what to do if old building can't meet current IBC...

[CLTS]

...not even close. For example 420.4 requires a sprinkler system for the R-1 occupancy and this building doesn't have a sprinkler system.

This building was built in the early 20th century and has undergone a few alterations, most notably in the early 1980s.

Construction type is VB. It is 4 stories and the the square footage is about 4x that which is allowed.

What to do? Is there a way to use the IEBC to justify the extensive alterations that the client is wanting to undertake?

 

[steveray]

You don't need to meet current IBC (likely)...If you are remodeling you would (likely) follow the IEBC or whatever your jurisdiction has for maintenance type codes....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Has the jurisdiction the building is in adopted the IEBC? New work will generally have to meet the IBC, but many existing conditions can remain. Sprinklers might be required if the work area (reconfigured spaces) exceeds 50% of the total area.

 

[Sicilian Cajun]

It's my understanding that if a renovation cost exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building at the time of the renovation, then the entire building is supposed to meet the current (adopted) building code at the time of the renovation. Ultimately, the building official of the AHJ can dictate what will be required. This may be an old thread, but this has been my experience.

 

[steveray]

It's my understanding that if a renovation cost exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building at the time of the renovation, then the entire building is supposed to meet the current (adopted) building code at the time of the renovation. Ultimately, the building official of the AHJ can dictate what will be required. This may be an old thread, but this has been my experience.

That typically only applies to floods....And flood proofing

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It's my understanding that if a renovation cost exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building at the time of the renovation, then the entire building is supposed to meet the current (adopted) building code at the time of the renovation. Ultimately, the building official of the AHJ can dictate what will be required. This may be an old thread, but this has been my experience.

Where did you get that 50% of the value understanding? That's not what the IEBC says. Does your jurisdiction adopt the IEBC?

 

[Sicilian Cajun]

That typically only applies to floods....And flood proofing

The IBC defines substantial damage as being caused by "any origin" and not just flood. Substantial improvement is defined as "any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a building or structure, the cost which exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started." These definitions do not just apply to damage caused by flood. But it is up to the AHJ to decide to what extent the existing building has to comply with the current building code.

 

[steveray]

The IBC defines substantial damage as being caused by "any origin" and not just flood. Substantial improvement is defined as "any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a building or structure, the cost which exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started." These definitions do not just apply to damage caused by flood. But it is up to the AHJ to decide to what extent the existing building has to comply with the current building code.

Correct....but where does it use "substantial damage" in the code?

[A]104.2.1​

For applications for reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, alteration, addition or other improvement of existing buildings or structures located in flood hazard areas, the building official shall determine if the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage. Where the building official determines that the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage, and where required by this code, the building official shall require the building to meet the requirements of Section 1612 or Section R322 of the International Residential Code, as applicable.

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