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Condominium Definition

T

tcl01architect

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2015
Messages
1
Location
Gaylord, Michigan
What is the 2012 ICC definition of Condominium? The only reference in the Code I've found is in the index which reads "CONDOMINIUM (see APARTMENT HOUSES)" Using that and Webster's definition I've tried reasoning with a Code official that a condominium is an "apartment house" which has implications in terms of accessibility requirements. Anybody have a solid answer?
 
A condominium isn't a building type. It's a form of ownership where the buyer owns his own unit and the condominium association owns the rest.

Condominiums are usually constructed as apartments (R-2) or townhouses (IRC).
 
2012 International Zoning Code

CONDOMINIUM. A single-dwelling unit in a multiunit dwelling or structure, that is separately owned and may be combined with an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities of the property.

2012 IBC

201.4 Terms not defined.

Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

[h=1]Condominium[/h]









Definition: A condominium is one of a group of housing units where each homeowner owns their individual unit space, and all the dwelling share ownership of areas of common use.

The individual units normally share walls, but that isn't a requirement. The main difference in condos and regular single homes is that there is no individual ownership of a plot of land. All the land in the condominium project is owned in common by all the homeowners.

Usually, the exterior maintenace is paid for out of homeowner dues collected and managed under strict rules. The exterior walls and roof are insured by the condominium association, while all interior walls and items are insured by the homeowner.

 
Agree with above, nice job MT going to the Zoning Code........although we don't have that adopted, but a nice back-up.
 
Look at the description of a Group R-2: "...two or more dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature..."

Condos consist of two or more dwelling units and the occupants are permanent in nature; thus, by that description, they are Group R-2 under the IBC (even though the list below does not include condominiums).
 
Condo's in the IBC would most properly be classified as R-2 (Permanent). That the list in the Code does not specifically include 'Condominium' is irrelevant, the lists are not 'all inclusive'.

From the 2012 IBC: Section 302.1 General ... Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, such structure shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved.

A condominium is typically in a building containing ore than 2 dwelling units and s typically for permanent (as opposed to transient) occupancy.
 
We have had quite a few duplexes that where "condo-ed" later. Now that financing for a condo is harder they are trying to get them to comply as a town-home as defined under our zoning code
 
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