Support columns close to site boundary 2012 IBC

[leothebuilder]

I have a wall projection (awning) that is supported on columns.

The columns and roof projection are within 5 feet from the property line but comply with the required setback per 2012 IBC table 705.2

The support columns and the awning (wall projection) are 1 hour fire rated as required.

The Local Authority considers columns as a wall with (large) openings and thus the columns are restricted to having a certain percentage of allowable openings.

The code does have a definition of a wall, and clearly this definition does not apply to a column. Unfortunately the code does not include a definition of a column, however doing several google searches for the definition of a column it is clear that they differ from a wall.

Code section 704.10 Exterior structural members mentions that structural members located on the outside of a building are required to be fire rated per table 602 for exterior walls based on the fire separation distance.

I believe this section applies to columns close to a lot line, not an interpretation of "wall with openings".

I had a similar situation a few years back with another Local Jurisdiction who offered the exact same interpretation. At the time it was easier to comply with this interpretation than to argue the validity. Now with this repeating itself I would appreciate any input and advise.

 

[mtlogcabin]

You are correct

I had the same problem with the previous building official when I came to work here. He would apply the "wall opening" requirements to columns.

I finally convinced him that was not a correct application by pointing him to the definitions

705.1 General.

Exterior walls shall comply with this section.

EXTERIOR WALL. A wall, bearing or nonbearing, that is used as an enclosing wall for a building, other than a fire wall, and that has a slope of 60 degrees (1.05 rad) or greater with the horizontal plane.

 

[leothebuilder]

I hoped I was correct.

Problem is convincing the code reviewer.

Thanks.

 

[Builder Bob]

Don't think this is a awning if it has support columns - AWNING. An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is partially or wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a covering is attached.

Sounds like a canopy perhaps - CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration. A canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides.

 

[leothebuilder]

Bob, you are correct...it is a canopy.

It is the support columns for the canopy that are in question.

I have two local jurisdictions that interpret a row of columns as a with large openings.

Therefore if these columns are in close proximity to the site boundary, these jurisdictions want to limit the openings in size as for a wall.

Not correct in my opinion.

Of course the columns are fire rated.

 

[Builder Bob]

leo, it would depend upon the structural makeup of the building in my opinion. For example, a pre-engineered building uses the structural steel of the building to create an overhang where a non-load bearing storefront is placed 5 feet back. the designer wanted to classify the building as type III construction, then the structural columns would be required to be two hour rated.

The beiggest issue may be the exit discharge within 10 feet of the property line which should of had a code section about EGRESS COURT. A court or yard which provides access to a public way for one or more exits.

 

[Builder Bob]

another train of thought, may be because the exit discharge doesn't have a minimum of ten feet clear and ten feet height to be considered the public way.... bottom line is without plans and an architectural code analysis, you could what if this all day long.

 

[leothebuilder]

The canopy is supported off a fire rated exterior wall on one end, and fire rated columns at 2 feet from the property line.

There is indeed an exit door on that side of the building, which in turn gives access to public open space and exit discharge.