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    The Failure of Bluebeam

    We have been dealing with this as well. Bluebeam studio is integrated into our permitting system Accela. When Bluebeam studio isnt available we are unable to pass drawings for review/approval back and forth. We did not rely on bluebeam as a document management system, which is the good...
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    How do you use 5occ/sqft in a night club? IBC 1004.5.1

    When using the 5occ/sqft standing space occupant load for a night club, is it permissible to use that factor in the entire space? For example, there is just one large open room used entirely as a night club (yes there maybe a stage / bar too but for discussion only considering net floor area of...
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    1010.1.9.4 (2) what doors can have a double key deadbolt

    When using 2018 IBC 1010.1.9.4 Item 2 allowing the use of a double key deadbolt, the code doesn't explicitly say "exit" doors. It just says "main door or doors". For a vestibule, do you allow the use of this provision on both the interior vestibule door and the exterior exit door? Or...
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    Mixing 13/13R in a building with an enclosed parking garage

    There have been other discussions about NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R in a building with mixed occupancies and quoting the below commentary section: A common question is whether a mixed-occupancy building that contains a Group R occupancy could still use NFPA 13R for the design. If one of the mixed-use...
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    Common Path of Travel from Assembly space with 2 exit access doors

    Curious if anyone views the corridor at the Public RR a single exit access doorway and therefore exit remoteness is not met because there are more then 50 occupants beyond that exit access doorway on the open deck and outdoor? I.e. does exit remoteness stop once you left the area in...
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    R-2 Building with S-2 Tuck Under parking - NFPA 13 or 13R?

    Best way to view this is take the R out of the equation for a second. Would a fire sprinkler system be required in the tuck under parking if this was an office building above that wouldnt otherwise require sprinklers? If so, then you are looking at NFPA 13. As mentioned above, a U is...
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    2018 IFC 102.3 Change of occupancy vs IEBC.

    The charging language is 102.3 pushing you to 903. Because of the "and", the fire code official doesnt even have to open the IEBC?
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    2018 IFC 102.3 Change of occupancy vs IEBC.

    2018 IFC 102.3 states: A change of occupancy shall not be made unless the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the International Existing Building Code. Does this "and" intend to trump the IEBC? As a hypothetical, an R occupancy added to a portion of an...
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    Accessible Elevator -What floors to be provided on?

    Apartment vs office (R2 or B occupancy) does not matter. IBC 1009.2.1 applies to any building with an accessible floor 4 or more stories above the level of exit discharge regardless of occupancy classification. The IBC commentary supports RLGA's opinion above; horizontal exits would be...
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    Accessible Elevator -What floors to be provided on?

    OK staying on the topic of an accessible elevator and Code; lets change the question slightly to exempt it by using a horizontal exit exception instead (IBC 1009.2.1 exception 1). Does the horizontal exit need to be provided on every floor of the building or does the horizontal exit only...
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    Accessible Elevator -What floors to be provided on?

    Once an accessible elevator (or horizontal exit exception) is deemed required by 1009.2.1, is that elevator required to serve all levels of the building? Or only the floors that are four or more stories above the level of exit discharge? For sake or argument 7 story non-highrise building...
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    2015 IRC errata removing photovoltaic pathways

    Page 3 of this errata deletes sections R324.7 through R324.7.2.5 for Photovoltaic pathways, access, etc. These sections appeared in the 1st 2015 IRC printing and they are in the 2018 IRC. Can anyone shed some light why the errata deletes these sections? Were they relocated to another...
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    Number of exits not based on cumulative occupant load?

    The exit access door in my sketch would access a corridor with two remotely located exit stairs. So this is not a single exit story.
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    Number of exits not based on cumulative occupant load?

    Heres a direct link to the picture: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CuyWaAqyUaBv2FSMA
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    Number of exits not based on cumulative occupant load?

    2018 IBC 1006.2.1 has added a new exception allowing egress through a vestibule / foyer not to be based on cumulative occupant load. Assuming common path of travel requirements are met, is it the intent of this section to allow virtually an unlimited number of occupants from a "space" to...
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    IFC 907.2.9.3 - Smoke alarm interconnection to fire alarm system

    Can anyone shed some light on 2015 or 2018 IFC 907.2.9.3 regarding the requirement for interconnection of single/multi station smoke alarms to the fire alarm system? What is the interconnection purpose? The handbook commentary indicates the intent is to notify occupants of a fire alarm...
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    When to upgrade visual notification appliances

    Under the 2015 IFC/IEBC. Level 2 alteration in an existing building with an existing horn only fire alarm system. Tenant space is gutted and rebuilt. Is there any Code basis requiring an upgrade to visual notification in the tenant space? IEBC appears silent until you get to Level 3...
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