• Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. This is a free forum to the public due to the generosity of the Sawhorses, Corporate Supporters and Supporters who have upgraded their accounts. If you would like to have improved access to the forum please upgrade to Sawhorse by first logging in then clicking here: Upgrades

Search results

  1. V

    B or M occupancy (change of use)

    I just found this code info. It seems updated and requires 2 exit if travel distance is more than 75'.
  2. V

    B or M occupancy

    Based on the answers, I think I should be ok with non-accessible restroom and M occupancy. I really appreciate your response. Thx,
  3. V

    B or M occupancy

    Hello there, I am working on a small project. Its a 1000sf space in a strip mall. The space originally was used for selling carpet and tiles. My client signed a lease and would like to open a clothing Boutique. The clothes will be on display stands like any other big stores (Macy's). It has a...
  4. V

    Temperature controlled storage

    Hello Everyone, I am looking for some advice on wall insulation requirements to separate "soon to be built temperature controlled storage area from rest of the warehouse space". The temperature controlled storage space shall be used to store pharmaceutical packages. Anything else I need to...
  5. V

    Detached two family dwelling

    Thank you all!
  6. V

    Detached two family dwelling

    Hello Everyone, I am looking for some advice on detached two family dwelling. What would be an example of detached two family dwelling? Thx,
  7. V

    Insulation question

    Its R-19 for the wall. AHJ is asking a letter from Architect saying R-value is not going to be reduced but we think that by compressing the insulation to accommodate in the studs, its R-value will be affected.
  8. V

    Insulation question

    Hello everyone, we recently have a situation in our office where a contractor was advised to use Batt insulation (R-15) and rigid insulation (R-4) on an exterior 4" stud exterior wall. Instead of having an OSB/ Plywood sheathing as a rigid board attached on the outside of the studs, contractor...
  9. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hello CDA, Please advice about the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors. As per section 907.2.11.2, I need a smoke alarm in each sleeping room and outside sleeping rooms. As you mentioned above in one of your reply, that I might need fire alarm as we are providing sprinklers. I...
  10. V

    Two family vs three family code

    yes, I don't need a second exit but only an egress window which I have. One more question regarding hvac. If we provide cooling via window AC and baseboard heating, then I think we don't need to worry about hvac calculations, ducts, dampers etc.. That will remove the need to go to the MEP...
  11. V

    Two family vs three family code

    As I mentioned earlier, second and third floor can access fire escape stair on the back through egress window. Don't you think that can be counted as asecond exit?
  12. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Do you guys think we will need to submit hvac drawings prepared by mep?
  13. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Interior stairs yes, Each tenant will have their own HVAC. one in the attic for third floor and two in the basement for first and second floor. They will be penetrating rated floor so need to be rated. I am not sure if the stairs are rated, if not we may have to make them fire rated. One more...
  14. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hello cda, we will need to provide manual fire alarm. I did not understand your question about existing requirements. I hope you won't mind if I ask you to elaborate. I would also request you to advice me about existing hvac ducting in the home. Do we need to provide smoke detection system for...
  15. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hello Everyone, Thanks for all the good advice. I checked with the local inspector and the applicable code are IBC2015. I checked the code and I understand that we need 30 min rated floor and exterior walls as we are using sprinklers. The side walls of the house are close to the other houses so...
  16. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hello cda, Thanks for your reply. Basement has no sleeping unit. Only three upper floor has the dwelling units and I am more concerned about the egress of the third floor occupants. Currently there is only one staircase that feeds all the floors. That means only one egress/exit front door. As...
  17. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hi, My brother just bought a two family house. It has basement with three floors. First and second floor is being used as 1 unit and third floor as 2nd unit. The house is in a three family zone and he is thinking of converting it into three family. I just checked the code and as per code section...
  18. V

    Two family vs three family code

    Hello Everyone, I am trying to learn about codes and need info about basic differences between 2 family and three family codes. IRC code book is only for single and 2 family homes but not about three family. If I have to figure out code for 3 family ( 3 floor), what should I keep in mind as far...
  19. V

    Plumbing fixture calculation

    Hello Everyone, I have a question about calculating plumbing fixture for Banquet hall (A-2) Occupancy. The building in question has a big banquet hall (315 Occupant) and 3 smaller halls (109, 140, 96 occupants) served through a common lobby which itself is very large around 2000 SF (417...
  20. V

    Firewall related

    First I would like to thank you for replying. So If I keep the building single story with a sprinkler system and IIIB construction type, I can go more than 38,000sf without adding a fire wall. Am I getting right or missing something?
  21. V

    Firewall related

    Thanks for your quick reply and the links you posted. I will definitely go through them. If the current construction type is IIIB, then I assume as per your answer that I will have to break the space so that it does not go more than 38,000sf. Am I right? thanks
  22. V

    Firewall related

    Hello Everyone, I am trying to learn to code and have a very basic question related to IBC Table 506.2. I will take most restricted assembly A2 as my occupancy. As per table for A2 Occupancy and single story sprinkled building, Maximum permissible area is 38,000sf. If I use area modification...
Top