Notice of Change
2004 Florida Building Code, Building
May 4, 2004

Chapter 1, Administration

Section 105 Permits

Add Section 105.1.4 to read  as follows:

105.1.4 Temporary structures.  A special building permit for a limited time shall be obtained before the erection of temporary structures such as construction sheds, seats, canopies, tents and fences used in construction work or for temporary purposes such as reviewing stands.  Such structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.

Revise text in Section 105.4 to read as follows:

105.4 Conditions of the permit.
105.4.1 Permit intent.  A permit issued shall be constructed to be a license to proceed with the work and not as authority to violate, cancel, alter, or set aside any of the provisions of the technical codes, nor shall issuance of a permit prevent the building official from thereafter requiring a correction of errors in plans, construction, or violations of this code.  Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commended within 6 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months after the time the work is commenced.

105.4.1.1 If work has commenced and the permit is revoked, becomes null and void, or expires because of lack of progress or abandonment, a new permit covering the proposed construction shall be obtained before proceeding with the work.

105.4.1.2 If a new permit is not obtained within 180 days from the date the initial permit became null and void, the building official is authorized to require that any work which has been commenced or completed be removed from the building site.  Alternately, a new permit may be issued on application, providing the work in place and required to complete the structure meets all applicable regulations in effect at the time the initial permit became null and void and any regulations which may have become effective between the date of expiration and the date if issuance of the new permit.

105.4.1.3 Work shall be considered to be in active progress when the permit has received an approved inspection within 180 days.  This provision shall not be applicable in case of civil commotion or strike or when the building work is halted due directly to judicial injunction, order or similar process.
105.4.1.4 The fee for renewal re-issuance and extension of a permit shall be set forth by the administrative authority.

105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The building official is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this code or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Delete sections 105.5 Expiration and 105.6 Suspension or revocation.

Section 106 Construction Documents

Add text to Section 106.1 to read as follows:

If the design professional is an architect or engineer legally registered under the laws of this state regulating the practice of architecture as provided for in FS Chapter 481, Part I, or engineering as provided for in FS Chapter 471, then he/she shall affix his/her official seal to said drawings, specifications and accompanying data, as required by Florida Statute.  If the design professional is a landscape architect registered under the laws of this state regulating the practice of landscape architecture as provided in FS Chapter 481, Part II, then he or she shall affix his or her seal to said drawings, specifications and accompanying data, as defined in s. 481.303(6)(a)(b)(c)(d), FS.

Section 109 Inspections

Add text to Section 109.3 as shown below to read:

109.3 Required Inspections The building official upon notification from the permit holder....
Building
8.  Manufactured Building Inspections.  The building department shall inspect construction of foundations:....

Chapter 2 Definitions

Section 201 General

Revise Section 201.3 to read as shown below:

201.3 Words not defined.  Words not defined herein shall have the meanings stated in the Florida Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas, or the Florida Fire Prevention Code.  Words not defined in the Florida Building Codes, shall have the meanings in Webster’s current New Collegiate Dictionary as revised Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged.

Section 202 Definitions

Delete Accessible, Notice of Acceptance (NOA), Readily Accessible, and Smoke Layer Interface.

Change the following definition to read as follows:

Wind-Borne Debris Impact Resistant Products.  Those products meeting TAS 201 PA 201-94, TAS 202  PA 202-94 and TAS 203 PA 203-04, ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, or SSTD 12.

Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification

Section 302 Classification

Add text in Section 302.1 to read as follows:

302.1 General......
11.Day Care (See Section 313): Group D

Section 313 Day Care Occupancy - Group D

Revise Section 313.1 to read as follows:

313.1 Scope.  Group D occupancy is the use of a building or structure, or any portion thereof, in which 3 4 or more clients receive care,....

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy

Section 402 Covered Mall Buildings

Revise Section 402.9 to read as shown below.

402.9 Smoke control.  A smoke control system shall be provided where required for atriums per in Section 909 404.

Section 422 Birthing Centers

Revise Section 422.2.10 to read as follows:

422.2.10 All heating devices shall comply with fire prevention provisions found in Rule 69A-53, Fire Prevention, General Provisions, F.A.C.

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas

Section 506 Area Modifications

Add Section 506.4 to read as follows:

506.4 Area determination.  The maximum area of a building with more than one story shall be determined by multiplying the allowable area of the first floor (Aa), as determined in Section 506.1, by the number of stories as listed below.
1.  For two-story buildings, multiply by 2;
2.  For three-story or higher buildings, multiply by 3; and
3.  No story shall exceed the allowable area per floor (Aa), as determined in Section 506.1 for the occupancies on the floor.
Exceptions:
1.  Unlimited area buildings in accordance with Section 507.
2.  The maximum area of a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be determined by multiplying the allowable area per floor (Aa), as determined in Section 506.1 by the number of stories.

Chapter 7 Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction

Section 705 Fire Walls

Revise Section 705.4 to read as follows:

705.4 Fire-resistant rating.  Fire walls shall have a fire-resistant rating of not less than required by Table 705.4 4 hours.

Revise Table 705.4 to add “D” under Occupancy.

Section 706 Fire Barriers

Revise Table 706.3.7 to add “D” under Occupancy Group.

Chapter 8 Interior Finishes

Section 803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes

Revise Table 803.5 to add “D” under Group.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems

Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Revise 903.2.2 to add text to read as shown below:

903.2.2 Group E.  An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1.  Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 square feet (1858 m2) in area.
2.  Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required in existing educational buildings unless 50% of the aggregate area of the building is being remodeled.

Delete Section 903.3.1.4.

Revise Section 903.4, Exception 2, to read as follows:

903.4 Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms.  All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water-flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised in accordance wit NFPA 72.
Exceptions:
2.  Limited area systems serving fewer than 6 sprinklers or less.

Chapter 10 Means of Egress

Section 1001 Administration

Add Section 1001.6 to read as follows:

1001.6 Special egress requirements by occupancy.  The general requirements of Chapter 10 apply to all occupancies except as modified for specific occupancies in accordance with Section 1024 and Sections 1026 through 1033.

Section 1003 General Means of Egress

Delete the exception in Section 1003.7.

Section 1004 Occupant Load

In Table 1004.1.2, Maximum Floor Area Allowances per Occupant, under Mercantile, replace 30 with 40 for multiple street floors.

Section 1009 Stairways and Handrails

Add Section 1009.11.2 Intermediate handrails to read as follows:

1009.11.2 Intermediate handrails.  Handrails shall be provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of all portions of the stair width required for egress capacity in accordance with Table 1005.1.  The required egress width shall be along the natural path of travel.

Section 1011 Exit Signs

Revise Section 1011 Exit Signs to delete text and reference Section 1006.3.

Section 1014 Exit and Exit Access Doorways

Revise Table 1014.1 to add “D” under Occupancy.

Section 1018 Number of Exits and Continuity

Revise Table 1018.2 to add “D” under Occupancy.

Section 1024 Assembly

In Section 1024.2 Assembly main exit, delete Exception 1.

In Section 1024.3, delete the exception. 

Chapter 13 Energy Effieciency

Revise reference to read as follows:

 “ACCA Manual J-2003 Residential Load  Calculation, Eighth Edition with posted updates/errata.”

Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures

Replace Product Control Division with Certification Agency throughout the chapter.

Section 1509 Rooftop Structures

Add Section 1509.7 as new text to read as follows:

1509.7 Mechanical units.  Roof mounted mechanical units shall be mounted on curbs raised a minimum of 8 inches (203 mm) above the roof surface, or where roofing materials extend beneath the unit, on raised equipment supports providing a minimum clearance height in accordance with Table 1509.7.

Table 1509.7
Clearance Below Raised Roof Mounted Mechanical Units
Width of Mechanical Unit (inches)	Minimum Clearance Above Roof Surfaces (inches)	
<24
24 < 36
36 < 48
48 < 60
> 60	14
18
24
30
48	

Section1523 High Velocity Hurricane Zones Testing

Add Section 1523.6.1 back into the code to read as follows:

1523.6.1 The Certification Agency, at its descretion, may carry out, observe or delegate the inspection and testing to an independent testing laboratory for any approved product.  Should the manufacturer fail to meet the minimum requirements set forth in this code or specifically listed in the manufacturers product control approval, the Certification Agency shall have the authority to withdraw the approval until such time as the manufacturer complies with the approved physical properties.  The Certification Agency shall have the authority, and shall charge the manufacturer for any cost incurred.

Revise Section 1523.6.5.1 to add text to read as shown below:

1523.6.5.1 Asphaltic shingle systems.  All asphaltic shingle systems shall comply with the following requirements: TAS 100, TAS 107, ASTM D 3462, and ASTM D 3018.  Asphaltic shingle systems shall have a quality control testing program by an approved independent listing agency having unannounced follow-up visit.  Follow up test results shall be made available to the Certification Agency upon request.

Chapter 16 Structural Design

Section 1602 Definitions

Add the definition for production greenhouse to read as follows:

Production Greenhouse.  Greenhouses that are occupied for growing plants on a product or research basis without public access.

Section 1604 General Design Requirements

Revise Table 1604.5 to add screen enclosures under Category I.

Section 1607 Live Loads

Revise Section 1607.11.2.1 to add screen enclosures to read as follows:

1607.11.2.1 Flat, pitched and curved roofs.  Ordinary flat, pitched and curved roofs shal be designed for the live loads specified in the following equation or other controlling combinations of loads in Section 1605, whichever produces the greater load.  In structures where special scaffolding issued as a work surface for workers and materials during maintenance and repair operations, a lower roof load than specified in the following equation shall not e used unless approved by the building official.  Greenhouses and screen enclosures shall be designed for a minimum roof live load of 10 psf (0.479 kN/m2).

Section 1609 Wind Loads

Revise Section 1609.1.1 to delete item 10 and move it to Section 2002.4.1 in Chapter 20.

10. Construction using AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas.

Chapter 19 Concrete

Section 1901 General

Delete Section 1901.5 .
Delete Section 1908.

Section 1912 Anchorage to Concrete - Allowable Stress Design

Delete Section 1912.5

Section 1926 High Velocity Hurricane Zones - Details of Reinforcement

Revise Section 1926.5.5 to read as follows:

1926.5.5 For exterior balcony slabs, slab surface shall be sloped 1/8" unit in 12 or greater to safeguard against ponding of water and minimum concrete cover for negative moment reinforcement may be 1 inch (25 mm) for No. 5 bars and smaller, provided the following are satisfied:
1.  Slab surface shall be sloped 1 unit in 12 or greater to safeguard against ponding of water.
21. Placement of slab reinforcement shall be under the supervision of a Florida Registered Architect or Engineer.
32.  For concrete made with normal weight aggregate, the water-cement ratio shall not exceed 0.40 by weight.  For concrete made with lightweight aggregate, specified compressive strength of concrete fc shall not be less than 4750 psi (32.75 MPa).
43.  A surface penetrant of the alkyl-alkyoxy silane classification or approved equal is applied after proper surface preparation.
54.  For structures located in corrosive atmospheres such as along the coastal shore line, slab reinforcement shall be galvanized in accordance with Specifications for Zinc-Coated (galvanized) Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, ASTM A 767.
5.  If minimum concrete cover for negative moment is at least 1-1/2" (37 mm), 1 to 4 are not required.

Chapter 20 Light Metal Alloys

Section 2002 Structural Aluminum

Add Section 2002.4.1 to read as follows:

2002.4.1 The following design guides shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices:
AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas.

Chapter 21 Masonry

Section 2101 General

Revise Section 2101.2.3 to remove the exception.

Section 2102 Definitions and Notations

Revise the definition for shear wall to read as follows:

Shear Wall.  A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of the wall.

Chapter 23 Wood

Section 2304 General Construction Requirements

Revise Section 2304.11.6 to read as follows:

2304.11.6 Termite protection.  Termite protection shall be provided by fFloor framing shall be of naturally durable or preservative-treated wood, soil treatment or other provided with approved methods of termite protection.

Move Section 2304.11.6.1 to Section 2304.13.

Section 2308 Conventional Light-Frame Construction

Add Section 2308.9.4.1 back to read as follows:

2308.9.4.1 Bracing.  For the purposes of this section, cripple walls having a stud height exceeding 14 inches (356 mm) shall be considered a story and shall be braced in accordance with Table 2308.9.3(1) for Seismic Design Category 1, B or C.  See Section 2308.12.4 for Seismic design Category D or E.

Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems

Delete Section 2902 including 2902.1.1.

Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems

Section 3001 General

Revise the second paragraph of Section 3001.2 to read as follows:

The division Division of Hotels and Restaurants may grant exceptions, variances and waivers to the Elevator Safety Code as authorized by the Elevator Safety Code.

Revise Section 3001.6 to delete the following definitions: Certificate of competency, Elevator company, and Temporary dormant conveyance.

Delete Appendix D.

Add Appendix E.

Delete Appendix F.

Delete Appendix G.

Delete Appendix H

Delete Appendix I.

Delete Appendix J.

______________________________________________________________________________
Florida Building Code, Building 

General Comments:

Remove the letters in brackets in front of section numbers (they refer to ICC committees).
Remove § in front of section numbers.
Remove seismic, earthquake, and snow provisions.
Make type of construction consistent with the 2003 IBC throughout the code.
Replace Product Control Division with Certification Agency.
Replace NFPA 70 with Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building.
Replace the 2003 International Building Code with the 2004 Florida Building Code, Building.
Replace the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code with the 2004 Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas.
Replace the 2003 International Mechanical Code with the 2004 Florida Building Code, Mechanical.
Replace the 2003 International Plumbing Code with the 2004 Florida Building Code, Plumbing.
Replace the 2003 International Existing Building Code with the 2004 Florida Existing Building Code.
Replace the 2003 International Residential Code with the 2004 Florida Building Code, Residential.
Other changes include typos, correlations of sections within specific sub-codes and between sub-codes, relocation of sub-sections in appropriate sections, and referencing correct chapters or sub-codes.