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Church pew spacing/fixed row chair spacing

R

rural62

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2015
Messages
3
Location
United States
Our church pews are non - code compliant with a spacing of 8, rather than 12 inches of spacing. (1028.10.2.1) If we pick them up to install new flooring, do we have to put them at the new code requirement? Or can we put them at the same, non-code compliant spacing?
 
rural62 said:
Our church pews are non - code compliant with a spacing of 8, rather than 12 inches of spacing. (1028.10.2.1) If we pick them up to install new flooring, do we have to put them at the new code requirement? Or can we put them at the same, non-code compliant spacing?
Click to expand...
Talk to you Building official.

Technically if you remove them, you need to comply with current code.
 
Welcome

Same answer, but not sure if just replacing the flooring will result in a visit from the inspector???

I am thinking that the answer is you can put them back as is, as long as you are not adding any seating, or changing the arrangement.

What state are you in???
 
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rural62,

From the `12 IBC, Section 105.2 - Work Exempt From Permits:

Exception # 7.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and

similar finish work.

While the replacement of the carpeting may be exempt from

the IBC codes & a permit, ...the Federal ADA Standards will most

likely require that the 12" spacing be installed once the pews are

detached and removed.



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rural62, First, welcome to the board.

Second, ask the local AHJ what will be required. The only person who can give you a definitive/binding answer is the AHJ.
 
Personally the 12 inches would be more comfortable for the attendees and the few pews you would loose are probably not going to effect seating, except for the attendee who may believe the pew that was removed was "his" seat.
 
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