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  1. MarkRandall

    DOJ Posts Online Editions of its 2010 ADA Standards

    Copy and paste does work, so that's a work around. I have a habit of printing (or extracting) a full page or a series of pages when trying to discuss an issue with someone who doesn't have the same resources. I just don't see the point of a secured file from DOJ when it should be freely...
  2. MarkRandall

    DOJ Posts Online Editions of its 2010 ADA Standards

    Thanks for posting the link. This is useful, but not as useful as it should be. DOJ published these as secure PDFs. Won't even open in my Acrobat v.6, so I must use Reader to open. Since it's secured, I can't extract a single page or small section to send to clients/consultant for discussion...
  3. MarkRandall

    extra fire rated swing doors required at elevators in rated corridors???

    Looks like I may have over designed an elevator shaft a few years ago under 2003 IBC in a 3 story, B occupancy. If I'm following correctly, an elevator shaft in B occupancy (office building) does not require smoke protection unless it opens into a rated corridor? IBC makes it fairly easy to have...
  4. MarkRandall

    Habitat for Humanity builds first LEED home in N.C.

    I think this is just plain wrong. I'm all for building green and building to LEED standards is great, but why spend the money to get certified on a habitat home. Put that money into the next home!
  5. MarkRandall

    Should ADA be Repealed?

    There's plenty I don't like in the ADA, but there's much more that I do like. ADA has created business opportunities for disabled folks to bring lawsuits on struggling business. Some of those businesses getting lawsuits slapped on them, I'm sure deserve it, but there's plenty who don't...
  6. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    Thanks Mtlog. & 1281, I never wanted it to be an A (just not enough code research on my part as I was focusing more on Chapter 10). I agree with both of you now that I've reviewed chapter 5 more closely. The occupancy is certainly more aligned with Radio & Television stations in B than anything...
  7. MarkRandall

    Identification of All Spaces

    I think it's pretty obvious what the use of the water closet rooms are. I don't see the concern for them not being labeled.
  8. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    Brudgers, The client had no reason to give me false information as he had no clue has to why I asked and discussed how the room would be used. All just part of my discussion to determine the program requirements for the project. It appears one way or the other it may not be an issue. The room...
  9. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    Thanks guys! I grasp the accessory occupancy for a typical building area calculation, but in an unlimited area building, my pea sized brain is saying as soon as you add an A occupancy of any size, you no longer qualify for unlimited area unless you meet the listed exceptions for A occupancy in...
  10. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    When I started this post, I was thinking that my occupant load is going to come down to what we can agree upon with the plans examiner. 50SF/person seems reasonable to me. I was hoping someone here might have something I'm not finding. I guess I don't totally grasp the accessory idea in this...
  11. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    Coug Dad. You say like a stage, but a stage is 15 SF/person per chapter 10. That occupant load factor does not make sense. 50 SF/person does make sense, but I'm trying to justify that. There is no defined stage area. It's all one level. Also where do you get A being allowed? The building is...
  12. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    There isn't any audience and it is not for live broadcast. Typical use is for filming of marketing type information for promotion of business. The client has indicated there could be a "townhall" style discussion where a small audience would be part of what's recorded. The townhall discussion...
  13. MarkRandall

    Occupancy count for a video recording studio

    My client is looking at adding a video recording studio in a space approximately 40' x 40'. For acoustical purposes it is an irregularly shaped room, but the 40'x40' gives you an idea of the scale of the room. Nothing in Chapter 10 for occupancy looks even close to this type of function. Client...
  14. MarkRandall

    Assembly vs business load limits

    I also don't get the confusion here. I think texasbo has stated it clearly. Would this same individual calculate the occupant load of a conference room in office suite that has a 400 SF conference room as only 4 occupants of the conference room???
  15. MarkRandall

    Is it really a mall?

    It would help to know the exact codes that are used for your jurisdiction. I don't design Malls or Outlet malls, but my first thought was: "Of course, common facilities are okay in an open Mall concept" Every Outlet Mall I've been to has common toilet room facilities. We've now adopted the 2009...
  16. MarkRandall

    R-3

    Oh, BTW, the code section for the "public" bathrooms is Section 1107.3
  17. MarkRandall

    R-3

    Type B units are required on all accessible levels. If no elevator, then first floor only. If elevator, all floors. I agree with you on the "public" bathrooms; both are to be accessible.
  18. MarkRandall

    Sizing footings for covered

    Globe, For uplift you'd calculate cubic feet (to determine weight need to resist uplift), but for vertical loads of soil pressure bearing capacity it is a square foot calculation. Someone with more knowledge than I can maybe chime in with how to determine thickness. Obviously, it has to be...
  19. MarkRandall

    Gas meter location

    My local utility required us to move gas meters after an air intake vent was located above the gas meter location. I don't remember off-hand if it was their requirement or a code requirement. Based on other answers, I'm guessing it was their requirement.
  20. MarkRandall

    Exceptions to enclosed Exit Enclosures

    Thanks Coug Dad & mtlogcabin.
  21. MarkRandall

    Exceptions to enclosed Exit Enclosures

    The 2003 & 2006 IBC, chapter 10 for exit enclosures had exceptions #8 & #9 that allowed unenclosed stairways in sprinklered buildings serving adjacent floors or 2 story buildings. Reviewing this for the first time in 2009 code, these 2 exceptions are not listed in Section 1022 Exit Enclosures...
  22. MarkRandall

    Bedroom or storage room or bonus room

    This issue is only slightly related to septic requirements (number of bedrooms). It's my understanding that in my area any room with a closet is considered as a bedroom for septic system design. I don't know what the actual code says. For houses on septic, I do not design a closet or storage...
  23. MarkRandall

    Handrail continuity for winder stairs....(R311.7.7.2)

    Seems like odd language (never seen that before) in the code. I do not do much residential and have not encountered this situation since UBC days. I don't believe this exception was in the UBC. I remember a friend of mine who built a house (from a plan book design) with this very condition...
  24. MarkRandall

    Accessibility for Wastewater Treatment Plant

    Unfortunately, our opinions mean nothing. Neither do I have experience in treatment plants, but reading 1103.2.9, I would agree the building is exempt as the building is the "sewage treatment station". I tend to error on the safe side when it comes to accessibility, which means in this case...
  25. MarkRandall

    Permits for Replacing windows?

    Bootleg, do you require the plans and elevations to be accurately scaled? As an architect, I could see how scaled drawings would be helpful (and maybe required by code), but if they had to come to me to go out and do asbuilt measurements and draw up the house, it's probably going to add 20% to...
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