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  1. P

    No building codes?

    If you size the pipe for 2 gpm at 8 psi, then you're probably getting much more than 4 times the water you need if you increase to 60 psi. In any case, is this having a real impact on design? I haven't seen a big increase in the size of the supply piping to lavatories in the last 30 years. Is...
  2. P

    No building codes?

    Is this because you think the code should have NO energy provisions, or is it because you think the IECC takes things too far? Just trying to understand the rationale . . .
  3. P

    No building codes?

    Is this thought to be excessive, or are you looking at it as a conflict between two sections? One table is used for sizing piping in the water distribution system, the other is used for the fixtures themselves. I don't see the concern . . . So the difference is negligible to the point that it...
  4. P

    No building codes?

    I agree, especially since these are only available from one manufacturer and the tool to remove them can be purchased on ebay for less than most kids' weekly allowance. The membership really dropped the ball on letting this get voted in. Has an exception ever been debated during code hearings...
  5. P

    No building codes?

    Sixteen posts into this thread, and still nobody has posted a specific example to illustrate their point. If there are "many examples that can be cited", then cite them. That's how debate occurs. That's how change occurs. Do you all vote, or do you just complain about the poor job others did...
  6. P

    flammable or combustible storage near data processing centers

    Sorry, should have looked it up to be sure. That changes the section and table numbers but the end result is still 5' from buildings for that size tank. It increases distance form property lines to 30' for a non-protected tank. From a code perspective, I still wouldn't be terribly concerned.
  7. P

    flammable or combustible storage near data processing centers

    From the 2009 International Fire Code, Section 3404.2.9.6.1.5: Above-ground tanks for the storage of Class IIIB liquids, excluding unstable liquids, shall be located in accordance with Table 22.4.1.6 of NFPA 30. Per Table 22.4.1.6 of NFPA 30, tanks storing under 12,000 gallons of Class IIIB...
  8. P

    No building codes?

    What's interesting to me is the way so many think that more pages always means more restrictions. Many times sections are made longer to add clarity about intent (eliminating common arguments and saving us time). Other times it is taking something that used to be prohibited outright and...
  9. P

    Smoke evacuation system

    We do it the same as Bellevue. We get pressure differential testing for 1/3 of the building each year, so it has had a full performance test in any given 3 year period.
  10. P

    flammable or combustible storage near data processing centers

    Welcome to the forum! In my experience, data processing facilities tend to be much stricter about the use of these rooms than the fire code is. The fire code has some generic language about keeping combustible storage neat and orderly, and keeping it clear of ignition sources. As far as...
  11. P

    No building codes?

    CO does not have a state fire marshal. The state division of fire safety basically enforces codes for the construction of new public schools and state facilities. I wouldn't be suprised if a study found that the majority of the country -by area, not population -did not have building codes...
  12. P

    30% reduction to Southern Pine Span Charts

    I was wondering what that sound was. It was the engineered lumber folks licking their chops.
  13. P

    Area Calculation Clarification

    And to throw another wrench in the works, fire area is different from all of the above. I agree with the others: get familiar with the IBC definitions and ignore the BOMA definitions for purposes of applying code provisions. Welcome to the forum!
  14. P

    Zoning strikes again

    It depends on the jurisdiction. I used to work for one that would do much more than place a lien and let you keep it there. If you refused to abate a violation, you'd end up in court. If you were found guilty and still refused to abate the violation, you'd end up in jail. I never saw anyone...
  15. P

    Tire storage

    ^^ I agree. I don't think I'd go there for a tire display.
  16. P

    Zoning strikes again

    I forgot the most important part. The zoning department should report to the building official. If you can't convince the building official that the CO should be held up because they planted 79 trees instead of 80, then you don't get to enforce it! Building officials wouldn't allow a zoning...
  17. P

    Zoning strikes again

    I agree, gbhammer. Of course, I believe this is why the zoning department should be limited to one person with one 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of regulations (14 point font minimum) and given 1/10th the time for plan review since they only have to look at a couple of sheets as compared to real plan...
  18. P

    Fences and locked gates at Schools.... California Code

    Sounds like you're okay to let them remove the signs and lock the gate. Make sure the dispersal area meets any other requirements that may be present. I know the IBC has a couple of requirements for the area besides size (signage, unobstructed path from building, etc.).
  19. P

    Notification Appliances???

    To clarify, 907.2 requires these things only where a fire alarm system is required by 907.2.1 through 907.2.23. The B occupancy described in the OP would not require a fire alarm system (907.2.2). The main point here is that installation of sprinklers does not automatically dictate the...
  20. P

    IBC 2009 - door block another doorway

    1005.2 refers specifically to "required" egress width, which this is not. I agree there are simple options available to avoid the situation. I might say this current design is lazy, but I don't see how it is non-compliant. It's more of a convenience issue for the kitchen staff than it is a...
  21. P

    Commercial Bldg Walk-Thru

    Ditto FMWB. That is exactly how our department handles it and it works pretty well. Not finding violations is one thing, but finding violations and not following up is irresponsible, IMHO. Seek advice from legal counsel on the immunity law in your state if that is the direction you're going...
  22. P

    Notification Appliances???

    Agreed. The act of sprinklering the building does not automatically trigger notification inside. Those are handled by a completely separate code section.
  23. P

    lost a sprinklered building and a fire truck

    The bucket had been up just before. Luckily, a smart officer recognized what was happening and ordered it lowered so his crew could get away safely. They couldn't see what was coming from their elevated position. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to pull in the outriggers and move the...
  24. P

    Is a basement always a story?

    I agree that a basement is a story. I've seen some sub-basements that I wouldn't consider a separate story.
  25. P

    ESFR OK For Non Storage Locations FM Says YES!! NFPA?????

    RAC, welcome to the board! The short answer on the swapout is no, and it isn't due to the need for a separate riser or the presence of glulams. ESFR heads are worthless if you can't get enough water to them at the correct pressure, and if the storage scheme allows them to be overwhelmed by...
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