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  1. I

    Dogging holes

    What if the doors are on an exterior wall not required to be protected with rated closures?
  2. I

    Fire Separation between Group F2 and C

    This helps a tonne (note Canadian spelling :p) because now a designer (architect) has to be involved, and an engineer for the structural stuff. Presumably one of those professions will be able to provide the code evaluation (matrix), building classification, F/S required, etc. Make sure that...
  3. I

    Body camera policy?

    I have a bodycam for my dangerous and unsightly bylaw work. The policy we've created is that our inspectors are to record (audio, visual if possible) whenever we are entering a property to enforce construction taking place without a permit, or to discuss violation of an order. We have had...
  4. I

    Inspecting with a bad plan review

    That's.... quite refreshing. Sadly, the province - or more accurately, arms of the province - are one of the worst offenders for not designing/building/caring about accessibility.
  5. I

    Inspecting with a bad plan review

    Hoooboy, do I feel your pain. I've been in the unenviable position of assuming responsibility for some pretty deficient plans - the worst of which was for a massive industrial building where the floor plans were "issued for pricing" and didn't have required stamps - and weren't code compliant in...
  6. I

    I may be wrong on flanking!

    We use two (or three) methods a) ULC-listed assemblies b) Assemblies that work under an additive part of our code called Appendix D c) For some buildings, generic assemblies suitable for small buildings. When it coms to row/townhouses and duplexes, the general principle under NBC is for a...
  7. I

    I may be wrong on flanking!

    ^^^ This. I see issues with these elements of designs in duplexes and townhouses more often than I'd like. In fact, I now treat party walls on buildings with (a) basements or (b) multiple storeys the same way I treat exit shafts - I won't issue a permit until there are drawing details showing...
  8. I

    Why Contractors Avoid Pulling Building Permits: Uncovering the Truth

    The greatest advice I ever received came from Ray, the functioning alcoholic carpet installer. I was early in the days of learning how to install floors, and frigged up some patch. Ray grabbed a hammer, smashed the crap out of my mess, and told me to do it again. And then he said words of...
  9. I

    Maximum Stair Tread Thickness

    FYI, some changes coming in NBC 2020. Not sure what BCBC says about open risers...
  10. I

    Spatial Separation

    Ah, that makes things easier.
  11. I

    Spatial Separation

    The CAN4-S106M standard is NOT referenced in any part of NBC 2015, or NBC 2020, and therefore, you can't rely on it prescriptively. Take note that 9.10.14 allows wired glass or glass block, OR a fire-rated closure to eliminate unprotected openings but this would would only apply if you have an...
  12. I

    Maximum Stair Tread Thickness

    As long as you meet the minimum nose-to-nose run, you're fine. I can't say it's smart, but ....
  13. I

    Plan Review Software - a different question

    We use a custom-built database for our permits; and individual inspectors use PDF Exchange for plans reviews (measurements, etc.)
  14. I

    Agricultural No Building Permit Required

    Canadian definition: Farm building means a building or part thereof that does not contain a residential occupancy and that is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming, and used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage or...
  15. I

    Agricultural No Building Permit Required

    Had the same thing our way a couple of years ago. "It's got horses, it's agricultural," said the applicant, who wanted the Farm Code. "It's for classes, so now it has to meet Building Code," said I, "Plus, you hold public events, so you're into the nasty part of Code. Get a designer." She...
  16. I

    Urinal

    Interesting. In Canadian Codes, urinals can be used to to offset water closets - two urinals for three water closets in bathrooms required for those of us who can pee standing up,
  17. I

    squatter squad

    I'm thinking this is poor journalism. I suspect this is municipal property standards by-law enforcement officers.
  18. I

    Job security

    Not in Canada, save for buildings >600m2 (~6,100ft2); > three stories; assembly, high-hazard industrial, or care occupancies.
  19. I

    An Educational Insight into a Notable Building Code Enforcement Lawsuit

    Fascinating that in the land of the free and home of the first amendment that so much is redacted. In Canada, the only time a name/business is redacted is if if there is a minor involved, or if the court has issued a publication ban to protect the identity of a victim of sexual assault. (I seem...
  20. I

    Large digital display array considered a wall finish & required to comply with Section 803??

    It's insightful for me, though, seeing how the American codes interpret things differently. FYI, I'd consider it a wall covering if there were no other finish on the wall. Otherwise, I'd look at the flame-spread rating and smoke-developed classification met the requirements for the occupancy...
  21. I

    Job security

    This was the plan submitted for a commercial storage building.
  22. I

    Lav Access

    More of an FYI - In Canada, the sink would have to be 46cm from the wall, to solve just this sort of issue: allowing space for access underneath.
  23. I

    Lav Access

    Wouldn't fly for this Canuck, under our codes.
  24. I

    Large digital display array considered a wall finish & required to comply with Section 803??

    Would love to see the code reference that supports this.
  25. I

    Two Exit Stairs, One Exit Discharge

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