Is it the intent of the FBC - Building to determine a canopy as structurally independent even if it is supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides?
CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration. A canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides.
Interpretation #8583
Published November 01, 2021
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2021
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- Definition
- Topic
- Canopy
Question
Answer Published 11/01/2021 at 10:08 AM
No. The definition states "A canopy is permitted to be structurally independent OR supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides" (emphasis added). This allows for a canopy to be structurally independent or structurally dependent as in attached to a building. This code section does not imply or infer that a canopy is considered independent even if it is supported by attachment to a building. The intermingling of the concepts of structurally independent and attached to a building is not contemplated by this code section.
With that said, a canopy could be attached to a building and be structurally independent by the use of a fourth wall arrangement. If the attachment to the building relies on that attachment for support, it is not structurally independent.
With that said, a canopy could be attached to a building and be structurally independent by the use of a fourth wall arrangement. If the attachment to the building relies on that attachment for support, it is not structurally independent.
Commentary
None.