Work Area Compliance Method (Existing Building Code)

[rosegamble]

Hello All,

Another question. I have scoured the existing building code and been been unable to determine when and where fire-resistance rating is required in an existing building under the Work Area Compliance Method (7-9). If using this method rather than the prescriptive compliance method and if there is NO occupancy change, how to I determine whether we need after-the-fact fire-resistance rating? Let's say for example in a new build a wall would be required to be rated or whatever reason. What is the trigger in the Work Area Compliance Method that I have to add the rating as part of a renovation?

Thanks!

 

[steveray]

Nope....not in work area generally to upgrade ratings, but it depends on why the fire rating is there sometimes....If you built a "new" piece of a wall that would be required to be rated by todays code, then yes...Let's say you extended what was an unrated corridor in a Non sprinklered building...That new piece may be required to be rated even though the rest of the corridor could stay non-rated....

 

[rosegamble]

Nope....not in work area generally to upgrade ratings, but it depends on why the fire rating is there sometimes....If you built a "new" piece of a wall that would be required to be rated by todays code, then yes...Let's say you extended what was an unrated corridor in a Non sprinklered building...That new piece may be required to be rated even though the rest of the corridor could stay non-rated....

I see. Interesting. Thank you!

Does switching occupancy change things?

Let's say the space is a small two-story structure (house-sized) that is B on the ground floor and B on the top floor. The owner desires to make it short term rental on the top floor. If it's a Level 3 alteration on the top floor PLUS this occupancy change, is there a requirement to update the existing ceiling between the first and second floors? Chapter 10 has 1011.3 (Interior Finish) and 1011.6.3 (Fire barriers). It would be tricky since any actual rating in the floor assembly would (for new construction) be applied from below on the ceiling of the first floor, but in this scenario there are no changes on the first floor.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Unless the upper floor is larger than the first floor, even altering the entire second floor doesn't push you into Level 3 unless there are also going to be some alterations on the first floor. What you are describing sounds like a Level 2 alteration plus change of occupancy (Chapter 10)

 

[steveray]

I see. Interesting. Thank you!

Does switching occupancy change things?

Let's say the space is a small two-story structure (house-sized) that is B on the ground floor and B on the top floor. The owner desires to make it short term rental on the top floor. If it's a Level 3 alteration on the top floor PLUS this occupancy change, is there a requirement to update the existing ceiling between the first and second floors? Chapter 10 has 1011.3 (Interior Finish) and 1011.6.3 (Fire barriers). It would be tricky since any actual rating in the floor assembly would (for new construction) be applied from below on the ceiling of the first floor, but in this scenario there are no changes on the first floor.

COO would likely get you sprinklers and fire ratings...

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Definition of Level 2:

603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the addition or
elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or
extension of any system, or the installation of any additional
equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to
or less than 50 percent of the building area.