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Connecting Buildings on Separate Lots

Thanks guys.
Anybody else? Would really like to get some additional insight and/ or opinions as to how I can best approach this with the building officials.
 
Sounds like you got it.

Maybe do an exhibit, to show to the building department, and show on it dimensions, and code sections showing compliance with IBC.

Like the commentary does it, and set down with the building department and see if it flies.
 
Will do. Thanks.
Just for further discussion....
Everyone in the office is of the opinion that there is going to need to be some sort of separation (fire wall/ party wall/ fire barrier etc) on or near the property line that the pedestrian walkway crosses over.
I don't have a good argument against that other than that, possibly, if the code was going to require it, they would say so in this particular section. Because they do acknowledge that there are different situations where 2 buildings could be on the same lot with a pedestrian walkway vs 2 buildings on different lots with pedestrian walkways.
Bottom line is I'm not seeing anything or anywhere that leads me to believe it's necessary, just looking for a good way to argue this point because I'm thinking everyone just can't get their head wrapped around that the solution is this simple. Everyone expecting to see some fire rated requirement SOMEWHERE because of this. Help me to put their minds (and my mind) at ease!
 
You have two (2) bridges to be crossed here; acceptance by the AHJ that this can be done in the first place (linking 2 building's with separate ownership) and then dealing with the technical provisions relative to fire separation and structural.
 
It does get a little weird, but if the walkway does not count as building area, I cannot see where a firewall should be required....But maybe it is still considered the "Building"....?

3104.1 General. This section shall apply to connections
between buildings such as pedestrian walkways or tunnels,
located at, above or below grade level, that are used as a
means of travel by persons. The pedestrian walkway shall not
contribute to the building area or the number of stories or
height of connected buildings.
 
steveray said:
It does get a little weird, but if the walkway does not count as building area, I cannot see where a firewall should be required....But maybe it is still considered the "Building"....?

3104.1 General. This section shall apply to connections
between buildings such as pedestrian walkways or tunnels,
located at, above or below grade level, that are used as a
means of travel by persons. The pedestrian walkway shall not
contribute to the building area or the number of stories or
height of connected buildings.
Click to expand...


Keep the fire out of the walkway and adjoining building, for one??
 
ADAguy said:
You need to consult with a real estate attorney on this.
Click to expand...
I agree and a good way to handle all the agreements that need to be worked out is probably by "condominimu" laws in your state applicable specifically to the "pedestrian walkway". New owners would have to abide by the "condo" agreement or follow the agreement for removing it. As the designer I assume you could make it structurally independent from the other buildings if it needed to be removed in the future.
 
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