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  1. tomtomtom

    Basement stairway height

    Change of occupancy is a reference to change of use which is the broadly used code designation. "2. Any change in the purpose of, or a change in the level of activity within, a building or structure." is so broad and abstract, I have never seen it referenced in a code interpretation: I don't...
  2. tomtomtom

    open basement stair: unfinished basement

    Working on an addition to a mid-19th c. house which has been renovated extensively inside to create an open plan: I'm placing an addition which in-fills a corner: to new walls, two existing: In the space being filled is an existing bulk-head, and an interior staircase to the basement will be...
  3. tomtomtom

    Basement stairway height

    As a general rule of thumb: If there is a change of use, egress components must meet required code, except where an exception is provided by code.
  4. tomtomtom

    Residential components of Mixed Use - Stair Components

    Thank You, The Code expert I'm working with suggested that providing signage ~"Privacy" was not sufficient to totally eliminate the probability of public use, so suggested a gate at the bottom of the stair/ if the bo was relentless.
  5. tomtomtom

    "Within Dwelling Units"

    I try not to disparage building officials, but this is a new thread related to a previous one, discussing an issue where language is inadequate in code, and literal readings do not serves the spirit of the code: The IBC provides numerous exceptions for R-2 and R-3 uses, I am unable to find...
  6. tomtomtom

    Residential components of Mixed Use - Stair Components

    There seems to be some confusion on your part, or maybe I'm confusing the "voice" of your writing: as the OP, the project I am referring to is an existing r-3: Two story building, 2 apartments on the second floor, 2x commercial units on the first floor. The existing stair we are replacing is...
  7. tomtomtom

    Residential components of Mixed Use - Stair Components

    Right- and there is no “within” language in reference for r-3, I don’t understand what room there is for him to disagree with this: “ 1011.5.2 exception 5 (page #37) ". In Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments; in Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; and...
  8. tomtomtom

    Residential components of Mixed Use - Stair Components

    We are renovating an existing second story apartment into two units, in a conforming mixed use building (two commercial units on the first floor, two apartments on the second). There is an interior stair which exits outdoors, which will serve one unit: existing no change. The second unit will be...
  9. tomtomtom

    Definition of a Building

    I'll consult my land-use attorney: by no other legal definition is a fence a building- this is poorly authored code.
  10. tomtomtom

    Definition of a Building

    I am currently working with a client in a small town in Connecticut- I am dealing with an issue which defies legal precedent and industry standards: This is the Town's definition of a "building": "Structure of walls, post, columns or other devices which may or may not support a roof, and which...
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