FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION

Minutes

 

Mechanical Technical Advisory Committee

 

December 9, 2008

1:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites Hotel

3705 Spectrum Blvd.

Tampa, FL

813-977-7066

 

 

Voting Members:

Bob Andrews, Larry Banks, Steve Bassett, Jim Cummings, Joe Crum, Elizabeth Goll,

Dan Griffin, Gary Griffin, Scott Mollan, Donny Pitmann, Pete Quintela.  Facilitated by

Jeff Blair.   Staff present: Mo Madani, Betty Stevens.

 

 

1.                      Called to Order-reviewed and approved agenda and minutes.

 

2.                      Reviewed the request for declaratory statement DCA08-DEC-207 by Anthony C. Apfelbeck, Fire Marshal/Building Official, City of Altamonte Springs, a second time at the request of the Florida Building Commission and provide further recommendations to the Commission on its disposition.

 

Committee Action: 

Question 1:  Does the rule apply only to new construction of a new building, or does it also apply to additions or alterations as defined in the FEBC?

 

Answer:  The rule applies to all buildings for which a permit for new construction is issued.  In this case, it would apply to construction of new buildings, additions and level 3 but not level 1 or 2 alterations as defined in the FBC-Existing Building.

 

Question 2:  If the rule applies to additions, does an addition require the complete existing structure to comply with installing CO detectors as prescribed in the rule? (hardwired and battery back up)

For example: If an attached garage or a screen enclosure is added to an existing home, are CO detectors required to be installing within the complete existing structure?

 

Answer:  No, unless the addition meets the requirements for the Rule 9B-3.0472.

 

Question 3.  If the rule applies to all alterations, does it require the complete existing structure to comply with installing CO detectors as prescribed in the rule? (hardwired and battery back up)

Example #1: If a new gas furnace is installed in an existing home, whereas it was electric before, are CO detectors required to be installing within the complete existing structure? 

Example #2: If any type of permit is issued on the existing structure are CO detectors required to be installing within the complete existing structure?

 

Answer:  No, it does not apply to all alterations, however it does apply to level 3 alterations.

 

Question 4. If the answer is yes to the questions 2 or 3 above, must hardwired CO detectors be installed with a battery backup? 

Answer:  No, if the addition requires a CO detector in the existing building it may be battery powered.

 

Question 5.  Does the rule apply to repairs, as defined by the FEBC?

 

            Answer:  NO.

 

Question 6.  Does the rule apply to a change in occupancy, as defined by the FEBC?

 

Answer:  YES, if the change of occupancy meets the requirements or intent of Rule 9B-3.0472.

 

 

3.                      Reviewed the request for declaratory statement DCA08-DEC-337 by Roger Sanders, Sr. Code Consultant, Nova Engineering and Environmental, and provide a recommendation to the Commission as to whether the private provider statute allows such services to be performed for events such as an air conditioner change-out.

Question:  Does the statute limit private provider services to only those inspections required under the requirements of a general building permit for an entire building or can services be provided for inspections required for specialty permits requiring only a final inspection?  In other words, can private provider services be performed for an event such as an air conditioner change-out?  Can services be provided for inspections required for specialty permits requiring only a final inspection? 

Answer: According to s. 553.791, Florida Statutes, the law does not limit private provider services for inspections to only a general building permit for an entire building.  The private provider services may include inspections required for alterations (i.e. an air-conditioner change-out) to any structure for which permitting by a local enforcement agency is required.

 

4.                      Adjourned at 3 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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