hlfireinspector
Silver Member
I do not like to deal with existing building issues unless I feel it presents a distinct hazard to life. I have a 2 story 16 unit stick built(truss roof and floors) apartment building built to the 1994 SBC ( Standard Building Code).I have 18 buildings in this complex that are effected and have been told I have 18 more building in another complex that this will effect, all owned by same company. I have been working on this issue for 4 years. The company called for a zoning letter to refinance and I tagged the letter with outstanding violations. The issue I have is the exterior stairs ceiling has only vinyl siding between the stair enclosure and the attic.This was brought to my attention because we had high winds that blew the vinyl out of the stair enclosure and then the balcony area.In the SBC section 1006.2.4 the Exterior stairs shall be seperated from the interior of the building by walls having not less than 1 hour fire rating and fixed or self closing protectives as required for enclosed stairs. Then goes on to say 10 foot each side horizontally and vertically shall be protected and any openings in that 10 foot to be 3/4 hour rated. All I asked the company to do was take down the vinyl ceiling put a layer of 5/8 sheetrock up to seperate the attic from the corridor and they could even put the vinyl back up. The stairs have unrated windows, doors that are not rated and do not have self closers. The walls are covered with vinyl siding that has been melted many times by BBQ grills. The company refuses to work with me and the Fire Chief is going to the city attonery tuesday with the issue. The building dept has dropped out and left me hanging. We have the 2006 IFC and other ICC codes adopted. The building owner says the building was constructed to the 1994 SBC and it met thtat code when constructed. I have proven that to be incorrect. I am looking at 2006 IFC 1027.1 and declaring this building was not conforming to the building code under which it was built and that it presents a distinct life hazard. The only issue I see having problems with is section 1027.19 Exception #1 Seperation from the building interior of the building is not required for buildings that are two stories or less above grade where the level of exit discharge is the first story above grade. Any help???????????????????????