Where a fire-damage repair consists of replacement in kind — same walls in the same locations, windows and doors back into the same openings at the same sizes, no reconfiguration of space, no new or extended systems — is the project properly classified as a Repair, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 Alteration .
Specifically, does the 50 percent work area threshold in Section 604.1 apply to areas where damaged components are replaced in kind without reconfiguration, such that the extent of the repair to restore the use alone can make the project a Level 3 Alteration? With multiple buildings on the site, the area of the replacement will not encroach 50 percent work area threshold.
Interpretation #9612
Published November 09, 2026
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2023
- Code
- EXTBLDG
- Code Description
- Chapter
- 6
- Section
- 602.1
- Topic
- Levels of Alterations
Question
Answer Published 11/05/2026 at 12:42 PM
If no reconfiguring of spaces or systems is proposed, and the replacement of damaged materials with new materials is the entirety of the scope, it is a repair.
Commentary
None.