Interpretation #7767

Original Request

Code Version: 2014
Code: BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section: 1819
Topic: Fence footings

Question

Is it the intent of FBC-2014 section 1819 (soilbearing foundations) to remove the requirements of minimum foundation depths that was previously required by FBC- 2010 section 1819.2.3 exception that requires masonry fences,wing walls and other similiar walls that are exposed to lateralo wind forces and that do not have any lateral restraint from overturning to have the top of the footing no less than 16'' below grade . Whereas the new 2014 code section 1819 is now reserved and therefore we no longer have a code section to reference when a footing is above that previously required minimum. There are many code sections such as 1817-1834 that are also reserved as well as many other sections in the new code.

Answer Published 05/25/2016 at 2:58 PM

Section 1819 is now reserved. If other sections of the code
cover the same issue then they can be applied, if not it is
just something that existed previously. We must rely on the
design professional to properly apply rational analysis.
Please see the attached commentary.

Commentary

While it is not the intent to remove requirements for minimum footing depths, the requirements are covered in a different way in the non-HVHZ section of the code. 1819.2.3 started with "Based on rational analysis and soil investigation as set forth in Section 1818, the footing size or bearing capacity may vary..." The rest of the section modified the rule. The only real change is that you now rely on the engineer's design while meeting the minimums in the rest of chapter 18. For example 1809.4. Rational analysis is addressed in chapter 16. Soil investigation in 1803.2. Many items formerly found in the HVHZ provisions of the code are no longer found in the code. This is due to past legislation requiring Florida specific amendments to expire with each code update. An exception was made for provisions related to wind resistance in the HVHZ. Any items not related to wind resistance were removed. Presumably, the sections of the code covering those items would be applied.