ClermontCodeGuy
Member
Are boat docks and walkways to the dock required to comply with the Florida Building Code section R312 ? Or are they exempt from this section ?
-
Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. This is a free forum to the public due to the generosity of the Sawhorses, Corporate Supporters and Supporters who have upgraded their accounts. If you would like to have improved access to the forum please upgrade to Sawhorse by first logging in then clicking here: Upgrades
Guardrails on docks and walkways
- Thread starter ClermontCodeGuy
- Start date
Builder Bob
Sawhorse
Depends, public dock or private? What does the scope of the Florida Building Code council cover? for instance, in SC the Building Code Council only regulates to the OCRM line. A dock in this location is governed by other entities.
ClermontCodeGuy
Member
The one in question is private residential. The FBC "R" covers 1 & 2 dwellings and their accessory structures.
"R101.2Scope.
The provisions of the Florida Building Code, Residential shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above gradeplane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures. "
"R101.2Scope.
The provisions of the Florida Building Code, Residential shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above gradeplane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures. "
ICE
Oh Well
Is a permit required? Did they get a permit?
north star
Sawhorse
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 4,596
@ : @ : @
@ : @ : @
I say Yes, ...they are required to comply !
@ : @ : @
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Not from IRC but:
IBC 1013.1 Guards are not required On the loading side of ... docks or piers.
IBC 1013.1 Guards are not required On the loading side of ... docks or piers.
north star
Sawhorse
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 4,596
# = # = #
That is a different type of [ Loading ] dock Mark !
Section 312.1.1; from the `14 FBC, 5th Edition, Residential,
requires guards along open sided walking surfaces.
I would also want to know if this dock \ pier is located within
a Flood or Tidal Zone.
# = # = #
That is a different type of [ Loading ] dock Mark !
Section 312.1.1; from the `14 FBC, 5th Edition, Residential,
requires guards along open sided walking surfaces.
I would also want to know if this dock \ pier is located within
a Flood or Tidal Zone.
# = # = #
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Does not matter
You also do not need them around swimming or wading pools/ponds
Last edited:
ClermontCodeGuy
Member
Yes a permit is required for dock work in Florida, tidal zone No, flood zone Yes. Walkway is elevated greater than 30" above water. However the question also becomes "is the water also grade" ? My concern is for children and elderly people walking out there, without a guardrail there is potential for falling into the water. As far as the open side of dock, no guardrail is required where boat is docked. I will post a picture of the site asap.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Build it to the IBC!.....Specifically the last line of the section. I think there is another more specific section as well, but I can't get there right now.
R104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of the International Codes in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be permitted as an alternate.
R104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of the International Codes in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be permitted as an alternate.
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Is the intend of the "dock" for boats or for "pedestrian traffic"?
How do you know where to leave the "gaps" in the guard or what size the boat is?
How do you know where to leave the "gaps" in the guard or what size the boat is?
ClermontCodeGuy
Member
Nice pictures, my site looks close to picture #1. Is the first picture of a code compliant installation ? Guardrails optional ?
JCraver
Sawhorse
A dock is a dock, not a deck. No guardrails/handrails required on a single-level dock, unless your code specifically mandates them. If a kid is playing unattended on a dock and falls in the water, that is a parenting issue - not a code one.
IMO, of course...
IMO, of course...
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
We usually see a handrail/guardrail on the ramp leading to the dock area on residential. The only time I see something like this is a commercial operation with passengers loading and unloading tour boats
ClermontCodeGuy
Member
Thank you for the input on this matter.