existing building property line walls CBC

[rick stone]

I have an existing building probably mid 1970's.

Problem is existing property line walls with 0 distance, non-rated (I think) and no parapets.

We are not touching the walls except on the inside we are stripping the inside layer of drywall, adding 1/2" plywood and 5/8" type 'x' gyp. bd.

It already has 7/8" stucco on outside, so we in effect 1-houring the wall.

The property line walls do not have the required 30" parapet, and adding the parapet would require too much work and total re-design work.

The alternative is 705.11 exception 4. I'm don't think the existing roof can handle the extra weight of two layers of drywall.

Section 3403.1 of the california building code appears to limit the requirements for existing buildings stating 'Alterations..........to ensure that no less conforming than prior to the addition"

Actually we are upgrading to 1-hr. and fire blocking the wall, so it is more conforming than the existing.

We want to leave it at that and not overstress the existing roof with drywall or alter the building design with a new parapet.

Want to make sure though that I'm interpreting this right.

Thanks much

 

[cda]

Did it meet code when it was built?

 

[north star]

~ & ~ & ~

rick stone,

Welcome to the Building Codes Forum !

Is there an RDP involved with the design of this project ?.........Assembling \

installing fire rated assemblies usually involves an RDP being actively

involved ?

~ & ~ & ~

 

[cda]

oh did not see you are a new-be

welcome!!!!!

 

[pwood]

I do not see any reason to require additional work beyond what you are doing. You are improving an existing non-compliant situation in the area of the work. To require more would make owners and contractors shy away from getting permits thus making them criminals and subject to jail time.

 

[mark handler]

Does it have the 4 or 5 FT butterfly protection of the roof framing?

 

[mark handler]

The attached is from the 1990's see the sections on parapets and the "parapet Exeptions"

http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/pdf/industry/1998/bnl5_3.pdf