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VCC chapter 5,7,9 and 10 code questions

S

spabilove

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Mar 16, 2024
Messages
13
Location
Virginia
Hello, I am currently working on an assembly use project and have received the following comment from my building reviewer:

"The project criteria on sheet CO suggests that the tenant space was vacant and it appears that the new use is to be Assembly (A2). Please clarify the previous use and provide a complete building analysis for the entire building per all sections in VEBC Chapter 7. This chapter will also reference sections in the VCC such as Chapters 5, 7, 9, and 10."


The references to VCC Chapters 5, 7, 9, and 10 are quite broad. Could someone help clarify what specifics the reviewer is expecting in my response?
 
The reviewer cited the VEBC (the existing building code) and you mentioned the VCC (the building code). Could that be the cause of your confusion?

I think the first thing to recognize is the question regarding the previous use of the space. Chapter 7 of the VEBC code is Change of Use, so if the previous use was also A2, chapter 7 won't apply. If the previous use was not A2, then you must do whatever chapter 7 tells you you must do.

Chapter 5 of the VEBC is Repairs. That doesn't normally apply to any project involving an alteration or a change of use, but I'm not from Virginia and the VEBC has mucked around with the chapter numbering, so God only knows what else they changed from the model IEBC.

Chapter 9 is Historic Buildings. If your building is not on any recognized registry of historic buildings, that chapter won't apply. If your building IS a genuine historic building, chapter 9 may give you some breaks.

Chapter 10 is Moved Buildings. If you aren't physically picking the building up and relocating it, this chapter won't apply.
 
Maybe they are asking for some analysis that demonstrates that with the change of occupancy the space and the building comply with requirements like allowable area (VCC Ch. 5), fire partitions, fire barriers (VCC Ch. 7), sprinklers, alarms, standpipes (VCC Ch. 9), occupant load, egress sizing, number of exits serving the area of the change of occupancy (VCC Ch. 10).
 
Jay Smith said:
Maybe they are asking for some analysis that demonstrates that with the change of occupancy the space and the building comply with requirements like allowable area (VCC Ch. 5), fire partitions, fire barriers (VCC Ch. 7), sprinklers, alarms, standpipes (VCC Ch. 9), occupant load, egress sizing, number of exits serving the area of the change of occupancy (VCC Ch. 10).
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The reviewer specifically cited chapter 7 of the VEBC, and asked for an analysis of those sections of the VCC referred to in chapter 7 of the VEBC. I would not delve into anything not asked for. Start at the beginning of VEBC chapter 7, go through it, and only look at and analyze those sections of the VCC specifically required by chapter 7 of the VEBC.
 
Yankee Chronicler said:
The reviewer specifically cited chapter 7 of the VEBC, and asked for an analysis of those sections of the VCC referred to in chapter 7 of the VEBC. I would not delve into anything not asked for. Start at the beginning of VEBC chapter 7, go through it, and only look at and analyze those sections of the VCC specifically required by chapter 7 of the VEBC.
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The quoted comment says “sections in the VCC such as Chapters 5,7, 9 and 10.” When you read Chapter 7 of the VEBC there are references to VCC sections from those VCC chapters. The referenced requirements are in VCC.
 
Jay Smith said:
The quoted comment says “sections in the VCC such as Chapters 5,7, 9 and 10.” When you read Chapter 7 of the VEBC there are references to VCC sections from those VCC chapters. The referenced requirements are in VCC.
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That's what I wrote. Depending on the nature of the project, though, chapters 5, 9, and 10 may not (and probably don't) apply.

Chapter 5 of the VEBC is Repairs. That doesn't normally apply to any project involving an alteration or a change of use, but I'm not from Virginia and the VEBC has mucked around with the chapter numbering, so God only knows what else they changed from the model IEBC.

Chapter 9 is Historic Buildings. If your building is not on any recognized registry of historic buildings, that chapter won't apply. If your building IS a genuine historic building, chapter 9 may give you some breaks.

Chapter 10 is Moved Buildings. If you aren't physically picking the building up and relocating it, this chapter won't apply.
Click to expand...
 
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