Unlimited Area Interpretations

[Markmax33]

I've seen several questions about what is or isn't allowed inside of the 60' for the unlimited area buildings. I found this ICC interpretation which answers most of the those questions:

http://www2.iccsafe.org/cs/committeeArea/pdf_file/BU_00_20_03.pdf

Q1: Are structures such as tanks, cooling towers, generators, and trash dumpsters permitted within the 60-foot public

way or yard that is required to surround and adjoin an unlimited area building?

A1: Yes. An unlimited area building m ust be surrounded by a fire separation distance of not less than 60 feet. The fire

separation distance, as defined in Section 702.1, is the distance measured from the face of the unlimited area building to

an interior lot line, the centerline of an adjacent street, alley or public way, or to an imaginary line between another building

on the same property. No other building is permitted within the 60-foot fire separation distance. The purpose of the fire

separation distance is to establish a minimum separation between buildings that will serve to reduce the possibility that

a fire in one building can spread to another building. It is not the intent to prohibit elements other than buildings from being

located within the fire separation distance.

Q2: Is an autom otive parking lot permitted within the 60-foot public way or yard that is required to surround and adjoin

an unlimited area building?

A2: Yes. A public way can contain a street or alley that is specifically dedicated for vehicular circulation and parking.

Vehicular circulation and parking are permitted within the portion of the 60-foot fire separation distance that extends beyond

the building property and into a public way. Likewise, vehicular circulation and parking are permitted within the portion of

the 60-foot fire separation distance that is located within the building property.

Q3: Is the 60-foot yard that is required to surround an unlimited area building required to be publicly owned?

A3: No. The 60-foot fire separation (open space) must be located on the sam e property as the building or on property

dedicated for public use. The property on which the building is located may be privately owned or publicly owned.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Q3: Is the 60-foot yard that is required to surround an unlimited area building required to be publicly owned? A3: No. The 60-foot fire separation (open space) must be located on the same property as the building or on property

dedicated for public use. The property on which the building is located may be privately owned or publicly owned.

I remember being taught in a code class this is why a railroad right of way can not be used for the required 60 ft. Separate property owners and who knows what is an the train parked next to the building.

 

[High Desert]

Just amonia and gasoline tanks.

 

[peach]

you can always have "something" parked in an alley, street or parking lot.. they all impede FD access (possibly/probably), but that's what the code allows.

 

[spector51]

I think the point to be taken from the commentary is what can be allowed or permitted (considered) in the open space required in the unlimited area building scenario is different the open space that was used to grant a street frontage increase. They are two separated concepts and are easily confused.