Work in Hallways of Commercial Building

[jar546]

State or Country

USA

Owner - Contractor - Design Professional

Other

In a mid- or high-rise commercial building the owner wants to update the common hallways with the following work:

• Replace carpets
• Replace wallpaper
• Replace suspended ceiling
• Replace all lighting fixtures in the ceiling and sconces on the walls

What would you issue a permit for?

 

[MtnArch]

Not to hijack the thread, but we're dealing with a plan checker who is arguing that there is no such thing as a "hallway" - only "corridors". My piggyback question would be "Would it make any difference if it was a a hallway (or non-rated) or corridor (rated)?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

PA UCC that takes the place of IBC chapter 1 does not require a permit for carpeting and papering.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work is exempt.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

In a mid- or high-rise commercial building the owner wants to update the common hallways with the following work:

• Replace carpets
• Replace wallpaper
• Replace suspended ceiling
• Replace all lighting fixtures in the ceiling and sconces on the walls

What would you issue a permit for?

Assuming the corridors are exit access corridors, the floor, wall and ceiling finishes are regulated so I would issue a building permit for that work. The owner has the option of using the Prescriptive Method or using the Work Area Method and classifying it as a Level 1 alteration.

For the lighting fixtures, that would require an electrical permit.