When does a renovation trigger the addition of a tornado shelter?

[ccollings]

We are planning the renovation of a number of existing fire stations. The renovations very from minor interior changes to more major additions. Per current Ohio building code, fire stations are essential facilities and that all NEW stations are required to have a tornado shelter. The question is, at what point does a renovation of a existing facility trigger the addition of a shelter? My thinking is that a level 3 alteration of more than 50% would require a shelter but that level 1 and level 2 alterations would not?

 

[RLGA]

I would interpret it literally (assuming those are the words used): new stations require shelters—existing stations do not, whether renovated or not.

 

[ccollings]

is there a threshold, depending on the amount of renovation, that the entire building would need to be brought up to current code and therefor require a shelter? Along that thought, would an addition to a station, built to the current code, trigger the need for a storm shelter?
for context there are approximately 40 existing stations for the city of Cleveland. the city has very limited resources. most of the renovations that we are studying focus on updating the sleeping quarters to accommodate female fire fighters. For some stations the sleeping quarters can be modified and for other stations it requires an addition.

 

[Joe.B]

I'm with @RLGA. But all we can do is provide you with opinions. "Per current Ohio building code" can you quote the text? I have to assume that this comes from some kind of legislation, have you found that? If so, please post the language from the statute or bill or whatever it is. That is most likely going to be the most informative.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The question is, at what point does a renovation of a existing facility trigger the addition of a shelter? My thinking is that a level 3 alteration of more than 50% would require a shelter but that level 1 and level 2 alterations would not?

The answer is: When the code calls for it.

Ohio has adopted the IEBC. The first question you need to answer is: which compliance method are you following? You mention Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Can we assume that you are following the Work Area Method?

 

[steveray]

E has it for additions in 303 I believe, other than that you would have to look at the structural upgrades of each compliance method...

 

[ccollings]

I've been digging through the existing building code and I think i can now answer my own question.
for alterations, only alterations that increase the occupant load require shelters.

additions require shelters. period.

 

[steveray]

I've been digging through the existing building code and I think i can now answer my own question.
for alterations, only alterations that increase the occupant load require shelters.
View attachment 15671
additions require shelters. period.
View attachment 15672

Must be OH...IO amendments...Oddly enough I don't seem to find it in work area unless it is only in COO....

 

[ccollings]

Must be OH...IO amendments...Oddly enough I don't seem to find it in work area unless it is only in COO....

yep, it's the Ohio Existing Building Code.