Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2009 09 17

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SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES TO THE 2009 CODES 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 1. A new code section was added that will describe ambulatory health care facilities which include medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing, or similar care on a less than 24 hour basis to individuals who are rendered incapable of self preservation. These facilities will be required to have smoke barriers, refuge areas, independent means of egress from each smoke barrier area, automatic sprinkler system, and fire alarms. These facilities will still fall under the Business type occupancy classification. 2. Exit path markings will be required in all exit stair enclosures and horizontal exit passageways of new and existing high rise buildings. High rise buildings are any buildings having a floor level more than 75' above level of fire department access. These markings shall be an approved luminous material and shall be between 1 inch and 2 inches wide. They shall be located on all exit stair treads, edge of stair landings, on handrails, and handrail extensions. There shall also be a solid and continuous demarcation line on the wall or floor of the exit stair enclosure or exit passageway. Doors and frames shall also be marked with approved luminous markings. There is no timetable to have existing buildings comply and building owners will need to work out details with North Metro Fire District. 3. A new code section was added that will recognize Live Work dwelling units. The limitations will be 3,000 square feet total maximum; 50% maximum of total for work area; work area limited to main level; no high hazard or primarily storage type uses; and a maximum of five non residential workers or employees allowed to occupy the non residential area at anyone time. If these units comply with the above they will be classified the same as a non transient type residential occupancy (condo, apartment, boarding houses, etc.). These units will be required to have approved fire sprinkler system. We will be suggesting amendments to this section by adding a requirement to determine the required number of plumbing fixtures for the work area by referencing Chapter 29 (Plumbing Systems) and to determine the required exit system components for the work area by referencing Chapter 10 (Means of Egress). 4. A new code section was added that will require all fire and smoke rated wall assemblies within buildings to be permanently identified with signs or stenciling. These markings will be required to be located in accessible areas; repeated at intervals not exceeding 30 feet; and the lettering shall be not less than ~ inch high. This was added so as to allow the fire departments and building maintenance people always know that these walls need to have any openings protected in an approved method during the life of the building. 5. The size threshold for requiring an approved fire sprinkler system in an Educational type occupancy was reduced from 20,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.