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Buildings older than code

R

retire09

Silver Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
365
Location
Alaska
What is the proper and legal method of dealing with 1920s buildings built before any code adoptions in the area that have been unoccupied for decades but are now wanting to resume operations as they were in the past.

There is no proposed change in use or occupancy but they are extremely non compliant.

The buildings are over size, too close to property lines and other buildings, not sprinklered, no fire alarms, etc.

The list of violations is as long as a code book.

Some violations like size and location cannot be fixed.

What is the code solution for this?
 
3401.4.1. The Building Official can intervene if the condition is dangerous to life, health or safety. Applying those parameters requires restrained judgement. The current code is not the only yardstick that should be used.
 
The best method is the fire code, not the building code.

NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 offer time tested tools for dealing with such situations.

Your mileage with the ICC may vary.
 
I agree with brudgers on this....if you have (or are the) FM in this area the fire codes seem to go into way more detail on existing buildings...or maybe Chapter 12 of the IEBC.....
 
steveray said:
I agree with brudgers on this....if you have (or are the) FM in this area the fire codes seem to go into way more detail on existing buildings...or maybe Chapter 12 of the IEBC.....
Click to expand...
chapter 11 in the 2009 IEBC
 
You have to delve into the administrative provisions of your particular state or locality.

It also brings up the question of how long can a structure be vacant and still be an existing use.

Look at the maintenance and fire codes as adopted.

See also the existing buildings code if that has been adopted in your area--that or IBC chapter 34 can be used to evaluate alternatives.

Historic buildings criteria may also apply.

Many noncompliant items are permitted to remain under one or more of the above codes.

What are the uses?
 
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