Interpretation #7134
Published February 22, 2013
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- EXTBLDG
- Code Description
- Existing Building
- Chapter
- 6
- Section
- 601.2
- Topic
- existing building less safe
Question
Is it the intent of 601.2 to not allow an existing building or portion thereof to be altered so that it becomes less safe even if the alteration meets the requirements of the FBC, Building?
Answer Published 02/22/2013 at 9:24 AM
Yes, with a caveat... There is no conflict in the wording.
A Level 1 renovation may proceed without requiring current
FBC Building Code compliance. If the renovation proceeds
that way, no safety reduction is allowed.
A Level 1 renovation may proceed without requiring current
FBC Building Code compliance. If the renovation proceeds
that way, no safety reduction is allowed.
Commentary
CAVEAT:
ONE POSSIBLE SCENARIO: If an existing building exceeded the
code that was in effect when built, the safety could be
reduced. For example, if the code when built required two
exits and the current code requires two exits, but the
original construction had three exits, one could be closed
off provided the two remaining exits met the current code.
ANOTHER POSSIBLE SCENARIO: If an existing building
incorporates features that may have been required by a
previous Code and yet are no longer required by a current
Code, the "safety" of the building may be downgraded, as
long as the downgrade is in compliance with current Code
requirements.