California Code for door vision panel

[Codegeek]

I have a project in California which is going through plan review process. There is a set of double doors, which swing in both directions, which have a vision panel within them. We received a plan review comment asking for dimension of the vision panel. Our plans show the bottom elevation of the vision panel, but do not indicate any other dimensions than that. Where can I find code language which indicates what those dimension should be as the plan review comment did not cite a section to reference?

Thanks.

 

[Examiner]

ADA height requirements of vision panels in doors if the doors do not have a sidelight. ADA states the limit of the vision light bottom from the floor. Many do not know this.

Also, if they are rated double egress doors then there will be a limit to the size of the glazing in the door. The glazing size will vary with type of fire rated glazing and hourly rating of the door if any hourly rating is required.

Double doors that swing in both directions are double egress doors. Each leaf must take the occupant load in the direction of travel. Usually these types of doors are over 36-inches wide per leaf.

 

[Codegeek]

ADA height requirements of vision panels in doors if the doors do not have a sidelight. ADA states the limit of the vision light bottom from the floor. Many do not know this. Also, if they are rated double egress doors then there will be a limit to the size of the glazing in the door. The glazing size will vary with type of fire rated glazing and hourly rating of the door if any hourly rating is required.

Double doors that swing in both directions are double egress doors. Each leaf must take the occupant load in the direction of travel. Usually these types of doors are over 36-inches wide per leaf.

I understand what ADA says, this is specific to California which has their own accessibility code. I also understand the other issues. These doors are not in a situation in which they need to be rated.

 

[Examiner]

Not knowing what the California Code requires on plan review or in their code regarding glazing I cannot think of why a plan reviewer is asking for glazing size. Maybe they want to know the size to see if something other than a safety glazing would be allowed. 2006 IBC 2406.3.1 has Excepitons for door glazing that can avoid safety glazing. Did you state on the plans the type of glazing used in your door elevations or door schedule? I bet the plan reviewer will not look in the specs.

 

[Codegeek]

Not knowing what the California Code requires on plan review or in their code regarding glazing I cannot think of why a plan reviewer is asking for glazing size.

That's where I'm at. I don't know of any code requirement either. I was hoping that Mark Handler would respond as he's from CA and familiar with their accessibility requirements. It's not an issue on the glazing materials as there is another review comment on an adjacent door detail asking about safety glazing. So I have no clue what they're looking for on this.

I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your time.

 

[mark handler]

Is it a fire-rated or smoke barrier rated opening?

715.4.7.1 Size limitations. Fire-protection-rated glazing used infire doors shall comply with the size limitations ofNFPA 80.

What is the occupancy?

Ask foe a code section...

 

[Codegeek]

Is it a fire-rated or smoke barrier rated opening?715.4.7.1 Size limitations. Fire-protection-rated glazing used infire doors shall comply with the size limitations ofNFPA 80.

What is the occupancy?

Ask foe a code section...

No, it is not a fire-rated or smoke barrier rated opening. It's for a mixed, nonseparated use building with retail and storage as the two uses.

 

[mark handler]

Then there is nothing in the code except as related to size limits base on type of glazing used

 

[Codegeek]

Then there is nothing in the code except as related to size limits base on type of glazing used

I was not aware of any requirement either. Thanks Mark for verifying.