CEBC, Window Replacement & EERO

[santanbrogio]

A home remodel project has a permit for replacing exterior stucco with siding and replacing 11 windows and 2 doors. The window vendor wants to substitute sliders with casement windows to achieve EERO 20" x 24", 5.7 sqft dimensions. The sideyards are 3' wide, will an open casement be considered a protrusion impeding access?

The preference is to replace the existing horizontal sliders with double or single hung windows that will be 1" short of the 24" vertical dimension required.

I'm considering invoking this:

California Existing Building Code.

505.3 Replacement Window Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
Where windows are required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, replacement windows shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 1031.3 of the California Building Code and Section R310.2 of the California Residential Code provided that the replacement window meets the following conditions:
The replacement window is the manufacturer's largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window.

Where the window replacement is part of a change of occupancy, it shall comply with Section 1011.5.6.

The windows are to be the same size as the existing ones with no alterations of the framing, using single or double-hung windows will not protrude in the sideyards, but be 1" short of the 24" vertical dimension.

 

[steveray]

Are they the largest window you can fit in the hole?

The replacement window is the manufacturer's largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening.

 

[santanbrogio]

Are they the largest window you can fit in the hole?

The 2 bedroom windows are all the same size, the windows are available to fit the rough openings in a double, single thing, and casement form. The DH & SH will not meet the 24" height; the casements will protrude into 3' side yards (if that is a problem for the Fire Department).

 

[ICE]

I find the casement window to be a superior choice. O.J. Simpson would have disagreed.

 

[steveray]

the casements will protrude into 3' side yards (if that is a problem for the Fire Department).

Isn't that what axes are for?

 

[santanbrogio]

I find the casement window to be a superior choice. O.J. Simpson would have disagreed.

...But the open casements will protrude into the sideyards, is it an issue for access by the FD? The side yards are 3' wide. The casements have screens on the inside, which is a problem.

 

[ICE]

which is a problem

For whom is a screen a problem? The FD guys adapt to the situation at hand and they have the tools of the trade. If they can't go through a window they will go through the wall.

You have mentioned the FD several times.... so ask the FD.

 

[santanbrogio]

For whom is a screen a problem? The FD guys adapt to the situation at hand and they have the tools of the trade. If they can't go through a window they will go through the wall.

You have mentioned the FD several times.... so ask the FD.

I'm the homeowner, and the objection to the inside screen is mine. It's a good idea to as the FD or look at the California Fire Code.

 

[santanbrogio]

I just talked to the local plan checker and he explained that:

1. A permit is needed.
2. The windows do not need to comply with EERO if the size / rough opening is the same as the existing.

This is in Santa Monica, CA.