Seattle City Council Bills and Ordinances
Information modified on December 11, 2013; retrieved on April 24, 2025 7:39 PM
Ordinance 124273
Introduced as Council Bill 117870
Title | |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Building Code, amending Chapter 22.100.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adopting by reference Chapters 2 through 29, Chapters 31 through 33 and Chapter 35 of the 2012 International Building Code, and amending certain of those chapters; adopting a new Chapter 1 related to administration, permitting and enforcement; adopting a new Chapter 30 related to elevators and conveying systems, and repealing Sections 2-33 of Ordinance 123384. |
Description and Background | |
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Current Status: | Passed |
Fiscal Note: | Fiscal Note to Council Bill No. 117870 |
Index Terms: | BUILDING-CODES, ADMINISTRATIVE-PROCEDURES, PERMITS, ELEVATORS, CONSTRUCTION, BUILDINGS |
References: | Repeals parts of Ordinance 123384 |
Legislative History | |
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Sponsor: | O'BRIEN | tr>
Date Introduced: | August 5, 2013 |
Committee Referral: | Energy and Environment |
Committee Action Date: | August 19, 2013 |
Committee Recommendation: | Pass |
Committee Vote: | 3(O'Brien, Burgess, Clark)-0 |
City Council Action Date: | September 16, 2013 |
City Council Action: | Passed |
City Council Vote: | 9-0 |
Date Delivered to Mayor: | September 20, 2013 |
Date Signed by Mayor: (About the signature date) | September 25, 2013 |
Date Filed with Clerk: | September 26, 2013 |
Signed Copy: | PDF scan of Ordinance No. 124273 |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Building Code, amending Chapter 22.100.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adopting by reference Chapters 2 through 29, Chapters 31 through 33 and Chapter 35 of the 2012 International Building Code, and amending certain of those chapters; adopting a new Chapter 1 related to administration, permitting and enforcement; adopting a new Chapter 30 related to elevators and conveying systems, and repealing Sections 2-33 of Ordinance 123384. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Section 22.400.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code is amended as follows:
22.100.010 Adoption of the International Building Code((
The Seattle Building Code consists of: 1) the following portions of the (( Section 2. Chapter 1 of the Seattle Building Code is adopted to read as follows: CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION SECTION 101 TITLE, PURPOSE AND SCOPE 101.1 Title. This subtitle shall be known as the "Seattle Building Code," may be so cited, and is referred to herein as "this code." 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code apply to the construction, alteration, moving, addition, demolition, repair, maintenance and occupancy of any building or structure within the City. See Chapter 32 for regulation of structures located on, over or under public property or a public right of way. Exceptions: 1. Detached oneand two-family dwellings and multiple singlefamily dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code. 2. This code does not apply to public utility towers and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in this code, construction equipment and structural components thereof, and hydraulic flood control structures. 101.3 Applicability of city laws. A building permit application shall be considered under applicable city law in effect on the date a valid and fully complete building permit application is submitted or on a date as otherwise required by law. Exception: For any project for which an associated, unexpired master use permit has been issued, a building permit application shall be considered under the versions of Seattle Municipal Code Title 23, Seattle Land Use Code; Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.09, Environmentally Critical Areas regulations; and Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.09, Tree Protection regulations in effect on the date established by Seattle Municipal Code Section 23.76.026 or 23.76.032.C.1 for consideration of the master use permit, unless that date is later than the date of the complete building permit application. This exception does not apply to a subdivision or short subdivision component of a master use permit. Note: Applicable city law includes but is not limited to the Seattle Municipal Code Title 23, Seattle Land Use Code; Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.09, Environmentally Critical Areas regulations; Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.09, Tree Protection regulations; and the Seattle Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy, Stormwater, Grading and Side Sewer codes. 101.3.1 Complete building permit applications . A building permit application is complete if the building official determines it meets the requirements of Sections 106.5.1 through 106.5.7, and the application shall include, without limitation, the construction documents for the architectural and structural components of the building. Exception : If the building official allows a building permit application to be submitted in phases for portions of a building, each phased portion submittal shall meet the requirements of Sections 106.5.1 through 106.5.7 applicable to the scope of the allowed phased portion, and the building permit application shall be considered complete for the purposes of Section 101.3 on the date the phased portion submittal that includes the structural frame for the entire building is submitted. 101.3.2 Initial tenant improvements. Complete permit applications for the initial tenant alterations submitted no later than 18 months after the date of the approved final inspection for the building shall be considered under the codes applicable to the permit application for the building in accordance with Section 101.3. Complete permit applications for initial tenant alterations submitted more than 18 months after the date of the approved final inspection for the building shall comply with the codes in effect at the time of application. 101.4 Additions, alterations, repairs and change of occupancy. 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 the International Existing Building Code. 101.5 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. 101.6 Internal consistency. Where in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive governs. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement is applicable. 101.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code are considered part of this code to the extent prescribed by each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code apply, except that nothing in this Code limits the effect of any provision of the Grading Code, Stormwater Code, or Regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas. 101.8 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices of the International Building Code do not apply unless specifically adopted. 101.9 Metric units. Wherever in this code there is a conflict between metric units of measurement and U.S. customary units, the U.S. customary units govern. SECTION 102 UNSAFE BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES OR PREMISES 102.1 Emergency order . Whenever the building official finds that any building or structure or premises, 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. The emergency order may (1) direct that the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof be restored to a safe condition by a date certain; (2) require that the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, be vacated within a reasonable time to be specified in the order, or in the case of extreme danger, may specify immediate vacation of the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof; or (3) authorize immediate disconnection of the utilities or energy source. 102.1.1 Service of emergency order. The order shall be posted on the premises or personally served on the owner of the building or premises or any person responsible for the condition. The order shall specify the time for compliance. 102.1.2 Effect of emergency order. No person may occupy a building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, after the date on which the building is required to be vacated until the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, is restored to a safe condition as required by the order and this code. It is a violation for any person to fail to comply with an emergency order issued by the building official. 102.2 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 by a date certain. 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 the International Existing Building Code. 102.2.1 Service of hazard correction order. The order shall be posted on the premises or served on the owner of the building or premises or any person responsible for the condition by certified mail with return receipt requested. The order shall specify the time for compliance. 102.2.2 Effect of hazard correction order. It is a violation for any person to fail to comply with a hazard correction order as specified in this subsection. SECTION 103 ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES 103.1 Violations . It is a violation of this code for any person to: 1. 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; 2. Knowingly aid, abet, counsel, encourage, hire, induce or otherwise procure another to violate or fail to comply with this code; 3. Use any material or to install any device, appliance or equipment that does not comply with applicable standards of this code or that has not been approved by the building official; 4. Violate or fail to comply with any order issued by the building official pursuant to the provisions of this code or with any requirements of this code; 5. Remove, mutilate, destroy or conceal any notice or order issued or posted by the building official pursuant to the provisions of this code, or any notice or order issued or posted by the building official in response to a natural disaster or other emergency; 6. Conduct work under a permit without requesting an inspection as required by Section 108. 103.2 Notice of violation . If, after investigation, the building official determines that standards or requirements of this code have been violated or that orders or requirements have not been complied with, the building official may serve a notice of violation upon the owner, agent, 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. 103.2.1 Service of notice of violation. The notice shall be served upon the owner, agent or other responsible person by personal service or regular first class mail addressed to the last known address of such person or if no address is available after reasonable inquiry, the notice may be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. The notice may also be posted if served by personal service or first class mail. Nothing in this section limits or precludes any action or proceeding to enforce this code, and nothing obligates or requires the building official to issue a notice of violation prior to the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. 103.2.2 Review of notice of violation by the building official. Any person affected by a notice of violation issued pursuant to Section 103.2 may obtain a review of the notice by making a request in writing within ten days after service of the notice. When the last day of the period computed is a Saturday, Sunday, or city holiday, the period runs until 5 p.m. of the next business day. 103.2.2.1 Review procedure. The review shall occur not less than ten nor more than 20 days after the request is received by the building official unless otherwise agreed to by the person requesting the review. Any person affected by the notice of violation may submit additional information to the building official. The review shall be made by a representative of the building official who will review any additional information that is submitted and the basis for issuance of the notice of violation. The reviewer may request clarification of the information received and a site visit. 103.2.2.2 Decision. After the review, the building official shall: 1. Sustain the notice; 2. Withdraw the notice; 3. Amend the notice; or 4. Continue the review to a date certain. 103.2.2.3 Order. The building official shall issue an order containing the decision within 15 days of the date that the review is completed and shall cause the order to be mailed by regular first class mail to the persons requesting the review and the persons named on the notice of violation, addressed to their last known addresses. 103.3 Stop work orders. The building official may issue a stop work order 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 stop work order shall identify the violation and may prohibit work or other activity on the site. 103.3.1 Service of stop work order. The building official may serve the stop work order by posting it in a conspicuous place at the site, if posting is physically possible. If posting is not physically possible, then the stop work order may be served in the manner set forth in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.28.080 for service of a summons or by sending it by first class mail to the last known address of: the property owner, the person doing or causing the work to be done, or the holder of a permit if work is being stopped on a permit. For purposes of this section, service is complete at the time of posting or of personal service, or if mailed, three days after the date of mailing. When the last day of the period so computed is a Saturday, Sunday or city holiday, the period runs until 5 p.m. on the next business day. 103.3.2 Effective date of stop work order. Stop work orders are effective when posted, or if posting is not physically possible, when one of the persons identified in Section 103.3.1 is served. 103.3.3 Review of stop work orders by the building official. Any person aggrieved by a stop work order may obtain a review of the order by delivering to the building official a request in writing within two business days of the date of service of the stop work order. 103.3.3.1 Review procedure. The review shall occur within two business days after receipt by the building official of the request for review unless otherwise agreed by the person making the request. Any person affected by the stop work order may submit additional information to the building official for consideration as part of the review at any time prior to the review. The review will be made by a representative of the building official who will review all additional information received and may also request a site visit. 103.3.3.2 Decision. After the review, the building official may: 1. Sustain the stop work order; 2. Withdraw the stop work order; 3. Modify the stop work order; or 4. Continue the review to a date certain. 103.3.3.3 Order. The building official shall issue an order containing the decision within two business days after the review is completed and shall cause the order to be sent by regular first class mail to the person or persons requesting the review, any person on whom the stop work order was served, and any other person who requested a copy before issuance of the order, addressed to their last known address. 103.4 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. 103.4.1 Service of notice of occupancy violation. The notice shall be served by personal service or regular first class mail addressed to the last known address of the occupant of the premises or any person causing such occupancy. If no address is available after reasonable inquiry, the notice may be served by posting it in a conspicuous place on the premises. 103.4.2 Compliance with notice of occupancy violation. Any person occupying the building or structure shall discontinue the occupancy by the date specified in the notice of the building official, 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. 103.5 Civil penalties . Any person violating or 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, except that the penalty for violations of Section 3107.4.1 shall be $1500 per day. 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. 103.6 Enforcement in Municipal Court. Civil actions to enforce Title 22 of the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) shall be brought exclusively in Seattle Municipal Court, except as otherwise required by law or court rule. In any civil action for a penalty, the City has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation exists or existed; the issuance of a notice of violation or of an order following a review by the building official is not itself evidence that a violation exists. 103.7 Judicial review. Because civil actions to enforce Title 22 SMC must be brought exclusively in Seattle Municipal Court pursuant to Section 103.6, orders of the building official including Notices of Violation issued under this chapter are not subject to judicial review pursuant to Chapter 36.70C RCW. 103.8 Alternative criminal penalty. Anyone who violates or fails to comply with any notice of violation or 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 $5000 or by imprisonment for not more than 365 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment for each separate violation. Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense. 103.9 Additional relief. The building official may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin any acts or practices and abate any condition when necessary to achieve compliance. 103.10 Administrative review by the building official. Applicants may request administrative review by the building official of decisions or actions pertaining to the administration and enforcement of this code. Requests shall be addressed to the building official. 103.11 Administrative review by the Construction Codes Advisory Board. Applicants may request review of decisions or actions pertaining to the application and interpretation of this code by the Construction Codes Advisory Board, except for stop work orders, notices of violations revocations of permits, and enforcement of Section 3107. The review will be performed by three or more members of the Construction Codes Advisory Board, chosen by the Board Chair. The Chair shall consider the subject of the review and members' expertise when selecting members to conduct a review. The decision of the review panel is advisory only; the final decision is made by the building official. 103.12 Recording of notices. The building official may record a copy of any order or notice with the Department of Records and Elections of King County. 103.13 Appeal to Superior Court. Final decisions of the Seattle Municipal Court on enforcement actions authorized by Title 22 and this code may be appealed pursuant to the Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. SECTION 104 ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES 104.1 Jurisdiction of Department of Planning and Development. The Department of Planning and Development is authorized to administer and enforce this code. The Department of Planning and Development is under the administrative and operational control of the Director, who is the building official. 104.2 Designees. The building official may appoint such officers, inspectors, assistants and employees as are authorized from time to time. The building official may authorize such employees and other agents as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the building official. 104.3 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. 104.4 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 strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation 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 construction documents. 104.5 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 the building official 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 code alternates and any relevant information in the files of the building official or on the approved construction documents. 104.6.1 Flood hazard areas. The building official shall not grant modifications to any provision required in flood hazard areas as established by Section 1612.3 unless a determination has been made that: 1. A showing of good and sufficient cause that the unique characteristics of the size, configuration or topography of the site render the elevation standards of Section 1612 inappropriate. 2. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship by rendering the lot undevelopable. 3. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing laws or ordinances. 4. A determination that the variance is the minimum necessary to afford relief, considering the flood hazard. 5. Submission to the applicant of written notice specifying the difference between the design flood elevation and the elevation to which the building is to be built, stating that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced floor elevation, and stating that construction below the design flood elevation increases risks to life and property. 104.7 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 for the period required for retention of public records. 104.8 Rules of the building official. The building official has authority to issue 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. 104.8.1 Procedure. The building official shall promulgate, adopt and issue rules according to the procedures specified in the Administrative Code, Chapter 3.02 of the Seattle Municipal Code. 104.9 Liability. Nothing 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 as a 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. This code shall not be construed to relieve 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 Planning and Development 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. 104.10 Responsibilities of parties. 104.10.1 Responsibility for compliance. 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, and other persons responsible for the condition or work, and not of the City or any of its officers employees or agents. 104.10.2 Responsibilities of registered design professional in responsible charge . It is the responsibility of the registered design professional in responsible charge to ensure that the information in the construction documents is complete, accurate, and, to the best of the design professional's knowledge, conforms to the requirements of this code. 104.10.3 Responsibilities of structural engineer in responsible charge. It is the responsibility of the structural engineer in responsible charge to: 1. Design the primary structure; Exception: A licensed engineer other than the structural engineer in responsible charge may design the primary structure of single-story metal buildings. 2. Specify design loads, configurations, controlling dimensions, deflection limits and/or other criteria necessary for the design of secondary structural components and subsystems 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 construction documents; 4. Review for compatibility with the City-approved construction documents previously approved by the building official, the deferred submittals for the primary structural frame and the design and deferred submittals for secondary members for the following structural elements: Wood trusses Glu-lam beams Steel joists Structural steel Steel decking Prefabricated stair systems Precast concrete piles Post-tensioned floor systems Curtain wall systems Precast prestressed planks Major skylight frames Precast concrete/masonry wall panels The building official may approve additions to, or deletions from this list for specific projects. If there is no structural engineer in responsible charge on the project, the architect in responsible charge shall assume these responsibilities. Note: "Primary structural frame" and "secondary member" are defined in Chapter 2. 104.10.4 Responsibilities of contractor. It is the responsibility of the contractor to perform all the work in conformance with the City-approved construction documents. 104.10.5 Responsibilities of plans examiner. It is the responsibility of the plans examiner to verify that the description of the work in the construction documents is substantially complete, and to require corrections where, to the best of the plans examiner's knowledge, the construction documents do not conform to this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances. 104.10.6 Responsibilities of field inspector. It is the responsibility of the field inspector to conduct inspections to verify that the work in progress conforms with the approved construction documents and to require corrections where, to the best of the field inspector's knowledge, the work either does not conform to the construction documents or where the work is in violation of this code or other pertinent laws and ordinances. SECTION 105 CONSTRUCTION CODES ADVISORY BOARD 105.1 Establishment. There is a "Construction Codes Advisory Board" ("Board") consisting of 13 voting members, appointed by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Board membership consists 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. 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. 105.2.1 Code adoption and amendment. The Board may examine proposed new editions and amendments to the following codes and regulations listed in this section. The Board may make recommendations to the building official and to the City Council for adoption and amendment of these codes. Seattle Building Code Chapter 22.100 SMC* Seattle Residential Code Chapter 22.150 SMC Seattle Mechanical Code Chapter 22.400 SMC Seattle Fuel Gas Code Chapter 22.420 SMC Seattle Boiler Code Chapter 22.450 SMC Seattle Energy CodeChapter 22.700 SMC Seattle Electrical Code Chapter 22.300 SMC Seattle Plumbing Code SMC Title 22 Subtitle V * SMC is the Seattle Municipal Code. 105.2.2 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. 105.3 Organization. The Board shall organize, and 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 other representatives of the general public and professions not specifically represented on the Board. Any 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 five positions expire concurrently. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. 105.5 Removal of Board member. A member may be removed by the Mayor, subject to a majority vote 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. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, a building permit shall be obtained from the building official for each building or structure prior to erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, changing the occupancy of, or demolishing such building or structure, or allowing the same to be done. All work shall comply with this code, even where no permit is required. 106.2 Work exempt from permit. A building permit is not required for the work listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code does not authorize 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 that, as determined by the building official, cost the owner $6,000 or less in any six month period. Such repairs and alterations shall not include the removal, reduction, alteration, or relocation of any loadbearing support. Egress, light, ventilation, and fireresistance shall not be reduced without a permit. 2. Minor 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 Chapter 8, 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, playhouse, or similar uses, if: 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 that do not have masonry or concrete elements above 6 feet. 5. Arbors and other open-framed landscape structures not exceeding 120 square feet in projected area. 6. Display cases, cabinets, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high. 7. 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, if: 7.1 There is no surcharge or impoundment of Class I, II or III-A liquids. 7.2 Construction does not support soils in a steep slope area, potential landslide area or known slide area as identified in the Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance Section 25.09.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code. 7.3 Possible failure would likely cause no damage to adjoining property or structures. 8. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 18 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below. 9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. 10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches. 11. Prefabricated swimming pools, spas and similar equipment accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. 12. Replacement of siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alterations to doors and windows. See Energy Code Sections R101.4.3, and C101.4.3 for requirements for existing buildings. 13. Replacement of roofing materials under either of the following conditions: 13.1 In oneand two-family dwellings and townhouses if no changes are made to the building envelope other than adding or replacing insulation, and the insulation value is equivalent to or better than the existing structure; or 13.2 Where less than 500 square feet of roof sheathing or insulation is exposed within any 6 month period. Permits are required for structural changes and replacement of sheathing of any size. See Energy Code Sections R101.4.3 and C101.4.3 for insulation requirements for existing buildings. 14. School, park or private playground equipment including tree houses. 15. 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. 16. Installation of dish and panel antennas 6.56 feet (2 m) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement. 17. Water tanks not located in Environmentally Critical Areas that are supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1. 106.3 Other permits required. Unless otherwise exempted by this or other pertinent codes, separate master use, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may 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 defined in Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.06, are 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. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the building official or in another format determined by the building official. 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 construction documents, including plans and other data as required in Section 106.5.2 through 106.5.7. 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 the owner's 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 applicable city law in effect on the date set forth in Section 101.3 and the exception thereto. 10. Applications that include a grading component shall include all information prescribed by the Grading Code and rules adopted thereunder, and all additional information required by the building official pursuant to the Grading Code and rules adopted thereunder. 106.5.1 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit, or shall be submitted in electronic format determined by the building official. 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. Exception: The building official may waive the submission of construction documents, if the building official finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code. 106.5.2 Preparation by registered design professionals. Construction documents 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. Each sheet of construction documents shall bear the seal and the signature of the registered design professional before the permit is issued. Exceptions: 1. Construction documents for work not involving structural design are permitted to be prepared by a registered professional engineer or registered architect qualified in the proposed work. 2. When authorized by the building official, construction documents for assembly line products or designed specialty structural products may be designed by a registered professional engineer. 3. When authorized by the building official, construction documents need not be prepared by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of Washington for the following: 3.1. Detached oneand two-family dwellings. 3.2 New buildings or structures, and additions, alterations or repairs made to them of conventional light frame construction, having a total valuation of less than $75,000. 3.3. Nonstructural alterations and repairs having a total valuation of less than $75,000, excluding the value of electrical and mechanical systems, fixtures, equipment, interior finish and millwork. 3.4. Other work as specified in rules promulgated by the building official. 106.5.3 Design professional in responsible charge. The building official is authorized to require the owner to engage and designate on the building permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional in responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the owner shall designate a substitute registered design professional in responsible charge who shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional in responsible charge. The building official shall be notified in writing by the owner if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building. 106.5.4 Information required on construction documents. Construction documents 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 is not 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. Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall or horizontal assembly required to have protected openings or penetrations shall be identified on the architectural plans. 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 the site and, when required by the building official, adjacent to the site, and cubic yards of cut and fill. 9. If the building official has reason to believe that there may be an intrusion into required open areas or over the property line, a survey of the property prepared by a land surveyor licensed by the State of Washington is required for new construction, and for additions or accessory buildings. 10. If any building or structure is to be erected or constructed on property abutting an unimproved or partially improved street or alley, the plans shall also include a profile showing the established or proposed grade of the street or alley, based upon information obtained from the Director of Transportation relating to the proposed finished elevations of the property and improvements thereon. 11. Where design flood elevations are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section 1612.3.1. 106.5.5 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(s) 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(s) 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 403 high-rise building pre-design conference, a Section 404 atrium pre-design conference, a Section 414.1.4 hazardous occupancy pre-design conference, a Section 1613.1.1 seismic design pre-design conference or a similar conference on a building subject to Fire Code Chapter 93. 106.5.6 Structural notes. Plans shall include applicable information including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Design loads: Snow load, live loads and lateral loads. If required by the building official, the structural notes for plans engineered to Chapter 9 of ASCE 7 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, lateral earth pressure; 3. Masonry: Type and strength of units, strength or proportions of mortar and grout, type and strength of reinforcement, method of testing, design strength; 4. Wood: Species or species groups, and grades of sawn lumber, glued-laminated lumber, plywood and assemblies, type of fasteners; 5. Concrete: Design strengths, mix designs, type and strength of reinforcing steel, welding of reinforcing steel, restrictions, if any; 6. Steel and aluminum: Specification types, grades and strengths, welding electrode types and strengths; 7. Special inspections required by Chapter 17; 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. 106.5.7 Fire-resistive notes. The building official may require that plans for buildings more than two stories in height of other than Groups R-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 fire-resistive construction, the method of installation of wall and ceiling coverings and the protection of structural parts be specified on the plans unless the listing that documents the rating specifies a method no more restrictive than the minimum standards of Chapter 7. 106.5.8 Deferred submittals . Deferral of any submittal items shall have the prior approval of the building official. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall list deferred submittals on the plans for review by the building official. Documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the registered design professional in responsible charge who shall review them and forward them to the building official with a notation indicating that the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and been found to be in general conformance to the design of the building. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the deferred submittal documents have been approved by the building official. 106.5.9 Construction and demolition waste. The information in Sections 106.5.9.1 and 106.5.9.2 shall be submitted for projects greater than 750 square feet in area generating construction or demolition material for salvage, recycling or disposal. Exception: Projects for which an emergency order or hazard correction order has been issued pursuant to Section 102. 106.5.9.1 Application submittal requirements. The following information shall be provided at the time of application: 1. A Waste Diversion Plan identifying the project-generated construction waste and demolition material, the hauler of the material, and the receiving facility or location for each commodity. 2. Projects involving partial demolition or whole building removal shall also provide the following: 2.1 A Deconstruction and Salvage Assessment completed by an approved agency identifying building components having potential to be salvaged prior to building removal. For partial demolition projects, the building owner is permitted to complete the Assessment. 2.2 A statement of compliance with the regulations of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency regarding asbestos identification, notification and abatement. 106.5.9.2 Waste Diversion Report. A Waste Diversion Report shall be submitted within 60 days of final inspection approval. The Waste Diversion Report shall identify the weight or volume of project-generated construction waste and demolition material, the hauler of the material, and the receiving facility or location for each commodity. A signed affidavit from the receiving party and photo documentation shall be included for salvaged materials for which a tip receipt cannot be obtained. 106.5.10 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 are limited to a minimum size of 18 inches by 18 inches and a maximum size of 41 inches by 54 inches. Exceptions: 1. 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. 2. Plans may be submitted in electronic format as determined by the building official. 106.6 Application review and permit issuance. The construction documents shall be reviewed by the building official. Such construction documents may be reviewed by other departments of the City to check compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction. 106.6.1 Determination of completeness. Within 28 days after an application is filed, the building official shall notify the applicant in writing either that the application is complete or that it is not complete, and if not complete, what additional information is required to make it complete. Within 14 days after 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. 106.6.2 Decision on application. Except as provided in Section 106.6.8, the building official shall approve, condition or deny the application within 120 days after the building official notifies the applicant that the application is complete. To determine the number of days that have elapsed after the notification that the application is complete, the following periods shall be excluded: 1. All periods of time during which the applicant has been requested by the Director to correct plans, perform required studies, or provide additional required information, until the determination that the request has been satisfied. The period shall be calculated from the date the building official notifies the applicant of the need for additional information until the earlier of the date the building official determines whether the additional information satisfies the request for information or 14 days after the date the information has been provided to the building official. 2. If the building official determines that the information submitted by the applicant under item 1of this subsection is insufficient, the building official shall notify the applicant of the deficiencies, and the procedures under item 1 of this subsection shall apply as if a new request for information had been made; 3. All extensions of time mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the building official. If a project permit application is substantially revised by the applicant, the time period shall start from the date at which the revised project application is determined to be complete under Section 101.3.1. 106.6.3 Issuance of permit. The building official shall issue a permit to the applicant, if the building official finds that the work as described in the construction documents satisfies the following: 1. It conforms to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws, ordinances, and regulations and with all conditions imposed under any of them, 2. The fees specified in the Fee Subtitle have been paid, and 3. The applicant has complied with all requirements to be performed prior to issuance of a permit for the work under other pertinent laws, ordinances or regulations or included in a master use permit, or otherwise imposed by the building official. When the permit is issued, the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent becomes the permit holder. 106.6.4 Phased permits. 1. The building official may authorize construction of a portion or portions of a building or structure before complete construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted or approved, or before the applicant has complied with all conditions of a building permit for the entire building or structure under the Land Use Code or master use permit. The entire proposed project shall comply with applicable city law in effect on the date set forth in Section 101.3. The applicant shall proceed at the applicant's risk without assurance that a 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, if the applicant has satisfied all applicable requirements for issuance of a grading permit under the Grading Code and rules adopted thereunder, a permit for excavation, shoring and other land-disturbing activity may be issued. 106.6.5 Grading permits. The grading component of the permit is the portion of a permit that authorizes activity subject to the requirements of a grading permit under the Grading Code and constitutes a grading permit. The grading component and work thereunder are subject to the provisions of the Grading Code except as otherwise provided in the Grading Code. 106.6.6 Permit conditions and denial. The building official may impose on a permit any conditions authorized by this code or other pertinent ordinances or regulations, including but not limited to the Grading Code, the Stormwater Code, Regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas, and rules adopted under any of them. In addition, the building official may condition a permit in order to reduce the risks associated with development, construction, ownership and occupancy including, but not limited to risks in potential slide areas. The building official may deny a permit if the building official determines that the risks cannot be reduced to an acceptable level; or if the proposed project or construction documents do not conform to the requirements of this code or those of other pertinent laws, ordinances or regulations, or do not conform to requirements included the Master Use Permit or otherwise imposed by the building official or other City department; or if the applicant fails to comply with any requirement or condition under any of the foregoing. 106.6.7 Compliance with approved construction documents. When the building official issues a permit, the building official shall endorse the permit in writing or in electronic format, and 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 construction documents and permit except as the building official may require during field inspection to correct errors or omissions. 106.6.8 Revisions to the permit. When changes to the approved work are made during construction, approval of the building official shall be obtained prior to execution. The building inspector may approve minor changes to the construction documents 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 construction documents. No changes that are subject to special inspection required by Section 1704 shall be made during construction unless approved by the building official. If revised plans are required, changes shall be shown on two sets of plans that shall be submitted to and approved by the building official, accompanied by fees specified in the Fee Subtitle prior to occupancy. All changes shall conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances and other issued permits. 106.6.9 Cancellation of permit applications. Applications may be cancelled if no permit is issued by the earlier of the following: (1) twelve months following the date of application; or (2) sixty days from the date of written notice that the permit is ready to issue. After cancellation, construction documents submitted for review may be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official will notify the applicant in writing at least thirty days before the application is cancelled. The notice shall specify a date by which a request for extension must be submitted in order to avoid cancellation. The date shall be at least two weeks prior to the date on which the application will be cancelled. 106.6.10 Extensions prior to permit issuance. At the discretion of the building official, applications for projects that require more than 12 months to review and approve may be extended for a period that provides reasonable time to complete the review and approval, but in no case longer than 24 months from the date of the original application. No application may be extended more than once. After cancellation, the applicant shall submit a new application and pay a new fee to restart the permit process. Notwithstanding other provisions of this code, applications may be extended where issuance of the permit is delayed by litigation, preparation of environmental impact statements, appeals, strikes or other causes related to the application that are beyond the applicant's control, or while the applicant is making progress toward issuance of a master use permit. 106.7 Retention of plans. One set of approved plans, which may be on microfilm or in electronic format, 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 for use by inspection personnel at all times during which the work authorized is in progress. 106.8 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of construction documents shall: 1. 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; 2. Not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents 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; 3. 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; or 4. Not be construed to extend the period of time for which any such permit is issued 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 of permits. Authority to do the work authorized by a permit expires 18 months from the date of issuance. An approved renewal extends the life of a permit for an additional 18 months from the prior expiration date. An approved reestablishment extends the life of the permit for 18 months from the date the permit expired. Exceptions: 1. Initial permits for major construction projects that require more than 18 months to complete may be issued for a period that provides reasonable time to complete the work, according to an approved construction schedule. The building official may authorize a permit expiration date not to exceed three years from the date of issuance, except when there is an associated Shoreline Substantial Development permit in which case the building official may authorize an expiration date not to exceed the life of the Shoreline permit. 2. The building official may issue permits which expire in less than eighteen months if the building official determines a shorter period is appropriate to complete the work. 106.10 Renewal of permits. Permits may be renewed and renewed permits may be further renewed by the building official if the following conditions are met: 1. Application for renewal is made within the 30 day period immediately preceding the date of expiration of the permit; and 2. If the project has had an associated discretionary Land Use review, the land use approval has not expired; and 3. If an application for renewal is made more than 18 months after the date of mandatory compliance with a new or revised edition of the Seattle Building Code, the permit shall not be renewed unless: 3.1 The building official determines that the permit complies, or is modified to comply, with the Seattle Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy, Stormwater, Side Sewer and Grading codes in effect on the date of application for 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 normally required building inspections have been approved for work such as foundations, framing, mechanical, insulation and finish work that is being completed on a continuing basis; or 3.3. Commencement or completion of the work authorized by the permit is delayed by litigation, appeals, strikes or other extraordinary circumstances related to the work authorized by the permit, beyond the permit holder's control, subject to approval by the building official. 106.11 Reestablishment of expired permits. A new permit is required to complete work if a permit has expired and was not renewed. Exception : A permit that expired less than one year prior to the date of a request for reestablishment may be reestablished upon approval of the building official if it complies with Section 106.10, Items 2 and 3 above. Once re-established the permit will not be considered to have expired. The new expiration date of a reestablished permit shall be determined in accordance with Section 106.9. 106.12 Revocation of building permits. Whenever the building official determines there are grounds for revoking a permit, the building official may issue a notice of revocation. The notice of revocation shall identify the reason for the proposed revocation, including the violations, the conditions violated, and any alleged false or misleading information provided. 106.12.1 Standards for revocation. The building official may revoke a permit if: 1. The code or the building permit has been or is being violated and issuance of a notice of violation or stop work order has been or would be ineffective to secure compliance because of circumstances related to the violation; or 2. The permit was obtained with false or misleading information. 106.12.2 Service of notice of revocation. The notice of revocation shall be served on the owner of the property on which the work is occurring, the holder of a permit if different than the owner, and the person doing or causing the work to be done. The notice of revocation shall be served in the manner set forth in RCW 4.28.080 for service of a summons or sent by first class mail to the last known address of the responsible party. For purposes of this section, service is complete at the time of personal service, or if mailed, three days after the date of mailing. When the last day of the period so computed is a Saturday, Sunday or City holiday, the period runs until 5 p.m. on the next business day. 106.12.3 Effective date of revocation. The building official shall identify in the notice of revocation a date certain on which the revocation will take effect. This date may be stayed pending complete review by the building official pursuant to Section 106.12.4. 106.12.4 Review by the building official for notice of revocation. Any person aggrieved by a notice of revocation may obtain a review by making a request in writing to the building official within three business days of the date of service of the notice of revocation. The review shall occur within five business days after receipt by the building official of the request for review. Any person affected by the notice of revocation may submit additional information to the building official for consideration as part of the review at any time prior to the review. 106.12.4.1 Review procedure. The review will be made by a representative of the building official who will review all additional information received and may also request a site visit. After the review, the building official may: 1. Sustain the notice of revocation and affirm or modify the date the revocation will take effect; 2. Withdraw the notice of revocation; 3. Modify the notice of revocation and affirm or modify the date the revocation will take effect; or 4. Continue the review to a date certain. 106.12.4.2 Order of revocation of permit. The building official shall issue an order of the building official containing the decision within ten days after the review is completed and shall cause the same to be sent by regular first class mail to the person or persons requesting the review, any other person on whom the notice of revocation was served, and any other person who requested a copy before issuance of the order. The order of the building official is the final order of the City, and the City and all parties shall be bound by the order. 106.13 Permits for temporary structures. 106.13.1 Tents and similar facilities used for 18 months or less. The building official may issue a permit to erect and maintain for a period not to exceed six months, a tent or other similar temporary structure to be used for religious services, conventions, circuses, carnivals, fairs, special sales or similar uses for a period not to exceed eighteen months. Exceptions: 1. Authority to issue permits is vested with the Fire Department for temporary tents and canopies meeting all of the following conditions: 1.1. The permit is for less than four weeks; 1.2. The temporary structure will be located 200 feet or more from shorelines; 1.3. No stage, platform, bleacher or similar structure greater than 4 feet in height will be installed inside any temporary structure; 1.4. No temporary structure will be attached to a building or other permanent structure for support; 1.5. The temporary structure is not proposed to be used during severe weather, and 1.6 The temporary structure is not of unusual shape, unusual location or large area or height. Note: The Land Use and Fire codes may impose additional restrictions or conditions on tents and temporary structures. 106.13.1.1 Renewal. Permits issued pursuant to Section 106.13.1 are not renewable. 106.13.1.2 Subsequent permits. If the occupant load of the structure is 100 or more and is issued for less than 4 weeks, no more than one permit per tent vendor for each event shall be issued in any three-month period. 106.13.1.3 Removal. Such structures shall be removed before the expiration of the permit. 106.13.1.4 Requirements for tents and similar structures. The structure shall be subject to such reasonable safeguards for persons and property as the building official prescribes. 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. 106.13.1.5 Cash deposit or bond. The building official may require that removal of the structure 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 cash deposit or bond shall also be conditioned so that, if the occupant or owner fails to conform to any of the requirements of the City related to the erection, maintenance or removal of the tent or other structure, the building official may enter the premises and take steps necessary to make the structure conform to the requirements. The City shall be permitted to recover the cost thereof from the cash deposit or bond. 106.13.2 Temporary structures. Temporary structures such as reviewing stands and other 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. The building or structure shall be subject to the bonding, removal and safety provisions of Section 106.13.1.5. 106.13.3 Temporary structures in the right-of-way. Temporary buildings or structures in the right-of-way are regulated by the Director of Transportation. 106.13.4 Temporary commercial coaches and modular homes. The building official may issue permits for eighteen months for the installation of commercial coaches and modular homes as temporary offices or other uses as may be determined by the building official, subject to the following: 1. 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. Modular homes shall be identified by a State of Washington gold sticker located by the door. Modular homes shall be permitted only if 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, dry shacks and similar temporary buildings are regulated by Section 106.13.5. 106.13.4.1 Renewal of temporary commercial coach and modular home permits. A subsequent permit for another 18 months may be issued at the end of each 18 month period if the building official determines that the commercial coach or modular home complies with this section. 106.13.5 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, for the purpose of constructing an improvement. Exception: A temporary permit is not required for construction offices and similar temporary buildings located on the same premises for which a construction permit has been issued. 106.13.5.1 Removal of construction buildings. Such structures shall be removed within 14 days after the end of the temporary permit's term. 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. 106.13.5.2 Requirements for construction buildings. The construction of the structure shall be subject to reasonable safeguards for persons and property as the building official shall prescribes; 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. 106.13.5.3 Cash deposit or bond. The building official may require that removal of the structure 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 cash deposit or bond shall be conditioned so that, if the occupant or owner fails to conform to any of the requirements of the City related to the erection, maintenance or removal of the tent or other structure, the building official may enter the premises and take steps necessary to make the structure conform to the requirements. The City shall be permitted to recover the cost thereof from the cash deposit or bond. SECTION 107 FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS 107.1 Live loads posted. Where the live loads for which each floor or portion thereof of a commercial or industrial building is or has been designed to exceed 125 pounds per square foot and for all warehouse and storage areas, such design live loads shall be conspicuously posted by the owner in that part of each story in which they apply, using durable signs. It shall be unlawful to remove or deface such notices. 107.2 Issuance of certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy required by Section 109 shall not be issued until the floor load signs, required by Section 107.1, have been installed. 107.3 Restrictions on loading. It shall be unlawful to place, or cause or permit to be placed, on any floor or roof of a building, structure or portion thereof, a load greater than is permitted by this code. 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 Chapter 17. 108.2 Surveys. A survey of the lot may be required by the building official to verify compliance of the structure with approved construction documents. 108.3 Preconstruction conferences. When required by the building official, the owner or the owner's agent shall arrange a conference with the project contractor, the design team, the special inspection agency if special inspection is required, and the building official prior to commencing work on any portion of construction. The intent of the conference is to identify and clarify unusual inspection requirements of the project. See Section 1703.7 for preconstruction conferences for projects requiring special inspection. 108.4 Inspection requests. The owner of the property or the owner's authorized agent, or the person designated by the owner/agent to do the work authorized by a permit shall notify the building official that work requiring inspection as specified in this section and Chapter 17 is ready for inspection. 108.5 Access for inspection. The permit holder and the person requesting any inspections required by this code shall provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work, including safety equipment required by Washington Industrial Safety and Health Agency. The work shall remain 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. 108.6 Inspection record . Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or the permit holder's agent has posted an inspection record in a conspicuous place on the premises and in a position that allows the building official to conveniently make the required entries regarding inspection of the work. This record shall be maintained in such a position by the permit holder or the permit holder's agent until final approval has been granted by the building official. 108.7 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. 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 108.9. There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings when completed and ready for occupancy. 108.7.1 Effect of approval. Approval as a result of an inspection is not an approval of any 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 are not valid. 108.8 Concealment of work. 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. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved. Exception: Modular homes and commercial coaches identified by State of Washington stickers as specified in Section 106.13.4 and placed upon a permanent foundation approved and inspected by the building official. 108.9 Required inspections. The building official, upon notification by the permit holder or the permit holder's 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 the permit holder's agent if the construction fails to comply with the law. 108.9.1 First ground disturbance inspection. To be made prior to beginning land-disturbing activity, and following installation of erosion control measures and any required fencing that may restrict land disturbance in steep slope or other buffers as defined in Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.09. Note: The purpose of the site inspection is to verify the erosion control method, location and proper installation. Approved drainage plan requirements and site plan conditions will also be verified, including buffer delineations. 108.9.2 Foundation 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. 108.9.3 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. 108.9.4 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the building official. 108.9.5 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. 108.9.6 Insulation inspection. To be made after all insulation and vapor barriers are in place but before any gypsum board or plaster is applied. 108.9.7 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. 108.9.8 Final site inspection. To be made after all grading is complete, and all permanent erosion controls, stormwater facilities and stormwater best management practices have been installed. Exception: A final site inspection is not required for projects with less than 750 square feet of land disturbing activity. 108.9.9 Final inspection. To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and before occupancy. 108.9.9.1 Flood hazard documentation. If located in a flood hazard area, documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor as required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the final inspection. 108.10 Special inspections. For special inspections, see Chapter 17. 108.11 Other inspections. In addition to the called inspections specified above, the building official may make or require any other inspections of any construction work or site work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances which are enforced by the building official. 108.12 Special investigation. If 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 the work. Where a special investigation is made, a special investigation fee may be assessed in accordance with the Fee Subtitle. 108.13 Reinspections . The building official may require a reinspection if work for which inspection is called is not complete, corrections required are not made, the inspection record is not properly posted on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, access is not provided on the date for which inspection is requested, or if deviations from construction documents that require the approval of the building official have been made without proper approval, or as otherwise required by the building official. 108.13.1 Compliance with International Existing Building Code Section 101.5. For the purpose of determining compliance with International Existing Building Code Section 101.5, Maintenance, the building official or the fire chief may cause any structure to be reinspected. 108.13.2 Reinspection fee. The building official may assess a reinspection fee as set forth in the Fee Subtitle for any action for which reinspection is required. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will 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 after final inspection. Exceptions: 1. Detached Group R-3 occupancies and Group U occupancies accessory to them, provided they shall not be used or occupied until approved for occupancy after final inspection. 2. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 106.2. 3. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work for which a temporary permit was issued under Section 106.13. 109.1.1 Effect of Certificate of Occupancy. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy is not approval of any 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 are not valid. 109.2 Change in occupancy. Changes in the occupancy of a building shall not be made except as specified in Section 3406 of this code. 109.3 Certificate issued. After satisfactory completion of inspections, if the building official finds that the building or structure requiring a Certificate of Occupancy complies with the provisions of this code, the Fire Code, other pertinent laws, ordinances and regulations of the City, and with all conditions imposed under any of them, and that the applicant has complied with all requirements to be performed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy in other pertinent laws, ordinances or regulations or in a Master Use Permit, or otherwise imposed by the building official or by another City department under any pertinent laws, ordinances or regulations, then 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 if 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. 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 Suspension or revocation of Certificates of Occupancy. 109.6.1 Notice of suspension or revocation. Whenever the building official determines there are grounds for suspending or revoking a Certificate of Occupancy, the building official may issue a notice of revocation. The notice shall state the reason for suspension or revocation, and shall set the date that the suspension or revocation will take effect if compliance is not achieved by the date set in the notice, which shall be a reasonable time for compliance. 109.6.2 Standards for suspension or revocation of Certificates of Occupancy. The building official may suspend or revoke a Certificate of Occupancy if: 1. The certificate is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied; or 2. 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; or 3. When the building, site, applicant, or owner is in violation of any requirement or condition imposed by or pursuant to any other pertinent laws or ordinances of the City that provide for suspension or revocation of a Certificate of Occupancy. 109.6.3 Service of notice of suspension or revocation. The building official shall serve a notice of the suspension or revocation upon the owner, agent or other person responsible for the action or condition; the notice shall be served by regular first class mail addressed to the last known address of such person. If no address is available after reasonable inquiry, the notice may be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. 109.6.4 Effect of notice of suspension or revocation. The notice shall be considered an order of the building official if no request for review before the building official is made pursuant to Section 109.6.5. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to limit or preclude any action or proceeding pursuant to Sections 102 or 103 of this code. 109.6.5 Review of suspension or revocation of Certificate of Occupancy by the building official. Any person affected by a notice of revocation issued pursuant to Section 109.6 may obtain a review of the notice by making a request in writing within ten days after service of the notice. When the last day of the period computed is a Saturday, Sunday, or city holiday, the period shall run until 5 p.m. of the next business day. 109.6.5.1 Review procedure. The review shall occur not less than ten nor more than 20 days after the request is received by the building official unless otherwise agreed by the person requesting the review. Any person affected by the notice of revocation may submit additional information to the building official. The review shall be made by a representative of the building official who will review any additional information that is submitted and the basis for issuance of the notice of suspension or revocation. The reviewer may request clarification of the information received and a site visit. 109.6.5.2 Decision. After the review, the building official shall: 1. Sustain the notice; 2. Withdraw the notice; 3. Amend the notice; or 4. Continue the review to a date certain 109.6.5.3 Order. The building official shall issue an order containing the decision within 15 days of the date that the review is completed and shall cause the order to be mailed by regular first class mail to the persons requesting the review and the persons named on the notice of violation addressed to their last known address. SECTION 110 FEES 110.1 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 3. The following sections of Chapter 2 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS SECTION 201 GENERAL ***
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code , International Existing
Building Code or (( 201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. 201.5 References to other codes. Whenever an International, National or Uniform Code is referenced in this code, it shall mean the Seattle edition of that code, including any local amendments. References to the "Building Code," "Fire Code," "Mechanical Code" and "Plumbing Code" mean the Seattle editions of those codes. SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS *** [W] ADULT FAMILY HOME. A dwelling licensed by the state of Washington in which a person or persons provide personal care, special care, room and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services. *** [W] AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION. An insulation having an air permeance equal to or less than 0.02 L/s-m 2 at 75 Pa pressure differential tested in accordance with ASTM E2178 or ASTM E283. ***
AWNING. A protective covering with a nonrigid surface projecting from a building. (( AWNING SIGN. A sign applied to the surface of an awning or canopy. ***
[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The (( ***
CANOPY. (( *** [W] CHILD CARE. T he care of children during any period of a 24-hour day. [W] CHILD CARE, FAMILY HOME. A child care facility, licensed by the state of Washington, located in the dwelling of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of 12 or fewer children, including children who reside at the home. *** CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEPHONE. A telephone with a dedicated line such as a house phone, courtesy phone or phone that must be used to gain entrance to a facility. *** [A] CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Written, graphic and pictorial documents , in electronic or paper format, prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit and final approval of construction . *** COVERED BOAT MOORAGE. A pier or system of floating or fixed accessways to which vessels on water may be secured, and any portion of which is covered by a roof. *** CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER. A prefabricated engineered wood product consisting of at least three layers of solid-sawn lumber or structural composite lumber where the adjacent layers are cross-oriented and bonded with structural adhesive to form a solid wood element. ***
((
*** DEFERRED SUBMITTALS . Those portions of the design that are not submitted at the time of the application and that are to be submitted to the building official within a specified period. Deferred submittals include but are not limited to shop drawings for truss systems and sprinkler systems. *** DISPLAY SURFACE. The area of a sign structure used to display the advertising message. *** ELECTRIC SIGN. Any sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source. *** EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM. An electrical system that complies with Seattle Electrical Code Article 700. ***
EXISTING BUILDING, EXISTING STRUCTURE ( Except for Section 1612.2 (( ***
EXIT PASSAGEWAY. An exit component that (( *** FEE SUBTITLE. Seattle Municipal Code Title 22, Subtitle IX. *** FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The chief of the Seattle Fire Department or a duly authorized representative. *** FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM. A system of smoke or heat detectors monitored at an approved central station, with no requirement for notification appliances in the building. *** FIRE DISTRICT. 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 southeasterly 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 the 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 the 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. Buildings and structures located partially within and partially outside the Fire District are considered to be located in the Fire District. See Figure 202F. Figure 202F
FIRE-RETARDANT COVERING. Material with a flame spread rating of less than 15 when tested to ASTM E 84. *** FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measured from the building face to one of the following: 1. The closest interior lot line;
2. To the (( 3. To an imaginary line between two buildings on the lot. The distance shall be measured at right angles from the face of the wall.
FIRE WALL. A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof(( *** FLAMMABLE VAPOR AREA. An area in which the concentration of flammable constituents (vapor, gas, fume, mist or dust) in air exceeds 25 percent of their lower flammable limit (LFL) because of the flammable finish processes operation. It includes: 1. The interior of spray booths. 2. The interior of ducts exhausting from spraying processes. 3. Any area in the direct path of spray or any area containing dangerous quantities of air-suspended powder, combustible residue, dust, deposits, vapor or mists as a result of spraying operations. 4. The area in the vicinity of dip tanks, drain boards or associated drying, conveying or other equipment during operation or shutdown periods. The building official is authorized to determine the extent of the flammable vapor area, taking into consideration the material characteristics of the flammable materials, the degree of sustained ventilation and the nature of the operations. *** GRADE PLANE. A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet (1829 mm) from the building, between the building and a point 6 feet (1829 mm) from the building. For grade of structures built over water, see Section 425.3. *** HEIGHT, BUILDING. The vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface other than rooftop structures complying with Section 1509 . ***
HISTORIC BUILDINGS. (( *** [W] HOSPICE CARE CENTER. A building or portion thereof used on a 24-hour basis for the provision of hospice services to terminally ill inpatients. ***
(( *** LAND USE CODE. Seattle Land Use Code, Title 23 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as amended. LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY. Any activity that results in a movement of earth, or a change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and nonvegetative) or the existing topography. Land-disturbing activities include, but are not limited to, clearing, grading, filling, excavation or addition or replacement of impervious surface. LANDMARK. A building or structure that is subject to a requirement to obtain a certificate of approval from the City Landmarks Preservation Board before altering or making significant changes to specific features or characteristics, that has been nominated for designation and the City Landmarks Preservation Board has not issued a determination regarding designation, that has been designated for preservation by the City Landmarks Preservation Board, that has been designated for preservation by the State of Washington, that has been listed or determined eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or that is located in a landmark or special review district subject to a requirement to obtain a certificate of approval before making a change to the external appearance of a structure. *** LIMITED SPRAYING SPACE. An area in which operations for touch-up or spot painting of a surface area of 9 square feet (0.84 m 2 ) or less are conducted. *** MAILBOXES. Receptacles for the receipt of documents, packages or other deliverable matter. Mailboxes include, but are not limited to, post office boxes and receptacles provided by commercial mail-receiving agencies, apartment houses and schools. *** MARINA. A facility, generally on the waterfront, that stores and services boats in berths, on moorings, and in dry storage or dry stack storage. ***
MARQUEE. (( *** [W] NIGHTCLUB. An A-2 occupancy under the 2006 International Building Code in which the aggregate area of concentrated use of unfixed chairs and standing space that is specifically designated and primarily used for dancing or viewing performers exceeds 350 square feet (33 m 2 ), excluding adjacent lobby areas. "Nightclub" does not include theaters with fixed seating, banquet halls, or lodge halls. *** NON-PRODUCTION LABORATORY FACILITY. A facility where the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of chemicals are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person. It is a workplace where chemicals are used or synthesized on a nonproduction basis. [W] NONSTRUCTURAL CONCRETE. Any element made of plain or reinforced concrete that is not part of a structural system required to transfer either gravity or lateral loads to the ground. NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM. The moldings, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing or cutouts which are attached to the sign structure. ***
[A] PERSON. An individual, (( *** PIER. 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 boats may be moored alongside for loading, unloading, storage, repairs or commercial uses. *** [W] PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, that 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. *** PRIVATE TRANSFORMER VAULT. Vaults that contain transformer equipment that is not owned by Seattle City Light or other electric power utility. PROJECTING SIGN. A sign other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure. *** RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. Those solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse, such as papers, metals and glass. ***
(( ***
(( *** ROOF SIGN. A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure. *** SECONDARY MEMBERS. The following structural members shall be considered secondary members and not part of the primary structural frame: 1. Structural members not having direct connections to the columns; 2. Members of the floor construction and roof construction not having direct connections to the columns; and 3. Bracing members other than those that are part of the primary structural frame. Interpretation I202S: A secondary member (component or subsystem) is a structurally significant portion of the building that is supported by the primary structural frame, but which does not contribute to the strength or stability of the primary structure. Secondary members have internal structural integrity to perform their function and have their interactions with and attachments to, the primary structural frame analyzed and designed to assure proper integration within the total structure. *** SLIP. A berthing space between or adjacent to piers, wharves, or docks; the water areas associated with boat moorage. [W] SMALL BUSINESS. Any business entity (including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership or other legal entity) which is owned and operated independently from all other businesses, which has the purpose of making a profit, and which has 50 or fewer employees. *** SPRAY BOOTH. A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely. SPRAY ROOM. A room designed to accommodate spraying operations separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum 1-hour fire barrier. *** SPRAYING SPACE. An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The building official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any specific case. *** STANDBY POWER SYSTEM, LEGALLY REQUIRED. An electrical power system that complies with Seattle Electrical Code Article 701, Legally Required Standby Systems, and Chapter 27. ***
STORY. That portion of a building , including basements, located ((
STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in which the finished surface of the next floor (( 1. More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or
2. More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finished ground level ((
Figure 202S Story Above Grade Plane *** STRUCTURAL ENGINEER IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. A structural engineer licensed to practice under the laws of the State of Washington who is engaged by the owner to review and coordinate structural design aspects of the project, as determined by the building official, for compatibility with the design of the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others, deferred submittal documents and phased submittal documents. ***
STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. The visual observation of the structural system by a registered design professional for general conformance to theapproved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the
inspection required by Section 108 (( *** STRUCTURALLY QUALIFIED PRODUCTS. Products that have been prequalified based on current acceptance and certification by an accepted authority such as International Code Council (ICC), 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. ***
((
SUBSTRUCTURE. The portion of the construction below and including the deck immediately above the water. *** SUPERSTRUCTURE. The portion of construction above the deck. Exception: Covered boat moorage. ***
(( *** TRANSIENT LODGING. A building, facility or portion thereof, excluding inpatient medical care facilities and longterm care facilities, that contains one or more dwelling units or sleeping units. Examples of transient lodging include, but are not limited to, resorts, group homes, hotels, motels, dormitories, homeless shelters, halfway houses and social service lodging. *** UNSAFE. Structurally unsound, provided with inadequate egress, constituting a fire hazard, or otherwise dangerous to human life, or constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare. *** [F] USE (MATERIAL). Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases. Interpretation I202U: 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. UTILITY TRANSFORMER VAULT. Vaults containing transformer equipment owned by Seattle City Light or other electric power utility. ***
(( *** WHARF. A structure or bulkhead constructed of wood, stone, concrete or similar material built at the shore of a harbor, lake or river for vessels to lie alongside of, and to anchor piers or floats. *** Section 4. The following sections of Chapter 3 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION *** SECTION 305 EDUCATIONAL GROUP E *** [W] 305.2.4 Family home child care. Family home child care licensed by Washington State for the care of twelve or fewer children shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code. *** SECTION 308 INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I *** 308.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: 24-HOUR CARE. CUSTODIAL CARE. DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES. FOSTER CARE FACILITIES. [W] HOSPICE CARE CENTER. HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. MEDICAL CARE. NURSING HOMES. 308.3 Institutional Group I-1. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than 16 persons who reside on a 24 hour basis in a supervised environment and receive custodial care. The persons receiving care are capable of self preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Alcohol and drug centers Assisted living facilities Congregate care facilities Convalescent facilities Group homes Halfway houses Residential board and custodial care facilities Social rehabilitation facilities 308.3.1 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility such as the above with five or fewer persons receiving such care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the International Residential Code.
[W] 308.3.2 Licensed care facilities. Assisted living facilities licensed by Washington State under chapter 388-78A WAC and residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington State under chapter 246-337 WAC shall be
classified as Group R-2. (( [W] 308.3.3 Adult family homes. Adult family homes licensed by Washington state shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code. [W] 308.4 Institutional Group I-2. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Foster care facilities Detoxification facilities Hospice care centers Hospitals Nursing homes Psychiatric hospitals 308.4.1 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility such as the above with five or fewer persons receiving such care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the International Residential Code. [W] 308.4.2 Licensed care facilities. Assisted living facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 388-78A WAC and residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 246-337 WAC shall be classified as Group R-2. *** 308.6 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. This group shall include buildings and structures occupied by more than five persons of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Adult day care Child day care 308.6.1 Classification as Group E. A child day care facility that provides care for more than five but no more than 100 children 2-1/2 years or less of age, where the rooms in which the children are cared for are located on a level of exit discharge serving such rooms and each of these child care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E. 308.6.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy. 308.6.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy. 308.6.4 Five or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code. [W] 308.6.5 Family home child care. Family home child care licensed by Washington state for the care of 12 or fewer children shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code. *** SECTION 310 RESIDENTIAL GROUP R *** [W] 310.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: ADULT FAMILY HOME. BOARDING HOUSE. CHILD CARE. CHILD CARE, FAMILY HOME. CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES. DORMITORY. GROUP HOME. PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. TRANSIENT. 310.3 Residential Group R-1. Residential occupancies containing sleeping units where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, including: Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupants Congregate living facilities (transient) with more than 10 occupants Hotels (transient) Motels (transient) [W] 310.4 Residential Group R-2. Residential occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including: Apartment houses Assisted living facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 388-78A WAC Boarding houses (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants Convents Dormitories Fraternities and sororities Hotels (nontransient) Live/work units Monasteries Motels (nontransient) Residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state under Chapter 246-337 WAC Vacation timeshare properties
310.5 Residential Group R-3. Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as Group R-1, R-2, (( Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units Boarding houses (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Boarding houses (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants Care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons receiving care Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants 310.5.1 Care facilities within a dwelling. Care facilities for five or fewer persons receiving care that are within a singlefamily dwelling are permitted to comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the International Residential Code. [W] 310.5.2 Adult family homes, family home child care. Adult family homes and family home child care facilities that are within a single-family home are permitted to comply with the International Residential Code. [W] 310.5.3 Foster family care homes. Foster family care homes licensed by Washington state are permitted to comply with the International Residential Code, as an accessory use to a dwelling, for six or fewer children including those of the resident family.
((
SECTION 311 STORAGE GROUP S 311.1 Storage Group S. Storage Group S occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy. 311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Buildings occupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to, storage of the following: Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3 Aircraft hangar (storage and repair) Bags: cloth, burlap and paper Bamboos and rattan Baskets Belting: canvas and leather Books and paper in rolls or packs Boots and shoes Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone Cardboard and cardboard boxes Clothing, woolen wearing apparel Cordage Dry boat storage (indoor) Furniture Furs Glues, mucilage, pastes and size Grains Horns and combs, other than celluloid Leather Linoleum Lumber Motor vehicle and marine repair garages complying with the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials listed in Table 307.1(1) (see Section 406.8) Photo engravings Resilient flooring Silks Soaps Sugar Tires, bulk storage of Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff Upholstery and mattresses Wax candles 311.3 Low-hazard storage, Group S-2. Includes, among others, buildings used for the storage of noncombustible materials such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings. Such products are permitted to have a negligible amount of plastic trim, such as knobs, handles or film wrapping. Group S-2 storage uses shall include, but not be limited to, storage of the following: Asbestos Beverages up to and including 16-percent alcohol in metal, glass or ceramic containers Cement in bags Chalk and crayons Covered boat moorage not classified as Group U Dairy products in nonwaxed coated paper containers Dry cell batteries Electrical coils Electrical motors Empty cans Food products Foods in noncombustible containers Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers Frozen foods Glass Glass bottles, empty or filled with noncombustible liquids Gypsum board Inert pigments Ivory Meats Metal cabinets Metal desks with plastic tops and trim Metal parts Metals Mirrors Oil-filled and other types of distribution transformers Parking garages, open or enclosed Porcelain and pottery Stoves Talc and soapstones Washers and dryers SECTION 312 UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS GROUP U 312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Agricultural buildings Aircraft hangars, accessory to a oneor two-family residence (see Section 412.5) Barns Carports Covered boat moorage accessory to Group R-3 dwelling unit Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy Greenhouses Livestock shelters Private garages Retaining walls Sheds Stables Tanks Towers Section 5. The following sections of Chapter 4 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY *** SECTION 402 COVERED MALL AND OPEN MALL BUILDINGS ***
(( *** [F] 402.7 Emergency systems. Covered and open mall buildings , anchor buildings and associated parking garages shall be provided with emergency systems complying with Sections 402.7.1 through 402.7.5. [F] 402.7.1 Standpipe system. Covered and open mall buildings shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.3. [F] 402.7.2 Smoke control. Where a covered mall building contains an atrium, a smoke control system shall be provided in accordance with Section 404.5. Exception: A smoke control system is not required in covered mall buildings where an atrium connects only two stories.
[F] 402.7.3 (( [F] 402.7.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. Where the total floor area is greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m 2 ) within either a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building, an emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems serving a mall, required or otherwise, shall be accessible to the fire department. The systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. [F] 402.7.5 Fire department access to equipment. Rooms or areas containing controls for air-conditioning systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, automatic sprinkler systems or other detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for use by the fire department. *** SECTION 403 HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS 403.1 Applicability. High-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.2 through 403.6. Exception: The provisions of Sections 403.2 through 403.6 shall not apply to the following buildings and structures: 1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 412.3. 2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5. 3. Buildings with a Group A-5 occupancy in accordance with Section 303.6. 4. Special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1. 5. Buildings with a Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 occupancy in accordance with Section 415. Interpretation I403.1a: Item 2 only includes buildings in which parking is the principal use. Interpretation I403.1b: For the purpose of this section, occupied roof decks are considered floors used for human occupancy if the occupant load of the deck is ten or more on the roof of a building not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system or where the occupant load is 50 or more on the roof of a building that is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. 403.1.1 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 code official, to review the proposed emergency life safety systems for the building and the protection of the life safety systems. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire code official of the proposed systems and to allow for design based upon the latest state-of-the-art. The building official and fire code official are permitted to 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 code official 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 Planning and Development's records. The sequence and timing of operation of smoke and heat detection systems shall be determined at the predesign conference. 403.1.2 Testing . All mechanical and electrical equipment installed according to 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 code official before issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Such systems shall be maintained in accordance with the Fire Code. 403.2 Construction. The construction of high-rise buildings shall comply with the provisions of Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4. 403.2.1 Reduction in fire-resistance rating. The fireresistance-rating reductions listed in Sections 403.2.1.1 and 403.2.1.2 shall be allowed in buildings that have sprinkler control valves equipped with supervisory initiating devices and water-flow initiating devices for each floor. 403.2.1.1 Type of construction. The following reductions in the minimum fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Table 601 shall be permitted as follows: 1. For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IA construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fire-resistance ratings for the building elements in Type IB.
Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of (( 2. In other than Group F-1, M and S-1 occupancies, the fireresistance rating of the building elements in Type IB construction other than structural frame and bearing walls shall be permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA. 3. The building height and building area limitations of a building containing building elements with reduced fireresistance ratings shall be permitted to be the same as the building without such reductions. 403.2.1.2 Shaft enclosures. For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, the required fireresistance rating of the fire barriers enclosing vertical shafts, other than exit enclosures and elevator hoistway enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to 1 hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shafts at the top and at alternate floor levels. 403.2.2 Seismic considerations. For seismic considerations, see Chapter 16. 403.2.3 Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures. For high-rise buildings of Risk Category III or IV in accordance with Section 1604.5, for fire service access elevators , and for all buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.3.1 through 403.2.3.4. 403.2.3.1 Wall assembly. The wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall meet or exceed Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629/C 1629M. 403.2.3.2 Wall assembly materials. The face of the wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures that are not exposed to the interior of the enclosures for interior exit stairways or elevator hoistway enclosure shall be constructed in accordance with one of the following methods: 1. The wall assembly shall incorporate no fewer than two layers of impact-resistant construction board each of which meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629/C 1629M. 2. The wall assembly shall incorporate no fewer than one layer of impact-resistant construction material that meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629/C 1629M. 3. The wall assembly incorporates multiple layers of any material, tested in tandem, that meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629/C 1629M. 403.2.3.3 Concrete and masonry walls. Concrete or masonry walls shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2. 403.2.3.4 Other wall assemblies. Any other wall assembly that provides impact resistance equivalent to that required by Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2 for Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3, as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629/C 1629M, shall be permitted. 403.2.4 Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM). The bond strength of the SFRM installed throughout the building shall be in accordance with Table 403.2.4. TABLE 403.2.4 MINIMUM BOND STRENGTH
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kW/m 2 . a. Above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. [F] 403.3 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings and structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a secondary water supply where required by Section 903.3.5.2. See Section 903.3.1.1.2 for additional requirements for sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in spaces or areas of((
[F] 403.3.1 Number of sprinkler risers and system design. Each sprinkler system zone in buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height shall be supplied by no fewer than two risers. Each riser shall supply sprinklers on alternate floors. If more than two risers are provided for a zone, sprinklers on adjacent floors shall not be supplied from the same riser. [F] 403.3.1.1 Riser location. Sprinkler risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1015.2.
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[F] 403.3.3 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1. [F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.9. [F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1. [F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13. [F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3. [F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. [F] 403.4.5 Emergency responder radio coverage. Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the International Fire Code. [F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.
403.4.7 No requirements. ((
[F] 403.4.8 No requirements. ((
[F] 403.4.9 Emergency power systems. An emergency power system complying with Chapter 27 and Section 403.4.9.2 shall be provided for emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.9.1. [F] 403.4.9.1 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads: 1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10; 2. Elevator car lighting; 3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems; 4. Automatic fire detection systems;
5. Fire alarm systems; (( 6. Electrically powered fire pumps ; 7. Power and lighting for mechanical equipment rooms and the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6; 8. Lighting for elevator machine rooms, machine spaces and control rooms ; 9. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for pressurized stairways; 10. Smoke control system; and 11. A selected elevator in each bank, in accordance with Section 3016.6. Note : A bank of elevators is a group of elevators or a single elevator controlled by a common operating system. All elevators that respond to a single call button constitute a bank of elevators. All elevators shall be transferable to an emergency power system. There is no limit on the number of cars that are permitted to be in a bank, but no more than four cars are permitted within a common hoistway. See Section 3016.7. 12. For fire service and occupant evacuation elevators: 12. 1. Operation of all elevator cars. 12.2. Elevator controller cooling equipment. 12.3. Elevator machine room ventilation and cooling equipment. 12.4. For fire service access elevators only, elevator hoistway lighting. 403.4.9.2 Special requirements for emergency power systems. Emergency power systems shall be located in a separate room enclosed with two-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers and horizontal assemblies. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center. Exceptions: 1. Where located within a sprinklered parking garage of Type I or II construction, emergency power and legally required standby power systems with fixed fuel quantities meeting the limits of Section 603.3 of the International Fire Code, and their transfer switches, are not required to be in a separate room. Other occupancies located in the story where the system is located shall be separated from the system by fire barriers with a minimum 1 hour fire-resistance rating. 2. Combustion and radiator intake air are permitted to be transferred from the adjacent garage. Radiator discharge air is permitted to be transferred to the adjacent garage. Radiator ventilation intake and discharge air locations shall be separated to maintain the radiator ventilation intake air temperature below the maximum temperature allowed to meet the emergency and legally required standby power system loads. 403.5 Means of egress and evacuation. The means of egress in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.5.1 through 403.5.6. 403.5.1 Remoteness of interior exit stairways. Required interior exit stairways shall be separated by a distance not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest points of the interior exit stairways. In buildings with three or more interior exit stairways, no fewer than two of the interior exit stairways shall comply with this section. Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be counted as one interior exit stairway. Exception: In buildings containing primarily Group R occupancies, required interior exit stairways are permitted to be separated by a distance not less than 15 feet (4572 mm). 403.5.2 Additional exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, one additional exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1009 and 1022 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1021.1. The total width of any combination of remaining exit stairways with one exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total width required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairs shall not be considered the additional exit stairway required by this section.
Exception: (( 403.5.3 Stairway door operation. Stairway doors other than the exit discharge doors shall be permitted to be locked from the stairway side. Stairway doors that are locked from the stairway side shall be capable of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the fire command center and shall be capable of being unlocked simultaneously and automatically upon a signal from a fire alarm originating anywhere in the building . When stairway doors are installed that are not locked from the stairway side, wiring shall be installed to facilitate future installations of locking hardware .
403.5.3.1 Stairway communication system. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each stairway (( 403.5.3.2 Stairway penthouses. All required interior exit stairways shall terminate at the roof in a penthouse with a door complying with Sections 1008.1.1 and 1008.1.2. The building official is permitted to approve an alternate design at the pre-design conference.
403.5.4 (( Exception: Unless required by other sections of this code, portions of such stairways which serve floors below the level of exit discharge are not required to comply with Sections 909.20 and 1022.10 if the portion of the stairway below the level of exit discharge is separated from the pressurized stairway with not less than 1 hour fire barriers or horizontal assemblies or both. 403.5.5 Luminous egress path markings. Luminous egress path markings shall be provided in accordance with Section 1024. 403.5.6 Emergency escape and rescue. Emergency escape and rescue openings required by Section 1029 are not required.
403.6 Elevators. Elevator installation and operation in highrise buildings shall comply with Chapter 30 and this section. (( In buildings with an elevator landing located more than 160 feet (48 768 mm) above the lowest level of fire department access, access to each floor shall be provided by not less than two elevators served by separate machine rooms.
403.6.1 Fire service access elevator. In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, no fewer than two fire service access elevators, or all elevators, whichever is less,
shall be provided in accordance with this section (( 403.6.1.1 General. Where required by Section 403.6.1, every floor of the building shall be served by fire service access elevators complying with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.9.1. Except as modified in this section, fire service access elevators shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and ASME A17.1/CSA B44. 403.6.1.2 Phase I emergency recall operation. Actuation of any building fire alarm-initiating device shall initiate Phase I emergency recall operation on all fire service access elevators in accordance with the requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44. All other elevators shall remain in normal service unless Phase I emergency recall operation is manually initiated by a separate, required three-position, key-operated "Fire Recall" switch or automatically initiated by the associated elevator lobby, hoistway or elevator machine room smoke detectors. In addition, if the building also contains occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 403.6.2, an independent, three-position, key-operated "Fire Recall" switch conforming to the applicable requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 shall be provided at the designated level for each fire service access elevator. 403.6.1.3 Water protection. An approved method to prevent water from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure from the operation of the automatic sprinkler system outside the fire service access elevator lobby shall be provided. 403.6.1.4 Hoistway enclosures. The fire service access elevator hoistway shall be located in a shaft enclosure complying with Section 713. 403.6.1.5 Hoistway lighting. When fire-fighters' emergency operation is active, the entire height of the hoistway shall be illuminated at not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) as measured from the top of the car of each fire service access elevator. 403.6.1.6 Fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator shall open into a fire service access elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 403.6.1.6.1 through 403.6.1.6.5. Exception: Where a fire service access elevator has two entrances onto a floor, the second entrance shall be permitted to open into an elevator lobby in accordance with Section 713.14.1. 403.6.1.6.1 Access. The fire service access elevator lobby shall have direct access to an enclosure for an interior exit stairway. 403.6.1.6.2 Lobby enclosure. The fire service access elevator lobby shall be enclosed with a smoke barrier having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, except that lobby doorways shall comply with Section 403.6.1.6.3. Exceptions: 1. Enclosed fire service access elevator lobbies are not required at the levels of exit discharge. 2. Enclosed fire service access elevator lobbies are not required for elevators with pressurized hoistways. 403.6.1.6.3 Lobby doorways. Other than the door to the hoistway, each doorway to a fire service access elevator lobby shall be provided with a 3/4-hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716.5. The fire door assembly shall also comply with the smoke and draft control door assembly requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 with the UL 1784 test conducted without the artificial bottom seal. 403.6.1.6.4 Lobby size. Each enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m 2 ) in an area with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2440 mm). 403.6.1.6.5 Fire service access elevator symbol. A pictorial symbol of a standardized design designating which elevators are fire service access elevators shall be installed on each side of the hoistway door frame on the portion of the frame at right angles to the fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be designed as shown in Figure 403.6.1.6.5 and shall comply with the following: 1. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height.
2. The vertical center line of the fire service access elevator symbol shall be centered on the hoistway door frame. Each symbol shall not be less than 78 inches (1981 mm), and not more than 84 (2134 mm) inches above the finished floor at the
threshold. FIGURE 403.6.1.6.5 FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR SYMBOL 403.6.1.7 Elevator system monitoring. The fire service access elevator shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center by a standard emergency service interface system meeting the requirements of NFPA 72. 403.6.1.8 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or emergency power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, or shall be circuit integrity cable having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations. 403.6.1.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the fire service access elevator lobby. 403.6.1.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the fire service access elevator lobby.
403.6.2 Occupant evacuation elevators. Where installed in accordance with (( 403.6.2.1 General. Where elevators are to be used for occupant self-evacuation during fires, all passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with Sections 403.6.2.1.1 through 403.6.2.9.1. Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, they shall also comply with these sections. 403.6.2.1.1 Additional exit stairway . Where an additional means of egress is required in accordance with Section 403.5.2, an additional exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings provided with occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 403.6.2. 403.6.2.1.2 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The building shall have an approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 404 of the International Fire Code. The fire safety and evacuation plan shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using evacuation elevators. 403.6.2.2 Phase I emergency recall operation . An independent, three-position, key-operated "Fire Recall" switch complying with ASME A17.1/CSA B44 shall be provided at the designated level for each occupant evacuation elevator. 403.6.2.2.1 Operation. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be used for occupant self-evacuation only in the normal elevator operating mode prior to Phase I Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with the requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and the building's fire safety and evacuation plan. 403.6.2.2.2 Activation. Occupant evacuation elevator systems shall be activated by any of the following: 1. The operation of an automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1; 2. Fire alarm initiating devices required by another provision of the code that do not initiate Phase I Emergency Recall Operation; 3. Approved manual controls. 403.6.2.3 Water protection. An approved method to prevent water from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure from the operation of the automatic sprinkler system outside the occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be provided. 403.6.2.4 Hoistway enclosure protection. Occupant evacuation elevator hoistways shall be located in shaft enclosures complying with Section 713. 403.6.2.5 Occupant evacuation elevator lobby. The occupant evacuation elevators shall open into an elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 403.6.2.5.1 through 403.6.2.5.7.2. 403.6.2.5.1 Access. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have direct access to an interior exit stairway or ramp. 403.6.2.5.2 Lobby enclosure. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be enclosed with a smoke barrier having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, except that lobby doorways shall comply with Section 403.6.2.5.3. Exceptions: 1. Enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobbies are not required at the levels of exit discharge. 2. Elevators with pressurized hoistways are not required to comply with Section 403.6.2.5.2. 403.6.2.5.3 Lobby doorways. Other than the door to the hoistway, each doorway to an occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be provided with a 3/4-hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716.5. The fire door assembly shall also comply with the smoke and draft control assembly requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 with the UL 1784 test conducted without the artificial bottom seal. 403.6.2.5.3.1 Vision panel. A vision panel shall be installed in each fire door assembly protecting the lobby doorway. The vision panel shall consist of fire-protectionrated glazing and shall be located to furnish clear vision of the occupant evacuation elevator lobby. 403.6.2.5.3.2 Door closing. Each fire door assembly protecting the lobby doorway shall be automatic-closing upon receipt of any fire alarm signal from the emergency voice/alarm communication system serving the building. 403.6.2.5.4 Lobby size. Each occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have minimum floor area as follows: 1. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate, at 3 square feet (0.28 m 2 ) per person, not less than 25 percent of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby. 2. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area also shall accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 48 inches (760 mm by 1220 mm) for each 50 persons, or portion thereof, of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby. Exception: The size of lobbies serving multiple banks of elevators shall have the minimum floor area approved on an individual basis and shall be consistent with the building's fire safety and evacuation plan. 403.6.2.5.5 Signage. An approved sign indicating elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation shall be posted on all floors adjacent to each elevator call station serving occupant evacuation elevators. 403.6.2.5.6 Lobby status indicator. Each occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be equipped with a status indicator arranged to display all of the following information: 1. An illuminated green light and the message, "Elevators available for occupant evacuation," when the elevators are operating in normal service and the fire alarm system is indicating an alarm in the building. 2. An illuminated red light and the message, "Elevators out of service, use exit stairs," when the elevators are in Phase I emergency recall operation in accordance with the requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44. 3. No illuminated light or message when the elevators are operating in normal service. 403.6.2.5.7 Two-way communication system. A two-way communication system shall be provided in each occupant evacuation elevator lobby for the purpose of initiating communication with the fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department. 403.6.2.5.7.1 Design and installation. The two-way communication system shall include audible and visible signals and shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements in ICC A117.1. 403.6.2.5.7.2 Instructions. Instructions for the use of the two-way communication system along with the location of the station shall be permanently located adjacent to each station. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. 403.6.2.6 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information: 1. Floor location of each elevator car. 2. Direction of travel of each elevator car. 3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied. 4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator controller cooling equipment, and elevator machine room ventilation and cooling equipment. 5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator controller cooling equipment, and elevator machine room ventilation and cooling equipment. 6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room or machine space, or elevator hoistway. 403.6.2.7 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44. 403.6.2.8 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, or shall be circuit integrity cable having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations. 403.6.2.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. 403.6.2.9.1 Notification appliances. No fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby. 403.7 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 code official in establishing an operational plan for the building. The operational plan shall contain the guidelines and 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 code official, and one shall be posted in the central control station prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. 403.8 Signs. Signs complying with Sections 403.8.1 through 403.8.4 shall be provided in high-rise buildings. 403.8.1 Elevator lobbies. A sign shall be posted in every elevator lobby above each hall call fixture noting that the elevators will be recalled to the building lobby on fire alarm. Exception: If approved by the building official, signs need not be posted in lobbies at the main egress level if the means of egress are obviously identifiable. 403.8.2 Recall floor lobbies. A sign indicating the number of each elevator shall be posted and maintained in the elevator lobby at each designated recall floor and at alternate floors of recall, if provided. 403.8.3 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. 403.8.4 Other signs. Other signs required by this code, including but not limited to stairway identification signs required by Section 1022.9 and exit signs required by Section 1011, shall be provided. SECTION 404 ATRIUMS 404.1 General. In other than Group H occupancies, and where permitted by Section 712.1.6, the provisions of Sections 404.1 through 404.9 shall apply to buildings or structures containing vertical openings defined as "Atriums." 404.1.1 Definition. The following term is defined in Chapter 2: ATRIUM. 404.1.2 Predesign conference . A predesign conference is required for atriums connecting more than two stories. At least 60 days prior to application, the applicant shall arrange a predesign conference with the design team, the building official and the fire code official, to review the proposed smoke control and life safety systems for the building. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire code official of the proposed systems and to allow for a design based upon the latest state-of-the-art. The building official and fire code official are permitted to 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 code official have approved in writing the smoke control and life safety systems for the building. A summary of the substance of predesign meeting shall documented on the building plans and become a permanent part of the Department of Planning and Development's records. *** [F] 404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building. Exceptions: 1. That area of a building adjacent to or above the atrium need not be sprinklered provided that portion of the building is separated from the atrium portion by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
2. Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above (( *** 404.6 Enclosure of atriums. Atrium spaces shall be separated from adjacent spaces by a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Exceptions: 1. A fire barrier is not required where a glass wall forming a smoke partition is provided. The glass wall shall comply with all of the following: 1.1 Automatic sprinklers are provided along both sides of the separation wall and doors, or on the room side only if there is not a walkway on the atrium side. The sprinklers shall be located between 4 inches and 12 inches (102 mm and 305 mm) away from the glass and at intervals along the glass not greater than 6 feet (1829 mm). The sprinkler system shall be designed so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon activation of the sprinkler system without obstruction; 1.2. The glass wall shall be installed in a gasketed frame in a manner that the framing system deflects without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler system operates; and 1.3. Where glass doors are provided in the glass wall, they shall be either self-closing or automatic-closing. 2. A fire barrier is not required where a glass-block wall assembly complying with Section 2110 and having a 3/4-hour fire protection rating is provided. 3. A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces of any three floors of the atrium provided such spaces are accounted for in the design of the smoke control system. 4. A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces for atriums that connect only two stories. Code Alternate CA404.6 : The separation between the atrium and tenant spaces that are not guest rooms or dwelling units is permitted to be omitted on four floors when: 1. The building is of Type IA or IB construction; 2. The perimeter of the opening is protected by draft curtains and a row of automatic sprinkler heads not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) on center as required for escalator protection; 3. All spaces of the building separated from the atrium by less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction are equipped with an automatic smoke detection system; 4. Tenant spaces open to the atrium have access to two interior exit stairways 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. "Areas open to the atrium" are those areas that are not separated from the atrium with at least a 1-hour fire barrier.
[F] 404.7 (( Code Alternate CA404.7: An emergency power system is not required for smoke control systems in buildings that have at least two exits and atriums with a total volume of less than 40,000 cubic feet (1133 m 3 ). *** SECTION 405 UNDERGROUND BUILDINGS 405.1 General. The provisions of Sections 405.2 through 405.10 apply to building spaces having a floor level used for human occupancy more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge. Exception: The provisions of Section 405 are not applicable to the following buildings or portions of buildings: 1. Oneand two-family dwellings, sprinklered in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3. 2. Parking garages provided with automatic sprinkler systems in compliance with Section 405.3. 3. Fixed guideway transit systems that comply with NFPA 130 as amended . 4. Grandstands, bleachers, stadiums, arenas and similar facilities. 5. Where the lowest story is the only story that would qualify the building as an underground building and has an area not greater than 1,500 square feet (139 m 2 ) and has an occupant load less than 10. 6. Pumping stations and other similar mechanical spaces intended only for limited periodic use by service or maintenance personnel. *** 405.7 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be in accordance with Sections 405.7.1 and 405.7.2. 405.7.1 Number of exits. Each floor level shall be provided with no fewer than two exits. Where compartmentation is required by Section 405.4, each compartment shall have no fewer than one exit and shall also have no fewer than one exit access doorway into the adjoining compartment.
405.7.2 ((
[F] 405.8 No requirements. ((
[F] 405.9 Emergency power. An emergency power system complying with Chapter 27 shall be provided for emergency power loads specified in Section 405.9.1. [F] 405.9.1 Emergency power loads. The following loads are classified as emergency power loads: 1. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems. 2. Fire alarm systems. 3. Automatic fire detection systems. 4. Elevator car lighting. 5. Means of egress and exit sign illumination as required by Chapter 10. 6. Smoke control systems. 7. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures. 8. Fire pumps. 9. A selected elevator in each bank in accordance with Section 3016.6. A bank of elevators is a group of elevators or a single elevator controlled by a common operating system. All elevators that respond to a single call button constitute a bank of elevators. All elevators shall be transferable to an emergency power system. Note: There is no limit on the number of cars that are permitted to be in a bank, but no more than four cars are permitted within a common hoistway. See Section 3016.7. *** SECTION 406 MOTOR-VEHICLE-RELATED OCCUPANCIES *** 406.4 Public parking garages. Parking garages other than private parking garages, shall be classified as public parking garages and shall comply with the provisions of Sections 406.4.2 through 406.4.8 and shall be classified as either an open parking garage or an enclosed parking garage. Open parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.5. Enclosed parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.6. See Section 510 for special provisions for parking garages.
406.4.1 Clear height. The clear height of each floor level in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than (( 406.4.2 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance with Section 1013. Guards serving as vehicle barriers shall comply with Sections 406.4.3 and 1013. 406.4.3 Vehicle barriers. Vehicle barriers not less than 2 feet 9 inches (835 mm) in height shall be placed at the ends of drive lanes, and at the end of parking spaces where the vertical distance to the ground or surface directly below is greater than 1 foot (305 mm). Vehicle barriers shall comply with the loading requirements of Section 1607.8.3. Exception: Vehicle barriers are not required in vehicle storage compartments in a mechanical access parking garage. 406.4.4 Ramps. Vehicle ramps shall not be considered as required exits unless pedestrian facilities are provided. Vehicle ramps that are utilized for vertical circulation as well as for parking shall not exceed a slope of 1:15 (6.67 percent). 406.4.5 Floor surface. Parking surfaces shall be of concrete or similar noncombustible and nonabsorbent materials.
((
Exception((
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(( 406.4.6 Mixed occupancy separation. Parking garages shall be separated from other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.1. 406.4.7 Special hazards. Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuel-fired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation. Exception: A single door shall be allowed provided the sources of ignition in the appliance are not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor. 406.4.8 Attached to rooms. Openings from a parking garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. 406.5 Open parking garages. Open parking garages shall comply with Sections 406.5.1 through 406.5.11. 406.5.1 Construction. Open parking garages shall be of Type I, II or IV construction. Open parking garages shall meet the design requirements of Chapter 16. For vehicle barriers, see Section 406.4.3. 406.5.2 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 shall be not less than 20 percent of the total perimeter wall area of each tier. The aggregate length of the openings considered to be providing natural ventilation shall be not less than 40 percent of the perimeter of the tier. Interior walls shall be not less than 20 percent open with uniformly distributed openings. Exception: Openings are not required to be distributed over 40 percent of the building perimeter where the required openings are uniformly distributed over two opposing sides of the building. 406.5.2.1 Openings below grade. Where openings below grade provide required natural ventilation, the outside horizontal clear space shall be one and one-half times the depth of the opening. The width of the horizontal clear space shall be maintained from grade down to the bottom of the lowest required opening. 406.5.3 Uses. Mixed uses shall be allowed in the same building as an open parking garage subject to the provisions of Sections 402.4.2.3, 406.5.11, 508.1, 510.3, 510.4 and 510.7. 406.5.4 Area and height. Area and height of open parking garages shall be limited as set forth in Chapter 5 for Group S-2 occupancies and as further provided for in Section 508.1. 406.5.4.1 Single use. Where the open parking garage is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles, with no other uses in the building, the area and height shall be permitted to comply with Table 406.5.4, along with increases allowed by Section 406.5.5. Exception: The grade-level tier is permitted to contain an office, waiting and toilet rooms having a total combined area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ). Such area need not be separated from the open parking garage. In open parking garages 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 an open parking garage 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 in vehicle and pedestrian areas shall be not less than (( 406.5.5 Area and height increases. The allowable area and height of open parking garages shall be increased in accordance with the provisions of this section. Garages with sides open on three-fourths of the building's perimeter are permitted to be increased by 25 percent in area and one tier in height. Garages with sides open around the entire building's perimeter are permitted to be increased by 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. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm). Allowable tier areas in Table 406.5.4 shall be increased for open parking garages constructed to heights less than the table maximum. The gross tier area of the garage shall not exceed that permitted for the higher structure. No fewer than three sides of each such larger tier shall have continuous horizontal openings not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in clear height extending for not less than 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 not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) for the full length of the opening, and standpipes shall be provided in each such tier. Open parking garages of Type II construction, with all sides open, shall be unlimited in allowable area where the building 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. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm). All portions of tiers shall be within 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such openings or other natural ventilation openings as defined in Section 406.5.2. These openings shall be permitted to be provided in courts with a minimum dimension of 20 feet (6096 mm) for the full width of the openings. 406.5.6 Fire separation distance. Exterior walls and openings in exterior walls shall comply with Tables 601 and 602. The distance to an adjacent lot line shall be determined in accordance with Table 602 and Section 705. 406.5.7 Means of egress. Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted, open parking garages shall meet the means of egress requirements of Chapter 10. Where no persons other than parking attendants are permitted, there shall be no fewer than two exit stairways. Each exit stairway shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. Lifts shall be permitted to be installed for use of employees only, provided they are completely enclosed by noncombustible materials. [F] 406.5.8 Standpipe system. An open parking garage shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3. 406.5.9 Enclosure of vertical openings. Enclosure shall not be required for vertical openings except as specified in Section 406.5.7. 406.5.10 Ventilation. Ventilation , other than the percentage of openings specified in Section 406.5.2, shall not be required. 406.5.11 Prohibitions. The following uses and alterations are not permitted: 1. Vehicle 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 407 GROUP I-2 *** 407.4 Means of egress. Group I-2 occupancies shall be provided with means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and Sections 407.4.1 through 407.4.3. 407.4.1 Direct access to a corridor. Habitable rooms in Group I-2 occupancies shall have an exit access door leading directly to a corridor. Exceptions: 1. Rooms with exit doors opening directly to the outside at ground level. 2. Rooms arranged as care suites complying with Section 407.4.3 407.4.1.1 Locking devices. Locking devices that restrict access to a care recipient's room from the corridor and that are operable only by staff from the corridor side shall not restrict the means of egress from the care recipient's room. Exceptions: 1. This section shall not apply to rooms in psychiatric treatment and similar care areas. 2. Locking arrangements in accordance with Section 1008.1.9.6. 407.4.2 Travel distance. The travel distance between any point in a Group I-2 occupancy sleeping room and an exit access door in that room shall be not greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm). 407.4.3 Group I-2 care suites. Care suites in Group I-2 shall comply with Section 407.4.3.1 through 407.4.3.4 and either Section 407.4.3.5 or 407.4.3.6. 407.4.3.1 Exit access through care suites. Exit access from all other portions of a building not classified as a care suite shall not pass through a care suite. In a care suite required to have more than one exit, one exit access is permitted to pass through an adjacent care suite provided all of the other requirements of Sections 407.4 and 1014.2 are satisfied. [W] 407.4.3.2 Separation. Care suites shall be separated from other portions of the building by a smoke partition complying with Section 710. Partitions within suites are not required to be smoke resistant or fire resistance rated unless required by another section of this code. 407.4.3.3 One intervening room. For rooms other than sleeping rooms located within a care suite, exit access travel from the care suite shall be permitted through one intervening room where the travel distance to the exit access door from the care suite is not greater than 100 feet (30 480 mm). 407.4.3.4 Two intervening rooms. For rooms other than sleeping rooms located within a care suite, exit access travel within the care suite shall be permitted through two intervening rooms where the travel distance to the exit access door from the care suite is not greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm). 407.4.3.5 Care suites containing sleeping room areas. Sleeping rooms shall be permitted to be grouped into care suites with one intervening room if one of the following conditions is met: 1. The intervening room within the care suite is not used as an exit access for more than eight care recipient beds. 2. The arrangement of the care suite allows for direct and constant visual supervision by care providers. 407.4.3.5.1 Area. Care suites containing sleeping rooms shall be not greater than 5,000 square feet (465 m 2 ) in area. 407.4.3.5.2 Exit access. Any sleeping room, or any care suite that contains sleeping rooms, of more than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) shall have no fewer than two exit access doors from the care suite located in accordance with Section 1015.2. 407.4.3.5.3 Travel distance. The travel distance between any point in a care suite containing sleeping rooms and an exit access door from that care suite shall be not greater than 100 feet (30 480 mm). 407.4.3.6 Care suites not containing sleeping rooms. Areas not containing sleeping rooms, but only treatment areas and the associated rooms, spaces or circulation space shall be permitted to be grouped into care suites and shall conform to the limitations in Section 407.4.3.6.1 and 407.4.3.6.2. 407.4.3.6.1 Area. Care suites of rooms, other than sleeping rooms, shall have an area not greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ). 407.4.3.6.2 Exit access. Care suites , other than sleeping rooms, with an area of more than 2,500 square feet (232 m 2 ) shall have no fewer than two exit access doors from the care suite located in accordance with Section 1015.2. *** SECTION 412 AIRCRAFT-RELATED OCCUPANCIES *** 412.3 Airport traffic control towers. The provisions of Sections 412.3.1 through 412.3.5 shall apply to airport traffic control towers not exceeding 1,500 square feet (140 m 2 ) per floor occupied only for the following uses: 1. Airport traffic control cab. 2. Electrical and mechanical equipment rooms. 3. Airport terminal radar and electronics rooms. 4. Office spaces incidental to the tower operation. 5. Lounges for employees, including sanitary facilities. 412.3.1 Type of construction. Airport traffic control towers shall be constructed to comply with the height and area limitations of Table 412.3.2.
412.3.2 Egress. Not less than one exit stairway shall be permitted for airport traffic control towers of any height provided that the occupant load per floor is not greater than 15. The stairway shall conform to the requirements of Section 1009. The stairway shall be separated from elevators by a distance of not less than one-half of the diagonal of the area served measured in a straight line. The exit stairway and elevator hoistway are permitted to be located in the same shaft enclosure, provided they are separated from each other by a 4-hour fire barrier having no openings. Such stairway shall be pressurized to not less than 0.15 inch of water column (43 Pa) and not greater than 0.35 inch of water column (101 Pa) in the shaft relative to the building with stairway doors closed. Stairways need not extend to the roof as specified in Section 1009.16. The provisions of Section 403 do not apply.
(( [F] 412.3.3 Automatic fire detection systems. Airport traffic control towers shall be provided with an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.
[F] 412.3.4 Legally required standby (( 1. Pressurization equipment, mechanical equipment and lighting. 2. Elevator operating equipment. 3. Fire alarm and smoke detection systems. 412.3.5 Accessibility. Airport traffic control towers need not be accessible as specified in the provisions of Chapter 11. 412.4 Aircraft hangars. Aircraft hangars shall be in accordance with Sections 412.4.1 through 412.4.6. 412.4.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls located less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines or a public way shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 hours. 412.4.2 Basements. Where hangars have basements, floors over basements shall be of Type IA construction and shall be made tight against seepage of water, oil or vapors. There shall be no opening or communication between basements and the hangar. Access to basements shall be from outside only. 412.4.3 Floor surface. Floors shall be graded and drained to prevent water or fuel from remaining on the floor. Floor drains shall discharge through an oil separator to the sewer or to an outside vented sump. Exception: Aircraft hangars with individual lease spaces not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m 2 ) each in which servicing, repairing or washing is not conducted and fuel is not dispensed shall have floors that are graded toward the door, but shall not require a separator. 412.4.4 Heating equipment. Heating equipment shall be placed in another room separated by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Entrance shall be from the outside or by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation. Exceptions: 1. Unit heaters and vented infrared radiant heating equipment suspended not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the upper surface of wings or engine enclosures of the highest aircraft that are permitted to be housed in the hangar need not be located in a separate room provided they are mounted not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above the floor in shops, offices and other sections of the hangar communicating with storage or service areas. 2. Entrance to the separated room shall be permitted by a single interior door provided the sources of ignition in the appliances are not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor. 412.4.5 Finishing. The process of "doping," involving use of a volatile flammable solvent, or of painting, shall be carried on in a separate detached building equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing equipment in accordance with Section 903. [F] 412.4.6 Fire suppression. Aircraft hangars shall be provided with a fire suppression system designed in accordance with NFPA 409, based upon the classification for the hangar given in Table 412.4.6. Exception: Where a fixed base operator has separate repair facilities on site, Group II hangars operated by a fixed base operator used for storage of transient aircraft only shall have a fire suppression system, but the system is exempt from foam requirements. [F] 412.4.6.1 Hazardous operations. Any Group III aircraft hangar according to Table 412.4.6 that contains hazardous operations including, but not limited to, the following shall be provided with a Group I or II fire suppression system in accordance with NFPA 409 as applicable: 1. Doping. 2. Hot work including, but not limited to, welding, torch cutting and torch soldering. 3. Fuel transfer. 4. Fuel tank repair or maintenance not including defueled tanks in accordance with NFPA 409, inerted tanks or tanks that have never been fueled. 5. Spray finishing operations. 6. Total fuel capacity of all aircraft within the unsprinklered single fire area in excess of 1,600 gallons (6057 L). 7. Total fuel capacity of all aircraft within the maximum single fire area in excess of 7,500 gallons (28 390 L) for a hangar with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. [F] 412.4.6.2 Separation of maximum single fire areas. Maximum single fire areas established in accordance with hangar classification and construction type in Table 412.4.6 shall be separated by 2-hour fire walls constructed in accordance with Section 706. In determining the maximum single fire area as set forth in Table 412.4.6, ancillary uses which are separated from aircraft servicing areas by a fire barrier of not less than one hour, constructed in accordance with Section 707 shall not be included in the area. 412.4.6.3 Restrictions in the Fire District. Aircraft hangars shall not be located in the Fire District unless work is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame or welding.
[F] 412.7 Heliports and helistops. Heliports and helistops shall be permitted to be erected on buildings or other locations where they are constructed in accordance with Sections 412.7.1 through 412.7.5. [F] 412.7.1 Size. The landing area for helicopters less than 3,500 pounds (1588 kg) shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length and width. The landing area shall be surrounded on all sides by a clear area having a minimum average width at roof level of 15 feet (4572 mm) but with no width less than 5 feet (1524 mm). [F] 412.7.2 Design. Helicopter landing areas and the supports thereof on the roof of a building shall be noncombustible construction. Landing areas shall be designed to confine any flammable liquid spillage to the landing area itself and provisions shall be made to drain such spillage away from any exit or stairway serving the helicopter landing area or from a structure housing such exit or stairway. For structural design requirements, see Section 1605.4. [F] 412.7.3 Means of egress. The means of egress from heliports and helistops shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10. Landing areas located on buildings or structures shall have two or more means of egress. For landing areas less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in length or less than 2,000 square feet (186 m 2 ) in area, the second means of egress is permitted to be a fire escape, alternating tread device or ladder leading to the floor below. [F] 412.7.4 Rooftop heliports and helistops. Rooftop heliports and helistops shall comply with NFPA 418. [F] 412.7.5 Standpipe system. In buildings equipped with a standpipe system, the standpipe shall extend to the roof level in accordance with Section 905.3.6. 412.7.6 Restrictions in the Fire District. Heliports shall not be located in the Fire District. SECTION 413 COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE *** 413.3 Mini-storage warehouses . In mini-storage warehouse buildings, individual storage lockers shall be separated from each other with fire partitions. Exception: The separation between individual storage lockers is permitted to be non-rated in rooms 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) or less in area and in sprinklered rooms of any size. 413.4 Basement storage and sale of combustible materials. Storage and sale of combustible material in basements shall be in accordance with sections 413.4.1 through 413.4.5. Exception: Areas protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system that are separated from other areas in the basement by fire barriers with at least a one-hour fire resistance rating are not required to comply with this section. 413.4.1 Storage room size. Combustible material being stored or available for sales shall be placed in rooms no larger than 500 square feet (46.5 m 2 ). 413.4.2 Storage room construction. Each storage room shall be separated from other areas by fire barriers with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating. 413.4.3 Number of storage rooms. There shall be a maximum of three storage rooms within any one basement. 413.4.4 Storage room access. Each storage room shall be provided with access directly from the building exterior, or through a one-hour fire resistance rated corridor between each room and an exterior door or exit enclosure. 413.4.5 Storage room restrictions. Storage rooms shall not contain any material classified as a flammable liquid, hazardous material, or highly combustible material. SECTION 414 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS [F] 414.1 General. The provisions of Sections 414.1 through 414.7 shall apply to buildings and structures occupied for the manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials. [F] 414.1.1 Other provisions. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with this section and the applicable provisions of Section 415 and the International Fire Code. [F] 414.1.2 Materials. The safe design of hazardous material occupancies is material dependent. Individual material requirements are also found in Sections 307 and 415, and in the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire Code. [F] 414.1.2.1 Aerosols. Level 2 and 3 aerosol products shall be stored and displayed in accordance with the International Fire Code. See Section 311.2 and the International Fire Code for occupancy group requirements. [F] 414.1.3 Information required. A report shall be submitted to the building official identifying the maximum expected quantities of hazardous materials to be stored, used in a closed system and used in an open system, and subdivided to separately address hazardous material classification categories based on Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). The methods of protection from such hazards, including but not limited to control areas, fire protection systems and Group H occupancies shall be indicated in the report and on the construction documents. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official and provided without charge to the enforcing agency. For buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H, separate floor plans shall be submitted identifying the locations of anticipated contents and processes so as to reflect the nature of each occupied portion of every building and structure. 414.1.4 Pre-design conference. Prior to application for a permit for a Group H-5 Occupancy, the applicant shall arrange a pre-design conference with the design team, the building official and fire code official to review proposed emergency life safety systems for the building and the appropriate protection of the life safety systems. For Group H-4 occupancies, a pre-design conference is recommended. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain conceptual approval from the building official and the fire code official 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 code official are authorized to 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 code official 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 Planning and Development's records. 414.1.5 Hazardous material areas in buildings over 420 feet in building height. I n buildings in which an occupant evacuation elevator is used to comply with Section 403.5.2, no building areas shall contain hazardous materials exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area as addressed in Section 414.2. [F] 414.2 Control areas. Control areas shall comply with Sections 414.2.1 through 414.2.5 and the International Fire Code. [F] 414.2.1 Construction requirements. Control areas shall be separated from each other by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. [F] 414.2.2 Percentage of maximum allowable quantities. The percentage of maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials per control area permitted at each floor level within a building shall be in accordance with Table 414.2.2. Exception: Non-production laboratory facilities are permitted to be in accordance with Section 414.8.
[F] 414.2.3 Number. The maximum number of control areas within a building shall be in accordance with Table 414.2.2. Exception: Non-production laboratory facilities are permitted to be in accordance with Section 414.8. [F] 414.2.4 Fire-resistance-rating requirements. The required fire-resistance rating for fire barriers shall be in accordance with Table 414.2.2 or Table 414.8 for nonproduction laboratory facilities . The floor assembly of the control area and the construction supporting the floor of the control area shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Exception: The floor assembly of the control area and the construction supporting the floor of the control area are allowed to be 1-hour fire-resistance rated in buildings of Types IIA, IIIA and VA construction, provided that both of the following conditions exist: 1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; and 2. The building is three or fewer stories above grade plane. [F] 414.2.5 Hazardous material in Group M display and storage areas and in Group S storage areas. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials permitted within a single control area of a Group M display and storage area, a Group S storage area or an outdoor control area is permitted to exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area specified in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) without classifying the building or use as a Group H occupancy, provided that the materials are displayed and stored in accordance with the International Fire Code and quantities do not exceed the maximum allowable specified in Table 414.2.5(1). In Group M occupancy wholesale and retail sales uses, indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area as indicated in Table 414.2.5(2), provided that the materials are displayed and stored in accordance with the International Fire Code. The maximum quantity of aerosol products in Group M occupancy retail display areas, storage areas adjacent to retail display areas and retail storage areas shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code. ***
[F] 414.5 Inside storage, dispensing and use. The inside storage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Sections 414.5.1 through 414.5.4 of this code and the International Fire Code. [F] 414.5.1 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code as required by Table 414.5.1 where quantities of hazardous materials specified in that table exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 307.1(1) or where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving explosion hazards as required by Section 415 or the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.5.2 Monitor control equipment. Monitor control equipment shall be provided where required by the International Fire Code. [F] 414.5.3 Emergency or standby power. Where mechanical ventilation, treatment systems, temperature control, alarm, detection or other electrically operated systems are required by the International Fire Code or this code, such systems shall be provided with an emergency or legally required standby power system in accordance with Chapter 27 and the International Fire Code . Exceptions: 1. Emergency or standby power are not required for the following storage areas: 1.1. Mechanical ventilation for storage of Class IB and Class IC flammable and combustible liquids in closed containers not exceeding 6.5 gallons (25 L) capacity. 1.2. Storage areas for Class 1 and 2 oxidizers. 1.3. Storage areas for Class II, III, IV and V organic peroxides. 1.4. Storage, use and handling areas for asphyxiant, irritant and radioactive gases. 1.5. For storage, use and handling areas for highly toxic or toxic materials, see Sections 6004.2.2.8 and 6004.3.4.2 of the International Fire Code. 2. ((Standby)) Legally required standby power systems for mechanical ventilation, treatment systems and temperature control systems shall not be required where an approved failsafe engineered system is installed. [F] 414.5.4 Spill control, drainage and containment. Rooms, buildings or areas occupied for the storage of solid and liquid hazardous materials shall be provided with a means to control spillage and to contain or drain off spillage and fire protection water discharged in the storage area where required in the International Fire Code. The methods of spill control shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code. *** 414.8 Non-production laboratory facilities. Non-production laboratory facilities are permitted to comply with Sections 414.8.1 through 414.8.4. 414.8.1 Maximum allowable quantity per control area . The aggregate amount of hazardous materials in a control area shall not exceed the percentage specified in Table 414.8. 414.8.2 Fire-resistance-rating requirements. The required fire-resistance rating for fire barriers shall be in accordance with Table 414.8 for non-production laboratory facilities. 414.8.3 Storage. Storage in control areas shall be in accordance with this code and Sections 414.8.3.1 through 414.8.3.2. 414.8.3.1 Density . Storage of Class I flammable liquids shall not exceed 4 gallons per 100 square feet (0.13 L/m 2 ) of floor area above floor level 6. 414.8.3.2 Container size. Individual containers in storage shall not exceed 1 gallon (3.8 L) for Class I flammable liquids. 414.8.4 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout a building containing a non-production laboratory facility. The sprinkler system shall be designed to protect an ordinary hazard group 2 occupancy.
a. Table 414.8 applies to non-production laboratory facilities meeting the criteria of Section 414.8. b. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1 (2) with all increases allowed in the footnotes to those tables. c. Fire barriers shall include walls and floors as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building. d. Vertical fire barriers separating control areas from other spaces on the same floor may be one-hour rated. SECTION 415 GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5 *** [F] 415.5 Fire separation distance. Group H occupancies shall be located on property in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter. In Groups H-2 and H-3, not less than 25 percent of the perimeter wall of the occupancy shall be an exterior wall. Exceptions: 1. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms having a floor area of not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m2) need not be located on the outer perimeter of the building where they are in accordance with the International Fire Code and NFPA 30. 2. Liquid storage rooms having a floor area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) need not be located on the outer perimeter where they are in accordance with the International Fire Code and NFPA 30. 3. Spray paint booths that comply with the International Fire Code need not be located on the outer perimeter. [F] 415.5.1 Group H occupancy minimum fire separation distance. Regardless of any other provisions, buildings containing Group H occupancies shall be set back to the minimum fire separation distance as set forth in Sections 415.5.1.1 through 415.5.1.4. Distances shall be measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to lot lines, including those on a public way. Distances to assumed lot lines established for the purpose of determining exterior wall and opening protection are not to be used to establish the minimum fire separation distance for buildings on sites where explosives are manufactured or used when separation is provided in accordance with the quantity distance tables specified for explosive materials in the International Fire Code. [F] 415.5.1.1 Group H-1. Group H-1 occupancies shall be set back not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not less than required by the International Fire Code.
(( 415.5.1.1.1 Restrictions in the Fire District. Group H-1 occupancies shall not be located in the Fire District. [F] 415.5.1.2 Group H-2 . Group H-2 occupancies shall be set back not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) where the area of the occupancy is greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) and it is not required to be located in a detached building. 415.5.1.2.1 Restrictions in the Fire District. Group H-2 occupancies having a floor area in excess of 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) are not permitted in the Fire District. Group H-3 Occupancies having a floor area in excess of 1,500 square feet (139 m 2 ) are not permitted in the Fire District. [F] 415.5.1.3 Groups H-2 and H-3. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be set back not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) where a detached building is required (see Table 415.3.2). [F] 415.5.1.4 Explosive materials . Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing materials with explosive characteristics shall be separated as required by the International Fire Code. Where separations are not specified, the distances required shall be determined by a technical report issued in accordance with Section 414.1.3. [F] 415.5.2 Detached buildings for Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 occupancy. The storage or use of hazardous materials in excess of those amounts listed in Table 415.5.2 shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 415.6 and 415.7. [F] 415.5.2.1 Wall and opening protection. Where a detached building is required by Table 415.5.2, there are no requirements for wall and opening protection based on fire separation distance.
*** [F] 415.8 Group H-2. Occupancies in Group H-2 shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 415.8.1 through 415.8.4 and the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.1 Combustible dusts, grain processing and storage. The provisions of Sections 415.8.1.1 through 415.8.1.6 shall apply to buildings in which materials that produce combustible dusts are stored or handled. Buildings that store or handle combustible dusts shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 61, NFPA 85, NFPA 120, NFPA 484, NFPA 654, NFPA 655 and NFPA 664, and the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.1.1 Type of construction and height exceptions. Buildings shall be constructed in compliance with the height and area limitations of Table 503 for Group H-2; except that were erected of Type I or II construction, the heights and areas of grain elevators and similar structures shall be unlimited, and where of Type IV construction, the maximum building height shall be 65 feet (19 812 mm) and except further that, in isolated areas, the maximum building height of Type IV structures shall be increased to 85 feet (25 908 mm). [F] 415.8.1.2 Grinding rooms. Every room or space occupied for grinding or other operations that produce combustible dusts shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating of the enclosure shall be not less than 2 hours where the area is not more than 3,000 square feet (279 m 2 ), and not less than 4 hours where the area is greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m 2 ). [F] 415.8.1.3 Conveyors. Conveyors, chutes, piping and similar equipment passing through the enclosures of rooms or spaces shall be constructed dirt tight and vapor tight, and be of approved noncombustible materials complying with Chapter 30. [F] 415.8.1.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided as specified in the International Fire Code, or spaces shall be equipped with the equivalent mechanical ventilation complying with the International Mechanical Code. [F] 415.8.1.5 Grain elevators. Grain elevators, malt houses and buildings for similar occupancies shall not be located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of interior lot lines or structures on the same lot, except where erected along a railroad rightof-way. [F] 415.8.1.6 Coal pockets. Coal pockets located less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines or from structures on the same lot shall be constructed of not less than Type IB construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected along a railroad right-of-way, the minimum type of construction of such structures not more than 65 feet (19 812 mm) in building height shall be Type IV. [F] 415.8.2 Flammable and combustible liquids. The storage, handling, processing and transporting of flammable and combustible liquids in Groups H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 415.8.2.1 through 415.8.2.9, the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.2.1 Mixed occupancies. Where the storage tank area is located in a building of two or more occupancies and the quantity of liquid exceeds the maximum allowable quantity for one control area, the use shall be completely separated from adjacent occupancies in accordance with the requirements of Section 508.4. [F] 415.8.2.1.1 Height exception. Where storage tanks are located within a building no more than one story above grade plane, the height limitation of Section 503 shall not apply for Group H. [F] 415.8.2.2 Tank protection. Storage tanks shall be noncombustible and protected from physical damage. Fire barriers or horizontal assemblies or both around the storage tanks shall be permitted as the method of protection from physical damage. [F] 415.8.2.3 Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved tanks conforming to the requirements of the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.2.4 Leakage containment. A liquid-tight containment area compatible with the stored liquid shall be provided. The method of spill control, drainage control and secondary containment shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code. Exception: Rooms where only double-wall storage tanks conforming to Section 415.8.2.3 are used to store Class I, II and IIIA flammable and combustible liquids shall not be required to have a leakage containment area. [F] 415.8.2.5 Leakage alarm. An approved automatic alarm shall be provided to indicate a leak in a storage tank and room. The alarm shall sound an audible signal, 15 dBa above the ambient sound level, at every point of entry into the room in which the leaking storage tank is located. An approved sign shall be posted on every entry door to the tank storage room indicating the potential hazard of the interior room environment, or the sign shall state: WARNING, WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE ROOM MAY BE HAZARDOUS. The leakage alarm shall also be supervised in accordance with Chapter 9 to transmit a trouble signal. [F] 415.8.2.6 Tank vent. Storage tank vents for Class I, II or IIIA liquids shall terminate to the outdoor air in accordance with the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.2.7 Room ventilation. Storage tank areas storing Class I, II or IIIA liquids shall be provided with mechanical ventilation. The mechanical ventilation system shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.2.8 Explosion venting. Where Class I liquids are being stored, explosion venting shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code. [F] 415.8.2.9 Tank openings other than vents. Tank openings other than vents from tanks inside buildings shall be designed to ensure that liquids or vapor concentrations are not released inside the building. [F] 415.8.3 Liquefied petroleum gas facilities. The construction and installation of liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code, the International Fire Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 58.
[F] 415.8.4 Dry cleaning plants. The construction and installation of dry cleaning plants shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code, the International Mechanical Code, the (( *** [F] 415.10.1.1.2 Hazardous production materials. The maximum quantities of hazardous production materials (HPM) stored in a single fabrication area shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area established by Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). [F] 415.10.1.2 Separation. Fabrication areas , whose sizes are limited by the quantity of hazardous materials allowed by Table 415.10.1.1.1, shall be separated from each other, fromcorridors and from other parts of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Exceptions: 1. Doors within such fire barrier walls, including doors to corridors, shall be only self-closing fire door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. 2. Windows between fabrication areas and corridors are permitted to be fixed glazing listed and labeled for a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour in accordance with Section 716. [F] 415.10.1.3 Location of occupied levels. Occupied levels of fabrication areas shall be located at or above the first story above grade plane. [F] 415.10.1.4 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors within fabrication areas shall be of noncombustible construction. Openings through floors of fabrication areas are permitted to be unprotected where the interconnected levels are used solely for mechanical equipment directly related to such fabrication areas (see also Section 415.10.1.5). Floors forming a part of an occupancy separation shall be liquid tight. [F] 415.10.1.5 Shafts and openings through floors. Elevator hoistways, vent shafts and other openings through floors shall be enclosed where required by Sections 712 and 713. Mechanical, duct and piping penetrations within a fabrication area shall not extend through more than two floors. The annular space around penetrations for cables, cable trays, tubing, piping, conduit or ducts shall be sealed at the floor level to restrict the movement of air. The fabrication area, including the areas through which the ductwork and piping extend, shall be considered a single conditioned environment. [F] 415.10.1.6 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilation at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot [0.0051 m 3 /(s *m 2 )] of floor area shall be provided throughout the portions of the fabrication area where HPM are used or stored. The exhaust air duct system of one fabrication area shall not connect to another duct system outside that fabrication area within the building. A ventilation system shall be provided to capture and exhaust gases, fumes and vapors at workstations. Two or more operations at a workstation shall not be connected to the same exhaust system where either one or the combination of the substances removed could constitute a fire, explosion or hazardous chemical reaction within the exhaust duct system. Exhaust ducts penetrating fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 shall be contained in a shaft of equivalent fire-resistance-rated construction. Exhaust ducts shall not penetrate fire walls. Fire dampers shall not be installed in exhaust ducts. [F] 415.10.1.7 Transporting hazardous production materials to fabrication areas. HPM shall be transported to fabrication areas through enclosed piping or tubing systems that comply with Section 415.10.6, through service corridors complying with Section 415.10.3, or in corridors as permitted in the exception to Section 415.10.2. The handling or transporting of HPM within service corridors shall comply with the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.10.1.8 Electrical. Electrical equipment and devices within the fabrication area shall comply with (( [F] 415.10.1.8.1 Workstations. Workstations shall not be energized without adequate exhaust ventilation. See Section 415.10.1.6 for workstation exhaust ventilation requirements. [F] 415.10.2 Corridors. Corridors shall comply with Chapter 10 and shall be separated from fabrication areas as specified in section 415.10.1.2. Corridors shall not contain HPM and shall not be used for transporting such materials except through closed piping systems as provided in Section 415.10.6.4 Exception: Where existing fabrication areas are altered or modified, HPM is allowed to be transported in existing corridors, subject to the following conditions: 1. Nonproduction HPM is allowed to be transported in corridors if utilized for maintenance, lab work and testing. 2. Where existing fabrication areas are altered or modified, HPM is allowed to be transported in existing corridors, subject to the following conditions: 2.1. Corridors. Corridors adjacent to the fabrication area where the alteration work is to be done shall comply with Section 1018 for a length determined as follows: 2.1.1. The length of the common wall of the corridor and the fabrication area; and 2.1.2. For the distance along the corridor to the point of entry of HPM into the corridor serving that fabrication area. 2.2. Emergency alarm system. There shall be an emergency telephone system, a local manual alarm station or other approved alarm-initiating device within corridors at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exit and doorway. The signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or the emergency control station and shall also initiate a local audible alarm. 2.3. Pass-throughs. Self-closing doors having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour shall separate passthroughs from existing corridors. Pass-throughs shall be constructed as required for the corridors and protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. [F] 415.10.3 Service corridors. Service corridors within a Group H-5 occupancy shall comply with Sections 415.10.3.1 through 415.10.3.4. [F] 415.10.3.1 Use conditions. Service corridors shall be separated from corridors as required by Section 415.10.1.2. Service corridors shall not be used as a required corridor. [F] 415.10.3.2 Mechanical ventilation. Service corridors shall be mechanically ventilated as required by Section 415.10.1.6 or at not less than six air changes per hour, whichever is greater. [F] 415.10.3.3 Means of egress. The distance of travel from any point in a service corridor to an exit, exit access corridor or door into a fabrication area shall be not greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm). Dead ends shall be not greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) in length. There shall be not less than two exits, and not more than one half of the required means of egress shall require travel into a fabrication area. Doors from service corridors shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be self-closing. [F] 415.10.3.4 Minimum width. The clear width of a service corridor shall be not less than 5 feet (1524 mm), or 33 inches (838 mm) wider than the widest cart or truck used in the service corridor, whichever is greater. [F] 415.10.3.5 Emergency alarm system. Emergency alarm systems shall be provided in accordance with this section and Sections 414.7.1 and 414.7.2. The maximum allowable quantity per control area provisions shall not apply to emergency alarm systems required for HPM. [F] 415.10.3.5.1 Service corridors. An emergency alarm system shall be provided in service corridors, with no fewer than one alarm device in each service corridor. [F] 415.10.3.5.2 Corridors and interior exit stairways and ramps. Emergency alarms for corridors, interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways shall comply with Section 414.7.2. [F] 415.10.3.5.3 Liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms. Emergency alarms for liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms shall comply with Section 414.7.1. [F] 415.10.3.5.4 Alarm-initiating devices. An approved emergency telephone system, local alarm manual pull stations, or other approved alarm-initiating devices are allowed to be used as emergency alarm-initiating devices. [F] 415.10.3.5.5 Alarm signals. Activation of the emergency alarm system shall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. [F] 415.10.4 Storage of hazardous production materials. Storage of hazardous production materials (HPM) in fabrication areas shall be within approved or listed storage cabinets or gas cabinets or within a workstation. The storage of HPM in quantities greater than those listed in Section 5004.2 of the International Fire Code shall be in liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms or gas rooms as appropriate for the materials stored. The storage of other hazardous materials shall be in accordance with other applicable provisions of this code and the International Fire Code. [F] 415.10.5 HPM rooms, gas rooms, liquid storage room construction. HPM rooms, gas rooms and liquid shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 415.10.5.1 through 415.10.5.9. [F] 415.10.5.1 HPM rooms and gas rooms. HPM rooms and gas rooms shall be separated from other areas by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than 2 hours where the area is 300 square feet (27.9 m 2 ) or more and not less than 1 hour where the area is less than 300 square feet (27.9 m 2 ). [F] 415.10.5.2 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid storage rooms shall be constructed in accordance with the following requirements: 1. Rooms greater than 500 square feet (46.5 m 2 ) in area, shall have no fewer than one exterior door approved for fire department access. 2. Rooms shall be separated from other areas by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than 1 hour for rooms up to 150 square feet (13.9 m 2 ) in area and not less than 2 hours where the room is more than 150 square feet (13.9 m 2 ) in area. 3. Shelving, racks and wainscotting in such areas shall be of noncombustible construction or wood of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness or fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2. 4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall not be located in a basement. [F] 415.10.5.3 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors of HPM rooms and liquid storage rooms shall be of noncombustible liquid-tight construction. Raised grating over floors shall be of noncombustible materials. [F] 415.10.5.4 Location. Where HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms are provided, they shall have no fewer than one exterior wall and such wall shall be not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines, including lot lines adjacent to public ways. [F] 415.10.5.5 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1. [F] 415.10.5.6 Exits. Where two exits are required from HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms, one shall be directly to the outside of the building. [F] 415.10.5.7 Doors. Doors in a fire barrier wall, including doors to corridors, shall be self-closing fire door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. [F] 415.10.5.8 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided in liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.044 L/s/m 2 ) of floor area or six air changes per hour, whichever is greater, for categories of material. Exhaust ventilation for gas rooms shall be designed to operate at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding areas and direct the exhaust ventilation to an exhaust system. [F] 415.10.5.9 Emergency alarm system. An approved emergency alarm system shall be provided for HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms. Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installed outside of each interior exit door of such rooms. Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device shall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. An approved emergency telephone system, local alarm manual pull stations or other approved alarm-initiating devices are allowed to be used as emergency alarm-initiating devices. [F] 415.10.6 Piping and tubing. Hazardous production materials piping and tubing shall comply with this section and ASME B31.3. [F] 415.10.6.1 HPM having a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4. Systems supplying HPM liquids or gases having a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4 shall be welded throughout, except for connections, to the systems that are within a ventilated enclosure if the material is a gas, or an approved method of drainage or containment is provided for the connections if the material is a liquid. [F] 415.10.6.2 Location in service corridors. Hazardous production materials supply piping or tubing in service corridors shall be exposed to view. [F] 415.10.6.3 Excess flow control. Where HPM gases or liquids are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa), excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room, the excess flow control shall be located within the liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as practical. [F] 415.10.6.4 Installations in corridors and above other occupancies. The installation of HPM piping and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors and the floor or roof above, or in concealed spaces above other occupancies, shall be in accordance with Sections 415.10.6.1 through 415.10.6.3 and the following conditions: 1. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the space unless the space is less than 6 inches (152 mm) in the least dimension. 2. Ventilation not less than six air changes per hour shall be provided. The space shall not be used to convey air from any other area. 3. Where the piping or tubing is used to transport HPM liquids, a receptor shall be installed below such piping or tubing. The receptor shall be designed to collect any discharge or leakage and drain it to an approved location. The 1-hour enclosure shall not be used as part of the receptor. 4. HPM supply piping and tubing and nonmetallic waste lines shall be separated from the corridor and from occupancies other than Group H-5 by fire barriers that have a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Where gypsum wallboard is used, joints on the piping side of the enclosure are not required to be taped, provided the joints occur over framing members. Access openings into the enclosure shall be protected by approved fire protection-rated assemblies. 5. Readily accessible manual or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on piping and tubing other than waste lines at the following locations: 5.1. At branch connections into the fabrication area. 5.2. At entries into corridors. Exception: Transverse crossings of the corridors by supply piping that is enclosed within a ferrous pipe or tube for the width of the corridor need not comply with Items 1 through 5. [F] 415.10.6.5 Identification. Piping, tubing and HPM waste lines shall be identified in accordance with ANSI A13.1 to indicate the material being transported. [F] 415.10.7 Continuous gas detection systems. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided for HPM gases where the physiological warning threshold level of the gas is at a higher level than the accepted permissible exposure limit (PEL) for the gas and for flammable gases in accordance with Sections 415.10.7.1 and 415.10.7.2. [F] 415.10.7.1 Where required. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in the areas identified in Sections 415.10.7.1.1 through 415.10.7.1.4. [F] 415.10.7.1.1 Fabrication areas. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in fabrication areas where gas is used in the fabrication area. [F] 415.10.7.1.2 HPM rooms. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in HPM rooms where gas is used in the room. [F] 415.10.7.1.3 Gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures and gas rooms. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures. A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in gas rooms where gases are not located in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures. [F] 415.10.7.1.4 Corridors. Where gases are transported in piping placed within the space defined by the walls of a corridor and the floor or roof above the corridor , a continuous gas detection system shall be provided where piping is located and in the corridor. Exception: A continuous gas detection system is not required for occasional transverse crossings of the corridors by supply piping that is enclosed in a ferrous pipe or tube for the width of the corridor. [F] 415.10.7.2 Gas detection system operation. The continuous gas detection system shall be capable of monitoring the room, area or equipment in which the gas is located at or below all the following gas concentrations: 1. Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) values where the monitoring point is within an exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas cabinet. 2. Permissible exposure limit (PEL) levels where the monitoring point is in an area outside an exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas cabinet. 3. For flammable gases, the monitoring detection threshold level shall be vapor concentrations in excess of 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL) where the monitoring is within or outside an exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas cabinet. 4. Except as noted in this section, monitoring for highly toxic and toxic gases shall also comply with Chapter 60 of the International Fire Code . [F] 415.10.7.2.1 Alarms. The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station when a short-term hazard condition is detected. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall provide warning both inside and outside the area where the gas is detected. The audible alarm shall be distinct from all other alarms. [F] 415.10.7.2.2 Shutoff of gas supply. The gas detection system shall automatically close the shutoff valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being monitored for which gas is detected when a short-term hazard condition is detected. Automatic closure of shutoff valves shall comply with the following: 1. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valve in the gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure for the specific gas detected shall automatically close. 2. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a room and compressed gas containers are not in gas cabinets or an exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valves on all gas lines for the specific gas detected shall automatically close. 3. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a piping distribution manifold enclosure, the shutoff valve supplying the manifold for the compressed gas container of the specific gas detected shall automatically close. Exception: Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is at the use location or within a gas valve enclosure of a branch line downstream of a piping distribution manifold, the shutoff valve for the branch line located in the piping distribution manifold enclosure shall automatically close. [F] 415.10.8 Manual fire alarm system. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group H-5. Activation of the alarm system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. The fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 907. [F] 415.10.9 Emergency control station. An emergency control station shall be provided in accordance with Sections 415.10.9.1 through 415.10.9.3. [F] 415.10.9.1 Location. The emergency control station shall be located on the premises at an approved location outside the fabrication area. [F] 415.10.9.2 Staffing. Trained personnel shall continuously staff the emergency control station. [F] 415.10.9.3 Signals. The emergency control station shall receive signals from emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems. Such emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems shall include, but not be limited to, the following where such equipment or systems are required to be provided either in this chapter or elsewhere in this code: 1. Automatic sprinkler system alarm and monitoring systems. 2. Manual fire alarm systems. 3. Emergency alarm systems. 4. Continuous gas detection systems. 5. Smoke detection systems. 6. Emergency power system. 7. Automatic detection and alarm systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code. 8. Exhaust ventilation flow alarm devices for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code. [F] 415.10.10 Emergency power system. An emergency power system shall be provided in Group H-5 occupancies where required in Section 415.10.10.1. The emergency power system shall be designed to supply power automatically to required electrical systems when the normal electrical supply system is interrupted.
[F] 415.10.10.1 Required electrical systems. (( 1. HPM exhaust ventilation systems. 2. HPM gas cabinet ventilation systems. 3. HPM exhausted enclosure ventilation systems. 4. HPM gas room ventilation systems. 5. HPM gas detection systems. 6. Emergency alarm systems. 7. Manual fire alarm systems. 8. Automatic sprinkler system monitoring and alarm systems. 9. Automatic alarm and detection systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code. 10. Flow alarm switches for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code. 11. Electrically operated systems required elsewhere in this code or in the International Fire Code applicable to the use, storage or handling of HPM. [F] 415.10.10.2 Exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust ventilation systems are allowed to be designed to operate at not less than one-half the normal fan speed on the emergency power system where it is demonstrated that the level of exhaust will maintain a safe atmosphere. [F] 415.10.11 Automatic sprinkler system protection in exhaust ducts for HPM. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in exhaust ducts conveying gases, vapors, fumes, mists or dusts generated from HPM in accordance with Sections 415.10.11.1 through 415.10.11.3 and the International Mechanical Code. [F] 415.10.11.1 Metallic and noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in metallic and noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts where all of the following conditions apply: 1. Where the largest cross-sectional diameter is equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm). 2. The ducts are within the building. 3. The ducts are conveying flammable gases, vapors or fumes. [F] 415.10.11.2 Combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts. Automatic sprinkler system protection shall be provided in combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts where the largest crosssectional diameter of the duct is equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm). Exception: Duct need not be provided with automatic sprinkler protection as follows: 1. Ducts listed or approved for applications without automatic sprinkler system protection. 2. Ducts not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) in length installed below ceiling level. [F] 415.10.11.3 Automatic sprinkler locations. Sprinkler systems shall be installed at 12-foot (3658 mm) intervals in horizontal ducts and at changes in direction. In vertical ducts, sprinklers shall be installed at the top and at alternate floor levels. *** SECTION 419 LIVE/WORK UNITS 419.1 General. A live/work unit shall comply with Sections 419.1 through 419.9. Exception: Dwelling or sleeping units that include an office that is less than 10 percent of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units with accessory occupancies in accordance with Section 508.2. 419.1.1 Limitations. The following shall apply to all live/work areas: 1. The live/work unit is permitted to be not greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m 2 ) in area;
2. The nonresidential area is permitted to be not more than 50 percent of the area of each live/work unit . ((
((
419.2 Occupancies. Live/work units shall be classified as a Group R-2 or Group R-3 occupancy. Separation requirements found in Section(( Exception: Storage shall be permitted in the live/work unit provided the aggregate area of storage in the nonresidential portion of the live/work unit shall be limited to 10 percent of the space dedicated to nonresidential activities. ***
[F] 419.5 Fire protection. The live/work unit shall be provided with a monitored fire alarm system where required by Section 907.2.9 . ((
1. Section (( 2. Section 903.3.1.1 for all other buildings . 419.6 Structural. Floor loading for the areas within a live/work unit shall be designed to conform to Table 1607.1 based on the function within the space . The nonresidential portion of the unit shall be designed for a live load of not less than 50 psf . 419.7 Accessibility. Accessibility shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 11 for the function served. Interpretation I419.7: Accessibility provisions for Group M occupancies shall be applied unless the applicant specifies another occupancy. *** SECTION 420 GROUPS I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 Note: Seattle Electrical Code 625.27 requires that, in residential occupancies, a location be designated for future installation of a panelboard for electric vehicle charging systems with working clearances. *** 420.2 Separation walls. Walls separating dwelling units in the same building, walls separating sleeping units in the same building and walls separating dwelling or sleeping units from other occupancies contiguous to them in the same building shall be constructed as fire partitions in accordance with Section 708. Interpretation I420: Separation provisions of Section 508 apply in addition to the separation requirements of Section 420. *** [F] 420.5 Smoke detection and fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be provided in Group I-1, R-1 and R-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.6, 907.2.8 and 907.2.9, respectively. Single-or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.11. 420.6 Roof-ceiling soffits. Roof-ceiling soffits in dwelling units and sleeping units shall be provided with a minimum of 1/2-inch (13 mm) gypsum wallboard in buildings of Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction. [W] 420.7 Subdivision of building spaces--smoke barriers. Smoke barriers complying with Section 709 shall be installed on all floors of Group R-2 boarding homes or residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state. The smoke barrier shall subdivide the floor into at least two compartments complying with Section 407.5. [W] 420.8 Adult family homes. This section shall apply to all newly constructed adult family homes and all existing single-family homes being converted to adult family homes. This section shall not apply to those adult family homes licensed by the state of Washington Department of Social and Health Services prior to July 1, 2001. 420.8.1 Submittal standards. In addition to the requirements of Section 106, the submittal shall identify the project as a Group R-3 adult family home. A floor plan shall be submitted identifying the means of egress and the components in the means of egress such as stairs, ramps, platform lifts and elevators. The plans shall indicate the rooms used for clients and the sleeping room classification of each room. 420.8.2 Sleeping room classification. Each sleeping room in an adult family home shall be classified as one of the following: 1. Type S Where the means of egress contains stairs, elevators or platform lifts. 2. Type NS1 Where one means of egress is at grade level or a ramp constructed in accordance with Section 420.8.8 is provided. 3. Type NS2 Where two means of egress are at grade level or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 420.8.8 are provided. 420.8.3 Types of locking devices and door activation. All bedrooms and bathroom doors shall be openable from the outside when locked. Every closet door shall be readily openable from the inside. Operable parts of door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other devices installed in adult family homes shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Pocket doors shall have graspable hardware available when in the closed or open position. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5.0 pounds (22.2 N) maximum. Required exit door(s) shall have no additional locking devices. Required exit door hardware shall unlock inside and outside mechanisms when exiting the building allowing reentry into the adult family home without the use of a key, tool or special knowledge. 420.8.4 Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements. All adult family homes shall be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed as required in Section 908.7. Alarms shall be installed in such a manner so that the detection device warning is audible from all areas of the dwelling upon activation of a single alarm. 420.8.5 Escape windows and doors. Every sleeping room shall be provided with emergency escape and rescue windows as required by Section 1029. No alternatives to the sill height such as steps, raised platforms or other devices placed by the openings will be approved as meeting this requirement. 420.8.6 Fire apparatus access roads and water supply for fire protection. Adult family homes shall be served by fire apparatus access roads and water supplies in accordance with the International Fire Code. 420.8.7 Grab bar general requirements. Where facilities are designated for use by adult family home clients, grab bars for water closets, bathtubs and shower stalls shall be installed according to this section. 420.8.7.1 Grab bar cross section. Grab bars with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 1-1/4 inches minimum and 2 inches maximum. Grab bars with noncircular cross section shall have a cross section dimension of 2 inches maximum and a perimeter dimension of 4 inches minimum and 4-5/8 inches maximum. 420.8.7.2 Grab bar installation. Grab bars shall have a spacing of 1-1/2 inches between the wall and the bar. Projecting objects, control valves and bathtub or shower stall enclosure features above, below and at the ends of the grab bar shall have a clear space of 1-1/2 inches to the grab bar. Exception: Swing-up grab bars shall not be required to meet the 1-1/2 inch spacing requirement. Grab bars shall have a structural strength of 250 pounds applied at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device or supporting structural member. Grab bars shall not be supported directly by any residential grade fiberglass bathing or showering unit. Acrylic bars found in bathing units shall be removed. Fixed position grab bars, when mounted, shall not rotate, spin or move and shall have a graspable surface finish. 420.8.7.3 Grab bars at water closets. Water closets shall have grab bars mounted on both sides. Grab bars can be a combination of fixed position and swing-up bars. Grab bars shall meet the requirements of Section 420.8.7. Grab bars shall mount between 33 inches and 36 inches above floor grade. Centerline distance between grab bars, regardless of type used, shall be between 25 inches minimum and 30 inches maximum. 420.8.7.3.1 Fixed position grab bars. Fixed position grab bars shall be a minimum of 36 inches in length and shall start 12 inches from the rear wall. 420.8.7.3.2 Swing-up grab bars. Swing-up grab bars shall be a minimum of 28 inches in length from the rear wall. 420.8.7.4 Grab bars at bathtubs. Horizontal and vertical grab bars shall meet the requirements of Section 420.8.7. 420.8.7.4.1 Vertical grab bars. Vertical grab bars shall be a minimum of 18 inches long and shall be installed at the control end wall and head end wall. Grab bars shall mount within 4 inches of the exterior of the bath tub edge or within 4 inches within the bath tub. The bottom end of the bar shall start between 36 inches and 42 inches above floor grade. Exception: The required vertical grab bar can be substituted with a floor to ceiling grab bar meeting the requirements of Section 420.8.7 at the control end and head end entry points. 420.8.7.4.2 Horizontal grab bars. Horizontal grab bars shall be provided at the control end, head end, and the back wall within the bathtub area. Grab bars shall be mounted between 33 inches and 36 inches above floor grade. Control end and head end grab bars shall be a minimum of 24 inches in length. Back wall grab bars shall be a minimum of 36 inches in length. 420.8.7.5 Grab bars at shower stalls. Where shower stalls are provided to meet the requirements for bathing facilities, grab bars shall meet the requirements of Section 420.8.7. Exception: Shower stalls with permanent built-in seats are not required to have vertical or horizontal grab bars at the seat end wall. A vertical floor to ceiling grab bar shall be installed within 4 inches of the exterior of the shower aligned with the nose of the built-in seat. 420.8.7.5.1 Vertical grab bars. Vertical grab bars shall be a minimum of 18 inches in length and shall be installed at the control end wall and head end wall. Vertical bars shall be mounted within 4 inches of the exterior of the shower stall or within 4 inches of the inside of the shower stall. The bottom end of vertical bars shall be mounted between 36 inches and 42 inches above floor grade. 420.8.7.5.2 Horizontal grab bars. Horizontal grab bars shall be installed on all sides of the shower stall mounted between 33 inches and 36 inches above the floor grade. Horizontal grab bars shall be a maximum of 6 inches from adjacent walls. Horizontal grab bars shall not interfere with shower control valves. 420.8.8 Ramps. All interior and exterior ramps, when provided, shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1010 with a maximum slope of 1 vertical to 12 horizontal. Exception: Where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 1010, ramps in existing buildings being converted to use as adult family homes shall be permitted to comply with the following: 1. They shall have a maximum slope of 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8 percent slope). 2. Landings of at least 3 feet by 3 feet (914 mm by 914 mm) shall be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp, where doors open onto the ramp, and where the ramp changes direction. 420.8.8.1 Handrails for ramps. Handrails shall be provided for ramps in accordance with Section 1010.9. Exception: Where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 1010.9, ramps in existing buildings being converted to use as adult family homes are permitted to comply with the following: 1. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of ramps with a rise of more than 6 inches and a slope between 1 vertical to 12 horizontal and 1 vertical and 20 horizontal. 2. Handrail height, measured above the finished surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). 3. Handrails shall comply with Section 1012.3. 4. Handrails where required on ramps shall be continuous for the full length of the ramp. Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the handrails. 420.8.9 Stair treads and risers. Stair treads and risers shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1009. Exception: Where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 1009, stair treads and risers in existing buildings being converted to use as adult family homes shall be permitted to comply with the following: 1. The maximum riser height shall be 7-3/4 inches (196 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the nosing of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51 rad) from the vertical. Open risers are permitted provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches (762 mm) or less. 2. The minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches (254 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). 3. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads at the intersections with the walkline. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point within the clear width of the stair. Within any flight of stairs, the largest winder tread depth at the walkline shall not exceed the smallest winder tread by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Consistently shaped winders at the walkline shall be allowed within the same flight of stairs as rectangular treads and do not have to be within 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) of the rectangular tread depth. 4. The radius of curvature at the nosing shall be no greater than 9/16 inch (14 mm). A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers. The greatest nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings. Beveling of nosings shall not exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm). 420.8.9.1 Handrails for treads and risers. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of treads and risers numbering from one riser to multiple risers. Handrails shall comply with Section 1009.15. 420.8.10 Shower stalls. Where provided to meet the requirements for bathing facilities, the minimum size of shower stalls for an adult family home shall be 30 inches deep by 48 inches long. 420.9 Security from criminal activity in Group R. 420.9.1 Group R occupancies other than oneand two-family dwellings . All housing units except oneand two-family dwellings shall comply with Section 420.9.1. 420.9.1.1 Definition. For the purposes of this section, "housing unit" is any dwelling unit or guest room. 420.9.1.2 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 (35 mm) thick. Exceptions : 1. Building entrance doors are permitted to have visitorobservation ports that do not impair the fire resistance of the door. 2. Main entrance doors are permitted to be framed or unframed non-shattering glass, framed 1/4-inch (6 mm) plate glass or other security glazing. 3. Building entrance doors other than main entrance doors are permitted to have glazed openings. Glazed openings shall have wire, grilles or security glazing to prevent operation of the door latch from outside by hand or instrument. Building entrance doors shall be self-closing, selflocking and equipped with a dead-locking latch bolt with at least a 1/2-inch (13 mm) throw that shall penetrate the striker at least 1/4 inch (6 mm). Exceptions: 1. Building entrance doors that open directly into a housing unit shall comply with Section 420.9.1.4. 2. Garage-to-building doors need not be self-locking when the garage-to-exterior door is equipped with an electricallyoperated remote control device for opening and automatically closing. 3. When either the garage-to-exterior doors or garage-tobuilding doors are equipped for self-closing and self-locking, the other need not be so equipped. 420.9.1.3 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. 420.9.1.4 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 (35 mm) inches thick. Every entrance door to a housing unit shall have a dead bolt or dead-locking latch bolt with at least a 1/2-inch (13 mm) throw that penetrates the striker not less than 1/4 inch (6 mm). 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. 420.9.1.5 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 (1372 mm) and not more than 66 inches (1676 mm) above the floor. 420.9.1.6 Non-exit doors. Doors to storage, maintenance and building service rooms shall be self-closing and selflocking. 420.9.1.7 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. 420.9.1.8 Windows. Openable windows shall have operable inside latching devices. Exception: Windows with sills located 10 feet (3048 mm) or more above grade, or 10 feet (3048 mm) 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. 420.9.2 Oneand two-family dwellings. Oneand two-family dwellings shall comply with Section 420.9.2. 420.9.2.1 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 (13 mm) throw that penetrates the striker not less than 1/4 inch (6 mm). Building entrance doors shall be openable from the inside without use of a key or special knowledge or effort. Exception: Garage-to-exterior doors are permitted to 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. 420.9.2.2 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 (1372 mm) and not more than 66 inches (1676 mm) from the floor. 420.9.2.3 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 with sills located 10 feet (3048 mm) or more above grade, or 10 feet (3048 mm) 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. 420.9.3 Alternate security devices. Subject to the approval of the building official, alternate security devices are permitted to be substituted for those required by this Section 420.9. Alternate devices shall 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 421 HYDROGEN CUTOFF ROOMS ***
[F] 421.8 Legally required standby (( *** SECTION 425 WATERFRONT STRUCTURES: PIERS, WHARVES AND BUILDINGS 425.1 Scope. Structures with at least 20 percent or 8,000 square feet (743 m 2 ), whichever is greater, of their area over water shall comply with Section 425. They shall also comply with all other requirements of this code unless otherwise specified in Section 425. Unless otherwise specified, all wood dimensions are nominal size as defined in Section 202. Exceptions : 1. Fire-resistance-rated walls specified in Section 425.7.6 are permitted to be used as one-hour fire-resistancerated fire barriers and as a separation between repair garages not classified as Group S-1 and occupancies in Group A, including the specified opening protection in buildings of Types IIB, IV and VB construction. 2. Structures accessory to Group R-3 occupancies. 3. Floating homes that comply with the Seattle Residential Code. See Chapter 36 of the Fire Code for additional requirements for fire protection systems for marinas. 425.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: COVERED BOAT MOORAGE. PIER. SUBSTRUCTURE. SUPERSTRUCTURE. WHARF. 425.3 Allowable area and height for waterfront structures. The height of structures to be built over water shall be measured 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 503, except that the increases allowed in Section 507 are not applicable to waterfront structures. Exceptions : 1. In covered boat moorages, the areas in Table 503 are permitted to be increased not more than 400 percent when an approved automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout. 2. Each covered area of a boat moorage is permitted to be considered a separate building subject to the following conditions: 2.1. Maximum individual areas shall be 8,000 square feet (743 m 2 ). 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 are permitted to be used for moorage provided the adjacent covered areas comply with Item 2.4 below. 2.4. Covered roof areas constructed in a 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) exterior-type plywood or 26 gauge steel shall extend across the end of each roof area when the 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 421.5 shall be provided under the walkway at each location where draft stops are required at the end of roofed areas. 425.4 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 fire-resistance-rated fire barrier 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 m 2 ) in area nor 20 feet (6096 mm) in height. Exception : Storage is allowed in the moorage area, provided it conforms to the following: 1. One unprotected moorage equipment locker of not more than 150 cubic feet (115 m 3 ) is permitted for each slip. 2. Where groups of three or more lockers are provided, they shall be separated from each other with one-hour fireresistance-rated fire partitions, and openings in the separation shall have one-hour protection. 3. Storage of flammable liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA 31 and the Fire Code. 425.5 Location on property. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection as determined by Section 705. Exceptions: 1. Fire resistance-rated construction and opening protection required because of proximity to property lines are permitted to be omitted for waterfront structures that are located on the same property, separated by an unobstructed deck not less than 16 feet (4877 mm) wide, and have a draft stop constructed according to Section 425.6.2 installed in the substructure between the buildings. 2. In covered boat moorages, exterior walls that are built entirely over water are permitted to 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 are permitted to be constructed as specified in Section 425.6.2 for draft stops. Where such walls (even though part of such covered boat moorage) are built on land, this exception shall not apply. 425.6 Substructure. 425.6.1 Construction. Substructures are permitted to be of any type of construction permitted in this code subject to the area limitations of Section 425.3, except that, when constructed of wood, the members shall not be less than the following in any dimension, exclusive of piling:
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm 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. 425.6.2 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 425.7.7 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. 425.7 Superstructure. 425.7.1 Construction. Superstructures are permitted to be of any type of construction permitted by this code subject to the height and area limitations of Section 425.3 and the requirements of this section. 425.7.2 Floors. See Section 425.6. 425.7.3 Exterior walls . Exterior walls of Types IIA, IIB, III, IV and V buildings, when not subject to the requirements of Section 425.5 because of their proximity to property lines, are permitted to 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. Fireblocking is assembly having a three-fourths-hour fireprotection rating when fireresistive openings are required by Table 705.8 and 1027. 425.7.4 Roof coverings. Roof coverings shall be fire-retardant as specified in Chapter 15. required as specified in Section 718. Openings in exterior walls shall be protected by a fire 425.7.5 Roof construction. In Type IV buildings the roof is permitted to be constructed of corrugated galvanized steel attached directly to wood or steel purlins in lieu of that specified in Section 602.4. 425.7.6 Fire-resistance-rated walls. In Types IIA, IIB, III, IV and V buildings, there shall be at least one fire-resistance-rated 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 m 2 ) shall be divided with such fire-resistance-rated walls. There shall be a draft stop constructed as specified in Section 425.6.2, installed in the substructure immediately below every required fire-resistance-rated wall when the deck is of combustible materials. Fire-resistance-rated walls shall be constructed as required for two-hour fire-resistance-rated walls or are permitted to consist of at least two layers of tongue-andgroove 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-resistance-rated walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a one and one-half hour fire protection rating. 425.7.7 Draft stops. Superstructure draft stops shall be installed as specified in Section 718. Substructure draft stops constructed as specified in Section 425.6.2 shall be installed in line with the superstructure draft stops above. See Section 425.12 for draft curtain requirements. 425.7.8 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 is permitted to be considered an exit court and shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width. 3. In Group A occupancies, the maximum travel distance shall not be more than 75 percent of that specified in Section 1016. 4. Boat moorages that have no sales, service or repair facilities are permitted to have a single means of egress not less than 3 feet (914 mm) wide and shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 1016 if a Class I standpipe is provided as specified in Section 425.9. 425.8 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 that are less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in length and that are not open to the public. 425.9 Standpipe systems. A manual Class I standpipe system (or Class III standpipe system when approved by the fire code official) in accordance with NFPA Standard 14 shall be provided for piers, wharves, and floats where the hose lay distance from the fire apparatus to the most remote accessible portion of the pier, wharf or float exceeds 150 feet (45 720 mm). Approved plastic pipe may be used when installed underwater, or other approved method of protection from fire is provided. The standpipe piping shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm), sized to provide a minimum of 500 gpm at 130 psi at the most remote hose connection, with a simultaneous flow of 500 gpm at the third most remote hose connection on the same pier while maintaining a maximum system pressure of 175 psi. Existing standpipe systems providing equivalent performance to the specification listed above may be acceptable when approved by the fire code official. 425.9.1 Hose connections. Hose connection stations on required standpipes shall be provided at the water end of the pier, wharf, or float, and along the entire length of the pier, wharf, or float at spacing not to exceed 150 feet (45,720 mm) and as close as practical to the land end. Exception: The hose connection at the land end of the pier, wharf or float may be omitted when a hose connection is located within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of the fire apparatus access road. Each hose connection shall consist of a valved 2-1/2-inch (64 mm) fire department hose outlet. Outlet caps shall have a predrilled 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) hole for pressure relief and be secured with a short length of chain or cable to prevent falling after removal. Listed equipment shall be used. 425.9.2 Hose stations. Hose stations on required standpipes shall be provided at spacing not to exceed 100 feet, with the first hose station located as close as practicable to the land end of the pier. Each hose station shall have 100 feet of 1 1/2-inch hose mounted on a reel or rack and enclosed within an approved cabinet. A valved 2 1/2inch fire department hose outlet shall be provided at each hose station. Outlet caps shall have a 1/8-inch predrilled hole for pressure relief and be secured with a short length of chain or cable to prevent falling after removal. Listed equipment shall be used. Hose stations shall be labeled FIRE HOSE-EMERGENCY USE ONLY. 425.9.3 Freeze protection. Standpipe systems shall be maintained dry when subject to freezing temperatures, and always from November 1 through March 31. The 1 1/2-inch hose stations shall be tagged out-of service when the system is drained. The main water supply control valve shall be readily accessible and clearly labeled so that the system may be quickly restored to full service during periods when the system is drained down. Exception : Other methods of freeze protection, such as listed freeze valves, are permitted to be provided when approved by the fire code official. 425.10 Automatic sprinklers . 425.10.1 Covered boat moorage . Automatic sprinklers shall be provided for covered boat moorage exceeding 500 square feet in projected roof area per pier, wharf or float. The sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13 for Extra Hazard Group 2 occupancy. If sprinklers are required by this section, they shall be extended to any structure on the pier, wharf or float exceeding 500 square feet in projected roof area. 425.10.2 Substructure. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed under the substructure of every new waterfront structure in accordance with NFPA 307 and as specified in Chapter 9. Exception: Sprinklers are not required in the following locations: 1. Combustible substructures whose deck area does not exceed 8,000 square feet (743.2 m 2 ) supporting no superstructures. 2. Combustible substructures whose deck area does not exceed 8,000 square feet (743.2 m 2 ) supporting superstructures not required to be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system as specified in Section 425.10.3. 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 that do not exceed l0 feet (3048 mm) in width. 425.10.3 Superstructure. Automatic sprinklers shall be provided in superstructures as specified in Chapter 9. 425.10.4 Monitoring. Sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved central station service. 425.11 Smoke and heat vents. Approved automatic smoke and heat vents shall be provided in covered boat moorage areas exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m 2 ) in area, excluding roof overhangs. Exception: Smoke and heat vents are not required in areas protected by automatic sprinklers. 425.11.1 Design and installation. Where smoke and heat vents are required they shall be installed near the roof peak, evenly distributed and arranged so that at least one vent is over each covered berth. The effective vent area shall be calculated using a ratio of one square foot of vent to every fifteen square feet of covered berth area (1:15). Each vent shall provide a minimum opening size of 4 feet by 4 feet. 425.11.2 Automatic operation. Smoke and heat vents shall operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at between 100 degrees F (56 degrees C) and 220 degrees F (122 degrees C) above ambient. Exception: Gravity-operated drop out vents. 425.11.3 Gravity-operated drop out vents. Gravity operated dropout vents shall fully open within five minutes after the vent cavity is exposed to a simulated fire represented by a time-temperature gradient that reaches an air temperature of 500 F (260 C) within five minutes. 425.12 Draft curtains. Draft curtains shall be provided in covered boat moorage areas exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m 2 ) in area, excluding roof overhangs. Exception: Draft curtains are not required in areas protected by automatic sprinklers. 425.12.1 Draft curtain construction. Draft curtains shall be constructed of sheet metal, gypsum board or other approved materials that provide equivalent performance to resist the passage of smoke. Joints and connections shall be smoke tight. 425.12.2 Draft curtain location and depth. The maximum area protected by draft curtains shall not exceed 2,000 square feet (186 m 2 ) or two slips or berths, whichever is smaller. Draft curtains shall not extend past the piling line. Draft curtains shall have a minimum depth of 2 feet (609 mm) below the lower edge of the roof and shall not extend closer than 8 feet (2438 mm) to the walking surface on the pier. 425.13 Fire department connections. Standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be equipped with not less than a twoway 2 1/2-inch fire department connection, which shall be readily visible and located at the fire department apparatus access. The fire department connection for Class I standpipe systems may be located at the shore end of the pier, wharf, or float if the distance between the fire apparatus access road and fire department connection is less than 150 feet (45 720 mm). See Section 507 of the International Fire Code for requirements for fire hydrants. 425.14 Marina fire protection confidence testing. Standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be inspected and tested in compliance with the International Fire Code.
425.15 Fire department access. Fire department apparatus access lanes, not less than 20 feet wide and capable of supporting a 50,000-pound vehicle or 24,000 pounds per axle (HS20 loading), shall be provided and so located as to provide fire department apparatus access to within 50 feet travel distance to the shore end of all piers, wharves and floats. SECTION 426 PRIVATE AND UTILITY TRANSFORMER VAULTS 426.1 Scope . Vaults housing private and utility 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 all transformer vaults. Vaults containing utility transformers or equipment are required to comply with additional requirements of Seattle City Light. 426.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2: PRIVATE TRANSFORMER VAULT. UTILITY TRANSFORMER VAULT. 426.3 When required. 426.3.1. Utility transformers. Transformer vaults are required for all utility transformers located inside a building. Seattle City Light shall approve the size, location, and layout of all utility vaults. Exception: Vaults are not required for certain dry-type transformers rated 600 volts or less. 426.3.2 Private transformers. Transformer vaults are required for all oil-insulated private transformers. Vaults are required for other private transformers rated over 35,000 volts that are located inside a building. Exception: Vaults are not required for certain oil-insulated private transformers in accordance with Sections 450.26 and 450.27 of the Seattle Electrical Code. Note: Article 450, Part II of the Seattle Electrical Code contains requirements for transformers not required to be in a vault. 426.4 Access to transformer vaults. 426.4.1 General access. At least one door or hatch shall be provided in 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 movement of the transformer and equipment into and out of the vault. 426.4.2 Utility transformer vault access. Utility transformer vaults shall be accessible to Seattle City Light personnel at all times. If it is necessary to pass through locked doors to reach a vault, keys to those doors shall be kept in a key box that can be opened with the key to the transformer vault. The key box shall be mounted near the first door requiring a non-transformer door key. Persons other than Seattle City Light personnel shall not have access to utility transformer vaults without Seattle City Light personnel present. All doors between the vault and the building exterior shall be large enough to accommodate the placement or removal of transformers. See Section 426.7.2 for doorway requirements. Utility transformer vaults shall be located so that there is an equipment access path between the vault and the building exterior. The path shall comply with the following. 1. Sufficient horizontal and vertical clearance for the required transformer shall be provided; 2. The floor shall be smooth, without seams or ridges to impede transportation of heavy equipment; 3. There shall not be excessive slope as determined by Seattle City Light; and 4. The floor shall be designed to support the weight of the transformer and all equipment needed to move the transformer. If Seattle City Light determines that it is infeasible to design a path in the prescribed manner, the building owner shall enter into a Transportation Agreement with Seattle City Light. The Transportation Agreement obligates the building owner to transport equipment between the right of way and the transformer vault whenever the Superintendent of Seattle City Light determines it is necessary, and to pay all costs for equipment transportation.
426.5 Location of transformer vaults. 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. Transformer vaults shall be dry and not subject to running, standing or infiltration of water. Transformer vaults shall not be located where they are subject to flooding due to ground water without specific written approval by Seattle City Light. 426.6 Construction. 426.6.1 Private transformer vaults. Private transformer vaults shall comply with the following minimum requirements. 1. All private transformer vaults shall be of at least three-hour fire-resistive construction. Exceptions: Subject to the approval of the building official, where the total capacity of private oilinsulated transformers does not exceed 112-1/2 kVA, the vault is permitted to be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 4 inches (102 mm) thick. 2. Vault floors in contact with the earth shall be of concrete not less than 4 inches thick. 3. The transformer shall be anchored to inserts embedded in the concrete floor. 4. In pre-tensioned or post-tensioned concrete, cable locations shall be permanently marked on the surface of the concrete over the encased tendons. 5. Vault dimensions shall be adequate for required ventilation and working clearances. 426.6.2 Utility transformer vaults. Utility transformer vaults shall comply with the following minimum requirements. The Superintendent of Seattle City Light is authorized to adjust the requirements of this Section 426.6.2 when deemed necessary. 1. Floors, walls and ceilings of utility transformer vaults shall have at least a three-hour fire-resistance rating and shall be constructed of solid concrete or concrete-filled concrete masonry units at least 6 inches (152 mm) thick. 2. Vault floors shall be smooth with no pads. 3. Seismic anchor inserts shall be embedded in the floor and steel support channels shall be embedded in the ceiling when required by the Superintendent of Seattle City Light. 4. Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned concrete shall have the cable locations permanently marked on the surface of the concrete over the encased tendons. 5. Vault dimensions shall depend upon physical size and number of secondary connection devices, working clearances, and shall be approved by the Superintendent of Seattle City Light. 426.7 Openings into transformer vaults. 426.7.1 Protection of openings. All doorways opening into a transformer vault from the building interior shall be protected by opening protectives having a fireprotection rating equal to that required for the vault. 426.7.2 Doorways. All doors shall be made of three-hour fire-resistance-rated steel and shall swing out of the vault 180 degrees. Doors that may be prevented from swinging 180 degrees outward as a result of blockage by vehicles or mobile equipment shall be protected by bollards. The bollards shall preserve the door swing area and shall not obstruct the doorway. Equipment access doorways shall be sized to accommodate the transformer placement and removal including the equipment necessary to place or remove the transformer. Equipment access doorways to vaults containing only single-phase utility transformers shall have clear openings no less than 42 inches (1067 mm) wide and 6 feet 8 inches (2057 mm) high. Equipment access doorways for all other utility transformers shall be sized to accommodate the transformer placement and as specified by Seattle City Light to allow equipment installation and removal. Doorways for personnel access shall have clear openings of at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide and 6 feet 8 inches (2057 mm) high. 426.7.2.1 Locks. All doors shall be equipped with locks and shall be kept locked. Doors to utility transformer vaults shall be equipped with a cylinder capable of accepting the core provided by the utility. Personnel doors shall be equipped with panic bars, pressure plates, or other devices that are normally latched but open under simple pressure. 426.7.2.2 Oil containment sill. A removable oil containment sill shall be as high as necessary to contain the oil of one transformer but in no case less than 4 inches (203 mm) high or as specified by Seattle City Light for utility transformers. A sill shall be installed within the vault at each doorway after the installation of the transformer. 426.8 Ventilation systems for transformer vaults. 426.8.1 General. Ventilation systems shall be provided to dispose of heat from transformer total losses without creating a temperature rise that exceeds the transformer rating. 426.8.2 Method of ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided by either natural circulation or mechanical circulation. 426.8.2.1 Natural circulation. Transformer vaults containing up to three transformers of no more than 75 kVA each are permitted to be ventilated by natural circulation. The combined minimum net intake and exhaust vent area, exclusive of area occupied by screens, grating or louvers, shall not be less than 3 square inches (1935 mm 2 ) 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 mm 2 ). Approximately one half the total area required for ventilation openings shall be for intake air. Intake air vents shall be located in one or more openings in the lower portion of the perimeter vault walls. When the vault is located in a garage, any lower openings must be at least 18 inches above the garage floor level. The remaining one half the required ventilation area shall be used to exhaust heat through one or more openings in the upper portion of the perimeter walls or roof of the vault. Intake openings shall be located on the opposite side of the vault from exhaust openings allowing air to flow longitudinally over the transformer and out of the vault. 426.8.2.2 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 vents shall be located in the lower one half of the perimeter walls of the vault. When the vault is located in a garage, any lower intake openings must be at least 18 inches above the garage floor level and at least 18 inches above the vault floor. The exhaust vents shall be in the roof or ceiling of the vault. Vents are allowed to be installed in a wall if the top of the vent is not less than 12 inches below the vault ceiling. The top of the outlet on the exterior of the building shall be at least as high as the top of the outlet from the vault. The ventilation system shall cause air to flow longitudinally across the transformers. The vault ventilation system shall be controlled independently from the rest of the building ventilation. For utility transformer vaults, mechanical ventilation systems shall be designed by the applicant. The capacity and location of the ventilation system shall be approved by the Superintendent of Seattle City Light. 426.8.2.3 Temperature control. A remote temperature controller shall be installed in utility transformer vaults that have mechanical ventilation systems. The controller shall activate the fan when the temperature in the vault exceeds 70 F (21 o C), and shall turn the fan off when the temperature reaches 140 F (60 o C). A visible or audible alarm shall be installed outside each utility transformer vault that will be activated if the fan does not operate when the temperature controller calls for ventilation, or if the fan becomes inoperable. A sign shall be mounted near the alarm stating CALL SEATTLE CITY LIGHT WHEN ALARM SOUNDS or CALL SEATTLE CITY LIGHT WHEN LIGHT IS ON. 426.8.3 Ventilation openings and duct terminations. Ventilation openings and duct terminations shall comply with International Mechanical Code Section 501.2.1 item 7, unless otherwise approved by the building official. 426.8.3.1 Location of exhaust ventilation openings and exhaust duct terminations. Exhaust ventilation openings and duct terminations shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from fire escapes, required means of egress at the exterior of the building, elements of the exit discharge, combustible exterior wall coverings, unprotected openings, operable openings and property lines other than a public way. Exhaust outlets shall be located on the exterior of the building. Interpretation I426.8: For purposes of this section, "property line" includes any property line separating one lot from another lot, but does not include any property line separating a lot from a public street or alley right-of-way. The separation distance may be measured to the opposite side of public streets and alleys. 426.8.3.2 Covering. Ventilation openings shall be covered with durable metal gratings, screens or louvers. If operable intake louvers are provided on mechanically ventilated transformer vaults, the louvers shall be controlled by the fan thermostat, i.e. the louvers shall be opened when the fan is energized. 426.8.3.3 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-protection 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 140 o F (60 o C). 426.8.3.4 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. 426.9 Drainage for vaults. 426.9.1 General. Drains are prohibited in all transformer vaults. 426.9.2 Sumps . All transformer vaults containing oil-insulated transformers shall have a dry sump. All sumps shall have an opening of at least 6 inches (152 mm) diameter, a depth of at least 12 inches (305 mm), and shall be equipped with a removable steel grate that is flush with the floor. Sumps shall have at least an 8 gallon (30 liter) capacity. Sump capacity may be greater where required by the utility. The sump shall have a grouted bottom. The sump shall be located near, but not directly behind, the personnel door and shall be out of the entry path for moving transformers in and out of the vault. The vault floor shall slope at least 1 inch in 10 feet (25 mm in 305 mm) toward the sump. 426.10 Pipes and ducts in transformer vaults. No pipes or ducts foreign to the electrical installation shall enter or pass through any transformer vault. Electrical conduits terminating at transformer vaults shall be sealed with listed three-hour fire-protection rated firestop material. Electrical conduits terminating at transformer vaults shall be installed to avoid channeling water into the vault. Electrical conduits entering the vault floor shall be rigid galvanized steel and shall extend no less than 18 inches (457 mm) into the vault or to the top of the containment sill, whichever is greater . 426.11 Storage in transformer vaults . No material shall be stored in any transformer vault. 426.12 Sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems shall not be installed within a transformer vault. The vault must be maintained in a dry condition at all times. [F] SECTION 427 MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS 427.1 General. Compressed gases at hospitals and similar facilities intended for inhalation or sedation, including but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses, shall comply with Sections 427.2 through 427.3 in addition to other requirements of International Fire Code Chapter 53. 427.2 Interior supply location. Medical gases shall be stored in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without other storage or uses. Where containers of medical gases in quantities greater than the permit amount are located inside buildings, they shall be in a one hour exterior room, a one hour interior room or a gas cabinet in accordance with Section 427.2.1, 427.2.2 or 427.2.3, respectively. Rooms or areas where medical gases are stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in International Fire Code Section 2703.1 shall comply with the requirements for Group H occupancies. 427.2.1 One-hour exterior rooms. A 1-hour exterior room shall be a room or enclosure separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be self-closing smokeand draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. Rooms shall have at least one exterior wall that is provided with at least two vents. Each vent shall not be less than 36 square inches (0.023 m 2 ) in area. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms shall be provided with at least one automatic sprinkler to provide container cooling in case of fire. 427.2.2 One-hour interior room. When an exterior wall cannot be provided for the room, automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the room. The room shall be exhausted through a duct to the exterior. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a one hour-rated shaft enclosure from the room to the exterior. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the International Mechanical Code and be provided at a minimum rate of 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot [0.00508 m 3 /(s * ?m 2 )] of the area of the room. 427.3 Exterior supply locations. Oxidizer medical gas systems located on the exterior of a building with quantities greater than the permit amount shall be located in accordance with International Fire Code Section 6304.2.1. [W] SECTION 428 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS 428 .1 Definition. The following term shall, for the purposes of this section and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meaning shown herein. RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. Those solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse, such as papers, metals and glass. 428 .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-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 6. The following sections of Chapter 5 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS SECTION 501 GENERAL *** [F] 501.2 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address numbers or letters. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height and not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in width. They shall be installed on a contrasting background and be plainly visible from the street or road fronting the property. When required by the fire code official, address numbers shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained. 501.2.1 Enforcement by building official . 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. The building official shall be guided by the specific provisions of this chapter as far as they are applicable and when not applicable, by such rules as are established to carry out the intent of this chapter. 501.2.1.1 Owners to affix and maintain building numbers. 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 is permitted to 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 is permitted to require the complete address, including street number and street name to be conspicuously posted. For buildings served by a private road or a common driveway, the address number(s) shall be posted 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 that will promote the easy locating of such addresses, or for any other reason consistent with the intent of this chapter, the building official is permitted to assign a name to the private road or common driveway that shall be used for addressing purposes. In addition, the building official is permitted to require one or more property owners along the road or driveway to post a sign displaying the assigned name at a location near the intersection of the road or driveway with a named public street. If the building official finds that a building, structure or premises is not provided with numbers as herein required, or is not correctly numbered, the building official is permitted to notify the owner, agent or tenant of the correct street number and require that the number be properly placed, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, within a reasonable length of time. It is a violation of this code for any person to fail to comply with such notice. 501.2.2 Numbering system prescribed . The numerical designation of all doorways and entrances to buildings and lots fronting upon the named right-of-ways of the City are established in accordance with the following system: Except where otherwise specified, 100 numbers are allotted to each block, provided that where a named right-of-way intervenes between consecutively numbered right-of-ways, 50 numbers shall be allotted for 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 named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and on the easterly side of named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction. Odd numbers shall be used on the southerly side of named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and on the westerly side of named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction. In the case of irregular named right-of-ways, the frontages shall be numbered as near as may be according to the uniform series of block numbers with which they most nearly correspond. 501.2.3 Numbering of buildings 501.2.3.1 Numbering of buildings downtown . Between Yesler Way and Denny Way all frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction and lying 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 Way number 1600 and upwards, Olive Way 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 East Yesler Way and East Denny Way all frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction and lying east of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: East 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 East Denny Way. Between East Yesler Way and East Denny Way all frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and lying west of Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue and Melrose Avenue shall be numbered as follows: Southwesterly from Elliott Avenue, or Alaskan Way if south of Lenora Street, number 51 and downwards; Elliott Avenue (or Alaskan Way) 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 northeasterly to Broadway, East Union Street, Minor Avenue, or Melrose Avenue by consecutive hundreds. Between East Yesler Way and East Denny Way all frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction and lying 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 East Olive Way eastward from Melrose Avenue, the street numbers shall run upwards consecutively, eastward from the existing street numbers that are west of the Melrose Avenue intersection. 501.2.3.2 Numbering of buildings south of downtown and east of the East Waterway . South of Yesler Way the frontages upon the named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction shall be numbered as follows: Yesler Way (or East Yesler Way) to South Washington Street number 100 and upwards, South Washington Street to South Main Street number 200 and upwards, South Main Street to South Jackson Street number 300 and upwards, South Jackson Street to South King Street number 400 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds to South Barton Place, with blocks and streets on Rainier Avenue South being taken as the controlling series. South of South Barton Place, 51st Avenue South shall be taken as the controlling series to the southern City limits. On Second Avenue Extension South from Fourth Avenue South to Yesler Way, the frontages shall be numbered as follows: From Fourth Avenue South to South Jackson Street number 100 and upwards, South Jackson Street to South Main Street number 200 and upwards, South Main Street to South Washington Street number 300 and upwards, South Washington Street to Yesler Way number 400 and upwards. South of Yesler Way the frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction 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 South number 100 and upwards, Occidental Avenue South 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 South number 600 and upwards, Maynard Avenue South to Seventh Avenue South number 650 and upwards, Seventh Avenue South to Eighth Avenue South (or Airport Way south of South Hinds Street) number 700 and upwards, Eighth Avenue South (or Airport Way south of South Hinds Street) to Airport Way South (or Ninth Avenue South south of South Hinds Street) number 800 and upwards, Airport Way South (or Ninth Avenue South south of South Hinds Street) to Interstate-5 number 900 and upwards, continuing eastward by consecutive hundreds corresponding with the numbered series of avenues to Lake Washington. 501.2.3.3 Numbering of buildings between downtown and the Lake Washington Ship Canal . North of Denny Way, East Denny Way, and East Howell Street east of Madrona Drive the frontages upon the named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction shall be numbered as follows: Denny Way (and East or West Denny Way) to John Street (and East or West John Street) number 100 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds, the blocks and streets on Queen Anne Avenue North being taken as a controlling series for numbering purposes west of Fairview Avenue North (or Fairview Avenue East) and south of Bertona Street (or West Bertona Street); 36 th Avenue West being taken as the controlling series for numbering purposes west of Fairview Ave North (or Fairview Ave East) and north of Bertona Street (or West Bertona Street); Tenth Avenue East being taken as the controlling series for numbering purposes east of Fairview Avenue North (or Fairview Avenue East). Between Queen Anne Avenue North and Eastlake Avenue East (East Galer being the northeast boundary of this subsection) the frontages on the named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction shall be numbered as follows: Queen Anne Avenue North to First Avenue North number 1 and upwards, First Avenue North to Warren Avenue North number 100 and upwards, Warren Avenue North 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, Bigelow, Mayfair, and Dexter Avenues North, to Ninth Avenue North; Ninth Avenue North to Westlake Avenue North number 900 and upwards, Westlake Avenue North 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 North number 1100 and upwards, Fairview Avenue North to Minor Avenue North number 1150 and upwards, Minor Avenue North to Pontius Avenue North number 1200 and upwards, Pontius Avenue North to Yale Avenue North number 1250 and upwards, Yale Avenue North to Eastlake Avenue East number 1300 and upwards. East of Eastlake Avenue East (or Fairview Avenue East north of East Galer Street) and North of East Denny Way the frontages upon the named east-west right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction shall be numbered as follows: Eastlake Avenue East to Melrose Avenue East number 200 and upwards continuing by consecutive hundreds eastward to Broadway East; Broadway East to Tenth Avenue East number 900 and upwards, Tenth Avenue East to Federal Avenue East number 1000 and upwards, Federal Avenue East to Eleventh Avenue East number 1050 and upwards, Eleventh Avenue East to Twelfth Avenue East number 1100 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds eastward to Lake Washington. West of Queen Anne Avenue North the frontages upon named east-west right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction shall be numbered westward as follows: Queen Anne Avenue North to First Avenue West number 1 and upwards, First Avenue West to Second Avenue West number 100 and upwards, continuing by consecutive hundreds westward 501.2.3.4 Numbering of buildings north of the Lake Washington Ship Canal . The plan for the numbering of frontages upon the various named right-of-ways in that portion of the City of Seattle lying north of the Lake Washington Ship Canal is established as follows: The frontages upon the named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction shall be numbered in accordance with the designations of the intersecting numbered streets as follows: northward from the State Harbor Line, number 2900 and upwards. The frontages upon the named right-of-ways extending in an 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 to Puget Sound. East from First Avenue Northwest, commencing with 100 and continuing as follows: East from Palatine Avenue North, 200 and upwards; from Greenwood Avenue North, 300 and upwards; from Phinney Avenue North, 400 and upwards; from Francis Avenue North, 450 and upwards; from Dayton Avenue North, 500 and upwards; from Evanston Avenue North, 600 and upwards; from Fremont Avenue North, 700 and upwards; from North Park Avenue North, 800 and upwards; from Linden Avenue North, 900 and upwards (800 and upwards south of North 65 th Street); from Aurora Avenue North, 900 and upwards (1100 and upwards north of North 65 th Street); from Winslow Place North, 950 and upwards; from Whitman Avenue North 1000 and upwards; from Albion Place North, 1050 and upwards; from Woodland Park Avenue North, 1100 and upwards; from Nesbit Avenue North, 1150 and upwards; from Midvale Avenue North, 1200 and upwards; from Lenora Place North, 1250 and upwards; from Stone Avenue North (Stone Way North south of North 46 th Street), 1300 and upwards; from Interlake Avenue North, 1400 and upwards; from Ashworth Avenue North, l500 and upwards; from Carr Place North, 1550 and upwards; from Woodlawn Avenue North, 1600 and upwards, from Densmore Avenue North, 1700 and upwards; from Caroline Avenue North and Courtland Place North, 1750 and upwards; from Wallingford Avenue North, 1800 and upwards; from Burke Avenue North and Canfield Place North, 1900 and upwards; From Stroud Avenue North and Wayne Place North, 2000 and upwards; from Meridian Avenue North, 2100 and upwards; from Bagley Avenue North, 2200 and upwards; from Corliss Avenue North, 2300 and upwards; from Sunnyside Avenue North, 2400 and upwards; and from Eastern Avenue North, 2500 and upwards. East from First Avenue Northeast, commencing with 100, and continuing east in correspondence with the numbered avenues to Lake Washington. 501.2.3.5 Numbering buildings on Harbor Island . The frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction shall be numbered as follows: Southwest Massachusetts Street to Southwest Florida Street, number 1700 and upwards; Southwest Florida Street to Southwest Lander Street, number 2500 and upwards; Southwest Lander Street to Southwest Hanford Street, number 2700 and upwards; Southwest Hanford Street to Southwest Spokane Street, number 3200 and upwards. The frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in an easterly and westerly direction shall be numbered as follows: The East Waterway to 11 th Avenue Southwest, number 900 and upwards; 11 th Avenue Southwest to 13 th Avenue Southwest, number 1100 and upwards; 13 th Avenue Southwest to 16 th Avenue Southwest, number 1300 and upwards; 16 th Avenue Southwest to the West Waterway, number 1600 and upwards. 501.2.3.6 Numbering buildings west of the West Waterway and the Duwamish Waterway. The frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in a northerly and southerly direction, shall be numbered as follows: North of Southwest Andover Street, commencing with 3800 and continuing north to the Duwamish Head by consecutive hundreds, the blocks and streets on California Avenue Southwest being taken as the controlling series for numbering purposes. South of Southwest Andover Street, commencing with 4000 and continuing south to Southwest Roxbury Street by consecutive hundreds, the blocks and streets of California Avenue Southwest being taken as the controlling series for numbering purposes. South of Southwest Roxbury Street, commencing with 9600 and continuing south to the south City limits by consecutive hundreds, in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting streets. The frontages upon named right-of-ways extending in an 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. East of California Avenue Southwest, commencing with 4200 and continuing eastward in correspondence with the numbers of the intersecting avenues to the Duwamish Waterway. *** SECTION 503 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS 503.1 General. The building height , number of stories above grade plane, and area shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 503 based on the type of construction as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as determined by Section 302 except as modified hereafter. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls complying with Section 706 shall be considered to be a separate building. Interpretation I503a: An uncovered roof deck shall not be considered a story for the purpose of determining the number of stories in a building. 503.1.1 Special industrial occupancies. Buildings and structures designed to house special industrial processes that require large areas and unusual building heights to accommodate craneways or special machinery and equipment, including, among others, rolling mills; structural metal fabrication shops and foundries; or the production and distribution of electric, gas or steam power, shall be exempt from the building height and area limitations of Table 503. 503.1.2 Buildings on same lot. Two or more buildings on the same lot shall be regulated as separate buildings or shall be considered as portions of one building if the building height of each building and the aggregate building area of the buildings are within the limitations of Table 503 as modified by Sections 504 and 506. The provisions of this code applicable to the aggregate building shall be applicable to each building. 503.1.3 Type I construction. Buildings of Type I construction permitted to be of unlimited tabular building heights and areas are not subject to the special requirements that allow unlimited area buildings in Section 507 or unlimited building height in Sections 503.1.1 and 504.3 or increased building heights and areas for other types of construction. 503.1.4 Mixed occupancy. In buildings containing mixed occupancies, individual occupancies shall not be located above the height and number of stories specified in this section for the occupancy. TABLE 503 ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS a , b Building height limitations shown in feet above grade plane. Story limitations shown as stories above grade plane. Building area limitations shown in square feet, as determined by the definition of "Area, building," per story
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 . A = building area per story, S = stories above grade plane, UL = Unlimited, NP = Not permitted. a. See the following sections for general exceptions to Table 503: 1. Section 504.2, Allowable building height and story increase due to automatic sprinkler system installation. 2. Section 506.2, Allowable building area increase due to street frontage. 3. Section 506.3, Allowable building area increase due to automatic sprinkler system installation. 4. Section 507, Unlimited area buildings. b. See Chapter 4 for specific exceptions to the allowable height and areas in Chapter 5. c. A maximum of 12 inches of insulation may be added to the roof of an existing building without such additional height contributing to the building height. SECTION 504 BUILDING HEIGHT *** 504.3 Roof top structures. Towers, spires, steeples and other roof top structures shall be constructed of materials consistent with the required type of construction of the building except where other construction is permitted by Section 1509.2.5. Such structures shall not be used for habitation or storage. The structures shall be unlimited in height if of noncombustible materials and shall not extend more than 20 feet (6096 mm) above the allowable building height if of combustible materials (see Chapter 15 for additional requirements). SECTION 505 MEZZANINES AND EQUIPMENT PLATFORMS 505.1 General. Mezzanines shall comply with Section 505.2. Equipment platforms shall comply with Section 505.3. Interpretation I505.1: Mezzanines within individual dwelling units shall not be located above other dwelling units or common space other than corridors. 505.2 Mezzanines. A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with Section 505.2 shall be considered a portion of the story below. Suchmezzanines shall not contribute to either the building area or number of stories as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).
505.2.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than (( Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.
Exception((
((
(( Interpretation I505.2: Only the following unenclosed areas of the room or space containing the mezzanine shall be used for purposes of calculating the allowable mezzanine floor area: 1. Areas with a ceiling height of at least 7 feet located directly below the mezzanine, except that no additional area benefit shall be gained for stacked mezzanines, and; 2. Areas where the ceiling has a slope of less than 2:12 and with a ceiling height of at least 14 feet plus the thickness of the mezzanine floor construction, and; 3. Areas where the ceiling has a slope of 2:12 or more and has a ceiling height of at least 12 feet plus the thickness of the mezzanine floor construction, provided that the mezzanine complies with Section 1208.2, exception 2. Within a dwelling unit, enclosed or unenclosed portions of the entire floor level containing the mezzanine that meet requirements of this interpretation for the room area may be used for purposes of calculating the allowable mezzanine floor area. 505.2.2 Means of egress. The means of egress for mezzanines shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 10. 505.2.3 Openness. A mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which such mezzanine is located except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and posts. Exceptions: 1. Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanines are located, provided that the occupant load of the aggregate area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10. 2. A mezzanine having two or more means of egress is not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located if at least one of the means of egress provides direct access to an exit from the mezzanine level. 3. Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanines are located, provided that the aggregate floor area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10 percent of the allowable mezzanine area. 4. In industrial facilities, mezzanines used for control equipment are permitted to be glazed on all sides. 5. In occupancies other than Groups H and I, that are no more than two stories above grade plane and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, a mezzanine having two or more means of egress shall not be required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located. 505.2.4 Construction. Mezzanines and building elements supporting only the mezzanine shall comply with the fireresistance ratings for floor construction in Table 601. 505.3 Equipment platforms. Equipment platforms in buildings shall not be considered as a portion of the floor below. Such equipment platforms shall not contribute to either the building area or the number of stories as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of the equipment platform shall not be included in determining the fire area in accordance with Section 903. Equipment platforms shall not be a part of any mezzanine and such platforms and the walkways, stairs, alternating tread devices and ladders providing access to an equipment platform shall not serve as a part of the means of egress from the building. Equipment platforms and building elements supporting only the platform shall comply with the fire-resistance ratings for floor construction in Table 601. 505.3.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of all equipment platforms within a room shall be not greater than two-thirds of the area of the room in which they are located. Where an equipment platform is located in the same room as a mezzanine, the area of the mezzanine shall be determined by Section 505.2.1 and the combined aggregate area of the equipment platforms and mezzanines shall be not greater than two-thirds of the room in which they are located. 505.3.2 Automatic sprinkler system. Where located in a building that is required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system, equipment platforms shall be fully protected by sprinklers above and below the platform, where required by the standards referenced in Section 903.3. 505.3.3 Guards. Equipment platforms shall have guards where required by Section 1013.2. SECTION 506 BUILDING AREA MODIFICATIONS *** [W] 506.4 Single occupancy buildings with more than one story. The total allowable building area of a single occupancy building with more than one story above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with this section. The actual aggregate building area at all stories in the building shall not exceed the total allowable building area.
Exception: (( 506.4.1 Area determination. The total allowable building area of a single occupancy building with more than one story above grade plane shall be determined by multiplying the allowable building area per story (A a ), as determined in Section 506.1, by the number of stories above grade plane as listed below: 1. For buildings with two stories above grade plane, multiply by 2; 2. For buildings with three or more stories above grade plane, multiply by 3; and 3. No story shall exceed the allowable building area per story (A a ), as determined in Section 506.1, for the occupancies on that story. Exceptions: 1. Unlimited area buildings in accordance with Section 507. 2. The maximum area of a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be determined by multiplying the allowable area per story (A a ), as determined in Section 506.1, by the number of stories above grade plane. Note: NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are limited to buildings of Group R up to and including four stories in height. See Section 903.3.1.2.
[W] 506.5 Mixed occupancy area determination. The total allowable building area for buildings containing mixed occupancies shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section. (( 506.5.1 No more than one story above grade plane. For buildings with no more than one story above grade plane and containing mixed occupancies, the total building area shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 508.1. 506.5.2 More than one story above grade plane. For buildings with more than one story above grade plane and containing mixed occupancies, each story shall individually comply with the applicable requirements of Section 508.1. For buildings with more than three stories above grade plane, the total building area shall be such that the aggregate sum of the ratios of the actual area of each story divided by the allowable area of such stories based on the applicable provisions of Section 508.1 shall not exceed 3. *** SECTION 508 MIXED USE AND OCCUPANCY 508.1 General. Each portion of a building shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Where a building contains more than one occupancy group, the building or portion thereof shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 508.2, 508.3 or 508.4, or a combination of these sections. Exceptions: 1. Occupancies separated in accordance with Section 510. 2. Where required by Table 415.5.2, areas of Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be located in a detached building or structure. 3. Uses within live/work units, complying with Section 419, are not considered separate occupancies. [W] 4. Offices, mercantile, food preparation establishments for off-site consumption, personal care salons or similar uses in Group R dwelling units, which are conducted primarily by the occupants of a dwelling unit and are secondary to the use of the unit for dwelling purposes, and which do not exceed 500 square feet (46.4 m 2 ) are not considered a separate occupancy. 508.2 Accessory occupancies. Accessory occupancies are those occupancies that are ancillary to the main occupancy of the building or portion thereof. Accessory occupancies shall comply with the provisions of Sections 508.2.1 through 508.2.4. 508.2.1 Area limitations. Aggregate accessory occupancies shall not occupy more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in which they are located and shall not exceed the tabular values in Table 503, without building area increases in accordance with Section 506 for such accessory occupancies. 508.2.2 Occupancy classification. Accessory occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space. 508.2.3 Allowable building area and height. The allowable building area and height of the building shall be based on the allowable building area and height for the main occupancy in accordance with Section 503.1. The height of each accessory occupancy shall not exceed the tabular values in Table 503, without increases in accordance with Section 504 for such accessory occupancies. The building area of the accessory occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 508.2.1. 508.2.4 Separation of accessory occupancies. No separation is required between accessory occupancies and the main occupancy. Exceptions: 1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4. 2. Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwelling units and sleeping units shall be separated from other dwelling or sleeping units and from accessory occupancies contiguous to them in accordance with the requirements of Section 420. *** 508.4 Separated occupancies. Buildings or portions of buildings that comply with the provisions of this section shall be considered as separated occupancies. Exceptions: 1 . No separation is required between Group A-2 or A-3 and Groups B or M occupancies when both are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 2. Subject to the approval of the building official, unprotected openings are permitted in separations between parking areas and enclosed portions of buildings such as entry lobbies and similar areas provided: 2 .1. The floors of the enclosed building with unprotected openings are protected by an automatic sprinkler system; 2 .2. The openings are glazed with either tempered or laminated glazing materials; 2 .3. 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 2 .4. The parking areas are used primarily for passenger loading and unloading and vehicle drive-through uses. 508.4.1 Occupancy classification. Separated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Each separated space shall comply with this code based on the occupancy classification of that portion of the building. 508.4.2 Allowable building area. In each story, the building area shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the actual building area of each separated occupancy divided by the allowable building area of each separated occupancy shall not exceed 1. 508.4.3 Allowable height. Each separated occupancy shall comply with the building height limitations based on the type of construction of the building in accordance with Section 503.1. Exception: Special provisions permitted by Section 510 shall permit occupancies at building heights other than provided in Section 503.1. 508.4.4 Separation. Individual occupancies shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in accordance with Table 508.4. 508.4.4.1 Construction. Required separations shall be fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, so as to completely separate adjacent occupancies. TABLE 508.4 REQUIRED SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES (HOURS)
SECTION 509 INCIDENTAL USES *** 509.3 Area limitations. Incidental uses shall not occupy more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in which they are located. Incidental uses that occupy more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in which they are located shall comply with either Table 509 or Section 508.4, whichever requires a greater separation. *** TABLE 509 INCIDENTAL USES
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 , 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour = 0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L. [W] 1 Dry type transformers rated over 35,000 volts and oil-insulated transformers shall be installed in a transformer vault complying with Section 427 and the Seattle Electrical Code. SECTION 510 SPECIAL PROVISIONS 510.1 General. The provisions in Sections 510.2 through 510.9 shall permit the use of special conditions that are exempt from, or modify, the specific requirements of this chapter regarding the allowable building heights and areas of buildings based on the occupancy classification and type of construction, provided the special condition complies with the provisions specified in this section for such condition and other applicable requirements of this code. The provisions of Sections 510.2 through 510.8 are to be considered independent and separate from each other. Interpretation I510: Sections 510.2 through 510.8 are not permitted to be used in combination with each other. 510.2 Horizontal building separation allowance . A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction where all of the following conditions are met: 1. The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
2. The building below the horizontal assembly is not greater than (( 3. The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type IA construction. 4. Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-hour fireresistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5. Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the horizontal assembly have not less than a 3-hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, provided: 1. The building above the horizontal assembly is not required to be of Type I construction; 2. The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and 3. The enclosure opening protectives above the horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. 5. Stairways permitted to be constructed of wood above the horizontal assembly are also permitted to be constructed of wood below the horizontal assembly. See Section 202 for the definition of stairway.
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6. The building below the horizontal assembly (( 7. The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have any of the following occupancies:
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(( 9. The height of the entire structure shall not exceed seven stories above grade plane. 10. All portions of the buildings above and below the three-hour horizontal assembly shall be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system that complies with Section 903.3.1.1 in buildings with two stories below the horizontal assembly. 11. Occupied floors shall be not more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Interpretation I509.2: For the purpose of this item, occupied roof decks are considered floors used for human occupancy if the occupant load of the deck is 10 or more on the roof of a building not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system or where the occupant load is 50 or more on the roof of a building that is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. 12. Where the structure or any portion of the structure is 7 stories above grade plane in height, all interior exit stairways shall be pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20 for low-rise stairways. *** 510.4 Parking beneath Group R. Where a maximum one story above grade plane Group S-2 parking garage, enclosed or open, or combination thereof, of Type I construction or open of Type IV construction, with grade entrance, is provided under a building of Group R, the number of stories to be used in determining the minimum type of construction shall be measured from the floor above such a parking area. The floor assembly between the parking garage and the Group R above shall comply with the type of construction required for the parking garage and shall also provide a fire-resistance rating not less than the mixed occupancy separation required in Section 508.4. For purposes of this Section, the Group R occupancy shall be no more than four stories in height. *** Section 7. The following sections of Chapter 6 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION *** SECTION 602 CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION *** 602.3 Type III. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less. Interpretation I602.3: Type IIIA buildings are permitted to include exposed heavy-timber construction for columns, beams, girders, arches, trusses, floors and roof decks except for fire-resistive construction required by Sections 510 and 713 and Chapter 10.
602.4 Type IV. Type IV construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces. The details of
Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of this section. (( 602.4.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood framing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies with a 2-hour rating or less. 602.4.2 Cross-laminated timber complying with Section 2303.1.4 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies with a 2-hour rating or less, provided the exterior surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by (1) fire retardant treated wood sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 and not less than 15/32 inch thick; or (2) gypsum board not less than 1/2 inch thick; or (3) a noncombustible material. TABLE 602.4 WOOD MEMBER SIZE EQUIVALENCIES
602.4.((
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602.4.6.1 Sawn or glued-laminated planks. (( 602.4.6.2 Cross laminated timber . Cross laminated timber shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in thickness. It shall be continuous from support to support and mechanically fastened to one another. Cross laminated timber shall be permitted to be connected to walls without a shrinkage gap providing swelling or shrinking is considered in the design. Corbelling of masonry walls under the floor shall be permitted to be used.
602.4.(( Cross laminated timber roofs shall be not less than 3 inch nominal in thickness and shall be continuous from support to support and mechanically fastened to one another.
602.4.(( 602.4.8.1 Interior walls and partitions . Interior walls and partitions shall be of solid wood construction formed by not less than two layers of 1-inch (25 mm) matched boards or laminated construction 4 inches (102 mm) thick, or of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. 602.4.8.2 Exterior walls . All exterior walls shall be of one of the following: 1. Noncombustible materials; or 2. Not less than 6 inches in thickness and constructed of one of the following: 2.1 Fire retardant treated wood in accordance with Section 2303.2 and complying with Section 602.4.1 or 2.2. Cross laminated timber complying with Section 602.4.2 .
602.4.(( 602.5 Type V. Type V construction is that type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by this code. Interpretation I602.5: Type VA buildings are permitted to include exposed heavy-timber construction for columns, beams, girders, arches, trusses, floors and roof decks except for fire-resistive construction required by Sections 510 and 713 and Chapter 10. TABLE 601 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (hours)
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only. b. Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members shall not be required, including protection of roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members. c. In all occupancies, heavy timber shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required. d. An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be allowed to be substituted for 1hour fire-resistance-rated construction, provided such system is not otherwise required by other provisions of the code or used for an allowable area increase in accordance with Section 506.3 or an allowable height increase in accordance with Section 504.2. The 1-hour substitution for the fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be permitted. Note: Section 901.2 states: "Any fire protection system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system." e. Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code. f. Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602). g. Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10 Note: See Sections 1009.3.1, 1022.2 and 603.1 item 26 for stairway construction. h. The fire-resistance rating for mezzanines constructed in accordance with Section 505.2 and for equipment platforms constructed in accordance with Section 505.3 need not exceed 1 hour. i. Equipment platforms with no occupied space between the platform and the floor/ceiling assembly immediately below are permitted to be of unprotected construction. TABLE 602 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE a, e, h , i
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601. b. For special requirements for Group U occupancies, see Section 406.3. c. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls. d. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. e. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located. f. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.5. g. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.4.1. h. Where Table 705.8 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fireresistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours. i. Existing buildings may encroach a maximum of 4 inches into the required fire separation distance, solely for the purpose of adding insulation to the building exterior. SECTION 603 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL IN TYPE I AND II CONSTRUCTION 603.1 Allowable materials. Combustible materials shall be permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following applications and in accordance with Sections 603.1.1 through 603.1.3: 1. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in: 1.1. Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less. 1.2. Nonbearing exterior walls where fire-resistance rated construction is not required. 1.3. Roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing and decking. Exception: In buildings of Type IA construction exceeding two stories above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in roof construction where the vertical distance from the upper floor to the roof is less than 20 feet (6096 mm). 2. Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foam plastics, having a flame spread index of not more than 25. Exceptions: 1. Insulation placed between two layers of noncombustible materials without an intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 100. 2. Insulation installed between a finished floor and solid decking without intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 200. 3. Foam plastics in accordance with Chapter 26. 4. Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification. 5. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials installed in accordance with Section 804. 6. Millwork such as doors, door frames, window sashes and frames. 7. Interior wall and ceiling finishes installed in accordance with Sections 801 and 803. 8. Trim installed in accordance with Section 806. 9. Where not installed greater than 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade, show windows, nailing or furring strips and wooden bulkheads below show windows, including their frames, aprons and show cases. 10. Finish flooring installed in accordance with Section 805. 11. Partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and that do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood, 1hour fire-resistance-rated construction or of wood panels or similar light construction up to 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. 12. Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with Sections 410.3 and 410.4, respectively. 13. Combustible exterior wall coverings, balconies and similar projections and bay or oriel windows in accordance with Chapter 14. 14. Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets and window and door frames. 15. Light-transmitting plastics as permitted by Chapter 26. 16. Mastics and caulking materials applied to provide flexible seals between components of exterior wall construction. 17. Exterior plastic veneer installed in accordance with Section 2605.2. 18. Nailing or furring strips as permitted by Section 803.11.
19. Heavy timber as permitted by Note c to Table 601 and Sections (( 20. Aggregates, component materials and admixtures as permitted by Section 703.2.2. 21. Sprayed fire-resistant materials and intumescent and mastic fire-resistant coatings, determined on the basis of fire-resistance tests in accordance with Section 703.2 and installed in accordance with Sections 1705.13 and 1705.14, respectively. 22. Materials used to protect penetrations in fire-resistancerated assemblies in accordance with Section 714. 23. Materials used to protect joints in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section 715. 24. Materials allowed in the concealed spaces of buildings of Types I and II construction in accordance with Section 718.5. 25. Materials exposed within plenums complying with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code. 26. Stairways within individual dwelling units and stairways serving a single tenant space are permitted to 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. 27. Aluminum is permitted as follows: 27.1 Where combustible materials, including fire retardant treated wood, are allowed by the code; 27.2 For structural members supporting less than 500 square feet that do not have direct connections to columns and bracing members designed to carry gravity loads; 27.3 In curtain walls approved or listed for use in noncombustible construction; and 27.4 Unprotected aluminum frames for awnings in accordance with Section 3105.5. 28. Stairways complying with Section 510.2, item 5. 603.1.1 Ducts. The use of nonmetallic ducts shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the limitations of the International Mechanical Code.
603.1.2 Piping. The use of combustible piping materials shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the limitations of the International Mechanical Code and the (( 603.1.3 Electrical. The use of electrical wiring methods with combustible insulation, tubing, raceways and related components shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the limitations of this code. Section 8. The following sections of Chapter 7 of the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, are amended as follows: CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES SECTION 701 GENERAL 701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. Exceptions: 1. Carports are not required to comply with this chapter if they satisfy all the following criteria: 1.1. Accessory to Group R-3 occupancies. 1.2. Used to shelter only vehicles, trailers or vessels. 1.3. Constructed of metal, plastic or fabric. 1.4. No more than 3 pounds per square foot in total weight. 1.5. No more than 300 square feet covered area. 2. Temporary tents and similar structures are not required to comply with this chapter if they satisfy all the following criteria: 2.1 The occupant load is less than 100; 2.2 The structure is fully or partially enclosed and 400 square feet or less in area; or are entirely unenclosed and 700 square feet or less in area 2.3 The structure is constructed of metal, plastic or fabric; and 2.4 The structure is no more than 3 pounds per square foot in total weight. *** SECTION 703 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS AND FIRE TESTS *** 703.7 Marking and identification. Fire walls , fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall required to have protected openings or penetrations shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling where there is an accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic space . Such identification shall: 1. Be permitted to be located in accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic spaces; 2. Be located within 15 feet (4572 mm ) of the end of each wall and at intervals not exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) measured horizontally along the wall or partition; and 3. Include lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm ) in height with a minimum 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) stroke in a contrasting color incorporating the suggested wording. "FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER-PROTECT ALL OPENINGS" or other similar wording. Exception: Walls in Group R-2 occupancies that do not have a removable decorative ceiling allowing access to the concealed space are not required to have identification . *** SECTION 705 EXTERIOR WALLS *** |