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    Emergency generator building - fire rating and related questions

    Ah ok, gotcha. Any ideas on occupancy classification? In CBC Table 307.1(1) footnote p, Items 2 and 4 both appear to exempt me from needing to stay below the max quantities listed, as the diesel being stored is in service to 'motorized equipment' and/or a 'fixed appliance' (a generator): The...
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    Emergency generator building - fire rating and related questions

    @mtlogcabin, I'm not familiar with what the implications are there. The building will be a pre-engineered metal building, and the structural design will be done by a structural engineer. Are there other implications I should be aware of? I'm not sure which bullet point you're referring to that...
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    Emergency generator building - fire rating and related questions

    We're helping a municipality with updating their emergency generators for multiple well sites. The municipality would like to construct a fully enclosed building, in which a permanent generator will be installed. Here are a few facts/points of possible interest: - Project is located in...
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    Egress over a shared access easement

    @mtlogcabin Yes, thanks for the reminder. I did look up the Chapter 2 definition of alley at one point, and saw the 'public use' language. So in short, I'm still able to egress into this shared access easement area for a required exit, but the FSD line stays on the property line. I'll post a...
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    Egress over a shared access easement

    Awesome, that was my understanding as well. I suppose having a recorded access easement doesn't necessarily do anything to define the fire separation distance though, correct? Per the CBC definition, the fire separation distance is measured from ONE of the following: The closest interior lot...
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    Egress over a shared access easement

    Hey @mtlogcabin, thanks for the reply. The egress balcony on the neighboring building (Building 2) was the solution the AHJ offered. It has a 1-hr rated wall/parapet extending 30in above the roofline of Building 1. The permit has already been approved for Building 2, with the egress balcony as I...
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    Egress over a shared access easement

    I'm getting some pushback from our AHJ on this, and I feel like I'm crazy. I'll likely post separately on some other fire rating questions on this particular project, but this question should be pretty straightforward: The exterior wall of Building 1 is located about 2ft off the property line...
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    Backyard accessibility in multi-family adaptable unit (CA)

    Again, I'm not debating at all that it would be better to simply pour some flatwork in the backyard to make it more accessible and functional, and that's what I'm going to strongly encourage the developer to provide. I'm essentially playing devil's advocate here: if I were the developer, how...
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    Backyard accessibility in multi-family adaptable unit (CA)

    Yes, this is on university property and the final result will need to comply with all applicable (CBC 11A) code requirements. This is the exact question I’m asking :) Seems unclear in my reading of the Code. See the code references I included above in my original post.
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    Backyard accessibility in multi-family adaptable unit (CA)

    Sorry if my response wasn’t clear. It’s a zero probability these will be RENTED at all, as they are built for sale to faculty. And I was simply commenting on the likelihood of this adaptable unit actually being sold to a faculty member with accessibility needs. It’s low simply because it’s a...
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    Backyard accessibility in multi-family adaptable unit (CA)

    I agree, but I’m not the developer. I’m trying to convince him to do it to make the backyard actually functional. in reality, it actually has a zero probability of being rented to someone with accessibility needs. It’s a faculty housing development for a university, so it will be sold to a...
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    Backyard accessibility in multi-family adaptable unit (CA)

    I'm curious what this community's thoughts are on this. If I provide a private backyard to an adaptable multi-family unit on the primary entry level, do I need to make that private yard area accessible? If so, what defines the extent of that accessibility? In my mind, controlling code section...
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    R801.3: Downspout Discharge, and the Meaning of "Interpretation"

    @Mark K, the developer has been closely involved with this process from the beginning, and is well aware of our time spent in addition to the negative impact this will have on the project. In an ideal world, we could have the project sit idle for months while we sort out an appeal, but the...
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    R801.3: Downspout Discharge, and the Meaning of "Interpretation"

    Shoot, wasn't getting notifications for some reason, so I just saw all these great responses! I'm not super familiar with how to @ mention specific users, so hopefully I did it correctly and you'll all see this. First of all, thanks to you all for your replies. I'm a younger architect, so it's...
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    R801.3: Downspout Discharge, and the Meaning of "Interpretation"

    I apologize in advance for a rather lengthy post, some of which is presented in a bit of a narrative fashion, but I would love some other opinions on this issue I'm currently dealing with that's causing a lot of heartburn. Context We (architect and consultant team) are submitting...
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    CBC 11B-505.2.1 Orientation

    I hadn't looked at that prior to you mentioning it, but there's nothing there addressing this issue directly. However, I was able to get on the phone with the senior architect with DSA, and she confirmed what I was beginning to suspect. 11B-505.2.1 is addressing stairs that do not have parallel...
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    CBC 11B-505.2.1 Orientation

    Had a question regarding a specific code section in the California Building Code. The model code states: 11B-505.2 Where required. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of stairs and ramps. The CBC adds in an italicized section: 11B-505.2.1 Orientation. The orientation of at least one...
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    Handrail Projection

    I'm looking at a similar situation, is there a section in the California Building Code (or the IBC) that supports this, or is it a standard interpretation?
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    Existing Building - Projection into maneuvering clearance

    Interesting, thanks for the reply Mark. I don't think we can use that exception, though. Here is the full text of 11B-404.1 Exception 1: Exceptions: 1. Doors, doorways, and gates designed to be operated only by security personnel shall not be required to comply with Sections 11B-404.2.7...
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    Existing Building - Projection into maneuvering clearance

    Oh wow, I must have missed that exception, is it in CBC or in the ADA standards? Thanks so much for your help and quick replies!
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    Existing Building - Projection into maneuvering clearance

    Opens out, toward the exterior. No closer.
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    Existing Building - Projection into maneuvering clearance

    We're doing a minor tenant improvement to an existing building in California, built around 2000. There is an existing exterior door that has the electrical meter mounted within 6 inches of the strike side of the door, on the exterior. This obviously doesn't comply, as I need 24" clear on the...
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    Sump pumps in Elevator Pits

    Thanks so much for sharing that, Phil! It’s nice to have an actual section to refer to if it ever becomes an issue, I got the impression from our phone call that it wasn’t explicitly stated anywhere. As far as why, beats me. The lead engineer on the phone basically just said that it’s a huge...
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    Sump pumps in Elevator Pits

    Right, I agree on the Firefighters Emergency Operation accounts for pretty much all automatic elevators these days. But, the lead engineer said they have omitted their enforcement of the ASME A17.1 requirement pertaining to the pump being required (2.2.2.5). And yes, the pump is really for...
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    Sump pumps in Elevator Pits

    Don't know if this is helpful or not (at least for California folks), but I just discussed this with the lead engineer of the CalOSHA Elevator Unit, and he stated unequivocally that they do not require a pump. He said the ASME A17.1 section requiring the pump in elevators with Firefighters'...
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