Help with Group R3.1 Sec 420.2

[Vhin]

Hi guys,
I have an issue with compyling with the fire separation in sleeping quarters. Basically, I have an existing structure with 6 ambulatory clients (assisted home care). I wanted to add a room, but the city wants me to make all rooms (existing and new) fire rated. I have no issues putting it in the new addition, but to tear down the walls with existing occupants is going to be a big problem.

Is there any exception to this requirememt?

Also, not willing to do firesprinklers.

Thank you in advance!

 

[cda]

Welcome

 

[cda]

So what do you do for a living?

May help in answering the question

 

[cda]

Are you able to copy and paste


420.2


Not all of us speak California



This is base code:::



420.2 Separation walls.
Walls separating dwelling units in the same building, walls separating sleeping units in the same building and walls separating dwelling or sleeping units from other occupancies contiguous to them in the same building shall be constructed as fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.



Not sure if they are applying it correctly, or there is more in the calif version or the feds are driving the requirement ??

 

[ADAguy]

Have you checked with your insurance carrier?
Is this a single family conversion in a residential neighborhood?
Is this a licensed care facility?
Do you live on the site?

 

[Vhin]

Thanks CDA, that is the specific code they are pointing out too.

Im only a designer for a contractor.

Have you checked with your insurance carrier?
Is this a single family conversion in a residential neighborhood?
Is this a licensed care facility?
Do you live on the site?

Anything in particular I should be checking with the insurance carrier?

Yes this is a single family conversion that is already licensed as care facility.

The owners doesnt live in the house.

Please let me know any solution to this as the owner doesnt want to do the fire wall, and the city just doesnt want to budge and just points out to the section above.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

They may consider this to be a change of occupancy from R-3 to R-4

International Existing Building Code
SECTION 407
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
407.1 Conformance. No change shall be made in the use or
occupancy of any building unless such building is made to
comply with the requirements of the International Building
Code for the use or occupancy. Changes in use or occupancy
in a building or portion thereof shall be such that the existing
building is no less complying with the provisions of this code
than the existing building or structure was prior to the change.
Subject to the approval of the building official, the use or
occupancy of existing buildings shall be permitted to be
changed and the building is allowed to be occupied for purposes
in other groups without conforming to all of the
requirements of this code for those groups, provided the new
or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk,
than the existing use.

 

[cda]

For a house, I do no think I have seen the one hour requirement for separating

“Bedrooms”

Which is basically what you have.

And not like a motel set up where there are separate sleeping units.


I am not near the commentary for a few weeks so not sure how it reads???
Buller Buller


If this is also inspected by the state or feds, I would ask them what the requirements are!!!!

Plus they may have additional!!

 

[ADAguy]

See state requirements for assisted care facilities.
Insurance: owner may not have indicated this as assisted care facility.
Have you addressed CBC 11B / ADA?
Also, is this a privately funded or government funded facility?
Is this a design/build project?
Are you an architect?

 

[Vhin]

Here is what I got from the state

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/ord/entres/getinfo/pdf/rcfeman2.pdf

Odd thing is, fire department already approved the plan check.

 

[cda]

Here is what I got from the state

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/ord/entres/getinfo/pdf/rcfeman2.pdf

Odd thing is, fire department already approved the plan check.

I briefed thru it,,

Besides the city inspecting const, the state or feds don’t do it,,,

 

[cda]

With the city, is there a magic number of clients,,,

Where the rated walls kicks in???

 

[cda]

There are some California people on here. Wait till next week and see how they reply.


Does calif use the IEBC??


You can also look at
SECTION 722
CALCULATED FIRE RESISTANCE

To see what the existing walls calculate out to.