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  1. MarkRandall

    R-2

    Accessibility for a new live/work unit shouldn't be a big deal. It's just not that hard to provide when you plan for it. But using an existing residence for home/work unit is a double edged sword. (Using Papio uses he mentions) On one side, you have a salon where the customer must come to your...
  2. MarkRandall

    Residential R-2 doorway opening into enclosed stairwell

    I guess I don't see why not. I've seen stairways with multiple access points, but never just for a single dwelling unit. I do this in commercial when a tenant occupies an entire floor. Seems like a odd design to have a dwelling unit accessed off the stair, though.
  3. MarkRandall

    new x-ray room in existing bldg.

    From a review inspection standpoint, I would think you just make sure shielding is specified on the permit documents and verify installation is per documents. For me, as the architect, I'd have a consultant designing the shielding requirements to meet mfr and industry standards or whatever they...
  4. MarkRandall

    Ramp in Supermarket

    Maybe you're doing this already, but I'd itemize the impacts of the level change before any lease is signed. My gut feeling is the client won't want this space that bad when he understands the negatives of the level change.
  5. MarkRandall

    Exiting through an adjoining room

    A sketch would be helpful, but if I'm understanding correctly, if the office's only exit is through the classroom, then yes you add that occupancy to the classroom which in this case occupancy now exceeds 50 requiring two exits. If the office has other exits, then you would not have to add it to...
  6. MarkRandall

    Panic Hardware with a Deadbolt

    I had to be the bad guy at my own church a couple years ago. We had started an alternative worship service in a multi-purpose space on the second floor which had two exits. The music leader had set the band up blocking the second exit. What's really frustrating is that I'm responsible for most...
  7. MarkRandall

    This Is Memorial Day Weekend........Global Warming, My A$$...............

    That Time article is not about global cooling, it's about rising fuel (oil) costs and what Americans are doing to cut heating costs. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,947122-1,00.html
  8. MarkRandall

    Raised Dodgeball Trampoline Courts

    If it's determined it is required, we need to re-write the accessibility code. A trampoline requires a certain amount of physical capabilities that anyone able to use the trampoline should be able to handle the stairs.
  9. MarkRandall

    Toilet gab bars in nursing home

    I've never seen a foldable grab bar that attaches to another grab bar. Can the foldable bar be removed at any time leaving the rear grab bar fully usable? If so, I don't really see the what the issue is. Shouldn't a facility be allowed to "customize" the installation to work better for the...
  10. MarkRandall

    What's your title?

    Jack (short for jack of all trades) Building Code Official would get my vote as well, but then they would have to lay you off as well because they cant afford to pay you for what you're actually doing :-(
  11. MarkRandall

    fire house with sleeping quarters R1?

    Looks like I sparked a little debate. I should have added a little more detail since I actually do agree with brudgers. I don't see a whole lotta reason for small rural fire departments to have sprinklers in all buildings. My point of view was more from the idea that our codes are moving in the...
  12. MarkRandall

    fire house with sleeping quarters R1?

    As a matter of principle, all firehouses should have sprinklers throughout.
  13. MarkRandall

    Overrulled by my Department Head (Zoning Administrator)

    I guess that would not let me stamp my drawings electronically. I rarely actually use my stamp and ink pad.
  14. MarkRandall

    Overrulled by my Department Head (Zoning Administrator)

    Sounds like a clause to protect building departments. Seems like around here most building officials do enforce making sure licensing of DP is taken care of.
  15. MarkRandall

    Exterior Stairways - When is the IRC applicable (and not applicable)?

    mtlogcabin, I think you just gave me the proof for my opinion. So if it's not within or attached to a building, porch or deck, it would NOT be a stairway covered by IRC.
  16. MarkRandall

    Exterior Stairways - When is the IRC applicable (and not applicable)?

    Just to clarify my comments of what's not required is items part of the landscape that are not part of the means of egress. Any element of the building whether required or not is required to meet code. Example: An exterior stair connected to any deck or patio: to be per code. Steps in the...
  17. MarkRandall

    Exterior Stairways - When is the IRC applicable (and not applicable)?

    Yes, it's a valid argument, if it is part of the means of egress. This is a difficult subject to argue on my part because it's nearly impossible to prove a point about something that is NOT in the code. Those saying complaint stairs are required everywhere are taking the code out of context and...
  18. MarkRandall

    Exterior Stairways - When is the IRC applicable (and not applicable)?

    I will disagree with mtlogcabin on this one although he spent time to put together a convincing argument. "Constructed" paths through a terraced or sloped yard do not require stairs per the IRC and can be constructed of any materials without handrails.
  19. MarkRandall

    two story shaft?

    Thanks mtlogcabin, I knew that was in there somewhere. I didn't want to take the time to find it to add it to my response, but I was sure the last two story, Type V-B building I designed did not require shafts.
  20. MarkRandall

    two story shaft?

    No 707.12 Enclosure at the top. A shaft enclosure that does not extend to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab of the building shall be enclosed at the top with construction of the same fire-resistance rating as the topmost floor penetrated by the shaft, but not less than the...
  21. MarkRandall

    Overrulled by my Department Head (Zoning Administrator)

    In that case, build to current code in chapter 10.
  22. MarkRandall

    Overrulled by my Department Head (Zoning Administrator)

    Sounds like new construction to me. Why are they wanting to rebuild the stair? Are there structural issues in meeting current code requirements? If there are structural issues to meet current code and rebuild is to fix an unsafe stair (deterioration), it would seem like a good case for a code...
  23. MarkRandall

    ICC Fireside Chat - BSM 2011

    hah, and I thought it went back to cave dwelling days :-)
  24. MarkRandall

    approved exterior siding material

    I almost mentioned vinyl siding, but figured T-111 would get the point across :-D
  25. MarkRandall

    approved exterior siding material

    This question reminds me of another question this week on cedar roof shingles. Why are we suddenly questioning the use of traditional solid wood materials? Is there any reason not to use T&G Pine anywhere on the exterior? It's got to be better the T-111 siding which I can't stand, but is allowed...
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