Interpretation #7630
Published September 21, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- EXTBLDG
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 101.2 Exception.
- Topic
- Application of existing volume to hospitals
Question
Is it the intent of Section 101.2 (and FBC Building 449.1.3) to exempt existing private hospitals that are state licensed to comply with FBC Existing Building?
Answer Published 09/21/2015 at 2:05 PM
Yes, the intent is to exempt such buildings from the Florida
Building Code-Existing Building. However, the provisions in
Chapter 4 for public educational and state licensed
facilities essentially say that all remodeling, alterations,
renovations, repairs, additions, and change of occupancy
have to meet the code requirements for new construction.
The separation by a fire wall would create two separate
buildings.
Building Code-Existing Building. However, the provisions in
Chapter 4 for public educational and state licensed
facilities essentially say that all remodeling, alterations,
renovations, repairs, additions, and change of occupancy
have to meet the code requirements for new construction.
The separation by a fire wall would create two separate
buildings.
Commentary
The Building Code fully addresses not permitting a new
adjacent building that would impede upon the open frontage
area required for an existing building. The permit applicant
needs to provide documentation of how the existing building
will have adequate firefighting capabilities equivalent to
that available with the previous open space. FBC-B 104.11
provides for alternative means of compliance. From the
Comment by the requester, the building is already
non-conforming. The alternatives are to deny the permit for
the addition, require life safety features above what is
required by the code as an alternative method, or continue
to allow the non-conformance. This situation is not
really addressed by the code and is wholly a local
jurisdiction decision.