridors to individual housing units shall not have glass openings and shall be as capable of resisting forcible entry as a flush solid core wood door 1-3/8 inches thick. Every entrance door to a housing unit shall have a dead bolt or deadlocking latch bolt with at least a 1/2-inch throw which penetrates the striker not less than 1/4 inch. In hotels and other multi-unit buildings that provide housing for rent on a daily or weekly basis, every entrance door to a housing unit shall also be provided with a chain door guard or barrel bolt on the inside. 310.14.1.6. Observation ports. Every entrance door to a housing unit, other than transparent doors, shall have a visitor-observation port. The port shall not impair the fire resistance of the door. Observation ports shall be installed not less than 54 inches and not more than 66 inches above the floor. 310.14.1.7. Non-exit doors. Doors to storage, maintenance and building service rooms shall be self-closing and self-locking. 310.14.1.8. Sliding doors. Dead bolts or other approved locking devices shall be provided on all sliding doors. These locks shall be installed so that the mounting screws for the lock cases are inaccessible from the outside. 310.14.1.9. Windows. Openable windows shall have operable inside latching devices. EXCEPTION: Windows whose sills are located 10 feet or more above grade, or 10 feet or more above a deck, balcony or porch that is not readily accessible from grade except through a housing unit need not have operable inside latching devices. 310.14.1.10. Alternate security devices. Subject to the approval of the building official, alternate security devices may be substituted for those required by this section if they have equal capability to resist illegal entry. The installation of the device must not conflict with other requirements of this code and other ordinances regulating the safety of exiting. 310.14.2 Detached One-family Dwellings. 310.14.2.1. Building entrance locks. Building entrance doors, including garage doors, shall be capable of locking. They shall be equipped with a dead-locking latch bolt with at least a 1/2-inch throw which penetrates the striker not less than 1/4 inch. Building entrance doors shall be openable from the inside without use of a key or special knowledge or effort. EXCEPTION: Garage-to-exterior doors may be equipped with an electronically-operated remote control device for opening and closing in lieu of a dead-locking latch bolt. When garage-to-exterior doors are equipped with remote control devices, garage-to-building doors need not be capable of locking. 310.14.2.2. Observation Ports. Every building entrance door, other than garage doors, shall have a visitor observation port or glass side light. Observation ports shall be installed at a height of not less than 54 inches and not more than 66 inches from the floor. 310.14.2.3. Windows and Sliding Doors. Dead bolts or other approved locking devices shall be provided on all sliding doors and openable windows. The lock shall be installed so that the mounting screws for the lock case are inaccessible from the outside. EXCEPTION: Windows whose sills are located 10 feet or more above grade, or 10 feet or more above a deck, balcony or porch that is not readily accessible from grade except through a housing unit need not have operable inside latching devices. 310.14.2.4. Alternate security devices. Subject to the approval of the building official, alternate security devices may be substituted for those required by this section. Alternate devices must have equal capability to resist illegal entry. The installation of the device must not conflict with other requirements of this code and other ordinances regulating the safety of exiting. Section 45. Section 311.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.1 Group S Occupancies Defined. Group S Occupancies shall include the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage not classified as a hazardous occupancy. Storage occupancies shall include the following: Division 1. Moderate hazard storage occupancies shall include buildings or portions of buildings used for storage of combustible materials that are not classified as a Group S, Division 2 or as a Group H Occupancy. Interpretation I311.1: Liquor warehouses are classified as Group S, Division 1 Occupancies. Division 2. Low-hazard storage occupancies shall include buildings, structures, or portions thereof, used for storage of noncombustible materials, such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single-thickness divisions, or in paper wrappings and shall include ice plants, power plants and pumping plants. Such products may have a negligible amount of plastic trim such as knobs, handles or film wrapping. Low-hazard storage occupancies shall include, but are not limited to, storage of the following items: 1. Beer or wine (in metal, glass or ceramic containers). 2. Cement in bags. 3. Cold storage and creameries. 4. Dairy products in nonwax-coated paper containers. 5. Dry-cell batteries. 6. Dryers. 7. Dry pesticides in a building not classed as a Group H Occupancy. 8. Electrical coils. 9. Electrical insulators. 10. Electrical motors. 11. Empty cans. 12. Foods in noncombustible containers. 13. Fresh fruits in nonplastic trays or containers. 14. Frozen foods. 15. Glass bottles (empty or filled with nonflammable liquids). 16. Gypsum board. 17. Inert pigments. 18. Meats. 19. Metal cabinets. 20. Metal furniture. 21. Oil-filled distribution transformers. 22. Stoves. 23. Washers. Division 3. Division 3 Occupancies shall include repair garages where work is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame or welding, motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations, and parking garages not classed as Group S, Division 4 open parking garages or Group U private garages. Covered boat moorage not classed as Group U. For the use of flammable and combustible liquids, see Section 307 and the Fire Code. Division 4. Open parking garages per Section 311.9. Division 5. Aircraft hangars where work is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame or welding and helistops. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. Section 46. Section 311.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 311.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group S Occupancy because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in Table 5-B and shall not exceed, in area or height, the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506. 311.2.2 Special provisions. 311.2.2.1 Group R, Division 1 or Group S, Division 3 with Group A, Division 3; Group B; Group M; 1. The basement, 2. The building above the three-hour occupancy separation contains only Group A, Division 3; Group B; or Group M or R, Division 1 Occupancies, or a Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used exclusively for the parking and storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles . 3. The building below the three-hour occupancy separation is a Group R, Division 1 or Group S, Division 3 Occupancy used exclusively for the parking and storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Entry lobbies, mechanical rooms and similar uses incidental to the operation of the building. 2. Group A, Division 3 and Group B office, drinking and dining establishments and Group M retail occupancies in addition to those uses incidental to the operation of the building (including storage areas), provided that the entire structure below the three-hour occupancy separation is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. 4. The maximum building height in feet shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table 5-B for the least type of construction involved. 5. Where a second story is located below the three-hour occupancy separation, the building shall comply with the following: 5.1 The three-hour occupancy separation shall be no more than 15 feet above the highest grade and no more than 25 feet above the lowest grade; and 5.2 When the building above the three-hour occupancy separation contains more than three stories of Type III or Type V construction, all portions of the buildings above and below the occupancy separation shall be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system that complies with UBC Standard 9-1; and 5.3 Occupied areas, including roof decks, shall be not more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Code Alternate CA311.2a: When the upper building is of Type VOne hour construction, the height may be measured from the three-hour occupancy separation, provided the building above and below the separation is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system designed to UBC Standard 9-1.
Code Alternate CA311.2b: Exterior walls on floors in the Type I building may have opening protection as required for the building above the three-hour occupancy separation, provided the following criteria are met: 1. The floor contains a Group S, Division 3 parking garage; and 2. The floor is protected by an automatic sprinkler system conforming to UBC Standard 9-1. 311.2.2.2 Group S, Division 3 Occupancy with Group S, Division 4 Occupancy above. Other provisions of this code notwithstanding, a Group S, Division 3 Occupancy, located in the basement or first story below a Group S, Division 4 Occupancy, as defined in Section 311.9, may be classified as a separate and distinct building for the purpose of determining the type of construction when all of the following conditions are met: 1. The allowable area of the structure shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the actual area divided by the allowable area for each separate occupancy shall not exceed one. 2. The Group S, Division 3 Occupancy is of Type I or II construction and is at least equal to the fire resistance of the Group S, Division 4 Occupancy. 3. The height and the number of the tiers above the basement shall be limited as specified in Table 3-H or Section 311.9.5. 4. The floor-ceiling assembly separating the Group S, Division 3 and Group S, Division 4 Occupancy shall be protected as required for the floor-ceiling assembly of the Group S, Division 3 Occupancy. Openings between the Group S, Division 3 and Group S, Division 4 Occupancy, except exit openings, need not be protected. 5. The Group S, Division 3 Occupancy is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles, but may contain (i) mechanical equipment rooms incidental to the operation of the building and (ii) an office, and waiting and toilet rooms having a total area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). 311.2.3 Specific use provisions. 311.2.3.1 Group S, Divisions 3 and 5 Occupancies. In areas where motor vehicles, boats or aircraft are stored, and in motor vehicle fueldispensing stations and repair garages, floor surfaces shall be of noncombustible, nonabsorbent materials. Floors shall drain to an approved oil separator or trap discharging to sewers in accordance with the Plumbing Code. EXCEPTION: Floors may be surfaced or waterproofed with asphaltic paving materials in areas where motor vehicles or 311.2.3.2 Marine or motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations. Marine or motor vehicle fuel dispensing stations, including canopies and supports over fuel dispensers, shall be of noncombustible, fireretardant-treated wood or of one-hour fire-resistive construction. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Roofs of one-story fuel-dispensing stations may be of heavy-timber construction. 2. Canopies conforming to Section 2603.13 may be erected over pumps. Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear, unobstructed height of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4114 mm) to the lowest projecting element in the vehicle drive-through area. A one-hour occupancy separation need not be provided between fuel dispensers covered with a canopy that is open on three or more sides, and a Group M Occupancy retail store having an area of less than 2,500 square feet (232 m2) when the following conditions exist: 1. The Group M Occupancy is provided with two exits or exit-access doorways separated as required by Section 1004.2.4 and not located in the same exterior wall. 2. Fuel-dispenser islands are not located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the Group M Occupancy retail store. 311.2.3.3 Parking garage headroom. Parking garages shall have an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less than 311.2.3.4 Group S, Division 2 Occupancy roof framing. In Division 2 Occupancies, the roof-framing system may be of unprotected construction. 311.2.3.5 Vehicle barriers. In parking garages where any parking area is located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the adjacent grade, vehicle barriers shall be provided. EXCEPTION: Parking garages of Group U, Division 1 Occupancies. Vehicle barriers shall have a minimum vertical dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) and shall be centered at 18 inches (457 mm) above the parking surface. See Table 16-B for load criterion. 311.2.3.6 Mini-storage warehouses. In mini-storage warehouse buildings, individual storage lockers shall be separated from each other with one-hour fire-resistive construction, and openings in the separation shall have one-hour protection. EXCEPTION: The separation between individual storage lockers may be non-rated in rooms 500 square feet (46 m2) or less in area and in sprinklered rooms of any size. For storage accessory to Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, see Section 310.2.2. For automatic sprinkler system requirements for storage rooms in basements and basement-like stories, see Section 904.2.2. Section 47. Section 311.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.4 Access and Means of Egress Facilities. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. Access to, and egress from, buildings required to be accessible shall be provided as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Section 48. Section 311.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. 311.5.1 Repair and storage garages, aircraft hangars. See Section 1202.2.6 for ventilation requirements for Group S, Division 3 repair garages, storage garages and Group S, Division 5 aircraft hangars. 311.5.2 Parking garages. See Section 1202.2.7 for ventilation requirements for parking garages. In Group S Occupancies, light, ventilation and sanitation shall be as specified in Chapters 12 and 29. Section 49. Section 311.7 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.7 Fire Detection, Alarm, Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. When required by Section 904.2 or other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be installed as specified in Chapter 9. Fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be provided and installed as specified in Article 10 of the Fire Code. See Section 1105.4.9 for requirements for visible alarms. Section 50. Section 311.9 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 311.9 Group S, Division 4 Open Parking Garages. 311.9.1 Scope. Except where specific provisions are made in the following sections, other requirements of this code shall apply. 311.9.2 Definitions. 311.9.2.1 General. For the purpose of this section, certain terms are defined as follows: MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES are open parking garages employing parking machines, lifts, elevators or other mechanical devices for vehicles moving from and to street level and in that public occupancy is prohibited above the street level. OPEN PARKING GARAGE is a structure of Type I or II construction with the openings as described in Section 311.9.2.2 on two or more sides and that is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles. EXCEPTION: The grade-level tier may contain an office, and waiting and toilet rooms having a total area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). Such area need not be separated from the open parking garage. RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES are open parking garages employing a series of continuously rising floors or a series of interconnecting ramps between floors permitting the movement of vehicles under their own power from and to the street level. 311.9.2.2 Openings. For natural ventilation purposes, the exterior side of the structure shall have uniformly distributed openings on two or more sides. The area of such openings in exterior walls on a tier must be at least 20 percent of the total perimeter wall area of each tier. The aggregate length of the openings considered to be providing natural ventilation shall constitute a minimum of 40 percent of the perimeter of the tier. Interior wall lines and column lines shall be at least 20 percent open with uniformly distributed openings. 311.9.3 Construction. Construction shall be of noncombustible materials. Open parking garages shall meet the design requirements of Chapter 16. For vehicle barriers, see Section 311.2.3.5. 311.9.4 Area and height. Area and height of open parking garages shall be limited as set forth in Table 3-H, except for increases allowed by Section 311.9.5. In structures having a spiral or sloping floor, the horizontal projection of the structure at any cross section shall not exceed the allowable area per parking tier. In the case of a structure having a continuous spiral floor, each 9 feet 6 inches (2896 mm) of height, or portion thereof, shall be considered a tier. The clear height of a parking tier shall not be less than See Section 1107 for requirements for accessible parking. 311.9.5 Area and height increases. The area and height of structures with cross ventilation throughout may be increased in accordance with provisions of this section. Structures with sides open on three fourths of the building perimeter may be increased by 25 percent in area and one tier in height. Structures with sides open around the entire building perimeter may be increased 50 percent in area and one tier in height. For a side to be considered open under the above provisions, the total area of openings along the side shall not be less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier, and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the tier. Open parking garages constructed to heights less than the maximums established by Table 3-H may have individual tier areas exceeding those otherwise permitted, provided the gross tier area of the structure does not exceed that permitted for the higher structure. At least three sides of each such larger tier shall have continuous horizontal openings not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in clear height extending for at least 80 percent of the length of the sides, and no part of such larger tier shall be more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such an opening. In addition, each such opening shall face a street or yard accessible to a street with a width of at least 30 feet (9144 mm) for the full length of the opening, and standpipes shall be provided in each such tier. Structures of Type II-F.R., Type II One-hour or Type II-N construction, with all sides open, may be unlimited in area when the height does not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). For a side to be considered open, the total area of openings along the side shall not be less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier, and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the tier. All portions of tiers shall be within 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such openings. 311.9.6 Location on property. Exterior walls and openings in exterior walls shall comply with Table 5-A. The distance from an adjacent property line shall be determined in accordance with Section 503. 311.9.7 Stairs and means of egress. Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted, the means of egress shall meet the requirements of Chapter 10, based on an occupant load of 200 square feet (18.6 m2) per occupant. Where no persons other than parking attendants are permitted, there shall not be less than two 3-foot-wide (914 mm) stairs. Lifts may be installed for use of employees only, provided they are completely enclosed by noncombustible materials. 311.9.8 Standpipes. Standpipes shall be installed when required by the provisions of Chapter 9. 311.9.9 Sprinkler systems. When required by other provisions of this code, automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9. 311.9.10 Enclosure of vertical openings. Enclosure shall not be required for vertical openings except as specified in Section 311.9.7 for lifts. 311.9.11 Ventilation. Ventilation, other than the percentage of openings specified in Section 311.9.2.2, shall not be required. 311.9.12 Prohibitions. The following uses and alterations are not permitted: 1. Automobile repair work. 2. Parking of buses, trucks and similar vehicles. 3. Partial or complete closing of required openings in exterior walls by tarpaulins or any other means. 4. Dispensing of fuel. Section 51. Section 312.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 312.1 Group U Occupancies Defined. Group U Occupancies shall include buildings or structures, or portions thereof, and shall be: Division 1. Private garages, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings.
Covered boat moorage accessory to a Group R, Division 3 dwelling unit. Division 2. Fences over 6 feet (1829 mm) high, tanks and towers. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. Section 52. Section 312.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 312.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 312.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed as Group U, Division 1 Occupancies because of the use or character of the occupancy shall not exceed 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) in area or one story in height except as provided in Section 312.2.2. Any building or portion thereof that exceeds the limitations specified in this chapter shall be classed in the occupancy group other than Group U, Division 1 that it most nearly resembles. 312.2.2 Special area provisions. The total area of a private garage used only as a parking garage for private or pleasure-type motor vehicles where no repair work is done or fuel dispensed may be 3,000 square feet (279 m2), provided the provisions set forth in Item 1 or 2 are satisfied. More than one 3,000-square-foot (279 m2) Group U, Division 1 Occupancy may be within the same building, provided each 3,000-square-foot (279 m2) area is separated by area separation walls complying with Section 504.6. 1. For a mixed-occupancy building, the exterior wall and opening protection for the Group U, Division 1 portion of the building shall be as required for the major occupancy of the building. For such mixed-occupancy building, the allowable floor area of the building shall be as permitted for the major occupancy contained therein. 2. For a building containing only a Group U, Division 1 Occupancy, the exterior wall and opening protection shall be as required for a building classified as a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy. 312.2.3 Headroom clearance. Garages in connection with Group R, Division 1 Occupancies shall have an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less than Section 53. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 313 to read as follows: 313.1 Group LC Occupancies Defined. Group LC Occupancies shall include buildings, structures, or portions thereof, used for the business of providing licensed care to clients in one of the following categories regulated by either the Washington Department of Health or the Department of Social and Health Services: 1. Adult family home. 2. Adult residential rehabilitation facility. 3. Alcoholism intensive inpatient treatment service. 4. Alcoholism detoxification service. 5. Alcoholism long term treatment service. 6. Alcoholism recovery house service. 7. Boarding home. 8. Group care facility. 9. Group care facility for severely and multiple handicapped children. 10. Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth. EXCEPTION: Where the care provided at an alcoholism detoxification service is acute care similar to that provided in a hospital, the facility shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 hospital. 313.2 Construction, Height and Allowable Area. 313.2.1 General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group LC because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be limited to the types of construction set forth in this section. 313.2.1.1 Type of construction. Except as provided herein, LC Occupancy buildings may be of any construction type allowed in this code and shall not exceed the limits specified in Sections 504, 505 and 506. Group LC Occupancies which are licensed for more than six clients and which are more than two stories in height or which have more than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) above the first story shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout. EXCEPTION: Buildings which are licensed for not more than 16 clients may be of Type V-N construction provided: 1. The entire building has interior wall and ceiling covering consisting of 1/2 inch gypsum wall board or an approved equal installed in accordance with Section 2511; and, 2. An approved smoke-detection system, supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service, is installed throughout the entire structure and is interconnected with any required sprinkler system. For attic space partitions and draft stops, see Section 708. 313.2.1.2 Area and height. Buildings classified as Group LC Occupancy shall not exceed, in area or height, the limitations set forth in Table 5-B for Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. EXCEPTION: Group LC occupancies licensed for six or fewer clients may be of unlimited area provided they are limited to 3 stories or less. 313.2.1.3 Mixed Occupancies. Group LC Occupancies shall be separated from Group H occupancies by a four-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation and shall be separated from all other occupancies by a onehour fire-resistive assembly. EXCEPTIONS: 1. An occupancy separation need not be provided between a Group LC Occupancy licensed for 16 or fewer clients and a carport having no enclosed use above, provided the carport is entirely open on two or more sides. 2. In a Group LC Occupancy licensed for 16 or fewer clients, the one-hour occupancy separation between a Group LC Occupancy and a Group U, Division 1 Occupancy, may be limited to the installation of materials approved for one-hour fire-resistive construction on the garage side and a self-closing, tight-fitting solid-wood door 1-3/8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, or a self-closing tight-fitting door having a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested in accordance with Part II of UBC Standard 7-2, which is a part of this code, is permitted in lieu of a one-hour fire assembly. Fire dampers need not be installed in air ducts passing through the wall, floor or ceiling separating a Group LC Occupancy from a Group U Occupancy, provided such ducts within the Group U Occupancy are constructed of steel having a thickness not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage) and having no openings into the Group U Occupancy. 3. An occupancy separation need not be provided between a Group LC, Boarding Home Occupancy and a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy. 313.3 Location on Property. For fire-resistive protection of exterior walls and openings, as determined by location on property, see Section 503 and Chapter 6. For the purpose of this determination, LC Occupancies licensed for six or fewer clients shall comply with provisions for Group R, Division 3 Occupancies; and all other LC occupancies shall comply with provisions for Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. 313.4 Access, Means of Egress and Emergency Escapes. 313.4.1 Evacuation capability. Evacuation capability is the ability of the clients of a licensed care facility to respond to an emergency situation and either evacuate a building or move to a point of safety. Clients shall be classified in one of the following levels: I -persons physically and mentally capable of walking or traversing a normal path to safety, including the ascent and descent of stairs, and capable of self-preservation, without the physical assistance of another person. II -persons physically and mentally capable of traversing a normal path to safety with the use of mobility aids, but unable to ascend or descend stairs without the physical assistance of another person. III -persons physically or mentally unable to walk or traverse a normal path to safety without the physical assistance of another person. 313.4.2 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. For the purpose of determining egress requirements, Group LC Occupancies shall be considered to have an occupant load factor of 300. At least two means of egress shall be required when the number of occupants (clients and staff) is 10 or more. For all other requirements of Chapter 10, Group LC Occupancies licensed for six or fewer clients shall comply with provisions for Group R, Division 3 Occupancies; and all other Group LC Occupancies shall comply with provisions for Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Means of egress illumination required by Section 1003.2.9.1 need not be provided in any Group LC Occupancy licensed for six or fewer clients. 2. In LC Occupancies with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system and approved automatic fire alarm system, waiting and resting areas may be open to the corridor provided: 2.1 Each rest area does not exceed 150 square feet, excluding the corridor width; and 2.2 Walls defining the space shall continue the construction of the corridor's wall; and 2.3 The floor on which the rest area or areas are located is divided into at least two compartments by smoke barrier walls of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction meeting the requirements of Section 308.2.2.1 and Section 905.2.3; and 2.4 Combustible furnishings located within the rest area are flame resistant as defined by Uniform Fire Code Section 207; and 2.5 Emergency means of egress lighting is provided as required by Section 1003.2.9.1 to illuminate the area. 313.4.3 Accessibility. In new construction, Group LC Occupancies, regardless of the number of clients, shall comply with accessibility standards for Group R, Division 1 apartment buildings or congregate residences as specified in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Where a Group LC Occupancy is being established by change of occupancy in an existing building, the building shall be altered to comply with apartment buildings or congregate residence provisions of Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code if any of the clients is a person with disability. The alterations shall provide the minimum necessary access appropriate for the disabilities of the clients. Any alteration, whether to accommodate a client with disability or for another purpose, shall comply with Part III of Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. 313.4.4 Emergency escape. 313.4.4.1 Location of sleeping rooms. In every licensed care facility, all sleeping rooms occupied by clients with an evacuation capability of II or III shall be located on a grade level floor which provides not less than two means of egress which do not require clients to use stairs, elevator, or platform lift to exit the facility. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In a Group LC Occupancy licensed to provide care to two or fewer clients with an evacuation capability of II or III and six or fewer total clients, only one means of egress which does not require clients to use stairs, elevator or platform lift to exit the facility need be provided. 2. Sleeping rooms for clients with an evacuation capability of II or III may be located on floors other than at grade level, provided the facility is divided into at least two compartments by smoke barriers of not less than one-hour fire resistance meeting the requirements of Sections 308.2.2.1 and 905.2.3. 313.4.4.2 Escape windows and doors. Every sleeping room below the fourth story (including basements) shall have at least one operable window or door approved for emergency escape or rescue which shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or exit court. The emergency window shall be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of separate tools. EXCEPTION: The window or door may open into an atrium complying with Section 402 provided the window or door opens onto an exit-access balcony and the sleeping room has an exit or exit-access doorway which does not open into the atrium. Escape or rescue windows shall have a minimum net clear openable area of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2). The minimum net clear openable height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 mm). The minimum net clear openable width dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm). When windows are provided as a means of escape or rescue, they shall have a finished sill height not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Escape and rescue windows with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall have a window well. Window wells at escape and rescue windows shall comply with the following: 1. The clear horizontal dimensions shall allow the window to be fully opened and provide a minimum accessible net clear opening of 9 square feet (0.84 m2), with a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm). 2. Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or stairs that are accessible with the window in the fully open position. The ladder or stairs shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than six inches (152 mm). Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices may be installed on emergency escape windows, doors or window wells, provided: 1. The devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms which are operable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort; and 2. The building is equipped with smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section 313.8. 313.5 Light, Ventilation and Sanitation. 313.5.1 General. For the purpose of determining the light and ventilation for Group LC Occupancies required by this section, any room may be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when one half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one tenth of the floor area of the interior room or 25 square feet (2.3 m2), whichever is greater. Exterior openings for natural light or ventilation required by this section shall open directly onto a public way or a yard or court as set forth in Section 313.5.4. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Required exterior openings may open into a roofed porch where the porch: 1.1 Abuts a public way, yard or court; and 1.2 Has a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm); and 1.3 Has a longer side at least 65 percent open and unobstructed. 2. Skylights. 313.5.2 Light. Sleeping rooms and habitable rooms within the licensed care facility shall be provided with natural light by means of exterior glazed openings with an area not less than one tenth of the floor area of such rooms with a minimum of 10 square feet (0.93 m2). EXCEPTION: Kitchens may be provided with artificial light. 313.5.3 Ventilation. Group LC Occupancies shall comply with provisions for Group R Occupancies as provided in the Mechanical Code. 313.5.4 Yards and Courts. 313.5.4.1 General. This section shall apply to yards and courts adjacent to exterior openings that provide required light or ventilation. Such yards and courts shall be on the same property as the building. 313.5.4.2 Yards. Yards shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width for one-story and two-story buildings. For buildings more than two stories in height, the minimum width of the yard shall be increased at the rate of 1 foot (305 mm) for each additional story. For buildings exceeding 14 stories in height, the required width of the yard shall be computed on the basis of 14 stories. 313.5.4.3 Courts. Courts shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width. Courts having windows opening on opposite sides shall not be less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in width. Courts bounded on three or more sides by the walls of the building shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in length unless bounded on one end by a public way or yard. For buildings more than two stories in height, the court shall be increased 1 foot (305 mm) in width and 2 feet (610 mm) in length for each additional story. For buildings exceeding 14 stories in height, the required dimensions shall be computed on the basis of 14 stories. Adequate access shall be provided to the bottom of all courts for cleaning purposes. Every court more than two stories in height shall be provided with a horizontal air intake at the bottom not less than 10 square feet (0.93 m2) in area and leading to the exterior of the building unless abutting a yard or a public way. The construction of the air intake shall be as required for the court walls of the building but in no case less than one-hour fire-resistive. 313.5.4.4 Eaves. Eaves over required windows shall extend no closer than 30 inches (762 mm) from the side and rear property lines. See also Sections 503.2 and 705. 313.5.5 Sanitation. 313.5.5.1 General. Sanitation facilities shall comply with Chapter 29 and the provisions of this section. Any room in which a water closet is located shall be separated from food preparation or storage rooms by a self-closing tight-fitting door. 313.5.5.2 Group LC Occupancies with six or fewer clients. Group LC Occupancies licensed for six or fewer clients shall be provided with not less than one water closet, one lavatory and one bathtub or shower. 313.5.5.3 Group LC Occupancies with more than six clients. Group LC Occupancies licensed for more than six clients shall provide not less than one water closet for each 10 male clients, or fractional part thereof, and not less than one water closet for each 8 female clients, or fractional part thereof. In addition, not less than one lavatory shall be provided for each 12 male clients, or fractional part thereof, and not less than one lavatory for each 12 female clients, or fractional part thereof. Where the number of clients of either sex exceeds 12, one lavatory shall be added for each additional 20 males, or fractional part thereof, and one lavatory shall be added for each additional 15 females, or fractional part thereof. In addition, not less than one bathtub or shower shall be provided for every eight clients, or fractional part thereof. Where there are female clients, one additional bathtub or shower shall be provided for each 30 female clients, or fractional part thereof. Where the number of total clients exceeds 150, one bathtub or shower shall be provided for each 20 clients, or fractional part thereof, over 150 clients. 313.6 Room Dimensions. 313.6.1 Ceiling Heights. Habitable space shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) except as otherwise permitted in this section. Kitchens, halls, bathrooms and toilet compartments may have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) measured to the lowest projection from the ceiling. Where exposed beam ceiling members are spaced at less than 48 inches (1219 mm) on center, ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom of those members. Where exposed beam ceiling members are spaced at 48 inches (1219 mm) or more on center, ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom of the deck supported by these members, provided that the bottom of the members is not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the floor. If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for the room is required in only one half of the area thereof. No portion of the room measuring less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall be included in any computation of the minimum area thereof. If any room has a furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is required in two thirds the area thereof, but in no case shall the height of the furred ceiling be less than 7 feet (2134 mm). 313.6.2 Floor area. Group LC Occupancies shall have at least one room which shall have not less than 120 square feet (11.2 m2) of floor area. Other habitable rooms except kitchens shall have an area of not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m2). 313.6.3 Width. Habitable rooms other than kitchens shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any dimension. 313.7 Shaft and Exit Enclosures. Exits shall be enclosed as specified in Chapter 10. Elevator shafts, vent shafts, dumbwaiter shafts, clothes chutes and other vertical openings shall be enclosed and the enclosure shall be as specified in Section 711. 313.8 Smoke Detectors and Sprinkler Systems. 313.8.1 Smoke detectors. 313.8.1.1 General. Rooms within licensed care facilities that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors. Detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer's instructions. 313.8.1.2 Additions, alterations or repairs. When the valuation of an addition, alteration or repair to a Group LC Occupancy exceeds $2,500 and a permit is required, or when one or more sleeping rooms is added or created in an existing Group LC Occupancy, smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with Sections 313.8.1.3 and 313.8.1.4 of this section. EXCEPTION: Repairs to the exterior surfaces are exempt from the requirements of this section. 313.8.1.3 Power source. In new construction, required smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. The detector shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Smoke detectors may be solely battery operated when installed in existing buildings; in buildings without commercial power; and in buildings which undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by Section 313.8.1.2. 313.8.1.4 Location. A detector shall be installed in each sleeping room and at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each separate sleeping area. When the licensed care facility has more than one story or in facilities with basements, a detector shall be installed on each story and in the basement. Where a story or basement is split into two or more levels, the smoke detector shall be installed on the upper level, except that when the lower level contains a sleeping area, a detector shall be installed on each level. When sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the ceiling of the upper level in close proximity to the stairway. Where the ceiling height of a room open to a hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches (610 mm) or more, smoke detectors shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room. Detectors shall sound an alarm audible in all sleeping areas of the licensed care facility in which they are located. 313.8.2 Sprinkler and standpipe systems. 313.8.2.1 Sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every licensed care facility three or more stories in height or licensed for more than 16 clients. Licensed care facilities with 16 or fewer clients, licensed to provide care for more than two clients who have an evacuation capability of II or III, shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the facility. EXCEPTION: An automatic sprinkler system need not be installed in any licensed care facility licensed for six or fewer clients regardless of the level of evacuation capability. Where a sprinkler system is required, a system complying with UBC Standard 9-1 shall be installed. EXCEPTIONS: 1. An automatic sprinkler system complying with UBC Standard 9-3 may be installed in buildings of four stories or less. 2. Where a Group LC Occupancy is being established by change of occupancy in an existing building not protected by a sprinkler system as is required above for buildings of new construction, an automatic sprinkler system complying with NFPA Standard 13-D may be installed provided the care facility is licensed for not more than 16 clients. Residential or quick-response heads shall be used in all sprinkler systems. 313.8.2.2 Standpipe systems. Standpipe systems shall be provided where required by Section 904.5. 313.9 Fire Alarm Systems. Group LC Occupancies licensed for more than 16 clients shall be provided with an approved manual and automatic fire alarm system. The local alarm shall provide an alarm signal with a sound pressure level of 15 dBA above the average ambient sound level in every occupied space within the building. The minimum sound pressure level shall be 70 dBA. The maximum sound pressure level shall not exceed 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. 313.10 Heating. Licensed care facilities shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 70o F. (21o C.) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor in all habitable rooms. 313.11 Special Hazards. Chimneys and heating apparatus shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 31 and the Mechanical Code. In Group LC Occupancies licensed for more than six clients, the storage, use and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with the Fire Code. In such facilities, doors leading into rooms in which Class I flammable liquids are stored or used shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one-hour fireprotection rating. Such fire assembly shall be self-closing and shall be posted with a sign on each side of the door in 1-inch (25.4 mm) block letters stating: FIRE DOOR KEEP CLOSED. In Group LC Occupancies licensed for more than 16 clients, rooms containing a boiler, central heating plant or hot-water supply boiler shall be separated from the rest of the building by not less than a one-hour occupancy separation. Section 54. Table 3-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 3-A-DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPANCIES BY GROUP AND DIVISION1 GROUP SECTION DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPANCY AND DIVISION A-1 303.1.1 A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of 1,000 or more and a legitimate stage. A-2 A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of less than 1,000 and a legitimate stage. A-2.1 A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of 300 or more without a legitimate stage, including such buildings used for educational purposes and not classed as a Group E or Group B Occupancy. A-3 Any building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of less than 300 without a legitimate stage, including such buildings used for educational purposes and not classed as a Group E or Group B Occupancy. A-4 Stadiums, reviewing stands and amusement park structures not included within other Group A Occupancies. B 304.1 A building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type transactions, including storage of records and accounts; eating and drinking establishments with an occupant load of less than 50. E-1 305.1 Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by 50 or more persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day. E-2 Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by less than 50 persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day. E-3 F-1 306.1 Moderate-hazard factory and industrial occupancies include factory and industrial uses not classified as Group F, Division 2 Occupancies. F-2 Low-hazard factory and industrial occupancies include facilities producing noncombustible or nonexplosive materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard. H-1 307.1 Occupancies with quantities of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D that present a high explosion hazard as listed in Section 307.1.1. H-2 Occupancies with quantities of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D that present a moderate explosion hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning as listed in Section 307.1.1. H-3 Occupancies with quantities of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D that present a high fire or physical hazard as listed in Section 307.1.1. H-4 Repair garages and body shops not classified as Group S, Division 3 Occupancies. H-5 Aircraft repair hangars not classified as Group S, Division 5 Occupancies and heliports. H-6 307.1 Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable and research and development areas when the facilities in 307.11 which hazardous production materials are used, and the aggregate quantities of material is in excess of those listed in Table 3-D or 3-E. H-7 307.1 Occupancies having quantities of materials in excess of those listed in Table 3-E that are health hazards as listed in Section 307.1.1. I-1.1 Nurseries for the full-time care of children under the age of six (each accommodating more than five children), hospitals, I-1.2 308.1 Health-care centers for ambulatory patients receiving outpatient medical care which may render the patient incapable of unassisted self-preservation (each tenant space accommodating more than five such patients). I-2 Nursing homes for ambulatory patients I-3 M 309.1 A building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the display and sale of merchandise, and involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise, incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public. R-1 310.1 Hotels and apartment houses, congregate residences (each accommodating more than 10 persons). R-3 S-1 311.1 Moderate hazard storage occupancies including buildings or portions of buildings used for storage of combustible materials not classified as Group S, Division 2 or Group H Occupancies. S-2 Low-hazard storage occupancies including buildings or portions of buildings used for storage of noncombustible materials. S-3 Repair garages where work is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance not requiring open flame or welding, and parking garages not classified as Group S, Division 4 Occupancies. S-4 Open parking garages. S-5 Aircraft hangars and helistops. U-1 312.1 Private garages, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings. U-2 Fences over 6 feet (1829 mm) high, tanks and towers. 1For detailed descriptions, see the occupancy definitions in the noted sections. Section 55. Table 3-D of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 3-D-EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PRESENTING A PHYSICAL HAZARDMAXIMUM QUANTITIES PER CONTROL AREA1When two units are given, values within parentheses are in cubic feet (cu. ft.) or pounds (lbs.) CONDITION STORAGE USE2-CL USE2-OPE 2 OSED N SYSTEMS SYSTEMS Material Class Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Lbs.3 Gallons Cu. Lbs. Gallons Cu. Lbs. Gallons (Cu. 3 Ft. (Cu. Ft. (Cu. (Lbs.) Ft.) (Lbs.) Ft.) (Lbs.) Ft.) 3.785 3.785 0.4536 3.785 0.4536 for L 0.0283 0.4536 for L 0.0283 for kg for L for kg for for kg for 0.0283 0.4536 0.4536 m3 0.4536 m3 for m3 for kg 0.0283 for kg 0.0283 for kg for m3 for m3 1.1 II N.A. 12010 N.A. N.A. 120 N.A. N.A. 30 Combustib le liquid4,5 ,6,7,8,9 III-A N.A. 33010 N.A. N.A. 330 N.A. N.A. 80 III-B N.A. 13,2001 N.A. N.A. 13,2001 N.A. N.A. 3,30011 0,11 1 1.2 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. (20) N.A. Combustib (100) N.A. N.A. (100) N.A. N.A. (200) N.A. le fiber (1,000) (1,000) (loose) (baled) 1.3 N.A. 45 N.A. N.A. 45 N.A. N.A. 10 Cryogenic , flammable or oxidizing 2.1 N.A. 1/412 (1/4)12 N.A. 1/412 (1/4)12 Explosive 110,13 (1)10,1 s 3 3.1 N.A. N.A. 14 N.A. N.A. 14 N.A. Flammable 1256,10 solid 3.2 N.A. N.A. 7506,1 N.A. N.A. 7506,1 N.A. N.A. Flammable N.A. 0 N.A. 0 N.A. N.A. gas 156,10 N.A. 156,10 N.A. (gaseous) (liquefie d) 3.3 I-A N.A. 3010 N.A. N.A. 30 N.A. N.A. 10 Flammable liquid4,5 ,6,7,8,9 I-B N.A. 6010 N.A. N.A. 60 N.A. N.A. 15 I-C N.A. 9010 N.A. N.A. 90 N.A. N.A. 20 N.A. 12010 N.A. N.A. 120 N.A. N.A. 30 Combinati on I-A, I-B, I-C15 4.1 110,12 N.A. 1/412 N.A. 1/412 Organic (1)10,1 (1/4)12 (1/4)12 peroxide, 2 unclassif ied detonatab le 4.2 I 56,10 N.A. 16 (1)6 N.A. 16 (1)6 Organic (5)6,10 peroxide II 506,10 (50)6,1 N.A. 506 (50)6 N.A. 106 (10)6 0 III 1256,10 (125)6, N.A. 1256 (125)6 N.A. 256 (25)6 10 IV 5006,10 (500)6, N.A. 5006 (500)6 N..A. 1006 (100)6 10 V N.L. N.L. N.A. N.L. N.L. N.A. N.L. N.L. 4.3 4 110,12 N.A. (1/4)12 N.A. 1/412 Oxidizer (1)10,1 1/412 (1/4)12 2 316 106,10 N.A. 26 (2)6 N.A. 26 (2)6 (10)6,1 0 2 2506,10 N.A. 2506 (250)6 N.A. 506 (50)6 (250)6, 10 1 4,0006, (4,000) N.A. 4,0006 (4,000) N.A. 1,0006 (1,000)6 10 6,10 6 4.4 N.A. N.A. 1,500 N.A. N.A. 1,500 N.A. N.A. Oxidizer N.A. 15 N.A. N.A. 15 N.A. N.A. N.A. gas (gaseous) 6,10 (liquefie d)6,10 5.1 410,12 (4)10,1 5010,1 112 (1)12 1010,1 0 0 Pyrophori 2 2 2 c 6.1 4 110,12 (1)10,1 1010,1 1/412 (1/4)12 210,12 1/412 (1/4)12 Unstable 2 2 (reactive ) 3 56,10 (5)6,10 506,10 16 (1)6 106,10 16 (1)6 2 506,10 (50)6,1 2506,1 506 (50)6 2506,1 106 (10)6 0 0 0 1 N.L. N.L. 7506,1 N.L. N.L. N.L. N.L. N.L. 0 7.1 3 56,10 (5)6,10 N.A. 56 (5)6 N.A. 16 (1)6 Water reactive 2 506,10 (50)6,1 N.A. 506 (50)6 N.A. 106 (10)6 0 1 12510,1 (125)10 N.A. 12511 N.A. 2511 (25)11 1 ,11 (125)11 N.A.-Not applicable. N.L.-Not limited.1Control areas shall be separated from each other by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. The number of control areas within a building used for retail or wholesale sales shall not exceed two. The number of control areas in buildings with other uses shall not exceed four. See Section 204.2The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.3The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials within a single control area of Group M Occupancies used for retail sales may exceed the exempt amounts when such areas are in compliance with the Fire Code.4The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail sales uses are unlimited provided the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 4 liters.The quantities of medicines, foodstuffs and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent of volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable in retail sales or storage occupancies are unlimited when packaged in individual containers not exceeding 4 liters.5For aerosols, see the Fire Code.6Quantities may be increased 100 percent in sprinklered buildings. When Footnote 10 also applies, the increase for both footnotes may be applied.7For storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids in Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S and U Occupancies, see Sections 303.8, 304.8, 305.8, 306.8, 307.1.3 through 307.1.5, 308.8, 309.8, 310.12, 311.8 and 312.4.8For wholesale and retail sales use, also see the Fire Code.9Spray application of any quantity of flammable or combustible liquids shall be conducted as set forth in the Fire Code.10Quantities may be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures or when under Fire Department permit as specified in the Fire Code. When Footnote 6 also applies, the increase for both footnotes may be applied.11The quantities permitted in a sprinklered building are not limited.12Permitted in sprinklered buildings only. None is allowed in unsprinklered buildings.13One pound of black sporting powder and 20 pounds (9 kg) of smokeless powder are permitted in sprinklered or unsprinklered buildings.14See definitions of Divisions 2 and 3 in Section 307.1.15Containing not more than the exempt amounts of Class I-A, Class I-B or Class I-C flammable liquids.16A maximum quantity of 200 pounds (90.7 kg) of solid or 20 gallons (75.7 L) of liquid Class 3 oxidizers may be permitted when such materials are necessary for maintenance purposes or operation of equipment as set forth in the Fire Code. Section 56. Table 3-E of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 3-E-EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PRESENTING A HEALTH HAZARDMAXIMUM QUANTITIES PER CONTROL AREA1,2When two units are given, values within parentheses are in pounds (lbs.) STORAGE USE3-CL USE3-O 3 OSED PEN SYSTEMS SYSTEM S MATERIAL Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Lbs.4,5 Gallons Cu. Lbs.4,5 Gallons4,5 Cu. Lbs.4, Gallons4,5 ,6 4,5,6 Ft.5 (Lbs.) Ft.5 5 (Lbs.) (Lbs.) x x x x x 3.785 x x x 3.785 0.4536 3.785 0.028 0.4536 for L 0.028 0.4536 for L for kg for L for for kg x 0.4536 for for x 0.4536 x m3 for kg m3 kg for kg 0.4536 for kg 1. 5,000 500 8106 5,000 500 8106 1,000 100 Corrosives 10 2. Highly 10 (10) 208 10 (10) 208 3 (3) toxics7
4.
N.L. = Not limited.1Control areas shall be separated from each other by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. The number of control areas within a building used for retail or wholesale sales shall not exceed two. The number of control areas in buildings with other uses shall not exceed four. See Section 204.2The quantities of medicines, foodstuffs and cosmetics, containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, in retail sales uses are unlimited when packaged in individual containers not exceeding 4 liters.3The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.4The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid health hazard materials within a single control area of Group M Occupancies used for retail sales may exceed the exempt amounts when such areas are in compliance with the Fire Code.5Quantities may be increased 100 percent in sprinklered buildings. When Footnote 6 also applies, the increase for both footnotes may be applied.6Quantities may be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the Fire Code. When Footnote 5 also applies, the increase for both footnotes may be applied.7For special provisions, see the Fire Code.8Permitted only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or fume hoods. Section 57. Section 402 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 402 ATRIA 402.1 General. 402.1.1 Scope. Buildings, of other than Group H Occupancy, with automatic sprinkler protection throughout may have atria complying with the provisions of this section. Such atria shall have a minimum opening area and dimension as set forth in Table 4-A. Interpretation I402.1: No increases for building area or height are allowed for the sprinkler protection. 402.1.2 Predesign Conference. At least 60 days prior to application, the applicant shall arrange a predesign conference with the design team, the building official and the fire chief, to review the proposed smoke control and life safety systems for the building. It is the purpose of the meeting to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire chief of the proposed systems and to allow for a design based upon the latest state-of-the-art. The building official and fire chief may require sufficient documentation, based upon appropriate analyses, that the concept meets the intent of nationally recognized good practices. The building permit shall not be issued until the building official and fire chief have approved, in writing, the smoke control and life safety systems for the building. The documentation of the predesign meeting shall be reflected on the plans for the building and become a permanent part of the Department of Construction and Land Use's records. 402.2 Smoke-control System. A smoke-control system meeting the requirements of Section 905 shall be provided within the atrium and areas open to the atrium. The smoke-control system shall operate automatically upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system within the atrium or areas open to the atrium and as required by Section 905.9. 402.3 Enclosure of Atria. Atria shall be separated from adjacent spaces by not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. EXCEPTIONS: 1. The separation between atria and tenant spaces that are not guest rooms, congregate residences or dwelling units may be omitted at three floor levels. 2. Open exit-access balconies are permitted within the atrium Code Alternate CA402.3.a: The separation between the atrium and tenant spaces that are not guest rooms, congregate residences, or dwelling units may be omitted on four floors when: 1. The perimeter of the opening is protected by draft curtains and a row of automatic sprinkler heads not more than six feet (1829 mm) on center as required for escalator protection; 2. All spaces of the building separated from the atrium by less than one-hour fire-resistive construction are equipped with an automatic smoke detection system; 3. Tenant spaces open to the atrium have access to two enclosed exits separated by one-half the building diagonal with one exit located so that occupants can exit in a direction away from the atrium. For the purpose of this requirement "away from the atrium" means not being forced to exit parallel and adjacent to the atrium opening; and 4. The building is of Type I-F.R. or Type II-F.R. construction. Openings in the atrium enclosure other than fixed glazing shall be protected by smokeand draft-control assemblies conforming to Section 1004.3.4.3.2. EXCEPTION: Other tightfitting doors that are maintained automatic closing, in accordance with Section 713.2, by actuation of a smoke detector, or self-closing may be used when protected as required for glazed openings in Exception 2. Fixed glazed openings in the atrium enclosure shall be equipped with fire windows having a fire-resistive rating of not less than threefourths hour, and the total area of such openings shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the common wall between the atrium and the room into which the opening is provided. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, openings may be unprotected when the floor area of each guest room, congregate residence or dwelling unit does not exceed 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) and each room or unit has an approved means of egress not entering the atrium.
2.2 The tempered or laminated glass shall be in a gasketed frame so installed that the glazing system may deflect without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler system operates. 2.3 The glass block wall assembly shall be installed in accordance with its listing for a three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rating and Section 2110. 2.4 Obstructions such as curtain rods, drapery traverse rods, curtains, drapes or similar materials shall not be installed between the sprinkler and the glass. 402.4 Escalators and Elevators. Escalators and elevators located entirely within the atrium enclosure need not be enclosed unless required by Chapter 30. 402.5 Means of Egress. 402.5.1 Travel distance. Not more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) of the travel distance allowed by Section 1004.2.5 may be on an open exitaccess balcony within the atrium. 402.5.2 Group I Occupancy means of egress. Required means of egress from sleeping rooms in Group I Occupancies other than jails, prisons and reformatories shall not pass through the atrium. 402.5.3 Stairs and ramps. Stairways and ramps in the atrium space shall be enclosed. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Stairs and ramps not required for egress need not be enclosed. 2. Stairs and ramps connecting only the lowest two floors in the atrium space need not be enclosed. 3. Stairs and ramps connecting floor levels within a story need not be enclosed. 402.6 Occupancy Separation Exceptions. The vertical portion of the occupancy separation that is adjacent to the atrium may be omitted between a Group B Occupancy office, Group M Occupancy sales area or Group A, Division 3 Occupancy and Group R, Division 1 apartment, congregate residence or guest room located on another level. 402.7 Standby Power. Smoke control for the atrium and the smokecontrol system for the tenant space shall be provided with standby power as required in Section 905.8. Code Alternate CA402.7: Standby power is not required for smoke control systems in buildings that have at least two exits and atria with a total volume of less than 40,000 cubic feet (1133m3). 402.8 Interior Finish. The interior finish of walls and ceilings of the atrium and all unseparated tenant spaces 402.9 Acceptance of the Smoke-control System. Acceptance shall be as required by Section 905.15. 402.10 Combustible Furnishings in Atria. The quantity of combustible furnishings in atria shall not exceed that specified in the Fire Code. Section 58. Section 403 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 403 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR 403.1 General. 403.1.1 Scope. This section applies to all EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group S, Division 4 open parking garage occupancies.
2.1. Group A, Division 4 Occupancies. 2.2. Other occupancies where the occupant load above 75 feet (22 860 mm) is very low. Interpretation I403.1: For the purpose of this section, occupied roof decks shall be considered floors used for human occupancy where the occupant load of the deck is 10 or more on the roof of an unsprinklered building or where the occupant load is 50 or more on the roof of a sprinklered building. 403.1.2. Predesign Conference. At least 60 days prior to application, the applicant shall arrange a predesign conference with the design team, the building official and the fire chief, to review the proposed emergency life safety systems for the building and the protection of the life safety systems. It is the purpose of the meeting to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire chief of the proposed systems and to allow for design based upon the latest state-of-the-art. The building official and fire chief may require sufficient documentation, based upon appropriate analyses, that the proposal meets the intent of nationally recognized good practices. The building permit shall not be issued until the building official and fire chief have approved, in writing, the emergency life safety systems for the building and the protection of the life safety systems. The documentation of the predesign meeting shall be reflected on the plans for the building and become a permanent part of the Department of Construction and Land Use's records. 403.1.3 Testing. All mechanical and electrical equipment installed per approved plans and specifications pursuant to this section shall be tested and proven to be in proper working condition to the satisfaction of the fire chief before issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Such systems shall be maintained in accordance with the Fire Code. 403.2 Automatic Sprinkler System. 403.2.1 System design. The automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the building as specified by UBC Standard 9-1, and shall be designed in accordance with that standard and the following: 1. Shutoff valves and 2. EXCEPTION: Subject to the approval of the fire chief, the on-site water supply may be waived when water is supplied to the property from two different water mains which are separated by a sectional valve. 3. The sprinkler system shall be looped between standpipe risers. The installation of check valves shall be approved by the fire chief. The standpipe risers shall be interconnected and have an isolation valve for each standpipe. Two four-way fire department connections shall be provided, piped to separate standpipe risers. At least one fire department connection shall be piped to the standpipe side of an isolation valve. EXCEPTION: Dry pipe sprinkler systems serving parking garages may be supplied separately from the standpipe risers and use a separate two-way fire department connection. The systems shall be connected to both water supplies. 4. Pitching of lines is not required. 5. A minimum of two fire pumps independently driven shall be provided and sized for the sprinkler demand and for standpipe operations. At least one fire pump shall be piped to the standpipe side of an isolation valve. EXCEPTION: Subject to the approval of the fire chief, the secondary fire pump may be sized for the sprinkler demand only when an on-site water supply is provided in accordance with Item 2 above.
403.2.2 Modifications. The following modifications of code requirements are permitted: 1. In buildings of Type I construction, the fire-resistive time periods set forth in Table 6-A may be reduced by one hour for interior-bearing walls, exterior-bearing and nonbearing walls, roofs and the beams supporting roofs, provided they do not frame into columns or support tributary areas exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2). In buildings of Type II-F.R. construction, the fire-resistive time period set forth in Table 6-A may be reduced by one hour for interior-bearing walls, exterior-bearing and nonbearing walls, but no reduction is allowed for roofs. The fire-resistive time period reduction as specified herein shall not apply to exteriorbearing and nonbearing walls whose fire-resistive rating is less than four hours. Shafts other than stairway enclosures and elevator shafts may be reduced to one hour when sprinklers are installed within the shafts at alternate floors. 2. Except for corridors 3. 4. Emergency windows required by Section 310.4 are not required. 5. A manually-operated fire alarm system is not required on floors occupied by Group B offices. 403.3 Smoke and Heat Detection. 403.3.1 Smoke Detection. Smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the Fire Code. The actuation of any detector required by this section shall operate the emergency voice alarm signaling system and shall place into operation all equipment necessary to prevent the recirculation of smoke. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows: 1. In every unsprinklered mechanical equipment, electrical, 2. In the main return-air and exhaust-air plenum of each airconditioning system. Such detector shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet. 3. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a return-air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, an approved smoke detector may be used in each return-air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cubic feet per minute (2360 L/s) and serving not more than 10 air inlet openings. 4. For Group R, Division 1 Occupancies in all interior corridors serving as a means of egress for an occupant load of 10 or more. 403.3.2 Heat Detection. At least one approved heat detector suitable for the intended use shall be installed in transformer vaults. 403.3.3 Sequence of Operation of Smoke and Heat Detection. The sequence and/or timing of operation of smoke and heat detection systems shall be determined at the predesign conference. 403.4 Smoke Control. A smoke-control system meeting the requirements of Chapter 9 shall be provided. 403.5 Fire Alarm and Communication Systems. 403.5.1 General. The fire alarm, emergency voice/alarm signaling system and fire department communication systems shall be designed and installed as set forth in this code and the Fire Code. For Group B office occupancies alarm sound levels shall not be less than 55 dBa. Audibility tests shall be performed with the doors open to offices of 300 square feet (28 m2) or less and all other doors closed. 403.5.2 Emergency voice alarm signaling system. The operation of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler or water-flow device shall automatically sound 1. Elevators. 2. Elevator lobbies. 3. Corridors. 4. Exit stairways. 5. Rooms and tenant spaces exceeding 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area. 6. Dwelling units in apartment houses. 7. Hotel guest rooms or suites. 8. Areas A manual override for emergency voice communication shall be provided for all paging zones. 403.5.3 Fire department communication system. A two-way, approved fire department communication system shall be provided for fire department use. It shall operate between the central control station and elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency and standby power rooms and on the stairway side of every entry door 403.6 Central Control Station. 403.6.1 General. A central control station room for fire department operations shall be provided. The location, 1. The voice alarm and public address system panels. Backup amplifier capability is required. 2. The fire department communications panel with 8 portable handsets. 3. Fire- EXCEPTION: Zoning by floor is not required when using addressable device fire alarm systems. 4. Annunciator visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational, and controls for elevators. 5. Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems. 6. Controls for unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously. 7. Sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels. Note: Sprinkler valve and water-flow detectors may indicate as part of the floor zones on the fire alarm system annunciator panel required by Item 3 above. 8. Emergency and standby power status indicators. 9. A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system. 10. Fire pump status indicators. 11. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire-protection systems, firefighting equipment and fire department access. 12. Work table or counter. 403.6.2 Annunciation identification. Control panels in the central control station shall be permanently identified as to function. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals as required by Items 3 and 7 above shall be annunciated in compliance with the Fire Code in the central control station by means of an audible and visual indicator. For purposes of annunciation, zoning shall be in accordance with the following: 1. When the system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered separately. 2. Each floor shall be considered a separate zone. When one or more sprinkler risers serve the same floor, each riser shall be considered a separate zone. EXCEPTION: When more than one riser serves the same system on the floor. 403.7 Elevators. Elevators and elevator lobbies shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 30. Elevators traveling more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall comply with the requirements of Section 905 and the following: NOTE: A bank of elevators is a group of elevators or a single elevator controlled by a common operating system; that is, all those elevators that respond to a single call button constitute a bank of elevators. There is no limit on the number of cars that may be in a bank or group, but there may not be more than four cars within a common hoistway. In buildings with stories which are located more than 160 feet (48 768 mm) above the lowest point of fire department access, access to each floor shall be provided by not less than two elevators served by separate machine rooms. EXCEPTION: Subject to the approval of the building official, floors may be served by one elevator or by a common machine room. 1. Elevators on all floors shall open into elevator lobbies that are separated from the remainder of the building, including corridors and other means of egress, by walls extending from the floor to the underside of the fire-resistive floor or roof above. Such walls shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Openings through such walls shall conform to Section 1004.3.4.3.2. EXCEPTIONS: 1. The main entrance-level elevator lobby in office buildings. 2. Elevator lobbies located within an atrium complying with the provisions of Section 402. 3. In Code Alternate CA403.7: Elevator lobbies need not be provided where elevator hoistways are pressurized to a minimum of 0.10 inch of water column relative to atmospheric pressure with all cars at the designated recall level with the doors in the open position. 2. Each elevator lobby shall be provided with approved smoke 3. Elevator hoistways shall not be vented through an elevator machine room. Each elevator machine room shall be treated as a separate smoke-control zone. 403.8 Standby Power, Light and Emergency Systems. 403.8.1 Standby power. A standby power-generator set conforming to the Electrical Code shall be provided on the premises. The set shall supply all functions required by this section at full power. Set supervisions with manual start and transfer override features shall be provided at the central control station. An on-premises fuel supply sufficient for not less than two hours' full-demand operation of the system shall be provided. The standby system shall have a capacity and rating that would supply all equipment required to be operational at the same time, including a selected elevator in each bank, as defined in Section 403.7 above. The generating capacity need not be sized to operate all the connected electrical equipment simultaneously. All power 403.8.2 Standby lighting. Standby lighting shall be provided as follows: 1. Separate lighting circuits and fixtures sufficient to provide light Code Alternate CA403.8: Installations using fluorescent lamps shall have a minimum wattage of at least 1/3 of the incandescent requirements. 2. All circuits supply lighting for the central control station and mechanical equipment room. 403.8.3 Emergency systems. The following are classified as emergency systems and shall operate within 10 seconds of failure of the normal power supply: 1. Exit sign and means of egress illumination as required by Sections 1003.2.8 and 1003.2.9. 2. Elevator car lighting. 3. Fire alarm system. 403.9 Means of Egress. Means of egress shall comply with other requirements of this code and the following: 1. All stairway doors that are locked from the stairway side shall have the capability of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the central control station. 2. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved emergency service that operates continuously shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each required stairway where other provisions of this code permit the doors to be locked. 3. Re-entry shall be provided at approximately 5-story intervals at all times the building is occupied. 4. All required exit stairways shall terminate at the roof in a penthouse with a door complying with Sections 1003.3.1.3 and 1003.3.1.5. The building official may approve an alternate design for rescue purposes at the pre-design conference. 403.10 Seismic Considerations. In Seismic Zones 2, 3 and 4, the anchorage of mechanical and electrical equipment required for lifesafety systems, including fire pumps and elevator drive and suspension systems, shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 1626. 403.11 Emergency Operational Plan. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the owner-occupant of the building shall assign a responsible person as the building's Fire Safety Director to work with the fire chief in establishing an operational plan for the building. Such operational plan shall contain the guideline procedures to be followed and responsibilities of the fire department, building employees, and tenants under emergency conditions including special provisions for persons with disabilities. The plan shall also include procedures for operation, maintenance and testing of the life safety systems and the allowable use and occupancy of each portion of the building. One copy of the operational plan shall be filed with the fire chief, and one shall be posted in the central control station, prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. 403.12 Location of Standpipes and Hose Connections. Standpipes shall be provided as specified in Section 904.5. Such standpipes shall be located in required stairways. In buildings without vestibules each standpipe shall have two firefighter's hose connections on each floor. One connection shall be located in each required stair shaft. The second connection shall be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the corridor or room side of the stair enclosure door. In sprinklered buildings the fire chief may allow only one standpipe connection at the room or corridor side of the stair enclosure at each floor when the distance from that standpipe connection to any part of that floor is within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of hose travel. 403.13 Signs. 403.13.1. Elevator Lobbies. A sign shall be posted in every lobby above each call switch noting that the elevators will be recalled to the building lobby on fire alarm. This sign shall warn persons not to use the elevator in the event of fire and shall direct them to use the stairway or give other appropriate directions for exiting. EXCEPTION: Signs need not be posted in lobbies at the main egress level when the means of egress are obviously identifiable if approved by the building official. 403.13.2. Main Floor Lobbies. A sign indicating the number of each elevator shall be posted and maintained at each main floor elevator lobby and at alternate floors of recall, when provided. 403.13.3. Stair Re-entry Signs. A sign shall be posted on each floor landing within a stairway indicating where re-entry is provided into the building or indicating the location of telephones or other means of two-way communication. 403.13.4. Other Signs. Other signs required by this code, including, but not limited to, stairway identification signs required by Section 1003.3.3.13 and exit signs required by Section 1003.2.8, shall be provided. Section 59. Section 404.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 404.3 Special Provisions. 404.3.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. The covered mall building shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system conforming to the provisions of UBC Standard 9-1, which is a part of this code. See Chapter 35. In addition to these standards, the automatic sprinkler system shall comply with the following: 1. All automatic sprinkler system control valves shall be electrically supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station or a local alarm service that will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location. 2. The automatic sprinkler system shall be complete and operative throughout the covered mall building prior to occupancy of any of the tenant spaces. The separation between an unoccupied tenant space and the covered mall building shall be subject to the approval of the building official and the fire department. Interpretation I404.3: Item 2 above requires that the sprinkler system be completed only in the common areas of the covered mall building, not in unoccupied tenant spaces. 3. Sprinkler protection for the mall shall be independent from that provided for tenant spaces. However, tenant spaces may be supplied by the same system if they can be independently controlled. The respective increases for area and height for covered mall buildings, including anchor buildings, specified in Sections 311.9, 505 and 506, shall be permitted. 404.3.2 Standpipes. There shall be a combined Class I standpipe outlet connected to a system sized to deliver 250 gallons per minute (946.4 L/m) at the most hydraulically remote outlet. The outlet shall be supplied from the mall zone sprinkler system and shall be hydraulically calculated. Standpipe outlets shall be provided at each of the following locations: 1. Within the mall at the entrance to each exit passage or corridor. 2. At each floor-level landing within enclosed stairways opening directly onto the mall. 3. At exterior public entrances to the mall. 404.3.3 Smoke-control system. A smoke-control system meeting the requirements of Section 905 shall be provided. EXCEPTION: A smoke-control system need not be provided when both of the following conditions exist: 1. The mall does not exceed one story, and 2. The gross leasable area does not exceed 24,000 square feet (2230 m2). 404.3.4 Fire department access to equipment. Rooms or areas containing controls for air-conditioning systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems or other detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for use by the fire department. 404.3.5 Tenant separation. Each tenant space shall be separated from other tenant spaces by a wall having a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. The separation wall shall extend from the floor to the underside of the ceiling above. Except as required by other provisions of this code, the ceiling need not be a fire-resistive assembly. A separation is not required between any tenant space and a mall except for occupancy separations required by Section 404.5 or for smoke-control purposes. 404.3.6 Public address system. Covered mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) in total floor area shall be provided with a public address system accessible for use by the fire department. Covered mall buildings of 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) or less in total floor area, when provided with a public address system, shall have such system accessible for use by the fire department. 404.3.7 Plastic panels and plastic signs. Within every story or level and from side wall to side wall of each tenant space or mall, plastic panels and plastic signs shall comply with the following: 1. Plastics other than foam plastics shall be approved plastic materials as defined in Section 217. 2. Foam plastics shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with approved recognized standards (see Chapter 35, Part IV) and shall have the following physical characteristics: 2.1 A density not less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (320.4 kg/m3) and 2.2 A thickness not greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). 3. They shall not exceed 20 percent of the wall area facing the mall. 4. They shall not exceed a height of 36 inches (914 mm) except that if the sign is vertical, then the height shall not exceed 96 inches (2438 mm) and the width shall not exceed 36 inches (914 mm). 5. They shall be located a minimum distance of 18 inches (457 mm) from adjacent tenants.
Section 60. Section 405.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 405.3 Stages. 405.3.1 Construction. The minimum type of construction for stages shall be as required for the building except that the finish floor, in all types of construction, may be of wood. Stages having a stage height exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm) shall be separated from the balance of the building by not less than a two-hour occupancy separation. EXCEPTION: The opening in the proscenium wall used for viewing performances may be protected by a proscenium fire-safety curtain conforming to UBC Standard 4-1. Where permitted by the building construction type or where the stage is separated from all other areas as required in the paragraph above, the stage floor may be of unprotected noncombustible or heavy-timber framing members with a minimum 11/2-inch-thick (38 mm) wood deck. Where a stage floor is required to be of one-hour fire-resistiverated construction, the stage floor may be unprotected when the space below the stage is sprinklered throughout. Where the stage height is 50 feet (15 240 mm) or less, the stage area shall be separated from accessory spaces by a one-hour fireresistive occupancy separation. EXCEPTION: Control rooms and follow spot rooms may be open to the audience. 405.3.2 Accessory rooms. Dressing rooms, workshops, storerooms and other accessory spaces contiguous to stages shall be separated from one another and other building areas by a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. EXCEPTION: A separation is not required for stages having a floor area not exceeding 500 square feet (46.5 m2). 405.3.3 Ventilation. Emergency ventilation shall be provided for all stage areas greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) or with a stage height of greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) to provide a means of removing smoke and combustion gases directly to the outside in the event of a fire. Ventilation shall be by one or a combination of the following methods in Section 405.3.3.1 and 405.3.3.2. 405.3.3.1 Smoke control. A means shall be provided to maintain the smoke level not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the highest level of assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where proscenium wall and opening protection is provided. The system shall be activated independently by each of the following: (1) activation of the sprinkler system in the stage area and (2) by a manually operated switch at an approved location. The emergency ventilation system shall be connected to both normal and standby power. The fan(s) power wiring and ducts shall be located and properly protected to ensure a minimum 20 minutes of operation in the event of activation. 405.3.3.2 Roof vents. Two or more vents shall be located near the center of and above the highest part of the stage area. They shall be raised above the roof and provide a net free vent area equal to 5 percent of the stage area. Vents shall be constructed to open automatically by approved heat-activated devices. Supplemental means shall be provided for manual operation of the ventilator from the stage floor. Vents shall be 405.3.4 Proscenium walls. The proscenium opening shall be protected by an approved fire curtain or an approved water curtain complying with UBC Standard 4-1. The fire curtain shall be designed to close automatically upon automatic detection of a fire and upon manual activation and shall resist the passage of flame and smoke for 20 minutes between the stage area and the audience area. 405.3.5 Gridirons, fly galleries and pinrails. Beams designed only for the attachment of portable or fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries and catwalks shall be constructed of materials consistent with the building type of construction. A fire-resistance rating is not required. EXCEPTION: Combustible materials shall be permitted for use as the floors of galleries and catwalks of all types of construction. 405.3.6 Flame-retardant requirements. Combustible scenery of cloth, film, dry vegetation and similar materials shall meet the requirements of the Fire Code. Foam plastics shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kilowatts. Section 61. Section 408.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 408.2 Definition. For the purposes of this code, the following definition applies: AMUSEMENT BUILDING is a building or portion thereof, Permanent amusement building is any amusement building not otherwise classified as portable or temporary. Portable amusement structure is an amusement building designed and constructed to be portable to be erected and used on a short term basis at each location. Temporary amusement building is an amusement building used for that purpose for a period of 6 weeks or less in any given twelve months. Section 62. Section 408.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 408.5 Alarm Systems. 408.5.1 General. An approved smoke-detection system installed in accordance with the Fire Code shall be provided in amusement buildings. EXCEPTION: In areas where ambient conditions will cause a smokedetector system to alarm, an approved alternate type of automatic detector shall be installed. 408.5.2 Alarm system. Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic sprinkler system or other automatic fire-detection device shall immediately sound an alarm in the building at a constantly supervised location from which the manual operation of systems noted in Section 408.5.3, Items 1, 2 and 3, may be initiated. 408.5.3 System response. In other than temporary amusement buildings, 1. Stop 2. Activate an approved directional exit marking, and 3. Cause illumination of the means of egress with light of not less than 1 footcandle (10.76 lx) at the walking surface. 408.5.4 Public address system. A public address system that is audible throughout the amusement building shall be provided in all portable and permanent amusement buildings. The Section 63. Section 409.8 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 409.8 Pedestrian Walkways over Public Streets. Pedestrian walkways over public streets shall be subject to the Section 64. Section 410 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: Section 410 MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS IN GROUPS B AND I OCCUPANCIES. Medical gas systems in Groups B and I Occupancies shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this section and the Fire Code. When nonflammable gas cylinders for such systems are located inside buildings, they shall be in a separate room or enclosure separated from the rest of the building by not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Doors to the room or enclosure shall be self-closing smokeand draft-control assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than one hour. Rooms shall have at least one exterior wall in which there are not less than two vents of not less than 36 square inches (0.023 m2) in area per vent. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Containers of medical gases shall be provided with at least one fire sprinkler to provide container cooling in case of fire. EXCEPTION: When an exterior wall cannot be provided for the room, automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the room and the room shall be vented to the exterior through ducting contained within a one-hour-rated shaft enclosure. Approved mechanical ventilation shall provide six air changes per hour for the room. Note: In existing buildings, when it is impractical to comply with the venting requirements of Section 410, the building official and the fire chief may approve the installation of two vents in the door to the room as an alternate. Each of the vents shall be at least 36 square inches in area and shall have a fire damper that is actuated by a fusible link. Section 65. Section 412 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 412
412.1 Definitions. Certain words and terms used in this chapter, unless clearly inconsistent with their context, shall be defined as follows: FLOATING HOME is a building constructed on a float used in whole or in part for human habitation as a single-family dwelling which is moored, anchored or otherwise secured in waters. FLOATING HOME MOORAGE is a waterfront facility for the moorage of one or more floating homes and the land and water premises on which such facility is located. FLOATING HOME SITE is a part of a floating home moorage, located over water, and designed to accommodate one floating home. GARBAGE is all discarded putrescible waste matter, including small dead animals weighing not over 15 pounds (6.8kg), but not including sewage or human or animal excrement. SEWAGE is all water-carried waste discharged from the sanitary facilities of buildings occupied or used by people. 412.2 Moorage Location. Every floating home moorage shall be located on privately-owned or privately-controlled premises in accordance with the Land Use Code. 412.3 Land Access. Every floating home moorage shall have not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of land frontage abutting a public street sufficiently improved for automobile travel. 412.4 Moorage Walkways. Every floating home moorage shall have firm and substantial walkways with a net width of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) and extending from land to every floating home site in such moorage. 412.5 Moorage Lighting. Every floating home moorage and the walkways to every floating home site shall be illuminated to provide safe access. All lighting fixtures shall be listed for the use. 412.6 Fire Protection. Floating home moorages shall be provided with fire extinguishing equipment as follows: 1. Portable Fire-protection Equipment. One fire extinguisher, 2A, 20-B:C rating minimum, shall be provided in each required hose station. The fire chief shall designate the type and number of all other fire appliances to be installed and maintained in each floating home moorage. 2. Standpipes. All portions of floats exceeding 250 feet (76 500 mm) in distance from fire apparatus access and marine service stations shall be provided with an approved wet standpipe system installed in conformity with applicable standards set forth in UBC Standard 9-2 and the Fire Code Appendix II-C. 2.1. Hose stations shall be spaced to provide protection to any portion of floats, floating homes or floating vessels. Hoses shall be mounted on a reel or rack and enclosed within an approved cabinet. Hose stations shall be labeled FIRE HOSE-EMERGENCY USE ONLY. All equipment shall meet the approval of the fire chief. 2.2. At the shore end, the waterline shall be equipped with a single 2-1/2 inch (64 mm) fire department connection. 2.3. Waterlines shall normally be dry where the area is subject to freezing temperatures. 412.7 Water Service Connections. Every floating home moorage shall have a lawfully-installed water service connection and shall provide water service piping securely fastened and stabilized above water from such water service connection to an outlet connection at each floating home site on a floating home moorage. The water piping in every floating home in a floating home moorage shall be connected to the water service outlet serving such floating home and such connection shall be securely fastened and stabilized above high water line. Water service connections and water service piping shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with applicable standards established by or pursuant to ordinances. 412.8 Public Sewer Connection. Every floating home moorage any part of which is within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of a public sewer and every floating home moorage on Shilshole Bay, Salmon Bay, Lake Washington Ship Canal, Lake Union, Portage Bay, Union Bay and that portion of Lake Washington lying within the City limits of Seattle shall have a lawfully-installed connection to a public sewer. 412.9 Local Side Sewer System. Every floating home moorage within the limits specified in Section 412.8 shall provide a local side sewer system for the collection of sewage from every floating home in such moorage. Such local side sewer system shall be connected to the public sewer, shall have an inlet connection at each floating home site and shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with this and all other applicable ordinances regulating the construction, alteration, repair and connection of side sewers. 412.10 Connection to Local Side Sewer System. Every floating home in a floating home moorage which is required under Section 412.8 to be connected to a public sewer shall be connected to the local side sewer system and no owner or operator of such a floating home moorage shall permit to be moored at such moorage under his/her control any floating home which is not connected to the local side sewer system. It is unlawful for any person to use, occupy or let any floating home for human habitation within the limits specified in Section 412.8 unless the same is connected to the sewer system. A reconnection permit shall be required for any floating home which is relocated from its original site of connection to a local side sewer system and such reconnection shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Seattle Public Utilities as to compliance with this chapter. 412.11 Sewer Installation Fees. The fee for the installation of any side sewer serving a floating home moorage shall be the fee provided by law for the connection to the public sewer of side sewers serving mobile home parks. 412.12 Plumbing Systems. All plumbing and plumbing systems in every floating home shall meet the requirements of the Seattle Plumbing Code except as otherwise approved by the Director of Public Health in accordance with the Plumbing Code. 412.13 Garbage Disposal. Every floating home moorage shall be provided with adequate garbage storage and collection facilities which shall be located in an accessible place on the moorage site and no garbage or refuse shall be thrown or dumped into the waters. 412.14 Electrical Service and Wiring. Electrical service to floating homes and floating home moorages shall be provided as approved by the City Light Department. Electrical wiring and equipment in every floating home shall conform to requirements of the Electrical Code as set forth for residential occupancies. No floating home shall be permitted to connect or reconnect to the electric utility's distribution system unless approved for such connection by the building official in accordance with the Electrical Code. 412.15 New Construction. All new construction of floating homes or major alterations thereto and all floating homes moved into city waters, excluding the structural members used for flotation, shall conform to the requirements for dwellings as set forth in this code and all other applicable codes and ordinances regulating the design, construction, use and occupancy of such buildings and the required installations therein. 412.16 Housing Standards for Existing Floating Homes. Every floating home shall comply with the minimum housing standards as set forth in the Seattle Housing and Building Maintenance Code except as otherwise approved by the building official in accordance with the Housing and Building Maintenance Code. 412.17. Property Lines. The boundaries of floating home moorage sites shall be considered the property line for determining compliance with Section 503. Interpretation I412.17: For the purposes of determining the required wall and opening protection and roof-covering requirements, distance shall be measured to the exterior wall of the home, and not to the float. 412.18 Approval of Moorage Site Plan Required. Every floating home moorage shall continuously conform to a moorage site plan which has been approved by the building official. Such approval shall be obtained as follows: Three copies of the site plan, drawn to scale and completely dimensioned, and setting forth the address and legal description of the property on which the moorage is located and the name and address of the owner or operator of the moorage, shall be filed with the building official. The moorage site plan shall show: 1. The dimensions of the floating home moorage site; 2. The location of abutting public waterways; 3. The location and dimensions of private waterways and land access to the moorage; 4. The location and identification of individual floating home sites; 5. The location and dimensions of off-street parking spaces; 6. The location and dimensions of walkways and any accessory structures or facilities; 7. The water service system; 8. The local side sewer system; and 9. The electrical service and lighting system. Such site plan shall be examined by the building official, the fire chief, the Director of Public Health, the Director of Seattle Public Utilities, and by the Director of Transportation, to each of whom the building official shall refer such plan. Upon approval of a floating home moorage site plan by the fire chief, the Director of Public Health, the Director of Seattle Public Utilities, and the Director of Transportation as to compliance with laws and ordinances under their respective jurisdictions, and upon being satisfied that the plan conforms to the requirements of this code and other applicable ordinances and is otherwise lawful, the building official shall approve such plan. One copy of the approved site plan shall be retained in the office of the building official, one copy in the office of the Director of Public Health, and one copy, which shall be maintained on the premises of the floating home moorage, shall be returned to the owner or operator. 412.19 Moorage Register of Ownership. Every owner or operator of a floating home moorage shall maintain a current register of every floating home moored on the premises, such register to record the name and address of the legal owner of each floating home and the registration number assigned to it by the King County Assessor. A copy of said register shall be made available upon request to any City department head referred to in this chapter or to his/her representative. Section 66. Section 413 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 413
413.1 General. 413.1.1 Scope. Waterfront structures shall be subject to all of the requirements of this code relating to other structures except as limited by, added to, or otherwise specified in this chapter. Unless otherwise specified, all wood dimensions are nominal size as defined in Section 2302. For occupancy separations, see Table 3-B. EXCEPTION: Fire-resistive walls as specified in Section 413.6.6 may be used as one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separations and as a separation between Group H, Division 4 and Group A, Division 2, 2.1, 3 or 4 Occupancies, including the specified opening protection in buildings of Types II-N, IV and V-N construction. 413.1.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms are defined as follows: COVERED BOAT MOORAGE is a pier or system of floating or fixed accessways to which vessels on water may be secured, 50 percent or more of which is covered by a roof. DOCK is a natural open or artificially closed basin in which vessels may remain afloat when berthed at a wharf or pier. PIER is a structure, usually of greater length than width, of timber, stone, concrete or other material, having a deck and projecting from the shore into waters so that vessels may be moored alongside for loading, unloading, storage, repairs or commercial uses. SUBSTRUCTURE is that portion of the construction below and including the deck. SUPERSTRUCTURE is that portion of construction above the deck. WATERFRONT STRUCTURE is a structure with at least 20 percent or 8,000 square feet (743 m2), whichever is greater, of its area over water. WHARF OR QUAY is a structure of timber, stone, concrete or other material having a platform built along and parallel to waters so that vessels may be moored alongside for loading, unloading, storage, repair or commercial uses. 413.2 Allowable Area and Height for Waterfront Structures. The height of structures to be built over water shall be measured from the elevation of ordinary high water as provided in Title 23 of the Seattle Municipal Code Sections 23.60.952 and 23.60.930 for Shoreline Districts. Height and area shall comply with the requirements of Table 5-B, except that the increases allowed in Section 505.2 are not applicable to waterfront structures. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In covered boat moorages, the areas in Table 5-B may be increased not more than 400 percent when an approved automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout. 2. Each covered area of a boat moorage may be considered as a separate building subject to the following conditions: 2.1. Maximum individual areas shall be 8,000 square feet (743 m2). The maximum width of connecting walkways shall be 10 feet (3048 mm). 2.2. Walkways, finger piers and other decked areas shall not exceed 30 percent of the area of the roof that extends over water. 2.3. Covered areas shall be separated by not less than 16 feet (4877 mm). The intervening areas may be used for moorage provided the adjacent covered areas comply with Item 2.4 below. 2.4. Covered roof areas constructed in such manner that would trap smoke or hot gases shall be provided with the following: 2.4.1 Vents or monitors of not less than 5 percent of the roof area. 2.4.2 A draft stop of splined or tongue-and-groove planking not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in thickness, 1/2-inch (13 mm) exteriortype plywood or 26 gauge steel shall extend across the end of each roof area when such roof is closer than 30 feet (9144 mm) to an adjacent building. The draft stop shall extend to not less than 24 inches (610 mm) below the lower edge of the roof. A draft stop constructed in accordance with Section 413.5 shall be provided under the walkway at each location where draft stops are required at the end of roofed areas. 413.3 Accessory Uses. Uses accessory to the principal occupancy shall be permitted, provided they are conducted in an area separated from the moorage area by not less than 16 feet (4877 mm) and the exposed side of the moorage area is protected by a one-hour fireresistive occupancy separation as specified in Section 413.1 extending 2-1/2 feet (762 mm) above the roof line. One-story superstructures shall be permitted for accessory uses but shall not exceed 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area nor 20 feet (6096 mm) in height. EXCEPTION: Storage shall be allowed in the moorage area, provided it conforms to the following: 1. There may be one unprotected moorage equipment locker of not more than 150 cubic feet (115 m3) for each slip. 2. Where groups of three or more lockers are provided, they shall be separated from each other with one-hour fire-resistive construction and openings in the separation shall have one-hour protection. 3. Storage of flammable liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA Standard 31 and the Fire Code. 413.4 Location on Property. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection as determined by Section 503. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Fire resistive construction and opening protection required because of proximity to property lines may be omitted for waterfront structures which are located on the same property, separated by an unobstructed deck not less than 16 feet (4877 mm) wide, and which have a draft stop constructed according to Section 413.5.2 installed in the substructure between the buildings. 2. In covered boat moorages, exterior walls which are built entirely over water may be of tongue-and-groove or splined planks not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness, covered with 26 gauge sheet metal, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) exterior type plywood or equivalent on both sides, regardless of proximity to property lines. Walls at the substructure may be constructed as specified in Subsection 413.5.2 for draft stops. Where such walls (even though part of such covered boat moorage) are built on land, this exception shall not apply. 413.5 Substructure. 413.5.1 Construction. Substructures may be of any type of construction permitted in this code subject to the area limitations of Section 413.2, except that, when constructed of wood, the members shall not be less than the following in any dimension, exclusive of piling: MEMBER SIZE PIERS FOR BOAT UNLIMITED USE MOORAGE ONLY, NOT EXCEEDING 10 FEET (3048 mm) IN WIDTH 25.4 for mm 25.4 for mm Caps and girders 8" 6" Joists, beams and 4" 3" other members Flooring or deck 3" T & G or splined 2" or 4" square edged If the flooring or deck is under a roof or is used for parking, there shall be applied over the flooring or deck a tight-fitting wearing surface of softwood not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick and not more than 6 inches (152 mm) wide, 1-inch (25 mm) thick hardwood, 2-inch (51 mm) thick asphaltic concrete or other material of equivalent fire resistance. EXCEPTION: Covered piers used for moorage only need not have a wearing surface. For types of softwoods, see UBC Standard 23-1. 413.5.2 Draft Stops. Draft stops shall be installed in all substructures constructed of combustible materials, exclusive of piling and pile bracing. They shall be placed not more than 100 feet (2540 mm) apart measured along the main axis of the pier or wharf. They shall fit tightly around all joists, beams, etc., and extend from the underside of the deck to city datum if over salt water or to low water if over fresh water. See Section 413.6.7 for draft stops in superstructures. Substructure draft stops shall be constructed of at least two layers of lumber not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness laid with broken joints or materials of equal fire resistance. 413.5.3 Automatic Sprinklers. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed under the substructure of every new waterfront structure and as specified in Chapter 9. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Combustible substructures whose deck area does not exceed 8,000 square feet (743.2 m2) supporting no superstructures. 2. Combustible substructures whose deck area does not exceed 8,000 square feet (743.2 m2) supporting superstructures not required to be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system as specified in Section 413.6.9. 3. Noncombustible substructures with or without superstructures. 4. Substructures, over other than tidal water, where sprinkler heads cannot be installed with a minimum clearance of 4 feet (1219 mm) above mean high water. 5. Substructures resulting from walkways or finger piers which do not exceed l0 feet (3048 mm) in width. 413.6 Superstructure. 413.6.1 Construction. Superstructures may be of any type of construction permitted by this code subject to the height and area limitations of Section 413.2 and the requirements of this section. 413.6.2 Floors. See Section 413.5. 413.6.3 Exterior Walls. Exterior walls of Types II-N, II One-hour, III, IV and V buildings, when not subject to the requirements of Section 413.4 because of their proximity to property lines, may be constructed of matched or lapped lumber not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick and not more than 6 inches (153 mm) wide, or not less than 1 inch (25 mm) thick with a weather covering of noncombustible material applied directly to the wood. Fire blocks shall be required as specified in Section 708. Openings in exterior walls shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-fourths-hour fireprotection rating when fire-resistive openings are required by Sections 503.2 and 1006.3.5.3. 413.6.4 Roof Coverings. Roof coverings shall be fire-retardant as specified in Chapter 15. 413.6.5 Roof Construction. In Type IV buildings the roof may be constructed of corrugated galvanized steel attached directly to wood or steel purlins in lieu of that specified in Section 605.6. 413.6.6 Fire-resistive Walls. In Types II-N, II One-hour, III, IV and V buildings, there shall be at least one fire-resistive wall from the deck to at least 3 feet (914 mm) above the roof for each 500 feet (152 m) of length. Areas greater than l00,000 square feet (9290 m2) shall be divided with such fire-resistive walls. There shall be a draft stop constructed as specified in Section 413.5.2, installed in the substructure immediately below every required fire-resistive wall when the deck is of combustible materials. Fire-resistive walls shall be constructed as required for two-hour fire-resistive walls or may consist of at least 2 layers of tongueand-groove or splined lumber, not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick and not more than 6 inches (153 mm) wide, with a sheet of not less than No. 26 gauge galvanized steel or 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) exterior type plywood between the two layers, placed vertically with broken joints, or equivalent fire-resistive construction. Openings in fire-resistive walls shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half hour fire protection rating. 413.6.7 Draft Stops. Superstructure draft stops shall be installed as specified in Section 708. Substructure draft stops constructed as specified in Section 413.5.2 shall be installed in line with the superstructure draft stops above. 413.6.8 Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be provided as specified in Chapter 10. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where two means of egress are required from an occupancy, they shall not terminate on the same open deck. 2. An open deck may be considered an exit court and shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width. 3. In Group A, Division 2, 2.1, 3 and 4 Occupancies, the maximum travel distance shall not be more than 75 percent of that specified in Section 1004.2.5. 4. Boat moorages which have no sales, service or repair facilities may have a single means of egress not less than 3 feet (914 mm) wide and shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 1004.2.5 if a Class I standpipe is provided as specified in Section 413.8. 413.6.9 Automatic Sprinklers. Automatic sprinklers shall be provided as specified in Chapter 9. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Outside of the fire district, an automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in superstructures which are less than 8,000 square feet (743.2 m2) in floor area or in individual superstructures less than 8,000 square feet (743.2 m2) in floor area when separated by a substructure of a width not less than 16 feet (4877 mm) and a substructure draft stop constructed as specified in Section 413.5.2. 2. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in one story superstructures which do not exceed 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in floor area or 20 feet (6096 mm) in height. 3. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in Group R, Division 1 Occupancies or Group B office buildings of Type I construction, provided no one assembly room exceeds 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in floor area and the entire substructure is of Type I construction, unless otherwise required by Section 403. 413.7 Width of Piers. Floats, piers and walkways shall provide an aisle not less than 3 feet 6 inches (1067 mm) in width for the purpose of fire department access. EXCEPTION: Floats, piers and walkways which are less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in length and which are not open to the public. 413.8 Travel Distance. When the travel distance exceeds 300 feet (91 440 mm), an approved Class I standpipe shall be provided. A Siamese connection at the shore end and direct access for fire department pumping apparatus shall be provided. Section 67. Section 414 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 414
414.1 Scope. Vaults housing private transformers shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and Article 450 of the Seattle Electrical Code. The provisions of this chapter are minimum standards for private transformer vaults. Vaults containing utility transformers or equipment will be required to comply with additional requirements of Seattle City Light. 414.2 Definitions. PRIVATE TRANSFORMER VAULT. Private transformer vaults are those which contain transformer equipment that is not owned by Seattle City Light or other electric power utility. UTILITY TRANSFORMER VAULT. Utility transformer vaults are those which contain transformer equipment owned by Seattle City Light or other electric power utility. 414.3 When Required. 414.3.1. Utility Transformers. Transformer vaults shall be required for all utility transformers located inside a building. Seattle City Light shall approve the size, location, and layout of all utility vaults. See Appendix Chapter 4 for requirements. 414.3.2 Private Transformers. Transformer vaults shall be required for all oil-insulated private transformers. Vaults shall be required for other private transformers rated over 35,000 volts which are located inside a building. EXCEPTION: Vaults need not be provided for certain oilinsulated private transformers in accordance with Article 450 of the Seattle Electrical Code. 414.4 Access to Private Transformer Vaults. At least one accessible opening, which may be a door or ventilation opening, shall be provided to every vault. The opening shall be adequate in size to permit the installation and removal of the equipment located in the vault, and shall be kept unobstructed at all times. An unobstructed level area shall be provided at the entrance to all vaults. The level area shall be large enough to allow for removal of the transformer. 414.5 Location. Private transformer vaults shall be located where they can be ventilated to the outside air without using flues or ducts wherever such an arrangement is practicable. 414.6 Construction. All private transformer vaults shall be of at least three-hour fire-resistive construction. The floors of private transformer vaults in contact with the earth shall be of concrete not less than four inches thick. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Subject to the approval of the building official, where the total capacity of private oil-insulated transformers does not exceed 112-1/2 kVA, vaults may be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 4 inches (102 mm) thick. 2. Subject to the approval of the building official, private transformer vaults may be constructed of one-hour fire-resistive construction where the transformer is protected with an automatic sprinkler, water spray, carbon dioxide, or halon fire extinguishing system. 414.7 Openings into Private Transformer Vaults. 414.7.1 Protection of Openings. All doorways opening into a transformer vault from the building interior shall be protected by a fire assembly having a fire-protection rating equal to that required for the vault. Exterior openings, other than doors and ventilation openings, shall be protected by fire assemblies having a threefourths-hour fire-protection rating when located below openings in another story or when located less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from other doors or windows of the same buildings. 414.7.2 Locks. All doors shall be equipped with locks and shall be kept locked. Personnel doors shall be equipped with panic bars, pressure plates, or other devices that are normally latched but open under simple pressure. 414.7.3 Doorways. A removable curb 4 inches (103 mm) high, or as high as necessary to contain oil, shall be installed below each door. All doors shall be made of steel and shall swing out of the vault 180 degrees. Equipment access doorways to vaults containing single-phase transformers shall have clear openings of at least 42 inches (1067 mm) wide and 6 feet 8 inches (2057 mm) high. Doorways for personnel access shall have clear openings of at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide and 6 feet 8 inches (2057 mm) high. 414.8 Ventilation Systems for Private Transformer Vaults. 414.8.1 General. Ventilation systems shall be provided to dispose of heat from transformer total losses without creating a temperature rise which is in excess of the transformer rating. 414.8.2 Method of Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided by either natural circulation or mechanical circulation. 414.8.2.1 Natural Circulation. The combined minimum net intake and exhaust area, exclusive of area occupied by screens, grating or louvers, shall not be less than 3 square inches (1935 mm2) per kVA of transformer capacity. The total required area shall be divided roughly equally between intake and exhaust. In no case shall either the intake or exhaust area be less than 72 square inches (46 452 mm2). 414.8.2.2 Mechanical Circulation. Positive or negative pressure ventilation systems shall supply a minimum of 1.6 cfm (.76 L/s) of air per kVA of transformer capacity. The fans shall be installed outside of the vault and shall be controlled by a thermostat located inside the vault. The intake shall be located in the lower one-half of an exterior walls of the vault and the exhaust shall be in the roof or ceiling of the vault or in the upper one-half of the sidewalls of the vault. The ventilation system shall cause air to flow longitudinally across the transformers. 414.8.3 Ventilation Openings and Duct Terminations. Ventilation openings and duct terminations shall comply with the following: 1. Location of exhaust ventilation openings and exhaust duct terminations. Unless otherwise approved by the building official, exhaust ventilation openings and duct terminations shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from fire escapes, required means of egress, combustible materials and unprotected openings. Exhaust outlets shall be located on the exterior of the building. 2. Covering. Ventilation openings shall be covered with durable metal gratings, screens or louvers. 3. Opening protection. Intake ventilation openings in the vault walls on the interior of the building shall be protected by automatic closing fire dampers having a fire-resistance rating at least equal to that required for the vault. The actuating device on the fire damper should be made to function at a temperature of 165 degrees F (92 degrees C). 4. Ventilation ducts. Exhaust ventilation ducts, if used, shall be enclosed in construction having a fire-resistance rating at least equal to that required for the vault. Exhaust ducts shall extend from the vault to the outside of the building. An exhaust duct for a mechanically ventilated vault shall be used exclusively for ventilating the vault. No fire dampers shall be installed in exhaust ventilation ducts. 414.9 Drainage For Private Transformer Vaults. 414.9.1 General. Drains shall be prohibited in all transformer vaults. 414.9.2 Sumps. Vaults shall have a dry sump. All sumps shall have an opening of at least 12 inches (305 mm) diameter with a removable metal grate that is flush with the floor. The sump shall be located near the personnel door, out of the entry path. The vault floor shall slope at least one inch in ten feet toward the sump. Sumps in private vaults shall have at least 8 cubic foot (.23 m3) capacity. 414.10 Pipes and Ducts in Private Transformer Vaults. No pipes or ducts foreign to the electrical installation shall enter or pass through any transformer vault. Piping or other facilities provided for fire protection inside the vault or for transformer cooling are deemed not to be foreign to the electrical installation. 414.11 Storage in Private Transformer Vaults. No material shall be stored in any transformer vault. Section 68. Sections 415, 416, 417, and 418 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code are hereby repealed. Section 69. Section 501 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 501 SCOPE Buildings and structures shall comply with the location on property, area, height and other provisions of this chapter. For additional limitations or allowances for special uses or occupancies, see the following: SECTION SUBJECT 402 Atria 403 High-rise
404 Malls 311.9 Open parking structures 307 Group H, Division 6 Occupancies
Section 70. Section 502 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 502 PREMISES IDENTIFICATION
502.1 Enforcement by Building Official Owners to Affix and Maintain Building Numbers. The building official shall determine the address of any property in the City in accordance with the numbering system established in this Chapter. Whenever the irregularity of plats, the changing direction of streets, avenues, or other highways, the interruption of the continuity of highways or any other condition causes doubt or difference of opinion as to the correct number of any piece of property or any building thereon, the number shall be determined by the building official. He/she shall be guided by the specific provisions of this chapter as far as they are applicable and when not applicable by such rules as may be established to carry out the intent of this chapter. The owner of any building or other structure shall maintain the street number of each building and structure in a conspicuous place over or near the principal street entrance or entrances, or in other conspicuous places as is necessary for the easy locating of such address. EXCEPTION: Where there are multiple buildings on a site, the building official may waive the requirement for posting an address on appurtenant or accessory buildings where individual identification of each building is not essential. Where a property has frontage along more than one named street or for any other property where there may be confusion regarding the address of a building or structure, the building official may require the complete address, including street number and street name to be conspicuously posted. Numbers and letters shall be easily legible and shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height for dwellings and apartments and not less than 5 inches (127 mm) in height for all other occupancies. Numbers shall have a high contrast with the color of the building or other structure upon which they are posted. Buildings served by a private road or a common driveway shall post their address number(s) at the head of the road or driveway in a manner that can be easily read from the intersecting street. Where the existing street grid may not adequately allow for the assignment of street addresses which will promote the easy locating of such addresses, or for any other reason consistent with the intent of this chapter, the building official may assign a name to the private road or common driveway which shall be used for addressing purposes. In addition, one or more property owners along the road or driveway may be required to post a sign displaying the assigned name at a location near the intersection of the road or driveway with a named public street. Should the building official find that any building, structure or premises are not provided with numbers as herein required, or are not correctly numbered, he/she shall notify the owner, agent or tenant of the correct street number and shall require that the same shall be properly placed, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, within a reasonable length of time. It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with such notice. 502.2 Numbering System Prescribed. The numerical designation of all doorways and entrances to buildings, lots, yards and grounds fronting upon the several ways, avenues, streets, drives, places and squares of the City are established in accordance with the following system: Except where otherwise specified, 100 numbers are allotted to each block; one whole number is allotted to each 20 feet (6096 mm) of frontage in each block; even numbers shall be used on the northerly side of streets or ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and on the easterly side of avenues or ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction; odd numbers shall be used on the southerly side of streets or ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and on the westerly side of avenues or ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction. In the case of irregular drives, places, streets, ways or avenues, the frontages shall be numbered as near as may be according to the uniform series of block numbers with which they most nearly correspond. 502.3 Numbering of Buildings 502.3.1 Numbering of Buildings Downtown. Between Yesler Way and Denny Way all frontages upon avenues west of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: Yesler Way to Fir Street number 100 and upwards, Fir Street to Spruce Street number 150 and upwards, Spruce Street to Alder Street number 200 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Pine Street; Pine Street to Olive Street number 1600 and upwards, Olive Street to Howell Street number 1700 and upwards, Howell Street to Stewart Street number 1800 and upwards, Stewart Street to Virginia Street number 1900 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Denny Way. Between Yesler Way and Denny Way all frontages upon avenues east of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: Yesler Way to East Fir Street number 100 and upwards, East Fir Street to East Spruce Street number 150 and upwards, East Spruce Street to East Alder Street number 200 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to East Marion Street; East Marion Street to East Spring Street number 900 and upwards, East Spring Street to East Union Street number 1100 and upwards, East Union Street to East Pike Street number 1400 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Denny Way. Between Yesler Way and Denny Way all frontages upon ways and streets west of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: Westward from Elliott Avenue number 51 and downwards, Elliott Avenue to Western Avenue number 52 and upwards, Western Avenue to First Avenue number 76 and upwards, First Avenue to Second Avenue number 100 and upwards, continuing eastward to Broadway, East Union Street or Melrose Avenue by consecutive hundreds. Between Yesler Way and East Denny Way all frontages upon ways and streets east of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: Melrose Avenue to Bellevue Avenue number 300 and upwards, Bellevue Avenue to Summit Avenue number 400 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Broadway. Broadway to Tenth Avenue number 900 and upwards, Tenth Avenue to Eleventh Avenue number 1000 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds corresponding with the numbered series of avenues eastward to Lake Washington. On Olive Way eastward from Melrose Avenue, the street numbers shall run upwards consecutively, eastward from the existing street numbers which are west of the Melrose Avenue intersection. 502.3.2 Numbering of Buildings South of Downtown and East of the East Waterway. South of Yesler Way the frontages upon the avenues shall be numbered as follows: Yesler Way to South Washington Street number 100 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to South Orcas Street with blocks and streets on the east side of 1st Avenue South being taken as a controlling series for numbering purposes. South of South Orcas Street, 51st Avenue South shall be taken as the controlling series to the southern City limits. Note: Between South Othello Street and South Barton, 51st Avenue South becomes Rainier Avenue South, which shall be used for the controlling series until 51st Avenue South separates from Rainier Avenue South and continues on southward. On the Second Avenue Extension from Jackson Street to Yesler Way all frontages shall be numbered as follows: From Jackson Street to Main Street number 200 and upwards, Main Street to Washington Street number 300 and upwards, Washington Street to Yesler Way number 400 and upwards. South of Yesler Way the frontages upon ways and streets shall be numbered as follows: Westward from First Avenue South to the Harbor Line or East Waterway number 99 and downwards, First Avenue South to Occidental Avenue number 100 and upwards, Occidental Avenue to Second Avenue South number 150 and upwards, Second Avenue South to Third Avenue South number 200 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Sixth Avenue South; Sixth Avenue South to Maynard Avenue number 600 and upwards, Maynard Avenue to Seventh Avenue South number 650 and upwards, Seventh Avenue South to Eighth Avenue South number 700 and upwards, continuing eastward by consecutive hundreds corresponding with the numbered series of avenues to Lake Washington, provided, that on South Michigan Street from 5th Place South to Seventh Avenue South all frontages shall be numbered as follows: From 5th Place South to 6th Avenue South numbers 550 to 570 inclusive, and from 6th Avenue South to 7th Avenue South numbers 600 to 624 inclusive; and on South River Street from 5th Place South to 7th Avenue South all frontages shall be numbered as follows: From 5th Place South to 6th Avenue South numbers 550 to 570 inclusive, and from 6th Avenue South to 7th Avenue South numbers 600 to 624 inclusive. 502.3.3 Numbering of Buildings Between Downtown and the Ship Canal. North of Denny Way (and East Denny Way) the frontages upon the avenues shall be numbered as follows: Denny Way (and East Denny Way) to John Street (and East John Street) number 100 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Galer Street (and East Galer Street), the blocks and streets on the east side of Queen Anne Avenue being taken as a controlling series for numbering purposes. Galer Street (and East Galer Street) to Garfield Street (and East Garfield Street) number 1500 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Smith Street (and Louisa Street), the blocks and streets along the east side of First Avenue North being taken as a controlling series for numbering purposes; Smith Street (and Louisa Street) to Raye and West Raye Street (and Roanoke Street) number 2500 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to Barrett Street, East Roanoke Street to Edgar Street number 2600 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds north to Lake Union; the blocks and streets along Queen Anne Avenue shall be taken as a controlling series for numbering purposes. West Barrett Street number 3000 and upwards, to West Grover Street number 3400 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to West Emerson Street; West Emerson Street to West Thurman Street number 3800 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds based on the shortest series of blocks northward to Salmon Bay and Admiralty Inlet. Between Queen Anne Avenue and Eastlake Avenue and Lake Union the frontages on the ways and streets shall be numbered as follows: Queen Anne Avenue to First Avenue North number 1 and upwards, First Avenue North to Warren Avenue number 100 and upwards, Warren Avenue to Second Avenue North number 150 and upwards, Second Avenue North to Third Avenue North number 200 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds corresponding to the numbered series of avenues with half hundreds in the case of Nob Hill, Taylor and Dexter Avenues, to Ninth Avenue North; Ninth Avenue North to Westlake Avenue number 900 and upwards, Westlake Avenue to Terry Avenue North number 950 and upwards, Terry Avenue North to Boren Avenue North number 1000 and upwards, Boren Avenue North to Fairview Avenue number 1100 and upwards, Fairview Avenue to Minor Avenue North number 1150 and upwards, Minor Avenue North to Pontius Avenue number 1200 and upwards, Pontius Avenue to Howard Avenue North and Yale Avenue North number 1250 and upwards, Howard Avenue North and Yale Avenue North to Eastlake Avenue number 1300 and upwards. East of Eastlake Avenue and Lake Union and North of East Denny Way the frontages upon the ways and streets shall be numbered as follows: Eastlake Avenue to Melrose Avenue North number 200 and upwards continuing by consecutive hundreds eastward to North Broadway; North Broadway to Tenth Avenue North number 900 and upwards, Tenth Avenue North to Federal Avenue number 1000 and upwards, Federal Avenue to Eleventh Avenue North number 1050 and upwards, Eleventh Avenue North to Twelfth Avenue North number 1100 and upwards, continuing eastward to Lake Washington by consecutive hundreds corresponding with the numbered series of avenues with half hundreds where an additional avenue intervenes between two consecutively numbered avenues. West of Queen Anne Avenue the frontages upon ways and streets shall be numbered westward from Queen Anne Avenue, all numbers being prefixed by the letter W, as follows: Queen Anne Avenue to First Avenue West number W 1 and upwards, First Avenue West to Second Avenue West number W 100 and upwards, continuing westward consecutive hundreds corresponding with the numbered avenues with half hundreds where an additional avenue intervenes between two consecutively numbered avenues. 502.3.4 Numbering Buildings North of Union Bay of Lake Washington, Lake Union, Salmon Bay and Lake Washington Canal. The plan for the numbering of frontages upon the various avenues, streets and other public places in that portion of the City of Seattle lying north of Union Bay of Lake Washington, Lake Union, Salmon Bay and Lake Washington Canal is established as follows: The frontages upon the avenues and places which run in a general northerly and southerly direction, shall be numbered in accordance with the designations of the intersecting numbered streets, as follows: north from the southern-most line of the State Harbor Line abutting Gas Works Park, from 2900 upwards; from North Thirtieth Street, from 3000 upwards, from Fiftieth Street (or Northeast Fiftieth Street, or Northwest Fiftieth Street) from 5000 upwards; one hundred numbers being allowed for each block, except in cases where a named "place" intervenes between two consecutively numbered streets, and in such case 50 numbers shall be allowed for each block. Frontages on avenues and places shall number from 3400 upwards in the block commencing from North Thirty-fourth Street and running north; from 3500 upwards in the block north from North and Northwest Thirty-fifth Street and from 3600 upwards in the block north of North, Northwest and Northeast Thirty-sixth Street. The frontages upon the streets and places which run in a general easterly and westerly direction, shall be numbered as follows: West from First Avenue Northwest, commencing with 100, and continuing west in correspondence with the numbers of the avenues; 100 numbers being allowed for each block, except where an avenue or place intervenes between two consecutively numbered avenues, and in such case 50 numbers shall be allowed for each block. East from First Avenue Northwest, commencing with 100 and continuing as follows: East from Palatine Avenue, 200 and upwards; from Greenwood Avenue, 300 and upwards; from Phinney Avenue, 400 and upwards; from Sunset Place, 450 and upwards; from Dayton Avenue, 500 and upwards; from Evanston Avenue, 600 and upwards; from Fremont Avenue, 700 and upwards; from Linden Avenue, 800 and upwards; from Aurora Avenue, 900 and upwards; from Winslow Place, 950 and upwards; from Whitman Avenue 1000 and upwards; from Albion Place, 1050 and upwards; from Woodland Park Avenue, 1100 and upwards; from Midvale Avenue, 1200 and upwards; from Stone Avenue, 1300 and upwards; from Interlake Avenue, 1400 and upwards; from Ashworth Avenue, l500 and upwards; from Carr Place, 1550 and upwards; from Woodlawn Avenue, 1600 and upwards, from Densmore Avenue, 1700 and upwards; from Wallingford Avenue, 1800 and upwards; from Burke Avenue, 1900 and upwards; from Meridian Avenue, 2100 and upwards; from Bagley Avenue, 2200 and upwards; from Corliss Avenue, 2300 and upwards; from Sunnyside Avenue, 2400 and upwards; and from Eastern Avenue, 2500 and upwards. East from First Avenue Northeast, commencing with 100, and continuing east in correspondence with the numbered avenues; 100 numbers being allowed for each block, except where an avenue or place intervenes between two consecutively numbered avenues, and in such case 50 numbers shall be allowed for each block. 502.3.5 Numbering Buildings on Harbor Island. The frontages upon avenues and places which run in a general northerly and southerly direction, shall be numbered as follows: South of Southwest Massachusetts Street, commencing with 1700 and continuing south corresponding with the numbers of the intersecting streets to the southernmost edge of Harbor Island. West of the East Waterway beginning with 1000 and continuing westward to the West Waterway. 502.3.6 Numbering Buildings West of the West Waterway and the Duwamish Waterway. The frontages upon avenues and places which run in a general northerly and southerly direction, shall be numbered as follows: North of Southwest Andover Street, commencing with 3800 and continuing north in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting streets to the Duwamish Head. South of Southwest Andover Street, commencing with 4000 and continuing south in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting streets to the south City limits. The frontages upon streets and places which run in a general easterly and westerly direction, shall be numbered as follows: West of California Avenue Southwest, commencing with 4300 and continuing westward in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting avenues to Puget Sound, provided that Thirty-fifth Avenue Southwest shall control the series south of Southwest Holden Street. East of California Avenue Southwest, commencing with 4200 and continuing eastward in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting avenues to the Duwamish Waterway; provided that Thirtyfifth Avenue Southwest shall be taken as the controlling series south of Southwest Holden Street.
503.1 General. Buildings shall adjoin or have access to a public way or yard on not less than one side. Required yards shall be permanently maintained. For the purpose of this section, the Access driveways shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet (4267 mm) above the finished driveway surface. The fire chief may modify or waive the requirements of this paragraph and may approve alternate means of access for fire protection. When fire protection facilities are to be installed by the developer, such facilities, including all surface access roads, shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and maintained during the time of construction. Section 72. Section 503.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 503.2 Fire Resistance of Walls. 503.2.1 General. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection as set forth in Table 5-A and in accordance with such additional provisions as are set forth in Chapter 6. Distance shall be measured at right angles from the property line. The above provisions shall not apply to walls at right angles to the property line. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall comply with Section 705 and shall not extend beyond: 1. A point one third the distance to the property line from an assumed vertical plane located where fire-resistive protection of openings is first required due to location on property; or 2. More than 12 inches (305 mm) into areas where openings are prohibited. Interpretation I503.2a: The least restrictive of Items 1 and 2 shall apply.
Interpretation I503.2b: Where Table 5-A does not include a requirement for protected openings, Item 1 above shall be a point onethird the distance to the property line from an assumed vertical plane located where openings are first prohibited. 503.2.2 Area of openings. When openings in exterior walls are required to be protected due to distance from property line, the sum of the area of such openings shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the wall in each story. Section 73. Section 503.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 503.4 Special Provisions and Exceptions to Table 5-A. 503.4.1 General. The provisions of this section are exceptions to, or special provisions of, the construction requirements of Table 5-A, Chapters 3 and 6. 503.4.2 One-story Groups B, F, M, 503.4.3 Fire-retardant-treated wood framing. In Types III and IV construction, approved fire-retardant-treated wood framing may be used within the assembly of exterior walls when Table 5-A allows a fireresistive rating of two hours or less, provided the required fire resistance is maintained and the exposed outer and inner faces of such walls are noncombustible. 503.4.4 Wood columns and arches. In Types III and IV construction, wood columns and arches conforming to heavy-timber sizes may be used externally when exterior walls are permitted to be unprotected, noncombustible construction or when one-hour fire-resistive noncombustible exterior walls are permitted. 503.4.5 Group H Occupancies-minimum distance to property lines. Regardless of any other provisions, Group H Occupancies shall be set back a minimum distance from property lines as set forth in Items 1 through 4. Distances shall be measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to all property lines, including those on a public way. 1. Group H, Division 1 Occupancies. Not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not less than required by Table 3-F. 2. Group H, Division 2 Occupancies. Not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) when the area of the occupancy exceeds 1,000 square feet (93 m2) and it is not required to be located in a detached building. 3. Group H, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies. Not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) when a detached building is required. See Table 3-G. 4. Group H, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies containing materials with explosive characteristics. Not less than the distances required by Table 3-F. 503.4.6 Group H, Division 1, 2 or 3 Occupancies-detached buildings. When a detached building is required by Table 3-G, there are no requirements for wall and opening protection based on location on property. 503.4.7 Group H, Division 4 Occupancies. Group H, Division 4 Occupancies having a floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) may have exterior-bearing walls of not less than two-hour fireresistive construction when less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from a property line, and not less than one hour when less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from a property line. 503.4.8 Group U, Division 1 Occupancies. In Group U, Division 1 Occupancies, exterior walls that are required to be of one-hour fireresistive construction due to location on property may be protected only on When work is exempt from a permit as listed in Section 106.2, Item 503.4.9 Exterior wall assemblies. Exterior wall assemblies complying with Section 2602.5.2 may be used in all types of construction. Section 74. Section 504.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 504.1 One-story Areas. The area of a one-story building shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table 5-B, except as provided in Section 505, nor the limits in Section 511. Section 75. Section 504.6 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 504.6 Area Separation Walls. 504.6.1 General. Each portion of a building separated by one or more area separation walls that comply with the provisions of this section may be considered a separate building, except as provided in Section 904.2.9. The extent and location of such area separation walls shall provide a complete separation. When an area separation wall also separates occupancies that are required to be separated by an occupancy separation, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply. 504.6.2 Fire resistance and openings. Area separation walls shall not be less than four-hour fire-resistive construction in Types I, IIF.R., III and IV buildings and two-hour fire-resistive construction in Type II One-hour, Type II-N or Type V buildings. The total width of all openings in such walls shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall in each story. All openings shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-protection rating in four-hour fireresistive walls and oneand one-half-hour fire-protection rating in two-hour fire-resistive walls. Penetrations shall be protected as required by Section 709. 504.6.3 Extensions beyond exterior walls. Area separation walls shall extend EXCEPTIONS: 1. When horizontal projecting elements do not contain concealed spaces, the area separation wall may terminate at the exterior wall. 2. When the horizontal projecting elements contain concealed spaces, the area separation wall need only extend through the concealed space to the outer edges of the projecting elements. In either Exception 1 or 2, the exterior walls and the projecting elements above shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction for a distance not less than the depth of the projecting elements on both sides of the area separation wall. Openings within such widths shall be protected by fire assemblies having a fireprotection rating of not less than three-fourths hour. 504.6.4 Terminating. Area separation walls shall extend vertically from the foundation to a point at least 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Any area separation wall may terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab, provided the roofceiling assembly is of at least two-hour fire-resistive construction. 2. Two-hour area separation walls may terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab, provided: 2.1 When the roof-ceiling framing elements are parallel to the walls, such framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction for a width of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) on each side of the wall. 2.2 When roof-ceiling framing elements are not parallel to the wall, the entire span of such framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. 2.3 Openings in the roof shall not be located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the area separation wall. 2.4 The entire building shall be provided with not less than a Class B roof covering as specified in Table 15-A. 3. Two-hour area separation walls may terminate at the underside of noncombustible roof sheathing, deck or slabs of roofs of noncombustible construction, provided: 3.1 Openings in the roof are not located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the area separation wall. 3.2 The entire building is provided with not less than a Class B roofing assembly as specified in Table 15-A. 504.6.5 Parapet faces. Parapets of area separation walls shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), including counterflashing and coping materials. 504.6.6 Building of different heights. Where an area separation wall separates portions of a building having different heights, such wall may terminate at a point 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof level, provided the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the lower roof is of one-hour fire-resistive construction with openings protected by assemblies having a three-fourths-hour fireprotection rating. EXCEPTION: Two-hour area separation walls may terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab of the lower roof, provided: 1. When the roof-ceiling framing elements are parallel to the wall, such framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction for a width of 10 feet (3048 mm) along the wall at the lower roof. 2. When the lower roof-ceiling framing elements are not parallel to the wall, the entire span of such framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be of less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. 3. Openings in the lower roof shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the area separation wall. 4. Where the building is not protected by an automatic sprinkler system designed to either NFPA 13 (UBC Standard 9-1) or NFPA 13R (UBC Standard 9-3), the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the lower roof, shall be of one-hour fire-resistive construction with openings protected by assemblies having a three-fourths-hour fire-protection rating. Interpretation I504.6: Where a two-hour area separation wall intersects an exterior wall at a point where the exterior wall forms an angle of less than 180 degrees (an inside angle), a property line shall be assumed so as to regulate construction and opening protection per Table 5-A. See Chapters 3 and 4 for special occupancy provisions. 504.6.7 Combustible framing in area separation walls. Adjacent combustible members entering into a masonry area separation wall from opposite sides shall not have less than a 4-inch (102 mm) distance between embedded ends. Where combustible members frame into hollow walls or walls of hollow units, all hollow spaces shall be solidly filled for the full thickness of the wall and for a distance not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above, below and between the structural members, with noncombustible materials approved for fireblocking. Section 76. Section 506 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 506 MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS AND INCREASES The maximum height and number of stories of buildings shall be dependent on the character of the occupancy and the type of construction and shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table 5-B, except as provided in this section and as specified in Section 302.1 for mixed occupancy buildings. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Towers, spires and steeples erected as a part of a building and not used for habitation or storage are limited as to height only by structural design if completely of noncombustible materials, or may extend not to exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) above the height limit in Table 5-B if of combustible materials. 2. The height of one-story aircraft hangars and buildings used for manufacture of aircraft shall not be limited if the building is provided with automatic sprinkler systems throughout as specified in Chapter 9 and is entirely surrounded by public ways or yards not less in width than oneand one-half times the height of the building. Interpretation I506a: An unenclosed and uncovered roof deck shall not be considered a story for the purpose of determining the number of stories in a building. The story limits set forth in Table 5-B may be increased by one story if the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. The increase in the number of stories for automatic sprinkler systems shall not apply when the automatic sprinkler systems throughout are installed under the following provisions: 1. Section 904.2.6 for Group H, Divisions 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 Occupancies. 2. Section 505 for an increase in allowable area. 3. Substitution for one-hour fire-resistive construction pursuant to Section 508. 4. Section 402, Atria. 5. Section 904.2.7 for Group I, Divisions 1.1 and 1.2 Occupancies used as hospitals, nursing homes or health-care centers in Type II One-hour, Type III One-hour, Type IV or Type V One-hour construction. Interpretation I506b: Except when specifically approved by the building official, filling above existing grade near the perimeter of a building shall not be allowed for the purposes of: (1) gaining additional floors or height, (2) reducing sprinkler protection, or (3) reducing the type of construction. See Chapters 3 and 4 for special occupancy provisions. Section 77. Section 507 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 507 MEZZANINES A mezzanine need not be counted as a story for determining the allowable number of stories when constructed in accordance with the following: 1. The construction of a mezzanine shall be consistent with the requirements for the type of construction in which the mezzanine is located, but the fire-resistive time period need not exceed one hour for unenclosed mezzanines. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Interpretation I507a: Only such main floor area having sufficient ceiling height to produce a proper mezzanine floor shall be used in calculating the size of the mezzanine floor. Code Alternate CA507a: In buildings of Types I and II construction, where the floor in question is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system, mezzanines not exceeding 900 square feet (84 m2) in area or one-half of the area of the room in which the mezzanine is located, whichever is more restrictive, may have fire-retardanttreated wood included in the one-hour fire-resistive construction. 2. There shall not be more than two levels of mezzanines in a room. However, there is no limitation on the number of mezzanines within a room. 3. The aggregate area of mezzanines within a room shall not exceed EXCEPTION: The area of the mezzanine floor within a dwelling unit shall not exceed one half of the area of the main floor of the dwelling unit. 4. All portions of a mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which they are located, except for columns and posts and protective walls or railings not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) in height. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Partitioning may be installed if either of the following conditions exist: 1.1 The aggregate floor area of the enclosed space does not exceed 10 percent of the allowable mezzanine area, or 1.2 The occupant load of the enclosed area of the mezzanine does not exceed 10. 2. A mezzanine having two or more means of egress need not be open into the room in which it is located, provided at least one of the means of egress gives direct access to a protected corridor, exit court or exit. 3. In industry facilities, mezzanines used for control equipment may be glazed on all sides. 5. Two means of egress shall be provided from a mezzanine when two are required by Table 10-A. 6. If any required means of egress enters the room below, the occupant load of the mezzanine shall be added to the occupant load of the room in which it is located. 7. Mezzanines within individual dwelling units shall not be located above other dwelling units or common space other than corridors. Section 78. Section 508 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 508 FIRE-RESISTIVE SUBSTITUTION When an approved automatic sprinkler system is not required throughout a building by other sections of this code, it may be used in a building of Type II One-hour, Type III One-hour and Type V One-hour construction to substitute for the one-hour fire-resistive construction. Such substitution shall not waive or reduce the required fire-resistive construction for: 1. Occupancy separations (Section 302.3). 2. Exterior wall protection due to proximity of property lines (Section 503.2). 3. Area separations (Section 504.6). 4. Dwelling unit separations (Section 310.2.2) 5. Shaft enclosures (Section 711). 6. Corridors (Sections 1004.3.4.3.1 and 1004.3.4.3.2). 7. Stair enclosures (Section 1005.3.3). 8. Exit passageways (Section 1005.3.4). 9. Type of construction separation (Section 601.1). 10. Boiler, central heating plant or hot-water supply boiler room enclosures (Section 302.5). Interpretation I508: Substitution of sprinkler systems for onehour construction may waive or reduce required fire-resistive construction when the waiver or reduction is specifically allowed in the sections referenced above. Section 79. Section 509.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 509.1 Where Required. Unenclosed floor and roof openings, open and glazed sides of stairways, aisles, landings and ramps, balconies or porches, which are more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent grade or floor below, and roofs used for other than service of the building shall be protected by a guardrail. Guardrails shall be provided at the ends of aisles where they terminate at a fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries. EXCEPTION: Guardrails need not be provided at the following locations: 1. On the loading side of loading docks. 2. On the auditorium side of a stage, raised platforms and other raised floor areas such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentation. Along the side of an elevated walking surface when used for the normal functioning of special lighting or for access and use of other special equipment. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages. 3. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public. Section 80. Section 509.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 509.3 Openings. Open guardrails shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter cannot pass through. EXCEPTIONS: 1. The open space between the intermediate rails or ornamental pattern of guardrails in areas of commercial and industrial-type occupancies which are not accessible to the public may be such that a sphere 12 inches (305 mm) in diameter cannot pass through. 2. The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom element of a guardrail at the open side of a stairway may be of such size that a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter cannot pass through. Code Alternate CA509: Intermediate rails need not be provided at the glazed sides of stairs, ramps and landings provided the glazing complies with Section 2406.6. For guardrail requirements at grandstands, bleachers or other elevated seating facilities, see Section 1008.5.7. Section 81. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 510 to read as follows: Section 510 METHANE REDUCTION MEASURES 510.1 Applicability. This section applies to all construction activities on or within 1,000 feet (305 m) of an active, closed or abandoned landfill that has been identified by the building official to be generating levels of methane gas on-site at the lower explosive limits or greater levels. The distance shall be calculated from the location of the proposed structure to the nearest property line of the active or former landfill site. The building official may waive these requirements if technical studies demonstrate that dangerous amounts of methane are not present on the site. 510.2 Protection of Structures. All enclosed structures to be built within the 1,000 foot (305 m) landfill zone must be protected from potential methane migration. The method for insuring a structure's protection from methane shall be addressed in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer and submitted by the applicant to the department for approval. The report shall contain a description of the investigation and recommendations for preventing the accumulation of explosive concentrations of methane gas within or under enclosed portions of the building or structure. At the time of final inspection, the civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting that, to the best of the engineer's knowledge, the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with the recommendations for addressing methane gas migration. Section 82. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 511 to read as follows: Section 511 RESTRICTIONS IN THE FIRE DISTRICT 511.1 General. The provisions of this chapter apply only to the Fire District. All areas of the city lying outside the boundaries described here shall be considered to be outside of the Fire District for the purpose of applying this code. 511.2 Fire District Boundaries. The Fire District shall consist of that part of the city within the boundary described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the center line of Alaskan Way and Clay Street; thence northeasterly along the center line of Clay Street to an intersection with the center line of Denny Way; thence easterly along the center line of Denny Way to an intersection with the center line of Yale Avenue; thence southeasterly along the center line of Yale Avenue to an intersection with the center line of Interstate Highway 5; thence southerly and south-easterly along the centerline of Interstate 5 to an intersection with the center line of 7th Avenue South; thence southerly along the center line of 7th Avenue South to an intersection with the center line of Dearborn Street; thence westerly along the center line of Dearborn Street to an intersection with the center line of Airport Way; thence northwesterly along the center line of Airport Way to an intersection with the center line of 4th Avenue South; thence southerly along the center line of 4th Avenue South to an intersection with the center line of South Royal Brougham Way; thence westerly along said center line of South Royal Brougham Way to an intersection with the center line of South Alaskan Way; thence southerly along the center line of South Alaskan Way to an intersection with the center line of South Massachusetts Street, thence westerly along the center line of South Massachusetts Street to the Outer Harbor Line in Elliott Bay, thence northerly and northwesterly along said Outer Harbor Line to an intersection with the center line of West Harrison Street, thence easterly along the center line of West Harrison Street to an intersection with the center line of Alaskan Way, then southeasterly along the center line of Alaskan Way to the point of beginning. 511.3 Buildings Located Partially in the Fire District. A building or structure which is located partially within and partially outside of the Fire District, is considered to be located in the Fire District. 511.4 Occupancies Prohibited in the Fire District. No Group H, Divisions 1 or 5 Occupancy is permitted in the Fire District. No Group H, Division 2 Occupancy having a floor area in excess of 500 square feet (46 m2) is permitted in the Fire District. No Group H, Division 3 Occupancy having a floor area in excess of 1,500 square feet (139 m2) is permitted in the Fire District. Section 83. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 512 to read as follows: Section 512 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. 512.1 Definition. Recyclable materials are those solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse, such as papers, metals and glass. 512.2 Storage Space for Recyclable Materials. All occupancies shall be provided with space for the storage of recyclable materials and solid waste. EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies. The storage area shall be designed to meet the needs of the occupancy, efficiency of pick-up, and shall be available to occupants and haulers. Section 84. Table 5-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 5-A-EXTERIOR WALL AND OPENING PROTECTION BASED ON LOCATION ON PROPERTY FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION TYPES1,2,3,8For exceptions, see Section 503.4. OCCUPANCY CONSTRUCT EXTERIOR WALLS GROUP4 ION TYPE Bearing Nonbearing OPENINGS5 Distances are measured to property lines (see Section 503). 304.8 for mm I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. less than 5 less than 5 feet feet Protected less Two-hour N/C than II One-hour II-N III Group A, Division One-hour 1 Occupancies are III-N not allowed in IV-H.T. these construction V types. One-hour V-N A-2 I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted A-2.1 II-F.R. less than 5 less than 5 feet 9 III feet Protected less A-3 One-hour Two-hour N/C than A-2 II Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted A-2.12 One-hour than 10 feet bearing less than 5 feet ,9 One-hour N/C except NR, Protected less elsewhere N/C 40 feet than 10 feet or greater II-N Group A, Divisions III-N 2 and 2.1 V-N Occupancies are not allowed in these construction types. V Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted One-hour 10 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour elsewhere Protected less than 10 feet II Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted One-hour than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour N/C except NR, Protected less elsewhere N/C 40 feet than 10 feet or greater II-N Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour N/C less Protected less than A-3 III-N Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted less than 5 less than 5 feet feet Protected less Two-hour N/C than V Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted One-hour 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour elsewhere Protected less than 10 feet V-N Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour less than Protected less II One-hour N/C Same as Protected less One-hour bearing than 10 feet except NR, N/C 40 feet or greater II-N One-hour N/C less Same as Protected less than 10 feet bearing than 10 feet NR, N/C elsewhere A-4 III-N Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted less than 5 less than 5 feet feet Protected less Two-hour N/C than 10 feet less than V One-hour Same as Protected less One-hour bearing than 10 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Protected less 10 feet bearing than 10 feet NR elsewhere B, F-1, I-F.R. Four-hour N/C less Four-hour N/C Not permitted M, II-F.R. than 5 feet less than 5 less than 5 feet S-1, III Two-hour N/C feet Protected less S-318 One-hour elsewhere Two-hour N/C than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet except NR, Protected less N/C 40 feet than 10 feet or greater B II-N3 One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted F-1 than V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet Protected less than 10 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Not permitted I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. less than 5 less than 5 feet III feet Protected less One-hour Two-hour N/C than II Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted One-hour than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour N/C except Protected less elsewhere NR, N/C 40 than 10 feet feet or greater E-1 II-N Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted E-26 than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet ,10 One-hour N/C less Protected less E-36 than 10 feet than 10 feet ,10 NR, N/C elsewhere V Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted One-hour 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour elsewhere Protected less than 10 feet V-N Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour less than Protected less 10 feet than 10 feet NR elsewhere I-F.R. Four-hour N/C less Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet NR, N/C 40 F-2 II-N3 One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted S-2 than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet NR, N/C elsewhere V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Not permitted 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet NR elsewhere I-F.R. Four-hour N/C NR N/C Not restricted3 II-F.R. II One-hour N/C NR N/C Not restricted3 One-hour H-12,3 II-N NR N/C Same as Not restricted3 ,11,12 bearing III One-hour III-N Group H, Division IV-H.T. 1 Occupancies are V not allowed in One-hour buildings of these V-N construction types. I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. less than 5 less than 5 feet III feet Protected less One-hour Two-hour N/C than II Four-hour N/C less Four-hour N/C Not permitted One-hour than 5 feet less than 5 less than 5 feet Two-hour N/C less feet Protected less than 10 feet Two-hour N/C than II-N Four-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted H-22,3 than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet ,11,13 Two-hour N/C less Protected less than 10 feet than H-43 ,11,15 H-6 H-7 V Four-hour less V-N Four-hour less Same as Not permitted than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet Two-hour less than Protected less 10 feet than I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Protected less II-F.R. less than 40 than 60 feet III feet One-hour One-hour N/C III-N less than 60 IV-H.T. feet NR, N/C elsewhere II One-hour N/C Same as Protected less One-hour bearing, than 60 feet except NR, N/C 60 feet or greater H-52 II-N One-hour N/C less Same as Protected less ,12 than 60 feet bearing than 60 feet NR, N/C elsewhere V One-hour Same as Protected less One-hour bearing than 60 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Protected less 60 feet bearing than 60 feet NR elsewhere I-1.1 I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted I-1.2 II-F.R. less than 5 less than 5 feet I-2 feet Protected less I-3 Two-hour N/C than I-1.1 II Two-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted I-1.2 One-hour than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet I-32 One-hour N/C except Protected less ,16 elsewhere NR, N/C 40 than 10 feet feet or greater V Two-hour less than Same as Not permitted One-hour 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet One-hour elsewhere Protected less than 10 feet I-1.1 II-N These occupancies I-1.2 III-N are not allowed in I-2 V-N buildings of these I-3 construction types.7,16 I-3 IV-H.T. Group I, Division 3 Occupancies are not allowed in buildings of this construction type. I-1.1 III Four-hour N/C Same as Not permitted I-1.2 One-hour bearing less than 5 feet I-2 except Protected less I-316 NR, N/C 40 than I-1.1 IV-H.T. Four-hour N/C Same as Not permitted I-1.2 bearing less than 5 feet I-2 except Protected less NR, N/C 40 than I-2 II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet except Protected less NR, N/C 40 than 10 feet feet or greater V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet Protected less than 10 feet I-F.R. Four-hour N/C less Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. than 3 feet less than 3 less than 3 feet III Two-hour N/C feet Protected less One-hour elsewhere Two-hour N/C than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet except NR, N/C 40 feet or greater R-1 II-N One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted than 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet NR, N/C elsewhere V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Not permitted 5 feet bearing less than 5 feet NR elsewhere I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. less than 3 less than 3 feet III feet Protected less One-hour Two-hour N/C than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 3 feet except NR, N/C 40 feet or greater R-3 II-N One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted than 3 feet bearing less than 3 feet NR, N/C elsewhere V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 3 feet V-N One-hour less than Same as Not permitted 3 feet bearing less than 3 feet NR elsewhere I-F.R. One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted II-F.R. than 10 feet bearing less than 5 feet II NR, N/C elsewhere Protected less One-hour than 10 feet S-4 II-N3 III One-hour III-N Group S, Division IV-H.T. 4 open parking V garages are not One-hour permitted in these V-N types of construction. I-F.R. Four-hour N/C less Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. than 5 feet less than 5 less than 5 feet III Two-hour N/C feet Protected less One-hour elsewhere Two-hour N/C than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet except NR, Protected less N/C 40 feet than S-5 II-N3 One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted than V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 5 feet Protected less than V-N3 One-hour less than Same as Not permitted I-F.R. Four-hour N/C Four-hour N/C Not permitted II-F.R. less than 3 less than 3 feet III feet Protected less One-hour Two-hour N/C than II One-hour N/C Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 3 feet except NR, N/C 40 feet or greater U-13 V One-hour Same as Not permitted One-hour bearing less than 3 feet II-N2 One-hour N/C less Same as Not permitted than 3 feet3,17 bearing less than 3 feet NR, N/C elsewhere V-N One-hour less than Same as Not permitted 3 feet3,17 bearing less than 3 feet NR elsewhere U-2 All Not regulated N/C Noncombustible. NR Nonrated. H.T. Heavy timber. F.R. Fire resistive. 1See Section 503 for types of walls affected and requirements covering percentage of openings permitted in exterior walls. For walls facing streets, yards and public ways, see also Section 601.5. 2For additional restrictions, see Chapters 3 and 6. 3For special provisions and exceptions, see also Section 503.4. 4See Table 3-A for a description of each occupancy type. 5Openings requiring protection in exterior walls shall be protected by a fire assembly having at least a three-fourths-hour fire-protection rating. 6Group E, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies having an occupant load of not more than 20 may have exterior wall and opening protection as required for Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. 7See Section 308.2.1, Exception 3. 8 See Sections 602 and 603 for allowances of fire-retardant-treated wood in walls which otherwise are required to be noncombustible. 9See Section 303.2.2.1 for limitations on Group A-2.1 Occupancies with an occupant load in excess of 1000. 10See Section 305.2.3 for exceptions for Types II-One hour, II-N and V construction. 11For special provisions for Group H Occupancies, see Sections 307.2.10, 307.2.11 and 307.3. When a detached building is required for Group H, Division 1, 2 or 3 Occupancies, there are no requirements for wall and opening protection based on location. 12 Group H, Divisions 1 and 5 Occupancies are prohibited in the Fire District. See Section 511. 13Group H, Division 2 Occupancies with floor area greater than 500 square feet (46 m2) are prohibited in the Fire District. See Section 511. 14Group H, Division 3 Occupancies with floor area greater than 1,500 square feet (139 m2) are prohibited in the Fire District. See Section 511. 15Group H, Division 4 Occupancies having a floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) may have exterior walls of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction when less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from a property line and of not less than one-hour fireresistive construction when 5 feet (1524 mm) or more but less than 16 feet (4877 mm) from a property line. See Section 307.2.10. 16See Section 308.2.2.2 for special provisions for Group I-3 Occupancies. 17The requirement for one-hour fire-resistive construction may be limited to the installation of materials approved for such on the outside only. (See Sections 302 and 503). 18For code alternate for Group S-3 Occupancies in mixed-use buildings, see Section 311.2.2.1. Section 85 Table 5-B of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 5-B-BASIC ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHTS AND BASIC ALLOWABLE FLOOR AREAFOR BUILDINGS ONE STORY IN HEIGHT1
I II III IV V F.R. F.R. One-ho N One-hou N H.T. One-hou N ur r r Maximu m Height (feet) UL 160 65 55 65 55 65 50 40 (48 (19 (16 (19 (16 (19 (15 (12 768 812 764 812 764 812 240 192 mm) mm) mm) mm) mm) mm) mm) mm) Use Height/ Maximu Group m Area Height (stori es) and Maximu m Area (sq. ft.) (x 0.0929 for m2) A-1 H UL 4 Not A UL 29,90 Permit 0 ted A-2, H UL 4 2 NP 2 NP 2 2 NP 2.12 A UL 29,90 13,500 NP 13,500 NP 13,500 10,500 NP 0 A-3, 42 H UL 12 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 A UL 29,90 13,500 13,500 13,500 10,500 6,000 0 9,100 9,100 B, F-1, H UL 12 4 2 4 2 4 E-1, 2, H UL 4 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 34 A UL 45,20 20,200 13,500 20,200 13,500 20,200 15,700 9,100 0 F-2, H UL 12 4 2 4 2 4 H-15 H 1 1 1 1 Not A 15,000 12,40 Permitt 0 5,600 3,700 ed H-25 H UL 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 A 15,000 12,40 5,600 4,400 2,500 0 5,600 3,700 3,700 5,600 H-3, 4, H UL 5 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 55 A UL 24,80 11,200 11,200 11,200 8,800 5,100 0 7,500 7,500 H-6, H 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 1 711 A UL 39,90 18,000 12,000 18,000 12,000 18,000 14,000 8,000 0 I-1.1, H UL 3 1 NP 1 NP 1 1 NP 1.26,10 A UL 15,10 NP 6,800 NP 5,200 NP 0 6,800 6,800 I-2 H UL 3 2 NP 2 NP 2 2 NP A UL 15,10 NP 6,800 NP 5,200 NP 0 6,800 6,800 I-3 H UL 2 Not A UL 15,10 Permit 0 ted7 R-1 H UL 12 4 29 4 29 4 R-3 H UL A Unlimi ted S-43 H See A Table 3-H U8 H See A Chapte r 3 A-Building area in square feet. N-No requirements for fire resistance. H-Building height in number of stories. F.R.-Fire resistive. H.T.-Heavy timber. UL-Unlimited.NPNot permitted 1For multistory buildings, see Section 504.2. 2For limitations and exceptions, see Section 303.2. 3For open parking garages, see Section 311.9. 4See Section 305.2.3. 5See Section 307. 6See Section 308.2.1 for exception to the allowable area and number of stories in hospitals, nursing homes and health-care centers. 7See Section 308.2.2.2.8For agricultural buildings, see also Appendix Chapter 3. 9For limitations and exceptions, see Section 310.2. 10For Type II F.R., the maximum height of Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancies is limited to 75 feet (22 860 mm). For Type II, One-hour construction, the maximum height of Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancies is limited to 45 feet (13 716 mm).11 Subject to the approval of the building official, buildings containing Group H, Division 7 Occupancies may have increased height when fire and life safety systems are enhanced. A pre-design conference per Section 307.1.7 is required. Section 86. Section 601.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 601.1 General. The requirements of this chapter are for the various types of construction and represent varying degrees of public safety and resistance to fire. Every building shall be classified by the building official into one of the types of construction set forth in Table 6-A. Any building that does not entirely conform to a type of construction set forth in Table 6-A shall be classified by the building official into a type having an equal or lesser degree of fire resistance. A building or portion thereof shall not be required to conform to the details of a type of construction higher than that type that meets the minimum requirements based on occupancy even though certain features of such building actually conform to a higher type of construction. When specific materials, types of construction or fire-resistive protection are required, such requirements shall be the minimum requirements, and any materials, types of construction or fireresistive protection that will afford equal or greater public safety or resistance to fire, as specified in this code, may be used. For additional limitations or allowances for special uses or occupancies, see the following: SECTION SUBJECT 402 Atria 403 High-rise
404 Malls 405 Open parking structures 307.11 Group H, Division 6 Occupancies
Section 87. Section 601.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 601.4 Structural Frame. The structural frame shall be considered to be the columns and the girders, beams, trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the columns and bracing members designed to carry gravity loads. The members of floor or roof panels that have no connection to the columns shall be considered secondary members and not a part of the structural frame. Interpretation I601.4a: Structural elements supporting tributary areas exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2) shall be considered part of the structural frame. Interpretation I601.4b: Bracing members that provide vertical stability shall be considered part of the structural frame whether or not they carry gravity loads. Section 88. Section 601.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 601.5 Exceptions to Table 6-A. 601.5.1 General. The provisions of this section are exceptions to the construction requirements of Table 6-A, Chapter 3 and Sections 602 through 606. 601.5.2 Fixed partitions. 601.5.2.1 Stores and offices. Interior nonload-bearing partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only 1. Noncombustible materials. 2. Fire-retardant-treated wood. 3. One-hour fire-resistive construction. 4. Wood panels or similar light construction up to three fourths the height of the room in which placed; when more than three fourths the height of the room, such partitions shall not have less than the upper one fourth of the partition constructed of glass. 601.5.2.2 Hotels and apartments. Interior nonload-bearing partitions within individual dwelling units in apartment houses and guest rooms or suites in hotels when such dwelling units, guest rooms or suites are separated from each other and from corridors by not less than onehour fire-resistive construction may be constructed of: 1. Noncombustible materials
2. Fire-retardant-treated wood covered with materials complying with Item 4. 3. Combustible framing within a one-hour fire-resistive assembly.
Openings to such corridors shall be equipped with doors conforming to Section 1004.3.4.3.2 regardless of the occupant load served. For use of plastics in partitions, see Section 2603.10. 601.5.3 Folding, portable or movable partitions. Approved folding, portable or movable partitions need not have a fire-resistive rating, provided: 1. They do not block required exits or exit-access doors (without providing alternative conforming exits or exit-access doors) and they do not establish a corridor. 2. Their location is restricted by means of permanent tracks, guides or other approved methods. 3. Flammability shall be limited to materials having a flame-spread classification as set forth in Code Alternate CA601.5a: Freestanding Fixtures. Freestanding book shelves, decorative screens, clothes cabinets, closets, office furniture and similar freestanding fixtures more than three-fourths of the height of the room in which they are located may be used to subdivide portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only, provided: 1. They do not block required means of egress (without providing alternative conforming means of egress) and they do not establish a corridor as defined in Section 1004.3.4. 2. Their location is approved by the building official. 3. Flammability shall be limited to materials having a flame-spread classification as set forth in Chapter 8. Code Alternate CA601.5b: Storage Locker, Mini-warehouse Partitions. Nonbearing partitions separating individual storage lockers in Group S, Division 1 accessory storage areas and in mini-storage warehouse buildings need not have one hour partitions provided that the storage lockers comply with the provisions of Section 311.2.3.6. 601.5.4 Walls fronting on streets or yards. Regardless of fireresistive requirements for exterior walls, certain elements of the walls fronting on streets or yards having a width of 40 feet (12 192 mm) may be constructed as follows: 1. Bulkheads below show windows, show-window frames, aprons and showcases may be of combustible materials, provided the height of such construction does not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade. 2. Wood veneer of boards not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness or exterior-type panels not less than 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) nominal thickness may be applied to walls, provided the veneer does not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade, and further provided such veneer shall be placed either directly against noncombustible surfaces or furred out from such surfaces not to exceed 15/8 inches (41 mm) with all concealed spaces fire-blocked as provided in Section 708. Where boards, panels and furring as described above comply with Section 207 as fire-retardant-treated wood suitable for exterior exposure, the height above grade may be increased to 35 feet (10 668 mm). 601.5.5 Trim. Trim, picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails and show-window backing may be of wood. Unprotected wood doors and windows may be used except where openings are required to be fire protected. Foam plastic trim covering not more than 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area may be used in other than Group I Occupancies, provided such trim (1) has a density of no less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (320.4 kg/m3), (2) has a maximum thickness of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) and a maximum width of 4 inches (102 mm), and (3) has a flame-spread rating no greater than 75. Materials used for interior finish of walls and ceilings, including wainscoting, shall be as specified in Chapter 8. 601.5.6 Loading platforms. Exterior loading platforms may be of noncombustible construction or heavy-timber construction with wood floors not less than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal thickness. Such wood construction shall not be carried through the exterior walls. 601.5.7 Insulating boards. Combustible insulating boards may be used under finished flooring. 601.5.8 Walls within health-care suites. In health-care suites that comply with Section 1007.5, interior nonload-bearing partitions of noncombustible construction need not be of fire-resistive construction. In buildings of combustible construction, interior nonload-bearing partitions within suites may be of combustible framing covered with noncombustible materials having an approved thermal barrier with an index of 15 in accordance with UBC Standard 26-2. Interpretation I601.5 One-half-inch gypsum wallboard is acceptable as a thermal barrier within health-care suites. Section 89. Section 602.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 602.4 Stairway Construction. Stairways shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, iron or steel with treads and risers of concrete, iron or steel. Brick, marble, tile or other hard noncombustible materials may be used for the finish of such treads and risers. See Chapter 8 for regulation of interior finishes. EXCEPTIONS: 1. On stairs not required to be enclosed by Section 1005.3.3, the finish material of treads and risers may be of any material permitted by the code. 2. Stairways within individual dwelling units and stairways serving a single tenant space may be of fire-retardant-treated wood or heavy-timber construction. In other than Group R Occupancies, such stairways shall not serve as a required means of egress. Stairways shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10. Section 90. Section 603.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 603.4 Stairway Construction. Stairways of Type II-F.R. buildings shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, iron or steel with treads and risers of concrete, iron or steel. Brick, marble, tile or other hard noncombustible materials may be used for the finish of such treads and risers. Stairways of Type II, One-hour and Type II-N buildings shall be of noncombustible construction. See Chapter 8 for regulation of interior finishes. EXCEPTIONS: 1. On stairs not required to be enclosed by Section 1005.3.3, the finish material of treads and risers may be of any material permitted by the code. 2.Stairways within individual dwelling units and stairways serving a single tenant space may be of fire-retardant-treated wood or heavy-timber construction. In other than Group R Occupancies, such stairways shall not serve as a required means of egress. Stairways shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10. Section 91. Section 604.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 604.1 Definition. Structural elements in Type III buildings may be of any materials permitted by this code. Type III One-hour buildings shall be of one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout. Interpretation I604.1: Type III-One hour buildings may include exposed heavy-timber construction for columns, beams, girders, arches, trusses, floors and roof decks except for fire-resistive construction required by Section 711 and Chapters 5 and 10. See also Sections 605 and 705. Section 92. Section 604.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 604.4 Stairway Construction. 604.4.1 General. Stairways shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10. 604.4.2 Interior. Interior stairways
604.4.3 Exterior. Exterior stairways Section 93. Section 605.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 605.4 Stairway Construction. 605.4.1 General. Stairways shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10. 605.4.2 Interior. Interior stairways
605.4.3 Exterior. Exterior stairways may be constructed of any material permitted by this code. Wood exterior stairways shall Section 94. Section 606.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 606.1 Definition. Type V buildings may be of any materials allowed by this code. Type V One-hour buildings shall be of one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout. Interpretation I606.1: Type V-One hour buildings may include exposed heavy-timber construction for columns, beams, girders, arches, trusses, floors and roof decks except for fire-resistive construction required by Section 711 and Chapters 5 and 10. Materials of construction and fire-resistive requirements shall be as specified in Section 601. For requirements due to occupancy, see Chapter 3. See also Sections 605 and 705. Section 95. Table 6-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 6-A-TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION-FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS (In Hours)For details, see occupancy section in Chapter 3, type of construction sections in this chapter and sections referenced in this table. TYPE I TYPE II TYPE TYPE TYPE III IV V Noncomb Combust ustible ible BUILDING Fire-re Fire-res 1-Hr. N 1-Hr. N H.T. 1-Hr N ELEMENT sistive istive . 1. Bearing 2. Bearing 3 2 1 N 1 N 1 1 N walls-interior 3. 4. 3 2 1 N 1 N 1 or 1 N Structural or H.T. frame1 H.T. or H.T. 5. 12 12 12 N 1 N 1 or 1 N Partitions-per H.T. manent 6. Shaft 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 enclosures3 7. Floors 2 2 1 N 1 N H.T. 1 N and or floor-ceilings 1 Sec. 4 606. 1 8. Roofs and 2 1 1 N 1 N H.T. 1 N roof-ceilings Sec. Sec. Sec. or 1 602.5 603.5 603.5 Sec. Sec. 604.1 606. 1 9. Exterior Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. doors and 602.3.2 603.3.2 603.3 603.3 604.3.2 604.3.2 605.3.2 606.3 windows .2 .2 606. 3 10. Stairway Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. construction 602.4 603.4 603.4 603.4 604.4 604.4 605.4 606.4 606. 4 N-No general requirements for fire resistance.H.T.-Heavy timber.1Structural frame elements in an exterior wall that is located where openings are not permitted, or where protection of openings is required, shall be protected against external fire exposure as required for exterior-bearing walls or the structural frame, whichever is greater.2Fire-retardanttreated wood (see Section 207) may be used in the assembly, provided fire-resistance requirements are maintained. See Sections 602 and 603.3For special provisions, see Sections 304.6, 306.6 and 711. 4Ventilation openings may be provided in unenclosed balconies according to Section 710.3. Section 96. Section 705 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 705 PROJECTIONS Cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies and similar architectural appendages extending beyond the floor area as defined in Section 207 shall conform to the requirements of this section. (See Sections 1006.3.2 and 1006.3.3 for additional requirements applicable to exterior exit balconies and stairways.) Projections from walls of Type I or II construction shall be of noncombustible materials. Projections from walls of Type III, IV or V construction may be of noncombustible or combustible materials. Interpretation I705a: Balconies that are included in the floor area as defined in Section 207 shall be constructed with a fireresistive value equivalent to the fire resistance required for floors. See Section 710.3 for allowable vent penetrations.
Interpretation I705b: Eave overhangs from walls of Types III Onehour, IV or V One-hour construction or from walls that are otherwise required to be of fire resistive construction shall be finished on the underside with at least 1/2-inch (13 mm) gypsum sheathing or equivalent or shall be heavy-timber construction conforming to Section 605.6. See Section 710.3 for allowable vent penetrations. Combustible projections located where openings are not permitted or where protection of openings is required shall be of one-hour fireresistive or heavy-timber construction conforming to Section 605.6. EXCEPTION: Eave overhangs may be of less than one-hour construction provided the underside is finished with at least 1/2-inch (13 mm) gypsum sheathing or equivalent. For projections extending over public property, see Chapter 32. For combustible ornamentation, see Section 601.5.4. For limitations on projection distances, see Sections 503.2 and 1204. Section 97. Section 707.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 707.1 General. Thermal and acoustical insulation located on or within floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies, crawl spaces, walls, partitions and insulation on pipes and tubing shall comply with this section. Duct insulation and insulation in plenums shall conform to the requirements of the Mechanical Code. EXCEPTION: Roof insulation shall comply with Section 1510. In addition, thermal insulation shall conform to the requirements of the Seattle Energy Code. Section 98. Section 708.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 708.2 Fire Blocks. 708.2.1 Where required. Fireblocking shall be provided in the following locations: 1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces, at the ceiling and floor levels and at 10-foot (3048 mm) intervals both vertical and horizontal. See also Section 803, Item 1. EXCEPTION: Fire blocks may be omitted at floor and ceiling levels when approved smoke-actuated fire dampers are installed at these levels. 2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings and cove ceilings. 3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run and between studs along and in line with the run of stairs if the walls under the stairs are unfinished. 4. In openings around vents, pipes, ducts, chimneys, fireplaces and similar openings that afford a passage for fire at ceiling and floor levels, with noncombustible materials. 5. At openings between attic spaces and chimney chases for factorybuilt chimneys. 6. Where wood sleepers of 2-inch nominal thickness or less are used for laying wood flooring on masonry or concrete fire-resistive floors, the space between the floor slab and the underside of the wood flooring shall be filled with noncombustible material or fire blocked in such a manner that there will be no open spaces under the flooring that will exceed 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area and such space shall be filled solidly under all permanent partitions so that there is no communication under the flooring between adjoining rooms. For raised floors, see Section 710.7. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Fire blocking need not be provided in such floors when at or below grade level in gymnasiums. 2. Fire blocking need be provided only at the juncture of each alternate lane and at the ends of each lane in a bowling facility. 708.2.2 Fire block construction. Except as provided in Item 4 above, fireblocking shall consist of 2 inches (51 mm) nominal lumber or two thicknesses of 1-inch (25 mm) nominal lumber with broken lap joints or one thickness of 23/32-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panel with joints backed by 23/32-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panel or one thickness of 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) Type 2-M particleboard with joints backed by 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) Type 2-M particleboard. Fire blocks may also be of gypsum board, cement fiber board, batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber, or other approved materials installed in such a manner as to be securely retained in place. Loosefill insulation material shall not be used as a fire block unless specifically tested in the form and manner intended for use to demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to retard the spread of fire and hot gases. Walls having parallel or staggered studs for sound-transmission control shall have fire blocks of batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber or other approved flexible materials. Section 99. Section 708.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 708.3 Draft Stops. 708.3.1 Where required. Draftstopping shall be provided in the locations set forth in this section. 708.3.1.1 Floor-ceiling assemblies. 708.3.1.1.1 Single-family dwellings. When there is usable space above and below the concealed space of a floor-ceiling assembly in a singlefamily dwelling, draft stops shall be installed so that the area of the concealed space does not exceed 1,000 square feet (93 m2). Draftstopping shall divide the concealed space into approximately equal areas. 708.3.1.1.2 Two or more dwelling units and hotels. Draft stops shall be installed in floor-ceiling assemblies of buildings having more than one dwelling unit and in hotels. Such draft stops shall be in line with walls separating individual dwelling units and guest rooms from each other and from other areas. 708.3.1.1.3 Other uses. Draft stops shall be installed in floorceiling assemblies of buildings or portions of buildings used for other than dwelling or hotel occupancies so that the area of the concealed space does not exceed 1,000 square feet (93 m2) and so that the horizontal dimension between stops does not exceed 60 feet (18 288 mm). EXCEPTION: Where approved automatic sprinklers are installed within the concealed space, the area between draft stops may be 3,000 square feet (279 m2) and the horizontal dimension may be 100 feet (30 480 mm). 708.3.1.2 Attics. 708.3.1.2.1 Two or more dwelling units and hotels. Draft stops shall be installed in the attics, mansards, overhangs, false fronts set out from walls and similar concealed spaces of buildings containing more than one dwelling unit and in hotels. Such draft stops shall be above and in line with the walls separating individual dwelling units and guest rooms from each other and from other uses. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Draft stops may be omitted along one of the corridor walls, provided draft stops at walls separating individual dwelling units and guest rooms from each other and from other uses, extend to the remaining corridor draft stop. 2. Where approved sprinklers are installed, draftstopping may be as specified in the exception to Section 708.3.1.2.2. 3. Where a building contains more than four dwelling units or guest rooms, or where a building is more than two stories in height, draftstopping may be as provided in Section 708.3.1.2.2 708.3.1.2.2 Other uses. Draft stops shall be installed in attics, mansards, overhangs, false fronts set out from walls and similar concealed spaces of buildings having uses other than dwellings or hotels so that the area between draft stops does not exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m2) and the greatest horizontal dimension does not exceed 60 feet (18 288 mm). EXCEPTION: Where approved automatic sprinklers are installed, the area between draft stops may be 9,000 square feet (836 m2) and the greatest horizontal dimension may be 100 feet (30 480 mm). 708.3.1.3 Draft stop construction. Draftstopping materials shall not be less than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) Type 2-M particleboard or other approved materials adequately supported. Openings in the partitions shall be protected by self-closing doors with automatic latches constructed as required for the partitions. Ventilation of concealed roof spaces shall be maintained in accordance with Section 1505. Section 100. Section 709.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 709.1 General. Fire-resistive walls and partitions shall be assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings set forth in Table 7-B. Where materials, systems or devices are incorporated into the assembly that have not been tested as part of the assembly, sufficient data shall be made available to the building official to show that the required fire-resistive rating is not reduced. Materials and methods of construction used to protect joints and penetrations in fireresistive, fire-rated building assemblies shall not reduce the required fire-resistive rating. Interpretation I709.1a: Where vinyl siding is installed over gypsum sheathing in Type V-One hour applications, the minimum thickness of the sheathing shall be 5/8 inch. See also Section 1404.
Interpretation I709.1b: Where metal siding, including aluminum, is installed over gypsum sheathing in Type V-One hour applications, the minimum thickness of the sheathing shall be 1/2 inch. Section 101. Section 709.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 709.3 Exterior Walls. 709.3.1 Extension through attics 709.3.2 Vertical fire spread at exterior walls. 709.3.2.1 General. The provisions of this section are intended to restrict the passage of smoke, flame and hot gases from one floor to another at exterior walls. See Section 710 for floor penetrations. 709.3.2.2 Interior. When fire-resistive floor or floor-ceiling assemblies are required, voids created at the intersection of the exterior wall assemblies and such floor assemblies shall be sealed with an approved material. Such material shall be securely installed and capable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to UBC Standard 7-1 time-temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water column (2.5 Pa) for the time period at least equal to the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly. 709.3.2.3 Exterior. When openings in an exterior wall are above and within 5 feet (1524 mm) laterally of an opening in the story below, such openings shall be separated by an approved flame barrier extending 30 inches (762 mm) beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the floor or by approved vertical flame barriers not less than 3 feet (914 mm) high measured vertically above the top of the lower opening. Flame barriers shall have a fire resistance of not less than threefourths hour. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Flame barriers are not required in buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. 2. This section shall not apply to buildings of three stories or less in height. 3. Flame barriers are not required on Group S, Division 4 Occupancies. Section 102. Section 710.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 710.1 General. Fire-resistive floors, floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies shall be assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings set forth in Table 7-C. When materials are incorporated into an otherwise fire-resistive assembly that may change the capacity for heat dissipation, fire test results or other substantiating data Where the weight of lay-in ceiling panels used as part of fireresistive floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies is not adequate to resist an upward force of 1 pound per square foot (0.048 kN/m2), wire holddowns or other approved devices shall be installed above the panels to prevent vertical displacement under such upward force. Section 103. Section 710.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 710.2 Through Penetrations. 710.2.1 General. Through penetrations of fire-resistive horizontal assemblies shall be enclosed in fire-resistive shaft enclosures in accordance with Section 711.1 or shall comply with Section 710.2.2 or 710.2.3. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Steel, ferrous or copper conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, concrete, or masonry penetrating items that penetrate a single fire-rated floor assembly where the annular space is protected with materials that prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to UBC Standard 7-1 timetemperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the fire-resistive rating of the construction penetrated. Penetrating items with a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter shall not be limited to the penetration of a single-fire-resistive floor assembly, provided that the area of the penetration does not exceed 144 square inches in any 100 square feet (100 000 mm2 in10 m2) of floor area. 2. Penetrations in a single concrete floor by steel, ferrous or copper conduits, pipes, tubes and vents with a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter provided concrete, grout or mortar is installed the full thickness of the floor or the thickness required to maintain the fire-resistive rating. The penetrating items with a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter shall not be limited to the penetration of a single concrete floor, provided that the area of the penetration does not exceed 144 square inches (92 903 mm2). 3. Electrical outlet boxes of any material are permitted provided that such boxes are tested for use in fire-resistive assemblies and installed in accordance with the tested assembly. 710.2.2 Fire-rated assemblies. Penetrations shall be installed as tested in the approved UBC Standard 7-1 unless otherwise approved by the building official. 710.2.3 Penetration firestop system. Penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with UBC Standard 7-5. The system shall have an F rating and a T rating of not less than one hour but not less than the required rating of the floor penetrated. EXCEPTION: Floor penetrations contained and located within the cavity of a wall do not require a T rating. Section 104. Section 710.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 710.3 Membrane Penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a fire-resistive horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 710.2. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Membrane penetrations of steel, ferrous or copper conduits, electrical outlet boxes, pipes, tubes, vents, concrete, or masonry penetrating items where the annular space is protected in accordance with Section 709.6 or 710.2 or is protected to prevent the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. Such penetrations shall not exceed an aggregate area of 100 square inches in any 100 square feet (694 mm2/m2) of ceiling area in assemblies tested without penetrations. 2. Membrane penetrations for electrical outlet boxes of any material are permitted, provided that such boxes are tested for use in fireresistive assemblies and installed in accordance with the tested assembly. 3. The annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler shall be permitted to be unprotected, provided such space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. 4. Vents may be installed in soffits of exterior balconies required to have fire resistive value equivalent to the floor. If provided, vent openings shall be covered with corrosion-resistant metal mesh. 5. When Section 705 requires that eaves be finished on the underside with fire-resistive materials, vents may be installed if the vent openings are covered with corrosion-resistant metal mesh. Code Alternate CA 710.3: When approved by the building official, the following assemblies satisfy the requirements of Section 710.3. PROTECTION REQUIRED Opening Framing Type Type Solid Sawn MPCT & PWJ1 Can In floor joists, solid Box the light (four sides Light block each side of light with and top) with 5/8 inch gypsum 2 inch framing or 5/8 inch wallboard, 1-1/2 inch gypsum wallboard. high-density mineral fiber, or 3-1/2 inch fiberglass, In dropped soffits, securely fastened. See prerock bottom of floor Illustration B. joists above with 5/8 inch gypsum wallboard. HVAC2 Solid block beside opening Box the fan or diffuser with 2 inch framing or 5/8 (four sides and top) with 5/8 inch gypsum wallboard and, inch gypsum wallboard, 1-1/2 inch high-density mineral Drape 1-1/2 inch fiber, or 3-1/2 inch high-density mineral fiber fiberglass, securely insulation or 3-1/2 inch fastened, and fiberglass over top of duct and down sides to contact the Wrap duct completely ceiling. Secure in place. with 1-1/2 inch high-density See Illustration A. mineral fiber or 3-1/2 inch fiberglass, secured in place, Protect duct for 10 or line joist cavity with 5/8 feet from opening in ceiling. inch fire-taped gypsum wallboard. See Illustration C. In sprinklered buildings, protection is required for 10 feet from opening only.
1 MPCT = Metal plate connected trusses PWJ = Plywood web joists 2 Fan box or diffuser grille and associated metal duct. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. 1. The area of openings shall be limited to 100 square inches in 100 square feet aggregate with no opening greater than 8 in diameter. 2. HVAC systems installed under permit shall be installed according to plan. 3. Fixtures and equipment shall be installed according to their listing. 4. Ventilation ducts in attics shall be wrapped with mineral fiber insulation and secured in place with metal hangers. 5. Fixtures protected with insulation shall be steel and IC rated. Section 105. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 710.7 to read as follows: 710.7 Raised Floors. 710.7.1 General. A raised floor is a flooring system constructed above the structural floor by more than the equivalent height of 2 inch nominal thickness wood sleepers, and which has unusable space between the flooring and the structural floor. Walls on the raised floor required to have fire-resistive construction by either Chapter 5 or 10 shall be fire blocked to the structural floor with construction of the same fire resistance as the wall. 710.7.2 Buildings of Type I and II Construction. In Types I and II buildings, raised floors shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire retardant treated wood. If fire retardant treated wood is used, one of the following measures shall be taken: 1. In a fully sprinklered building, the sprinkler system shall be extended into each void space; or 2. All void spaces shall be filled with noncombustible material; or 3. Fire blocking shall be constructed so that no void space under the raised floor exceeds 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area. In sprinklered buildings, the walls and soffits of the void space shall be protected on the inside as required for one-hour fire resistive construction. See Section 708.2.1 for floors in which wood sleepers of 2 inches or less are used. 710.7.3 Buildings of Types III, IV and V Construction. Raised floors in Group A, Divisions 1, 2 or 2.1 occupancies shall conform with the provisions of Section 710.7.2. In all other occupancies located in buildings of Types III, IV and V construction, raised floors may be constructed of untreated wood. See Section 708 for requirements for draft stops and fire blocks. In buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the system shall extend into each void space. Exceptions: 1. The void spaces are filled with noncombustible material. 2. The void spaces are protected on the inside as required for onehour fire-resistive construction. Section 106. Section 711.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 711.3 Special Provision. In other than Group I Occupancies, openings that penetrate only one floor and are not connected with openings communicating with other stories or basements and that are not concealed within building construction assemblies need not be enclosed. An enclosure shall not be required for automobile ramps in Group S, Division 3 parking garages. An enclosure shall not be required for openings through floors in a Group S, Division 3 parking garage when the occupancy is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. Unless exposed to the exterior in an approved manner, approved factory-built chimneys shall be enclosed in fire-resistive shaft construction as required for the building construction type. Approved chimneys serving multiple dwelling units may be installed within the same shaft, provided approved metal draft stops are installed at each floor level. All combustible construction shall be protected as required for fire-resistive shaft construction. Interior shaft wall joints shall be fire-taped when required and when space allows, but fire-taping may be omitted from joints on the final closure wall provided the joints are installed in a tight manner. Code Alternate CA711.3a: Shafts in Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and within individual dwelling units in Group R, Division 1 Occupancies need not comply with Table 6-A provided such shafts are effectively draft stopped at each floor or ceiling. Exit enclosures shall conform to the applicable provisions of Section 1005.3.3. In oneand two-story buildings other than Group I Occupancies, gas vents, ducts, piping and factory-built chimneys that extend through not more than two floors need not be enclosed, provided the openings around the penetrations are firestopped at each floor. EXCEPTION: BW gas vents installed in accordance with their listing. Gas vents and factory-built chimneys shall be protected as required by the Mechanical Code. Walls containing gas vents or combustible or noncombustible piping that pass through three floors or less need not provide the fire-resistance rating specified in Table 6-A for "shaft enclosures," provided the annular space around the vents or piping is EXCEPTIONS: 1. BW gas vents installed in accordance with their listing. 2. Walls in buildings of Types III, IV and V construction need not provide the fire-resistance rating specified in Table 6-A for shaft enclosures. Code Alternate CA711.3b: Walls containing gas vents or combustible or noncombustible piping which pass through four floors or less need not be fire-resistance rated, provided the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system and the annular space around the vents or piping is covered at each floor or ceiling with noncombustible materials. Openings made through a floor for penetrations such as cables, cable trays, conduit, pipes or tubing that are protected with approved through-penetration fire stops to provide the same degree of fire resistance as the floor construction need not be enclosed. For floorceiling assemblies, see Section 710. Section 107. Section 711.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 711.4 Protection of Openings. Openings into a shaft enclosure shall be protected by a self-closing or an automatic-closing fire assembly conforming to Section 713 and having a fire-protection rating of one hour for openings through one-hour fire-resistive walls and one and one-half hours for openings through two-hour fire-resistive walls. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Openings to the exterior may be unprotected when permitted by Table 5-A. 2. Openings protected by through-penetration fire stops to provide the same degree of fire resistance as the shaft enclosure. See Sections 709 and 710. 3. Noncombustible ducts, vents or chimneys used to convey vapors, dusts or combustion products may penetrate the enclosure at the bottom. 4. The back of listed manufactured fireplace boxes may replace that portion of the shaft wall where they are located, provided the joint between the box and the adjacent shaft wall is tightly constructed and installed according to manufacturer's specification. Fresh air make-up ducts required by the Energy or Mechanical codes may penetrate the shaft at the fire box. Fresh air make-up ducts which pass through any portion of the building other than the shaft shall be at least 26 gage metal. Interpretation I711.4: Air ducts passing through exit enclosures shall be separated from the enclosure by fire-resistive construction at least equal to the exit enclosure walls. Openings in shaft enclosures penetrating smoke barriers shall be further protected by smoke dampers conforming with approved recognized standards. See Chapter 35, Part IV. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Exhaust-only openings serving continuously operating fans and protected using the provisions of Chapter 9. 2. Smoke dampers are not required when their operation would interfere with the function of a smoke-control system. Section 108. Section 711.6 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 711.6 Chute and Dumbwaiter Shafts. In buildings of Type V construction, chutes and dumbwaiter shafts with a cross-sectional area of not more than 9 square feet (0.84 m2) may be either of approved fire-resistive wall construction or may have the inside layers of the approved fire-resistive assembly replaced by a lining of not less than 0.019-inch (0.48 mm) No. 26 galvanized sheet gage metal with all joints locklapped. The outside layers of the wall shall be as required for the approved construction. All openings into any such enclosure shall be protected by not less than a self-closing solid-wood door 13/8 inches (35 mm) thick or equivalent. Code Alternate CA 711.6: Dumbwaiter shafts containing cars with enclosed sides need not be covered with sheet metal. Section 109. Section 712 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 712 USABLE SPACE UNDER FLOORS
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies.
Section 110. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 715 to read as follows: SECTION 715 -ELECTRICAL WIRING, PIPES, DUCTS AND EQUIPMENT IN ELEVATOR HOISTWAYS AND MACHINE ROOMS Electrical wiring and equipment, pipes, ducts and mechanical equipment shall not be installed in any hoistway, elevator machine room or machinery space unless installed to serve that space only. Exceptions: 1. Electrical conduit may pass through an elevator machine room or machinery space provided it is separated from the room or space by construction equal to the rated construction of the room or space and so located that all required clearances are maintained. 2. Ducts used for heating, cooling, ventilating or pressurization; and equipment used for heating of hoistways, elevator machine rooms or machinery spaces may be installed in accordance with Section 3022. 3. Ducts may pass through an elevator machine room or machinery space provided they are separated from the room or space by construction equal to the rated construction of the room or space and so located that all required clearances are maintained. See also Section 3022. Section 111. Section 801.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 801.1 Scope. Interior See Chapter 30 for regulation of finishes in elevator cars. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 2602. For foam plastic trim, see Section 601.5.5. See Section 1403 for veneer. Section 112. Section 803 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 803 APPLICATION OF CONTROLLED INTERIOR FINISH Interior finish materials applied to walls and ceilings shall be tested as specified in Section 802 and regulated for purposes of limiting surface-burning by the following provisions: 1. When walls and ceilings are required by any provision in this code to be of fire-resistive or noncombustible construction, the finish material shall be applied directly against such fire-resistive or noncombustible construction or to furring strips not exceeding 13/4 inches (44 mm) applied directly against such surfaces. The intervening spaces between such furring strips shall be filled with inorganic or Class I material or shall be fire blocked not to exceed 8 feet (2438 mm) in any direction. See Section 708 for fireblocking. 2. Where walls and ceilings are required to be of fire-resistive or noncombustible construction and walls are set out or ceilings are dropped distances greater than specified in paragraph 1 of this section, Class I finish materials shall be used except where the finish materials are protected on both sides by automatic sprinkler systems or are attached to a noncombustible backing or to furring strips installed as specified in paragraph 1. The hangers and assembly members of such dropped ceilings that are below the main ceiling line shall be of noncombustible materials except that in Types III and V construction, fire-retardant-treated wood may be used. The construction of each set-out wall shall be of fire-resistive construction as required elsewhere in this code. See Section 708 for fire blocks and draft stops. Code Alternate CA803: When set-out walls are required to be of fire-resistive construction, protection may be limited to the room side of concealed spaces formed entirely of noncombustible materials. 3. Wall and ceiling finish materials of all classes as permitted in this chapter may be installed directly against the wood decking or planking of Type IV heavy-timber construction, or to wood furring strips applied directly to the wood decking or planking installed and fire blocked as specified in Item 1. 4. An interior wall or ceiling finish that is less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick shall be applied directly against a noncombustible backing. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Class I finish materials. 2. Finish Section 113. Section 804 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 804.1 General. The maximum flame-spread class of finish materials used on interior walls and ceilings shall not exceed that set forth in Table 8-B. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Except in Group I Occupancies and in enclosed vertical exits, Class III may be used in other means of egress and rooms as wainscoting extending not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor and for tack and bulletin boards covering not more than 5 percent of the gross wall area of the room. 2. In other than exit enclosures and Group I, Division 1.1, 1.2 or 2 suites which comply with Section 1007.5.9, 3. The exposed faces of Type IV-H.T., structural members, and Type IV-H.T., decking and planking, where otherwise permissible under this code, are excluded from flame-spread requirements. 804.2 Carpeting on Ceilings. When used as interior ceiling finish, carpeting and similar materials having a napped, tufted, looped or similar surface shall have a Class I flame spread. Carpeting shall not be used on ceilings in exit enclosures. Section 114. Section 805 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 805 TEXTILE WALL COVERINGS When used as interior wall finish, textile wall coverings, including materials such as those having a napped, tufted, looped, non-woven, woven or similar surface shall comply with the following: 1. Textile wall coverings shall have a Class I flame spread and shall be protected by automatic sprinklers complying with UBC Standard 9-1 or 9-3, or 2. The textile wall covering shall meet the acceptance criteria of UBC Standard 8-2 when tested using a product mounting system, including adhesive, representative of actual use. Carpeting and textile wall coverings shall not be used on walls in exit enclosures. Section 115. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Section 808 to read as follows: SECTION 808 INTERIOR FLOOR FINISHES 808.1 Classification. Interior floor finish materials shall be tested and classified on the basis of tests conducted in accordance with Appendix IV-A of the Seattle Fire Code as follows: 1. Class 1 Interior Floor Finish. Materials having a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.45 watt per square centimeter. 2. Class 2 Interior Floor Finish. Materials having a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.22 watt per square centimeter. 808.2 Interior Floor Materials. The radiant flux value classification of interior floor finish materials shall not exceed that set forth in Table 8-C for the occupancies specified. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Except in exit enclosures in Types I-F.R. and II-F.R. buildings, interior floor finish materials of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum, and other resilient floor covering materials are not required to comply with Table 8-C. 2. In other than exit enclosures, when an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed, Class 2 materials may be used in any area where Class 1 materials are required and the materials need not be classified in areas where Class 2 materials are permitted. When used as floor finish in exit enclosures, carpeting and similar materials having a napped, tufted, looped or similar surface shall have a Class 1 radiant flux value classification. Carpeting shall not be used in stairways required to be of noncombustible construction as specified for Type I or Type II buildings in Sections 602.4 and 603.4. Combustible floor finish shall not be installed in rooms occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are forcibly restrained. 808.3 Testing, Identification and Report Availability. Interior floor finishes required to meet the standards of this section shall comply with the testing, classifications, identification and report availability requirements of Appendix IV-A of the Seattle Fire Code. Section 116. Table 8-B of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 8-B-MAXIMUM FLAME-SPREAD CLASS1,8 OCCUPANCY GROUP ENCLOSED VERTICAL EXITWAYS2 A I II II3 B I II9 III9 E I II III F II III9 III9 H I II III4 I-1.1, I-1.2, I-2 I I5 II6 I-3 I I5 I6 M I II9 III9 R-1 I II III R-3 III III III7 S-1, S-2 II II9 III9 S-3, S-4, S-5 I II9 III9 U NO RESTRICTIONS 1 Foam plastics shall comply with the requirements specified in Section 2602. Carpeting on ceilings and textile wall coverings shall comply with the requirements specified in Sections 804.2 and 805, respectively. 2 "Enclosed vertical exitways" are enclosures as regulated in Section 1005.3.3, including horizontal extensions of the enclosure to the exterior of the building. Corridors are regulated in Section 1004.3.4 and exit passageways are regulated in Section 1005.3.4. Finish classification is not applicable to interior walls and ceilings of exterior exit-access balconies. 3 In Group A, Divisions 3 and 4 Occupancies, Class III may be used. 4 Over two stories shall be of Class II. 5 In Group I, Divisions 2 and 3 Occupancies, Class II may be used. 6 Class III may be used in administrative spaces. 7 Flame-spread provisions are not applicable to kitchens and bathrooms of Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. 8 See Section 606.2 of the Mechanical Code for flame spread requirements for suspended ventilating ceilings. 9 See also Section 1004.3.4.3, Exception 10. Section 117. The 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Table 8-C to read as follows: TABLE 8-C-MAXIMUM RADIANT FLUX CLASS Table 8-C is entirely Seattle amendments and is not underlined. OCCUPANCY GROUP CORRIDORS, EXIT ENCLOSURES AND EXIT PASSAGEWAYS ROOMS OR AREAS A 2 2 B, F, M, S 2 No restrictions E 2 2 H 1-6 1 No restrictions H-7 2 No restrictions I:I-1.1 Hospitals and nursing homesI-2 Nursing homesAll other Group I Occupancies 111 12No restrictions R-1 22 No restrictions R-3 No restrictions No restrictions U No restrictions No restrictions 1Combustible floor finish is not permitted for stairs in Types I and II construction except for stairs of combustible construction which are permitted by either Section 602.4 or 603.4, where finishes are not restricted. 2The finish materials on stairs within a dwelling unit are not restricted regardless of the construction of the building. Section 118. Section 902 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 902 STANDARDS OF QUALITY Fire-extinguishing systems, including automatic sprinkler systems, Class I, Class II and Class III standpipe systems, special automatic extinguishing systems, basement pipe inlets, smoke-control systems, and smoke and heat vents shall be approved and shall be subject to such periodic tests as may be required. The standards listed below labeled a "UBC standard" are also listed in Chapter 35, Part II, and are part of this code. The other standards listed below are recognized standards (see Sections 3503 and 3504). 1. Fire-extinguishing system. 1.1 UBC Standard 9-1, Installation of Sprinkler Systems 1.2 UBC Standard 9-3, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Group R Occupancies Four Stories or Less 1.3 NFPA Standard 13D as published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1994 edition. 2. Standpipe systems. UBC Standard 9-2, Standpipe Systems 3. Smoke control. 3.1 UBC Standard 7-2, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies 3.2 UL 555, Fire Dampers 3.3 UL 555C, Ceiling Dampers 3.4 UL 555S, Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems 3.5 UL 33, Heat Response Links for Fire Protection Service 3.6 UL 353, Limit Controls 4. Smoke and heat vents. UBC Standard 15-7, Automatic Smoke and Heat Vents Section 119. Section 904.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 904.1 Installation Requirements. 904.1.1 General. Fire-extinguishing systems required in this code shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section. Fire hose threads used in connection with fire-extinguishing systems shall be national standard hose thread or as approved by the fire department. The location of fire department hose connections shall be approved by the fire department. In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with the Fire Code. 904.1.2 Standards. Fire-extinguishing systems shall comply with UBC Standards 9-1 and 9-2. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems not covered by UBC Standard 9-1 or 9-2 shall be approved and installed in accordance with approved standards. 2. Automatic sprinkler systems may be connected to the domestic water-supply main when approved by the 3. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R Occupancies four stories or less may be in accordance with UBC Standard 9-3. 4. The sprinkler alarm valve for an automatic sprinkler system may be omitted when the sprinkler system serves less than 20 heads or where the system is connected to an approved fire alarm system. See UBC Standard 9-1. 904.1.3 Modifications. When residential sprinkler systems as set forth in UBC Standard 9-3 are provided, exceptions to, or reductions in, code requirements based on the installation of an automatic fireextinguishing system are not allowed. Section 120. Section 904.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 904.2 Automatic Fire-extinguishing Systems. 904.2.1 Where required. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in this section. For provisions on special hazards and hazardous materials, see the Fire Code. 904.2.2 All occupancies except Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies. Except for Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed: 1. In every story or basement of all buildings when the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m2) and there is not provided at least 20 square feet (1.86 m2) of opening entirely above the adjoining ground level in each 50 lineal feet (15 240 mm) or fraction thereof of exterior wall in the story or basement on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm). Such openings shall be accessible to the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that firefighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior. When openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from such openings, the story shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified above shall be provided on at least two sides of an exterior wall of the story. If any portion of a basement or basement-like story is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required in this section, the basement or basement-like story shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system. 2. At the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes extending through three or more floors shall have additional sprinkler heads installed within such chutes at alternate floors. Sprinkler heads shall be accessible for servicing.
4. In waterfront structures as specified in Sections 413.5.3 and 413.6.9. 5. In warehouses, factories, workshops and stores which are not otherwise covered by this section, where height exceeds four stories. 6. In any basement or basement-like story used for automobile parking or for the storage or sale of combustible materials. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Portions of the basement or basement-like story not containing combustible materials and protected by a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation.
904.2.3 Group A Occupancies. 904.2.3.1 Drinking establishments. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in rooms used by the occupants for the consumption of alcoholic beverages and unseparated accessory uses where the total area of such unseparated rooms and assembly uses exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2). For uses to be considered as separated, the separation shall not be less than as required for a one-hour occupancy separation. The area of other uses shall be included unless separated by at least a one-hour occupancy separation. 904.2.3.2 Basements. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in basements and basement-like stories classified as a Group A Occupancy when the basement is larger than 1,500 square feet (139.4 m2) in floor area. 904.2.3.3 Exhibition and display rooms. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group A Occupancies that have more than 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) of floor area that can be used for exhibition or display purposes. 904.2.3.4 Stairs. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in enclosed usable space below or over a stairway in Group A, Divisions 2, 2.1, 3 and 4 Occupancies. See Section 1005.3.3.6. 904.2.3.5 Multitheater complexes. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in every building containing a multitheater complex. 904.2.3.6 Amusement buildings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all permanent and portable amusement buildings. The main water-flow switch shall be electrically supervised. The sprinkler main cutoff valve shall be supervised. When the amusement building is EXCEPTION: An automatic sprinkler system need not be provided when the floor area of a 904.2.3.7 Stages. All stages shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinklers shall be provided throughout the stage and in dressing rooms, workshops, storerooms and other accessory spaces contiguous to such stages. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Sprinklers are not required for stages 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) or less in area and 50 feet (15 240 mm) or less in height where curtains, scenery or other combustible hangings are not retractable vertically. Combustible hangings shall be limited to a single main curtain, borders, legs and a single backdrop. 2. Under stage areas less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height used exclusively for chair or table storage and lined on the inside with 5/8-inch (16 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard or an approved equal. 904.2.3.8 Smoke-protected assembly seating. All areas enclosed with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smokeprotected assembly seating shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system. EXCEPTION: Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) in area and in conjunction with outdoor seating facilities where all means of egress in the seating area are essentially open to the outside. 904.2.4 Group E Occupancies. 904.2.4.1 General. WSBC: An automatic fire
1. The aggregate area of clusters of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (1465 m2); and 2. Clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by Chapter 5. When not required by other provisions of this chapter, a fireextinguishing system installed in accordance with UBC Standard 9-1 may be used for increases allowed in Chapter 5.
904.2.4.3 Stairs. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in enclosed usable space below or over a stairway in Group E, Division 1 Occupancies. See Section 1005.3.3.6. 904.2.4.4 Boiler Rooms. In every boiler room or room containing a central heating plant below usable space unless separated by a threehour fire-resistive occupancy separation. 904.2.5 Group F Occupancies. 904.2.5.1 Woodworking occupancies. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in Group F woodworking occupancies over 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2) in area that use equipment, machinery or appliances that generate finely divided combustible waste or that use finely divided combustible materials. 904.2.6 Group H Occupancies. 904.2.6.1 General. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in Group H, Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 7 Occupancies. 904.2.6.2 Group H, Division 4 Occupancies. An automatic fireextinguishing system shall be installed in Group H, Division 4 Occupancies having a floor area of more than 3,000 square feet (279 m2). 904.2.6.3 Group H, Division 6 Occupancies. An automatic fireextinguishing system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H, Division 6 Occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system shall not be less than that required under UBC Standard 9-1 for the occupancy hazard classifications as follows: LOCATION OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION Fabrication areas Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Service corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Storage rooms without dispensing Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Storage rooms with dispensing Extra Hazard Group 2 Corridors Ordinary Hazard Group 21 1When the design area of the sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers that needs to be calculated is 13. 904.2.7 Group I Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group I Occupancies. In Group I, Division 1.1 and Group I, Division 2 Occupancies, approved quick-response or residential sprinklers shall be installed throughout patient sleeping areas. EXCEPTION: In jails, prisons and reformatories, the piping system may be dry, provided a manually operated valve is installed at a continuously monitored location. Opening of the valve will cause the piping system to be charged. Sprinkler heads in such systems shall be equipped with fusible elements or the system shall be designed as required for deluge systems in UBC Standard 9-1. 904.2.8 Group M Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in rooms classed as Group M Occupancies and in rooms for storage of combustible materials where the floor area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) on any floor or 24,000 square feet (2230 m2) on all floors or in Group M Occupancies more than three stories in height. The area of mezzanines shall be included in determining the areas where sprinklers are required. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in liquor stores located below a residential occupancy other than a caretaker's unit.
904.2.9 Group R Occupancies. 904.2.9.1. General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group R occupancies which do not have approved fire department access, which do not have adequate fire flow or which are located more than 500 feet (152 400 mm) from the nearest hydrant. EXCEPTION: For Group R, Division 3 Occupancies, the fire chief may authorize a greater distance, but in no case more than 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) from the nearest hydrant. 904.2.9.2. Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the following Group R, Division 1 Occupancies: 1. Buildings having three or more stories of height; or 2. Buildings having two floors of Group R, Division 1 Occupancy located above any occupancy other than: 2.1 Group U; 2.2 Group S, Division 3 parking garage; or 2.3 Storage, mechanical or laundry or similar rooms accessory to the Group R, Division 1 occupancy. 3. Apartment buildings containing five or more dwelling units; or 4. Hotels containing ten or more guest rooms; or 5. Congregate residences of 50 or more occupants. EXCEPTIONS: 1. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required by Item 1 or 2 above when the building contains no more than two dwelling units which are separated by one-hour fire-resistive construction, and each dwelling unit has separate exits. 2. The requirement for an automatic sprinkler system may be waived in Group R, Division 1 townhouses which are separated by twohour fire-resistive construction, where the building official determines there is adequate fire department access to the site. Interpretation I904.2a: Determination of Stories. For the purpose of this section, in mixed occupancy buildings, the number of stories shall be determined based on the total building, including those stories occupied by occupancies other than Group R, Division 1, provided the other occupancies are sprinklered when specifically required for each occupancy. Interpretation I904.2b: Area Separation Walls. Area separation walls may be used as provided in Section 504 of this code provided, for the purpose of this subsection, the total number of dwelling units or total number of guest rooms shall be determined based on the complete, attached building regardless of area separation walls. Interpretation I904.2c: Sprinkler Systems. Sprinkler systems installed in Group R, Division 3 occupancies and in Group R, Division 1 townhouses may comply with NFPA Standard 13D. Sprinkler systems installed in other Group R, Division 1 occupancies may be installed in accordance with NFPA Standard 13R (UBC Standard 9-3); provided where a sprinkler system is required throughout, the system shall comply with NFPA 13 (UBC Standard 9-1). With either standard, residential sprinkler heads shall be used in the dwelling unit and guest room portions of the building.
904.2.10 Group S Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in liquor warehouses. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in rooms used for storage of combustible materials where the floor area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) on any floor or 24,000 square feet (2230 m2) on all floors. See also Section 904.2.2, Item 6. Section 121. Section 904.4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 904.4 Permissible Sprinkler Omissions. Subject to the approval of the building official and with the concurrence of the chief of the fire department, sprinklers may be omitted in rooms or areas as follows: 1. When sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents or in rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents and that are not exposed by other areas. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistive construction or contains electrical equipment. 2. Sprinklers shall not be installed when the application of water or flame and water to the contents may constitute a serious life or fire hazard, as in the manufacture or storage of quantities of aluminum powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphide, metallic sodium and potassium, quicklime, magnesium powder and sodium peroxide. 3. Safe deposit or other vaults of fire-resistive construction, when used for the storage of records, files and other documents, when stored in metal cabinets and transformer vaults as specified in Section 414. 4. Communication equipment areas under the exclusive control of a public communication utility agency, provided: 4.1 The equipment areas are separated from the remainder of the building by one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation; 4.2 Such areas are used exclusively for such equipment; 4.3 An approved automatic smoke-detection system is installed in such areas and is supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or a local alarm that will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location; and 4.4 Other approved fire-protection equipment such as portable fire extinguishers or Class II standpipes are installed in such areas. 5. Other approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems may be installed to protect special hazards or occupancies in lieu of automatic sprinklers. Interpretation I904.4: Examples of the "special hazards or occupancies" referred to in Section 904.4, item 5 are escalator gear rooms containing electrical switches, and areas occupied by electrical generating, transforming apparatus and switch boards. Section 122. Section 904.5 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 904.5 Standpipes. 904.5.1 General. Standpipes shall comply with the requirements of this section and UBC Standard 9-2. For additional requirements, see Sections 412 for floating homes and Section 413 for piers, wharves and waterfront buildings. 904.5.2 Where required. Standpipe systems shall be provided as set forth in Table 9-A. 904.5.3 Location of Class I standpipes. There shall be a Class I standpipe outlet connection at every floor-level landing of every required stairway above or below grade and on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit except as exempted by footnote 5 of Table 9-A. Outlets at stairways shall be located within the exit enclosure or, in the case of pressurized enclosures, within the vestibule or exterior balcony, giving access to the stairway. Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within an enclosed stairway or pressurized enclosure shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located. EXCEPTION: In buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, risers and laterals that are not located within an enclosed stairway or pressurized enclosure need not be enclosed within fire-resistive construction. Code Alternate CA904.5a: In other than buildings subject to Section 403, where two stairways are required, a single standpipe may be permitted with the approval of the building official and the fire chief, provided the standpipe is located in the stairway that extends to the roof, the floor area is less than 7,500 square feet (696 m2) per floor, and all portions of the floor area are within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of hose travel distance of the standpipe. Code Alternate CA904.5b: In other than buildings subject to Section 403, standpipes at horizontal exits may be omitted with the approval of the building official and fire chief provided standpipes are located in all required stairways, the floor area on each side of the horizontal exit is less than 7,500 square feet (696 m2) per floor, and all portions of the floor area are within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of hose travel distance of a standpipe. There shall be at least one outlet above the roof line when the roof has a slope of less than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3% slope). In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected at the bottom. 904.5.4 Location of Class II standpipes. Class II standpipe outlets shall be accessible and shall be located so that all portions of the building are within 30 feet (9144 mm) of a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose. In Group A, Divisions 1 and 2.1 Occupancies, with occupant loads of more than 1,000, outlets shall be located on each side of any stage, on each side of the rear of the auditorium and on each side of the balcony. Fire-resistant protection of risers and laterals of Class II standpipe systems is not required. 904.5.5 Location of Class III standpipes. Class III standpipe systems shall have outlets located as required for Class I standpipes in Section 904.5.3 and shall have Class II outlets as required in Section 904.5.4. Risers and laterals of Class III standpipe systems shall be protected as required for Class I systems. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, risers and laterals that are not located within an enclosed stairway or pressurized enclosure need not be enclosed within fire-resistive construction. 2. Laterals for Class II outlets on Class III systems need not be protected. In buildings where more than one Class III standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected at the bottom. Section 123. Section 904.6 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 904.6 Buildings under Construction. 904.6.1 General. During the construction of a building and until the permanent fire-extinguishing system has been installed and is in service, fire protection shall be provided in accordance with this section. 904.6.2 Where required. Every building Exception: In buildings of Type III, IV and V construction, installation of the standpipe and stairs may be deferred until 30 days after installation of roof sheathing is completed or the progress of construction reaches 50 feet (15 240 mm), whichever occurs sooner. In each floor there shall be provided a 21/2-inch (63.5 mm) valve outlet for fire department use. Where construction height requires installation of a Class III standpipe, fire pumps and water main connections shall be provided to serve the standpipe. 904.6.3 Temporary standpipes. Temporary standpipes may be provided in place of permanent systems if they are designed to furnish a minimum of 904.6.4 Detailed requirements. Standpipe systems for buildings under construction shall be installed as required for permanent standpipe systems. Section 124. Section 904.7 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is hereby repealed. Section 125. Section 905.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: SECTION 905 SMOKE CONTROL 905.1 Scope and Purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke-control systems when they are required by other provisions of this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke-control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents or for assistance in fire-suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke-control systems need not comply with the requirements of Section 609 in the Mechanical Code unless their normal use would otherwise require compliance. Nothing within these requirements is intended to apply when smoke control is not otherwise required by this code. Smokecontrol systems are not a substitute for sprinkler protection. Code Alternate CA905: Smoke control systems which comply with the following in lieu of Section 905 may be approved for high-rise buildings. 1. Building Ventilation. Natural or mechanical ventilation for the removal of products of combustion shall be provided in every story and basement and shall consist of one of the following: 1.1. Easily identifiable, manually operable windows or panels shall be distributed around the perimeter of the building at not more than 50-foot (15 240 mm) intervals. The area of operable windows or panels shall not be less than 20 square feet per 50 linear feet of perimeter. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group R, Division 1 hotel occupancies, each guest room or suite having an exterior wall may be provided with 2 square feet (.19 m2) of venting area in lieu of the area specified above. 2. Windows may be of fixed tempered glass provided that no coating or film is applied which will modify the natural breaking characteristics of the glass. 1.2. The mechanical air-handling equipment may be designed to accomplish smoke removal in lieu of the requirements of Item 1.1 above. Under fire conditions, the return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other sections of the building. The air-handling system shall provide a minimum of one exhaust air change each 10 minutes for the area involved. 1.3. Any other approved design which will produce equivalent results. 2. Emergency Shaft Pressurization. Shafts shall be protected by an emergency shaft pressurization system complying with following: 2.1. All elevator shafts shall be pressurized to 0.10 inch of water column. Enclosed stairways shall be pressurized to 0.15 inch of water column. Other vertical shafts may be required to be pressurized as determined by the building official at the predesign conference. EXCEPTION: Subject to the approval of the building official, pressurization may be omitted for elevators and enclosed stairways less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height. 2.2. The emergency shaft pressurization shall be activated by a fire alarm system on each floor located in a manner approved by the building official and the fire chief. 2.3. Areas separated by two-hour enclosure walls served by common ventilation equipment shall have automatic-closing dampers to prevent loss of pressurization. 2.4. Emergency pressurization equipment and its duct work located within the building shall be separated from other portions of the building by a minimum of two-hour fire-resistive construction. Duct work shall be constructed of noncombustible materials conforming to the requirements of the Mechanical Code. 2.5. Shaft pressurization air intakes shall be located at the exterior of the building. EXCEPTION: Intakes for elevator shaft pressurization may be located within the building provided they are located no more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from major openings in the building exterior such as loading docks and vehicular entrances. Such intake shall be provided with smoke detectors which shall deactivate the pressurization system for that shaft. 2.6. Whenever emergency shaft pressurization is activated, all horizontal exit doors which have hold-open devices shall be automatically released to close. 2.7. Other measures to prevent loss of pressurization shall be provided in the design and construction of shafts, such as quality of workmanship and caulking of penetrations and joints. 2.8. Exit enclosures shall be equipped with a barometric dampered relief opening at the top and the enclosure shall be supplied mechanically with sufficient air to discharge a minimum of 2,500 cubic feet per minute through the relief opening while maintaining a minimum positive pressure of 0.15-inch water column in the shaft relative to atmospheric pressure with all doors closed. Supply air ducts shall be enclosed in construction at least equivalent to that of the exit enclosure between the exterior of the building and the exit enclosure. Activation of the mechanical equipment shall be initiated by a smoke detector installed outside the enclosure and within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the enclosure door or in accordance with paragraph 2 above. Such equipment shall also be activated by actuation of the automatic sprinkler system. Section 126. Section 905.2 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 905.2 Design Methods. 905.2.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof required by this code to have a smoke-control system shall have such systems designed in accordance with the requirements of this section. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Smoke and heat venting required by Section 906. 2. Where emergency elevator or stairway shaft pressurization is required to comply with Code Alternate CA 1003.2b or exception 4 of Section 1004.3.4.5, the pressurization system may comply with the following: 2.1. Shafts in buildings that are not protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system shall be pressurized to 0.15 inch of water column relative to atmospheric pressure. Stairway pressurization shall be measured with all stairway doors closed. Elevator pressurization shall be measured with elevator cars at the designated recall level with the doors in the open position. Elevator shafts in buildings that are protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, may be pressurized to not less than 0.10 inch of water column. 2.2 The emergency shaft pressurization shall be activated by a fire alarm system which shall include smoke detectors in the corridors located near the shaft on each floor in a manner approved by the building official and the fire chief. If the building has a fire alarm panel, smoke detectors shall be connected to, with power supplied by, the fire alarm panel. 2.3. Emergency pressurization equipment and its duct work located within the building shall be separated from other portions of the building by construction equal to that required for the shaft. 2.4. Shaft pressurization air intakes for shafts other than elevators shall be located at the exterior of the building. Intakes for elevator shaft pressurization may be located within the building provided they are located no more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from major openings in the building exterior such as loading docks and vehicular entrances. Such intake shall be provided with smoke detectors which shall deactivate the pressurization system for that shaft. 2.5. An emergency source of power shall be provided for the fire alarm system. 2.6. A legally-required standby source of power shall be provided for the emergency pressurization system. One power source shall be permitted if it conforms to Seattle Electrical Code Section 230-82, Exception 5; otherwise two sources of power shall be provided conforming to Electrical Code Section 700.12 (a) through (e). 2.7. Other measures to prevent loss of pressurization shall be provided in the design and construction of shafts, such as quality of workmanship and caulking of penetrations and joints. 905.2.2 Rationality. 905.2.2.1 General. Systems or methods of construction to be used in smoke control shall be based on a rational analysis in accordance with well-established principles of engineering. The analysis shall include, but not be limited by, Sections 905.2.2.2 through 905.2.2.6. 905.2.2.2 Stack effect. The system shall be designed such that the maximum probable normal or reverse stack effects will not adversely interfere with the system's capabilities. In determining the maximum probable stack effects, altitude, elevation, weather history and interior temperatures shall be used. 905.2.2.3 Temperature effect of fire. Buoyancy and expansion caused by the design fire (Section 905.6) shall be analyzed. The system shall be designed such that these effects do not adversely interfere with the system's capabilities. 905.2.2.4 Wind effect. The design shall consider the adverse effects of wind. Such consideration shall be consistent with the requirements of Chapter 16, Division III-Wind Design. 905.2.2.5 HVAC systems. The design shall consider the effects of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems on both smoke and fire transport. The analysis shall include all permutations of systems status. The design shall consider the effects of the fire on the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. 905.2.2.6 Climate. The design shall consider the effects of low temperatures on systems, property and occupants. Air inlets and exhausts shall be located so as to prevent snow or ice blockage. 905.2.3 Smoke barrier construction. A smoke barrier may or may not have a fire-resistive rating. Smoke barriers shall be constructed and sealed to limit leakage areas exclusive of protected openings. Maximum allowable leakage area shall be the aggregate area calculated using the following leakage area ratios: 1. Walls: A/AW = 0.00100 2. Exit enclosures: A/AW = 0.00035 3. All other shafts: A/AW = 0.00150 4. Floors and roofs: A/AF = 0.00050 WHERE: A = total leakage area, square feet (m2). AF = unit floor or roof area of barrier, square feet (m2). AW = unit wall area of barrier, square feet (m2). Total leakage area of the barrier is the product of the smoke barrier gross area times the allowable leakage area ratio. Compliance shall be determined by achieving the minimum air pressure difference across the barrier with the system in the smoke-control mode for mechanical smoke-control systems. Passive smoke-control systems may be tested using other approved means such as door fan testing. 905.2.4 Opening protection. Openings in smoke barriers shall be protected by self-closing devices or automatic-closing devices actuated by the required controls for the mechanical smoke-control system. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Passive smoke-control systems may have automaticclosing devices actuated by spot-type smoke detectors listed for releasing service. 2. The airflow method may be used to protect openings fixed in a permanently open position which are located between smoke zones. Door openings shall be protected in accordance with Section 1004.3.4.3.2. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group I, Division 1 Occupancies when such doors are installed across corridors, a pair of opposite-swinging doors without a center mullion shall be installed having vision panels with approved fire-rated glazing materials in approved fire-rated frames, the area of which shall not exceed that tested. The doors shall be close fitting within operational tolerances, and shall not have undercuts, louvers or grilles. The doors shall have head and jamb stops, astragals or rabbets at meeting edges and automatic-closing devices. Positive latching devices may be omitted. 2. Group I, Division 3 Occupancies. Duct and other heating, ventilating and air-conditioning openings shall be equipped with a minimum Class II, 250 F (121 C) smoke damper as defined and tested in accordance with approved recognized standards. See Chapter 35, Part IV. 905.2.5 Duration of operation. All portions of active or passive smoke-control systems shall be capable of continued operation after detection of the fire event for not less than 20 minutes. Section 127. Section 905.14 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 905.14 Response Time. Smoke-control system activation shall be initiated immediately after receipt of an appropriate automatic or manual activation command. Smoke-control systems shall activate individual components (such as dampers and fans) in the sequence necessary to prevent physical damage to the fans, dampers, ducts and other equipment. The total response time for
For purposes of smoke control, the firefighter's control panel response time shall be the same for automatic or manual smoke-control action initiated from any other building control point. Section 128. Section 905.15 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 905.15 Acceptance Testing. 905.15.1 General. Devices, equipment, components and sequences shall be individually tested. These tests, in addition to those required above or by other provisions of this code, shall consist of determination of function, sequence and, where applicable, capacity of their installed condition. See Section 1701.5 for special inspection requirements. 905.15.2 Detection devices. Smoke or fire detectors that are a part of a smoke-control system shall be tested in accordance with the Fire Code in their installed condition. When applicable, this testing shall include verification of airflow in both minimum and maximum conditions. 905.15.3 Ducts. Ducts that are part of a smoke-control system shall be traversed using generally accepted practices to determine actual air quantities. 905.15.4 Dampers. Dampers shall be tested for function in their installed condition. 905.15.5 Inlets and outlets. Inlets and outlets shall be read using generally accepted practices to determine air quantities. 905.15.6 Fans. Fans shall be examined for correct rotation. Measurements of voltage, amperage, revolutions per minute and belt tension shall be made. 905.15.7 Smoke barriers. Measurements using inclined manometers shall be made of the pressure differences across smoke barriers. Such measurements shall be conducted for each possible smoke-control condition. 905.15.8 Controls. Each smoke zone, equipped with an automatic initiation device, shall be put into operation by the actuation of one such device. Each additional such device within the zone shall be verified to cause the same sequence but the operation of fan motors may be bypassed to prevent damage. Control sequences shall be verified throughout the system, including verification of override from the firefighter's control panel and simulation of standby power conditions. 905.15.9 Reports. A complete report of testing shall be prepared by the required special inspector or special inspection agency. The report shall include identification of all devices by manufacturer, nameplate data, design values, measured values and identification tag or mark. The report shall be reviewed by the responsible designer, and when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the responsible designer shall affix the designer's signature and date to the report with a statement as follows: I have reviewed this report and by personal knowledge and on-site observation certify that the smoke-control system is in substantial compliance with the design intent, and to the best of my understanding complies with requirements of the code. A copy of the final report shall be filed with the building official and an identical copy shall be maintained in an approved location at the building. 905.15.10 Identification and documentation. Charts, drawings and other documents identifying and locating each component of the smoke-control system, and describing their proper function and maintenance requirements shall be maintained on file at the building with the above-described report. Devices shall have an approved identifying tag or mark on them consistent with the other required documentation and shall be dated indicating the last time they were successfully tested and by whom. Section 129. Section 906.1 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 906.1 When Required. Smoke and heat vents complying with UBC Standard 15-7 or fixed openings shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this section as follows: 1. In single-story Groups B, F, M and S, Divisions 1 and 2 Occupancies having over 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) in undivided area. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Office buildings and retail sales areas where storage does not exceed 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. 2. Group S, Division 2 Occupancies used for bulk frozen food storage when the building is protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system. 2. In Group H, Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Occupancies any of which are over 15,000 square feet (1394 m2) in single floor area. For requirements on smoke and heat venting in buildings with highpiled combustible stock, see the Fire Code. For requirements for venting in stage areas, see Section 405.3.3. Section 130. Section 906.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: 906.3 Types of Vents. Vents shall be fixed in the open position or vents shall be activated by temperature and shall open automatically in the event of fire. Fixed openings may consist of skylights or other openings that provide venting directly to exterior above the plane of the main roof in which they are located. Vents shall meet the design criteria of this section regarding elevation, and Section 906.5 regarding venting area, dimensions, spacing and venting ratios. The building official may require documentation of the design to ensure proper performance of required venting. Temperature activation of vents shall be at or near the highest elevation of the ceiling and in no case lower than the upper one third of the smoke curtain. Where plain or tempered glass is used, provisions shall be made to protect the occupants from glass breakage. In no case shall vents be located closer than 20 feet (6096 mm) to an adjacent property line. Section 131. Table 9-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: TABLE 9-A-STANDPIPE REQUIREMENTS OCCUPANCY13 NONSPRINKL SPRINKLERE ERED D BUILDING1 BUILDING2, 3 304.8 for mm Standpipe Hose Standpipe Hose 0.0929 for m2 Class Requiremen Class Requirement t 1. Occupancies exceeding 2. Occupancies four stories [I I No or more but less than 3. Group A Occupancies with II Yes No No occupant load exceeding requiremen 1,0007 t 4. Group A, Division 2.1 II Yes II Yes Occupancies over 5,000 square feet in area used for exhibition 5. Groups I; H; B; S; M; F, II4 Yes No No12 Division 1 Occupancies less requiremen than four stories in height t12 but greater than 20,000 square feet per floor6, 12 6. Stages more than 1,000 II 1Except as otherwise specified in Item 4 of this table, Class II standpipes need not be provided in basements having an automatic fireextinguishing system throughout. 2The standpipe system may be combined with the automatic sprinkler system. 3Portions of otherwise sprinklered buildings that are not protected by automatic sprinklers shall have Class II standpipes installed as required for the unsprinklered portions. 4 In open structures where Class II standpipes may be damaged by freezing, the building official may authorize the use of Class I standpipes that are located as required for Class II standpipes. 5 6For the purposes of this table, occupied roofs of parking structures shall be considered an additional story. In parking structures, a tier is a story. 7Class II standpipes need not be provided in assembly areas used solely for worship. 8Fire department outlets on Class I and II standpipes need not be provided at grade level or floors below grade when all portions of such floor are within 150 feet (45 720 mm) hose travel distance of grade level exterior doors fronting on streets or yards usable by fire department apparatus. 9Class I and III standpipes shall have two 2-1/2 inch (63.5 mm) roof outlets. The outlets shall be a minimum of 10 feet (3 045 mm) from the roof edge, skylight, light well or other opening, unless protected by a 42-inch (1 067 mm) high guardrail or equivalent. 10For additional requirements, see Section 403. 11 The Class I standpipe may be omitted in Group B and Group R, Division 1 Occupancies when primary fire department vehicle access is provided on at least one side within 3 stories of the roof (not over 35 feet (10 668 mm) total height). 12 See Article 81 of the Fire Code for special requirements for high-piled combustible storage. 13 See Section 413.8 for requirements for standpipes on waterfront structures. Section 132. Chapter 10 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code is amended as follows: Chapter 10 MEANS OF EGRESS SECTION 1001 ADMINISTRATIVE 1001.1 Scope. Every building or portion thereof shall be provided with a means of egress as required by this chapter. A means of egress is an exit system that provides a continuous, unobstructed and undiminished path of exit travel from any occupied point in a building or structure to a public way. Such means of egress system consists of three separate and distinct elements: 1. The exit access, 2. The exit, and 3. The exit discharge. 1001.2 Standards of Quality. The standards listed below which are labeled a "UBC Standard" are also listed in Chapter 35, Part II, and are part of this code. 1. Power doors. 1.1 UBC Standard 10-1, Power-operated Egress Doors 1.2 UBC Standard 7-8, Horizontal Sliding Fire Doors Used in an Exit 2. Stairway numbering system. UBC Standard 10-2, Stairway Identification 3. Hardware. UBC Standard 10-4, Panic Hardware SECTION 1002 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms are defined as follows: AISLE ACCESSWAYS are that portion of an exit access that leads to an aisle. EXIT. See Section 1005.1. EXIT ACCESS. See Section 1004.1. EXIT ENCLOSURE is an enclosed stairway that complies with Section 1005.3.3. EXIT DISCHARGE. See Section 1006.1. EXIT DOOR. See Section 1003.3.1.1. EXIT PLACARD is a non-illuminated sign or a sign painted on a wall indicating the direction of egress. EXIT SIGN is an internally-illuminated sign indicating the direction of egress. MEANS OF EGRESS. See Section 1001.1 MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION is illumination provided to enable persons to easily find and safely travel the means of egress during an emergency and to preclude a space being left in total darkness in the event of a power failure. MULTITHEATER COMPLEX is a building or portion thereof containing two or more motion picture auditoriums that are served by a common lobby. PANIC HARDWARE is a door-latching assembly incorporating an unlatching device, the activating portion of which extends across at least one half the width of the door leaf on which it is installed. PHOTOLUMINESCENT is the property of emitting light as the result of absorption of visible or invisible light, which continues for a length of time after excitation. PRIVATE STAIRWAY is a stairway serving one tenant only. Interpretation I1002: Only stairways that are not open to the public are considered "private stairways". PUBLIC WAY is any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky that is deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and having a clear width of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm). SELF-LUMINOUS means powered continuously by a self-contained power source other than a battery or batteries, such as radioactive tritium gas. A self-luminous sign is independent of external power supplies or other energy for its operation. SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING is SECTION 1003 GENERAL 1003.1 Means of Egress. All portions of the means of egress shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1003. 1003.2 System Design Requirements. The general design requirements specified in this section shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific design requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter. 1003.2.1 Use. 1003.2.1.1 General. The building official shall assign a use category as set forth in Table 10-A to all portions of a building. When an intended use is not listed in Table 10-A, the building official shall establish a use based on a listed use that most nearly resembles the intended use. 1003.2.1.2 Change in use. No change in use or occupancy shall be made to any existing building or structure unless the means of egress system is made to comply with the requirements of this chapter for the new use or occupancy. See Section 3405. 1003.2.2 Occupant load. 1003.2.2.1 General. The basis for the design of the means of egress system is the occupant load served by the various components of such system. 1003.2.2.2 Determination of occupant load. Occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. 1003.2.2.2.1 Areas to be included. In determining the occupant load, all portions of a building shall be presumed to be occupied at the same time. EXCEPTION: Accessory use areas that ordinarily are used only by persons who occupy the main areas of an occupancy shall be provided with means of egress as though they are completely occupied, but their occupant load need not be included when computing the total occupant load of the building. Interpretation I1003.2a: Accessory use areas may include foyers, corridors, halls, toilet facilities, file rooms, storage rooms, closets, stairways, elevator enclosures and other service facilities. Interpretation I1003.2b: In places of worship containing social halls, occupant load for the purpose of determining occupancy group may be computed as the sum of the areas reasonably expected to be occupied at one time, including principal worship area and classrooms or instructional areas, and principal worship area and social hall, and social hall and classrooms or instructional areas. Exits shall be computed on total capacity. 1003.2.2.2.2 Areas without fixed seats. For areas without fixed seats, the occupant load shall not be less than the number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the use for such area as set forth in Table 10-A. The occupant load for buildings or areas containing two or more uses or occupancies shall be determined by adding the occupant loads of the various use areas as computed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 1003.2.2.2. Where an individual area has more than one proposed use, the occupant load for such area shall be determined based on that use that yields the largest occupant load. 1003.2.2.2.3 Areas with fixed seats. For areas having fixed seats, the occupant load for such areas shall be determined by the number of fixed seats installed therein. For areas having fixed benches or pews, the occupant load shall not be less than the number of seats based on one person for each 18 inches (457 mm) of length of pew or bench. Where fixed booths are used in dining areas, the occupant load shall be based on one person for each 24 inches (610 mm) of booth length. Where fixed benches, pews or booths are curved, the larger radius shall determine the booth length. 1003.2.2.2.4 Outdoor areas. The occupant load of yards, patios, courts and similar outdoor areas shall be assigned by the building official in accordance with their anticipated use. Such outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be provided with a means of egress as required by this chapter. Where an outdoor area exits only through a building, the occupant load of such outdoor area shall be considered in the design of the means of egress system of that building. 1003.2.2.2.5 Reviewing stands, grandstands and bleachers. The occupant load for reviewing stands, grandstands and bleachers shall be calculated in accordance with Section 1003.2.2.2 and the specific requirements contained in Section 1008. 1003.2.2.3 Maximum occupant load. 1003.2.2.3.1 Assembly occupancies. The maximum occupant load for an assembly occupancy shall not exceed the occupant load determined in accordance with Section 1003.2.2.2. EXCEPTION: When approved by the building official, the occupant load for an assembly occupancy may be increased, provided the maximum occupant load served does not exceed the capacity of the means of egress system for such increased number of occupants. For temporary increases of occupant loads in places of assembly, see the Fire Code. 1003.2.2.3.2 Other occupancies. For other than assembly occupancies, an occupant load greater than that determined in accordance with Section 1003.2.2.2 is permitted; however, the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this chapter for such increased occupant load. 1003.2.2.4 Minimum occupant load. An occupant load less than that determined in accordance with Section 1003.2.2.2 shall not be used. 1003.2.2.5 Revised occupant load. No increase in occupant load shall be made to any existing building or structure unless the means of egress system is made to comply with the requirements of this chapter for such increased occupant load. See Section 3405. 1003.2.3 Width. 1003.2.3.1 General. The width of the means of egress system or any portion thereof shall be based on the occupant load served. 1003.2.3.2 Minimum width. The width, in inches (mm), of any component in the means of egress system shall not be less than the product determined by multiplying the total occupant load served by such component by the applicable factor set forth in Table 10-B. In no case shall the width of an individual means of egress component be less than the minimum required for such component as specified elsewhere in this chapter. Where more than one exit or exit-access doorway serves a building or portion thereof, such calculated width 1003.2.3.3 Maintaining width. If the minimum required width of the means of egress system increases along the path of exit travel based on cumulative occupant loads served, such width shall not be reduced or otherwise diminished to less than the largest minimum width required to that point along the path of exit travel. EXCEPTION: In other than Group H, Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 7 Occupancies, the width of 1003.2.3.4 Exiting from adjacent levels. No cumulative or contributing occupant loads from adjacent building levels need be considered when determining the required width of means of egress components from a given level. Where an exit enclosure from an upper floor and a lower floor converge at an intermediate floor, the width of the exit from the intermediate floor shall be based on the sum of the occupant loads of such upper and lower floors. 1003.2.3.5 Two-way exits. Where exit or exit-access doorways serve paths of exit travel from opposite directions, the width of such exit or exit-access doorways shall be based on the largest occupant load served. Where such exit or exit-access doorways are required to swing in the direction of exit travel by Section 1003.3.1.5, separate exit width for each path of exit travel shall be provided based on the occupant load of the area that is served. 1003.2.4 Height. Except as
1003.2.5 Exit continuity. The path of exit travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by any building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the required width of a means of egress except projections permitted by this chapter. The required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of exit travel. 1003.2.6 Changes in elevation. All exterior elevation changes and any interior elevation changes of 12 inches (305 mm) or more along the path of exit travel shall be made by steps, stairs or stairways conforming with the requirements of Section 1003.3.3.3 or ramps conforming with the requirements of Section 1003.3.4. Interior elevation changes of less than 12 inches (305 mm) along the path of exit travel serving an occupant load of 10 or more shall be by ramps conforming with the requirements of Section 1003.3.4. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and within individual dwelling units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. 2. Along aisles adjoining seating areas. Interpretation I1003.2c: At the exterior of a building, all changes in elevation are required to be made by steps, stairs or stairways that conform to Section 1003.3.3.3 or ramps that conform to Section 1003.3.4. In the interior of a building, only changes in elevation of 12 inches or more are required to conform with those two sections. 1003.2.7 Elevators or escalators. Elevators or escalators shall not be used as a required means of egress component, unless otherwise approved by the building official. 1003.2.8 Means of egress identification. 1003.2.8.1 General. For the purposes of Section 1003.2.8, the term "exit sign" shall mean those required signs that indicate the path of exit travel within the means of egress system. 1003.2.8.2 Where required. The path of exit travel to and within exits in a building shall be identified by exit signs conforming to the requirements of Section 1003.2.8. Exit signs shall be readily visible from any direction of approach. Exit signs shall be located as necessary to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearly are identifiable as exit doors need not have exit signs when approved by the building official. 2. Rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access other than in buildings designed with a single exit stairway according to Code Alternate CA1004.2b. 3. In Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and within individual units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. 4. Exits or exit access from rooms or areas with an occupant load of less than 50 where located within a Group I, Division 1.1, 1.2 or 2 Occupancy or a Group E, Division 3 day-care occupancy. 5. Exit signs are not required within individual tenant spaces of Group B offices. Interpretation I1003.2d: Exit placards may be used to identify exits in occupancies where exit signs are not required. Interpretation I1003.2e: Exit signs shall not be required on exterior stairways serving exterior exit balconies. Interpretation I1003.2f: Either exit signs or exit placards shall be located at any other location determined by the building official to be necessary to clearly indicate the direction of egress. 1003.2.8.3 Graphics. The color and design of lettering, arrows and other symbols on exit signs shall be in high contrast with their background. Exit signs and placards shall have the word "EXIT" on the sign in green block capital letters not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in height with a stroke of not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm). The word "EXIT" shall have letters having a width of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) except for the letter "I" and a minimum spacing between letters of not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Signs and placards with lettering larger than the minimum dimensions established herein shall have the letter width, stroke and spacing in proportion to their height. EXCEPTION: Existing exit signs or placards with letters at least 5 inches (127 mm) in height may be reused.
1003.2.8.4 Illumination.
1003.2.8.5 Power source. Power shall be supplied as required for means of egress illumination in Section 1003.2.9. 1003.2.8.6 Not-an-Exit Warnings. Placards reading "NOT AN EXIT" shall be installed at all doorways, passageways or stairways which are not exits, exit accesses or exit discharges, and which may be mistaken for an exit. A sign indicating the use of the doorway, passageway or stairway, such as "TO BASEMENT", "STORE ROOM", "LINEN CLOSET", is permitted in lieu of the "NOT AN EXIT" sign. 1003.2.9 Means of egress illumination. 1003.2.9.1 General. Any time a building is occupied, the means of egress shall be illuminated at an intensity of not less than 1 footcandle (10.76 lx) at the floor level at every point in the exit path. Exit illumination shall be installed whenever exit signs are required as specified in Section 1003.2.8. EXCEPTION
Code Alternate CA1003.2g: Compliance with the following paragraphs will be deemed to satisfy the requirement for means of egress illumination with intensity of one footcandle at every point in the means of egress. 1. Location and Fixture Placement. Means of egress illumination shall be located in stairways, corridors, halls, passenger elevator cars, lobbies, rooms with an occupant load of 100 or more, and other areas required to provide safe egress from the premises and immediately outside of the building exit when required by the building official. Fixtures shall be installed to not less than the following schedule: Interior and exterior stairways and At least one per landing landings and outside building exit Corridors and halls and designated At least one for each 40 lineal feet means of egress paths in parking garages Lobbies, vestibules, foyers, elevator At least one for each 250 sq. ft. cars and other similar areas as required Warehouses See Item 2 below These fixtures may be included in the watts per square foot calculation for means of egress illumination. 2. Amount of Illumination. Where means of egress illumination is required, illumination shall be provided at the rate of 0.1 watt of fluorescent illumination per square foot of area. Installations using incandescent lamps shall have a minimum wattage of at least 3 times the fluorescent requirements. Use of other light sources shall be subject to the approval of the building official. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In warehouses, the allowable minimum illumination may be 0.1 watt per square foot (0.03 watts for fluorescent) provided fixtures are placed either: 1.1 Where means of egress pathways are not designated, fixtures shall be placed to cover an area not larger than 1,600 square feet, or 1.2 Where means of egress pathways are designated, fixtures shall be placed at least one for every 40 lineal feet. 2. In theaters, auditoriums or other places of assembly where motion pictures or other projections are made by means of directed light, the minimum allowable illumination may be reduced to 0.05 watts per square foot of floor area (0.02 watts for fluorescent). 3. In Groups B, F-1, M and S-1 Occupancies, when approved by the building official, the minimum allowable illumination may be reduced to 0.05 watts per square foot (0.02 watts for fluorescent) of floor area. 4. In Group B Occupancies and parking garages with walls meeting the openness requirements for Group S, Division 4 open parking garages, when approved by the building official, the illumination may be eliminated when within 50 feet of a window wall or open side and light is not totally obscured. Means of egress illumination fixtures shall be spaced and designed to give adequate distribution of light for safe egress and so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light bulb, will not leave any individual space in total darkness. Illumination from battery operated fixtures shall provide the same level of illumination required for hard-wired fixtures. 1003.2.9.2 Power supply. The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of its failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for Group I, Divisions 1.1 and 1.2 Occupancies and for all other occupancies where the means of egress system serves an occupant load of 100 or more. Such emergency systems shall be installed in accordance with For high-rise buildings, see Section 403. 1003.2.10 Building accessibility. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. 1003.3 Means of egress components. Doors, gates, stairways and ramps that are incorporated into the design of any portion of the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. These means of egress components may be selectively included in the exit access, the exit or the exit discharge portions of the means of egress system. 1003.3.1 Doors. 1003.3.1.1 General. For the purposes of Section 1003.3.1, the term "exit door" shall mean all of those doors or doorways along the path of exit travel anywhere in a means of egress system. Exit doors serving the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of Section 1003.3.1. Where additional doors are installed for egress purposes, they shall conform to all requirements of this section. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have at least one exterior exit door that meets the requirements of Section 1003.3.1.3. WSBC: Section 1003.3.1.5 shall apply to all exit doors within an accessible route, regardless of occupant load. Exit doors shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and shall be easily recognizable as exit doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on exit doors, and exit doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations and similar materials. 1003.3.1.2 Special doors. Revolving, sliding and overhead doors serving an occupant load of 10 or more shall not be used as required exit doors. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Approved revolving doors having leaves that will collapse under opposing pressures may be used, provided 1.1 Such doors have a minimum width of 6 feet 6 inches (1981 mm). 1.2 At least one conforming exit door is located adjacent to each revolving door. 1.3 The revolving door shall not be considered to provide any required width when computing means of egress width in accordance with Section 1003.2.3. 2. Horizontal sliding doors complying with UBC Standard 7-8 may be used 2.1 In elevator lobby separations. 2.2 In other than Groups A and H Occupancies, where smoke barriers are required. 2.3 In other than Group H Occupancies, where serving an occupant load of less than 50. Power-operated doors complying with UBC Standard 10-1 may be used for egress purposes. Such doors, where swinging, shall have two guide rails installed on the swing side projecting out from the face of the door jambs for a distance not less than the widest door leaf. Guide rails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) in height with solid or mesh panels to prevent penetration into door swing and shall be capable of resisting a horizontal load at top of rail of not less than 50 pounds per lineal foot (730 N/m). EXCEPTIONS: 1. Walls or other types of separators may be used in lieu of the above guide rail, provided all the criteria are met. 2. Guide rails in industrial or commercial occupancies not accessible to the public may comply with the exception to Section 509.3. 3. Doors swinging toward flow of traffic shall not be permitted unless actuating devices start to function at least 8 feet 11 inches (2718 mm) beyond the door in an open position and guide rails extend 6 feet 5 inches (1956 mm) beyond the door in an open position. WSBC: Where revolving or overhead doors or turnstiles are used, an adjacent accessible gate or door shall be provided where an accessible route is required by Chapter 11. Clearances for guide rails shall be as follows: 1. Six inches (152 mm) maximum between rails and leading edge of door at the closest point in its arc of travel. 2. Six inches (152 mm) maximum between rails and the door in an open position. 3. Two inches (51 mm) minimum between rail at hinge side and door in an open position. 4. Two inches (51 mm) maximum between freestanding rails and jamb or other adjacent surface. 1003.3.1.3 Width and height. Every required exit doorway serving an occupant load of 10 or more shall be of a size to permit the installation of a door not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in nominal width and not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in nominal height. Where installed, exit doors shall be capable of opening such that the clear width of the exit is not less than 32 inches (813 mm). In computing the exit width as required by Section 1003.2.3, the net dimension of the doorway shall be used. Interpretation I1003.3a: Every building or structure used for human occupancy shall have at least one exterior exit door which meets the requirements of Section 1003.3.1.3 that is not an overhead door. 1003.3.1.4 Door leaf width. A single leaf of an exit door serving an occupant load of 10 or more shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. 1003.3.1.5 Swing and opening force. Exit doors serving an occupant load of 10 or more shall be of the pivoted, balanced or side-hinged swinging type. Exit doors shall swing in the direction of the path of exit travel where the area served has an occupant load of 50 or more. The door shall swing to the fully open position when an opening force not to exceed 30 pounds (133.45 N) is applied to the latch side. For other door opening forces, see Section 905.3 and Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. See Section WSBC: Within an accessible route, such force shall not exceed 8.5 pounds (37.8 N) at exterior doors; and shall not exceed 5 pounds (22.24 N) at sliding and folding doors and interior swinging doors. At exterior doors where environmental conditions require greater closing pressure, power-operated doors shall be used within the accessible route. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group I, Division 3 Occupancy used as a place of detention. 2. In other than accessible dwelling units, d 3. Special doors conforming to Section 1003.3.1.2. WSBC: 4. The opening force at required fire doors within an accessible route may be not greater than 30 pounds (133.45 N). Double-acting doors shall not be used as exits where any of the following conditions exist: 1. The occupant load served by the door is 100 or more. 2. The door is part of a fire assembly. 3. The door is part of a smokeand draft-control assembly. 4. Panic hardware is required or provided on the door. A double-acting door shall be provided with a view panel of not less than 200 square inches (0.129 m2). 1003.3.1.6 Floor level at doors. Regardless of the occupant load served, there shall be a floor or a landing on each side of a door. Where access for persons with disabilities is required by Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code, the floor or landing shall not be more than l/2 inch (12.7 mm) lower than the threshold of the doorway. Where such access is not required, the threshold shall not exceed 1 inch (25 mm). Landings shall be level except that exterior landings may have a slope not to exceed l/4 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2% slope). EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies and within individual units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies: 1.1 A door may open at the top step of a 1.2 A door may open at a landing that is not more than 8 inches (203 mm) lower than the floor level, provided the door does not swing over the landing. 1.3 Screen doors and storm doors may swing over stairs, steps or landings. 2. Doors serving building equipment rooms that are not normally occupied. WSBC: At exterior sliding doors within accessible dwelling units, the floor or landing may be no more than 3/4 inch (19 mm) lower than the threshold of the doorway, including the sliding door tracks, provided that an additional accessible entrance door is provided into the dwelling unit. 1003.3.1.7 Landings at doors. Regardless of the occupant load served, landings shall have a width not less than the width of the door or the width of the stairway served, whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall not reduce a required dimension by more than 7 inches (178 mm). EXCEPTION: In Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies and within individual units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, such length need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm). When doors open over landings, doors in any position shall not reduce the landing length to less than 12 inches (305 mm). A landing that has no adjoining door, or where the door does not swing over the landing, shall comply with the requirements of Section 1003.3.3.5. Interpretation I1003.3b: Landing length, width and slope shall be measured as specified in Section 1003.3.3.5. See Figures 10-1 and 102 for illustrations of the requirements of this section. 1003.3.1.8 Type of lock or latch. Regardless of the occupant load served, exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Groups A, Division 3; B; F; M and S Occupancies and in all churches, key-locking hardware may be used on the main exit where the main exit consists of a single door or pair of doors where there is a readily visible, durable sign on or adjacent to the door stating, "THIS DOOR MUST REMAIN UNLOCKED DURING BUSINESS HOURS." The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background. When unlocked, the single door or both leaves of a pair of doors must be free to swing without operation of any latching device. Single-cylinder, manually operated bolts are permitted provided they are manually operable on the inside. The use of this exception may be revoked by the building official for due cause. 2. Exit doors from individual dwelling units; Group R, Division 3 congregate residences; and guest rooms of Group R Occupancies having an occupant load of 10 or less may be provided with a night latch, dead bolt or security chain, provided such devices are openable from the inside without the use of a key or tool and mounted at a height not to exceed 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor. Interpretation I1003.3c: When doors are used in pairs the added door leaf, if not required for exit purposes by other provisions of this code, may have manually operated bolts or self-latching flush bolts, provided the door leaf having the bolts shall have no dummy trim on the exit side, thus rendering it readily distinguishable from the required door leaf.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. 2. Where a pair of doors serving a room not normally occupied is needed for the movement of equipment, manually operated edgeor surface-mounted bolts or self-latching flush bolts may be used. 1003.3.1.9 Panic hardware. Panic hardware, where installed, shall comply with the requirements of UBC Standard 10-4. The activating member shall be mounted at a height of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) nor more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. The unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (66.72 N) when applied in the direction of travel. Where pivoted or balanced doors are used and panic hardware is required, panic hardware shall be of the push-pad type and the pad shall not extend across more than one half of the width of the door measured from the latch side. 1003.3.1.10 Special Locking Arrangements. 1003.3.1.10.1 Special egress-control devices. When approved by the building official, exit doors in Group A libraries other than at main exit doors; Group B; Group E, Division 3; Group F; Group I, Divisions 1.1, 1.2 and 2; Group M, Group 1. The egress-control device shall automatically deactivate upon activation of either the sprinkler system or the smoke-detection system. 2. The egress-control device shall automatically deactivate upon loss of electrical power to any one of the following: 2.1 The egress-control device itself. 2.2 The smoke-detection system. 2.3 Means of egress illumination as required by Section 1003.2.9. 3. The egress-control device shall be capable of being deactivated by a signal from a switch located in an approved location. 4. An irreversible process that will deactivate the egress-control device shall be initiated whenever a manual force of not more than 15 pounds (66.72 N) is applied for two seconds to the panic bar or other door-latching hardware. The egress-control device shall deactivate within an approved time period not to exceed a total of 15 seconds. The time delay established for each egress-control device shall not be field adjustable. 5. Actuation of the panic bar or other door-latching hardware shall activate an audible signal at the door. 6. The unlatching shall not require more than one operation. A sign shall be provided on the door located above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the panic bar or other door-latching hardware reading: KEEP PUSHING. THIS DOOR WILL OPEN IN _____ SECONDS. ALARM WILL SOUND. Sign lettering shall be at least 1 inch (25 mm) in height and shall have a stroke of not less than l/8 inch (3.2 mm). Regardless of the means of deactivation, relocking of the egresscontrol device shall be by manual means only at the door. WSBC: Exception: Subject to the approval of the building official, special units for the care of dementia patients in nursing homes which are identified and approved by the state agency licensing such units, may use special egress-control devices where a panic bar is not part of the egress-control mechanism. 1003.3.1.10.2 Access-controlled egress doors. The building official may approve access-controlled egress doors conforming to the requirements of NFPA 101 Section 5-2.1.6.2 provided: 1. The space is provided with an automatic sprinkler system or a fire alarm system which includes a smoke detector within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the door; 2. The lock, motion sensor, push button and control are listed; and 3. A test description for annual confidence test is provided to the building owner and confidence test unit of the Seattle Fire Marshal's Office. 1003.3.1.11 Safety glazing identification. Regardless of the occupant load served, glass doors shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 2406. 1003.3.2 Gates. 1003.3.2.1 General. Gates serving a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of Section 1003.3.2. 1003.3.2.2 Detailed requirements. Gates used as a component in a means of egress system shall conform to the applicable requirements of Section 1003.3.1. EXCEPTION: Gates surrounding stadiums may be of the horizontal sliding or swinging type and may exceed the 4-foot (1219 mm) maximum leaf width limitation. 1003.3.3 Stairways. 1003.3.3.1 General. Every stairway having two or more risers serving any building or portion thereof shall comply with the requirements of Section 1003.3.3. For the purposes of Section 1003.3.3, the term "stairway" shall include stairs, landings, handrails and guardrails as applicable. Where aisles in assembly rooms have steps, they shall comply with the requirements in Section 1004.3.2. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Stairs or ladders used only to attend equipment or window wells are exempt from the requirements of this section. WSBC: 2. Stairs or ladders used within individual dwelling units to gain access to areas 200 square feet (18.6 m2) or less which do not contain the primary bathroom or kitchen are exempt from the requirements of this section. For the purpose of this chapter, the term "step" shall mean those portions of the means of egress achieving a change in elevation by means of a single riser. Individual steps shall comply with the detailed requirements of this chapter that specify applicability to steps. 1003.3.3.2 Width. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1003.2.3, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm), except as specified herein and in Chapter 11 of the Washington State Building Code. Stairways serving an occupant load less than 50 shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. Handrails may project into the required width a distance of 31/2 inches (89 mm) from each side of a stairway. Stringers and other projections such as trim and similar decorative features may project into the required width 1l/2 inches (38 mm) from each side. 1003.3.3.3 Rise and run. The rise of steps and stairs shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) nor more than 7-1/2 inches EXCEPTIONS: 1. Private steps and stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 and stairways to unoccupied roofs may be constructed with an 8-inch-maximum (203 mm) rise and a 9-inch-minimum (229 mm) run. 2. Where the bottom or top riser adjoins a sloping public way, walk or driveway having an established grade (other than natural earth) and serving as a landing, the bottom or top riser may be reduced along the slope WSBC: Where Exception 2 to Section 1103.2.2 is used in a building design, the run of stair treads shall not be less than 11 inches (279 mm), as measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the furthermost projections of adjacent tread. The largest tread run within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). 1003.3.3.4 Headroom. Every stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Such clearances shall be measured vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosings to the soffit or other construction above at all points. 1003.3.3.5 Landings. There shall be a floor or a landing at the top and bottom of each stairway or stair run. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel not less than the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 44 inches (1118 mm) where the stair has a straight run. At least one intermediate landing shall be provided for each 12 feet (3658 mm) of vertical stairway rise measured between the horizontal planes of adjacent landings. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies and within individual units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, such length need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm) where the stair has a straight run. 2. Stairs serving an unoccupied roof are exempt from these requirements. 1003.3.3.6 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches (2235 mm) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches (2235 mm) of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equally across with the entire width of the stairway. |