Minimum parapet height for flat roof with all mechanical within louvered "yard"?

[palikona]

I'm designing a 1 story 4,000 sf building with a flat roof that slopes at 1/4" south to north, to a gutter along the north wall. There is a large mechanical yard in the center of the roof footprint, with louvered walls around to screen the 4 RTUs. There is no other utilities up there within 10' of the roof edge. I currently have a 1'-6" parapet at the south elevation where the roof is at it's highest and it grows to 2'-6" on the north side. Does this meet code or do I need 30" all around? This is a suburban site, so there are no other buildings nearby.

Thank you.

 

[walker.t]

or do I need 30" all around?

Why do you think you need 30” “all around,” because you have 30” at the north side?

Per 2021 IBC 1015.6 and 1015.7, there are cases when a guard may be required, minimum height of a guard is 42” per 1015.3. 1015.7 is regarding roof access, you didn’t mention how people were getting on the roof, so take a look at that to make sure you provide fall protection where you access the roof.

Does this meet code

I am not aware of anything that says a parapet has to be the same height around a roof. If by chance the parapet serves as a guard then you’d have to provide the minimum 42” but it part was taller than 42” that is OK.

 

[ICE]

The parapet is not required by any code that I am aware of so the height is up to the owner and perhaps a planning dept.

 

[danSAA]

The parapet is not required by any code that I am aware of so the height is up to the owner and perhaps a planning dept.

Other than 705.11 Parapets depending on property line distance.

 

[palikona]

Why do you think you need 30” “all around,” because you have 30” at the north side?

Per 2021 IBC 1015.6 and 1015.7, there are cases when a guard may be required, minimum height of a guard is 42” per 1015.3. 1015.7 is regarding roof access, you didn’t mention how people were getting on the roof, so take a look at that to make sure you provide fall protection where you access the roof.


I am not aware of anything that says a parapet has to be the same height around a roof. If by chance the parapet serves as a guard then you’d have to provide the minimum 42” but it part was taller than 42” that is OK.

I thought it was required to be 30" per IBC section 705.11? Is that only if the wall below is rated?

People are getting on the roof through a roof hatch, but that is located within the louvered mech yard.

 

[palikona]

705.11 Parapets

Other than 705.11 Parapets depending on property line distance.

Right, so if I'm far, far away from the property line, no parapet is required for fire reasons, right?

 

[danSAA]

Right, so if I'm far, far away from the property line, no parapet is required for fire reasons, right?

If you meet the requirements of Table 705.5 Separation Distance for your construction type and occupancy.

 

[ICE]

Right, so if I'm far, far away from the property line, no parapet is required for fire reasons, right?

You could be on the property line with the building and still not require a screen around the mechanical equipment. And just for the sake of correctness, the screen would not be a parapet.

 

[walker.t]

I thought it was required to be 30" per IBC section 705.11?

Sorry for the confusion on my part, I think the reference in the thread title to “within louvered ‘yard’” made me focus on fall protection.

Is that only if the wall below is rated?

#7 clarifies your question about fire rating per 705.11 Exception 1.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I thought it was required to be 30" per IBC section 705.11? Is that only if the wall below is rated?

It's more specific than that, as cited by danSAA.



It's not just if the wall is rated -- it's if the wall is rated because of the fire separation distance. Even if the wall is rated, if Table 705.5 doesn't require a rating, no parapet is required.