Florida Existing
Buildings Code 

December 10, 2002 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . 1
Section
101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
103 Department of Building Safety . . . . . . . 2
104 Duties and Powers of
Code Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . . . 2
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . 5
107 Temporary Structures and
Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . . 7
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
109 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
110 Certificate of Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . 9
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
112 Board of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
115 Unsafe Buildings and
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . . 10
116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CHAPTER 3 CLASSIFICATION OF
WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Section
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
302 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
303 Alteration - Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
304 Alteration - Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
305 Alteration - Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
306 Change of Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
307 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
308 Historic Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
309 Relocated Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

CHAPTER 4 REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Section
401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
402 Special Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . 197
403 Building Elements and
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
404 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
405 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
406 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
407 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
408 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2119
409 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2119
410 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2119

CHAPTER 5 ALTERATIONS -
LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . ................... . . . . . . . 231
Section
501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
502 Special Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . 231
503 Building Elements and
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . 231
504 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
505 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
506 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
507 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
508 Reroofing.............................................25
509 Roof Diaphragm..................................26

CHAPTER 6 ALTERATIONS -
LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Section
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
602 Special Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . 275
603 Building Elements and
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . . . 275
604 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3028
605 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
606 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
607 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
608 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
609 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
610 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

CHAPTER 7 ALTERATIONS -
LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Section
701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
702 Special Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . 397
703 Building Elements and
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
704 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4038
705 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4038
706 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4038
707 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4038

CHAPTER 8 CHANGE OF
OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . 431
Section
801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
802 Special Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . 431
803 Building Elements and
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
804 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
805 Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
806 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
807 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
808 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
809 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
810 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
811 Other requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464
812 Change of Occupancy Classification . . . . 464

CHAPTER 9 ADDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
Section
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
902 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
903 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
904 Smoke Alarms in Use Groups R-3 and R-4 . .. 542
905 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
906 Energy Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552

CHAPTER 10 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . 573
Section
1001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 573
1002 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1003 Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1004 Change of Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
1005 Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
1006 Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
1002 Definitions                                          59
1003 Goal and Objectives                                       60
1004 Equivalency                                                   60
1005 Compliance                                                     60
1006 Investigation and Evaluation                          60
1007 Historic Cuban Tile                           61

CHAPTER 11 RELOCATED OR MOVED
BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6357
Section
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6357
1102 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6357

CHAPTER 12 COMPLIANCE
ALTERNATIVES . . . . . . . . . 659
Section
1201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .659

CHAPTER 13 CONSTRUCTION
SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 73
Section
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
1302 Protection of Adjoining
Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
1303 Temporary Use of Streets,
Alleys and Public Property . . . . . . . . 74
1304 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
1305 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
1306 Standpipes System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
1307 Automatic Sprinkler System . . . . . . . 75

CHAPTER 14 REFERENCED
STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

APPENDIX A SEISMIC GUIDELINES
FOR RETROFIT OF
EXISTING BUILDINGS . . . . 79

RESOURCE A FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF
ARCHAIC MATERIALS . . . 81

CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 101
GENERAL

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the
Florida Existing Building Code of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

101.2 Scope. The provisions of the Florida International Existing Building Code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing buildings. A building or portion of a building which has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose shall comply with the provisions of the
Florida International Building Code for new construction.
Repairs, alterations, change of occupancy, existing
buildings to which additions are made, historic buildings
and relocated buildings complying with the provisions of
the Florida International Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code ,International Plumbing
Code, International Mechanical Code, and International
Residential Code as applicable shall be considered in
compliance with the provisions of this code.

Exception: For the purpose of public educational facilities and state licensed facilities, see Chapter 4, Special Occupancy, of the Florida Building Code.

101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to ensure
public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are
affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy,
addition, and relocation of existing buildings.

101.4 Existing buildings. The legal occupancy of any
building existing on the date of adoption of this code
shall be permitted to continue without change, except as
is specifically covered in this code, the International
Property Maintenance Code or the Florida International Fire Prevention Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

101.5 Maintenance. Buildings, and parts thereof, shall
be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. The
provisions of the International Property Maintenance
Code shall apply to the maintenance of existing buildings
and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation,
space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety, hazards;
responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and
occupancy of existing premises and buildings. All
existing devices or safeguards shall be maintained in all
existing buildings. The owner or the owner’s designated
agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the
building. To determine compliance with this subsection,
the code official shall have the authority to require a
building to be reinspected. Except where specifically
permitted by this code, the code shall not provide the
basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and
safety systems and devices in existing buildings.

101.5.1 Work on individual components or
portions. Where determination is made by the code
official that a component or a portion of a building or
structure is in need of repair, strengthening or
replacement by provisions of this code, only that
specific component or portion shall be required to be
repaired, strengthened or replaced unless specifically
required by other provisions of this code.

101.5.2 Design values for existing materials and
construction. The incorporation of existing materials,
construction and detailing into the structural system
shall be permitted when approved by the building code
official. Minimum quality levels and maximum
strength values shall comply with this code.

101.6 Safeguards during construction. All construction
work covered in this code, including any related
demolition, shall comply with the requirements of
Chapter 13.

101.7 Appendices. The building code official is authorized to require rehabilitation and retrofit of buildings, structures or individual structural members in accordance with the appendices of this code if such appendices have been individually adopted. When any of such appendices are specifically referenced in the text of this code, they become a part of this code without any special adoption by the local jurisdiction.

101.8 Correction of violations of other codes.
Repairs or alterations mandated by any property,
housing, or fire safety maintenance code or mandated by any licensing rule or ordinance, adopted pursuant to law, shall conform only to the requirements Chapter 4 Special Occupancy of the Florida Building Code of that code, rule, or ordinance and shall not be required to conform to this code unless the code requiring such repair or alteration so provides.

SECTION 102
APPLICABILITY

102.1 General. Where, in any specific case, different
sections of this code specify different materials, methods
of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive
shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general
requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall be applicable.

102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not
be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or
federal law.

102.3 Application of references. References to
chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not
specifically identified by number, shall be construed to
refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.

102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes
and standards referenced in this code shall be
considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference. Where
differences occur between provisions of this code and
referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this
code shall apply.

102.4.1 Standards and guidelines for structural
evaluation. The building code official shall allow structural evaluation, condition assessment and rehabilitation of buildings, structures or individual structural members based on this code’s appendix chapters, referenced standards, guidelines or other approved standards and procedures.

102.4.2 Compliance with other codes, standards
and guides. Compliance with the structural
provisions of the Florida 2000 International Building Code, 1997 Uniform Building Code, 1999 National Building Code and 1997 Standard Building Code shall be
deemed exceeding or equivalent to compliance with
the structural provisions of this code.

102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event any part or
provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this
shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of
the other parts or provisions.

SECTION 103
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY

103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The
department of building safety is hereby created and the
official in charge thereof shall be known as the code
official.

103.2 Appointment. The code official shall be
appointed by the chief appointing authority of the
jurisdiction.

103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed
procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence
of the appointing authority, the code official shall have
the authority to appoint a deputy code official, the related
technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other
employees. Such employees shall have powers as
delegated by the code official.

SECTION 104
DUTIES AND POWERS OF CODE OFFICIAL
104.1 General. The code official is hereby authorized
and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The
code official shall have the authority to render
interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and
procedures in order to clarify the application of its
provisions. Such interpretations, policies and
procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and
purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures
shall not have the effect of waiving requirements
specifically provided for in this code.

104.2 Applications and permits. The code official shall
receive applications, review construction documents and
issue permits for the repair , alteration, addition,
demolition, change of occupancy and relocation of
buildings, inspect the premises for which such permits
have been issued and enforce compliance with the
provisions of this code.

104.2.1 Preliminary meeting. When requested by
the permit applicant, the code official shall meet with
the permit applicant to discuss plans for the proposed
work or change of occupancy prior to the application
for a construction permit in order to establish the
specific applicability of the provisions of this code.

Exception: Repairs, and alterations level 1 and
level 2.

104.2.1.1 Building evaluation. The building code
official is authorized to require an existing
building to be investigated and evaluated by a
registered design professional based upon the
circumstances agreed upon at the preliminary
meeting to determine the existence of any
potential nonconformance with the provisions
of this code.

104.3 Notices and orders. The code official shall issue
all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance
with this code.

104.4 Inspections. The code official shall make all of
the required inspections, or the code official shall have
the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved
agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections
shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible
officer of such approved agency or by the responsible
individual. The code official is authorized to engage
such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon
unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the
approval of the appointing authority.

104.5 Identification. The code official shall carry proper
identification when inspecting structures or premises in
the performance of duties under this code.

104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an
inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or
where the code official has reasonable cause to believe
that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a
condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code
which makes the structure or premises unsafe,
dangerous or hazardous, the code official is authorized
to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to
inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code,
provided that if such structure or premises be occupied
that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry
requested. If such structure or premises be unoccupied,
the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to
locate the owner or other person having charge or
control of the structure or premises and request entry. If
entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to
the remedies provided by law to secure entry.

104.7 Department records. The code official shall keep
official records of applications received, permits and
certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections,
and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be
retained in the official records for the period required for
retention of public records.

104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the Board
of Appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of
this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith
and without malice in the discharge of the duties
required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance,
shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is
hereby relieved from personal liability for any damage
accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or
by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of
official duties. Any suit instituted against an officer or
employee because of an act performed by that officer or
employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the
provisions of this code shall be defended by legal
representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination
of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate
shall not be liable for cost in any action, suit or
proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the
provisions of this code.

104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials,
equipment and devices approved by the code official
shall be constructed and installed in accordance with
such approval.

104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. The use of
used materials which meet the requirements of this
code for new materials is permitted. Used equipment
and devices shall not be reused unless approved by
the building code official.

104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical
difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this
code, the building code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner or owner’s representative, provided the code
official shall first find that special individual reason
makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the
modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose
of this code and that such modification does not lessen
health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural
requirements. The details of action granting
modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files
of the authority having jurisdiction department of building safety.

104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of
construction and equipment. The provisions of this
code are not intended to prevent the installation of any
material or to prohibit any design or method of
construction not specifically prescribed by this code,
provided that any such alternative has been approved.
An alternative material, design or method of construction
shall be approved where the code official finds that the
proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the
intent of the provisions of this code, and that the
material, method or work offered is, for the purpose
intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this
code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,
durability and safety.

104.11.1 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient
evidence of compliance with the provisions of this
code, or evidence that a material or method does not
conform to the requirements of this code, or in order
to substantiate claims for alternative materials or
methods, the code official shall have the authority to
require tests as evidence of compliance to be made
at no expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods shall
be as specified in this code or by other recognized
test standards. In the absence of recognized and
accepted test methods, the code official shall
approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be
performed by an approved agency. Reports of such
tests shall be retained by the code official for the
period required for retention.

SECTION 105
PERMITS

105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who
intends to repair, add to, alter, relocate, demolish, or
change the occupancy of a building or to repair, install,
add, alter, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which
is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to
be done, shall first make application to the code official
and obtain the required permit.

105.1.1 Annual permit. In lieu of an individual
permit for each alteration to an already approved
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation,
the code official is authorized to issue an annual
permit upon application therefor to any person, firm or
corporation regularly employing one or more qualified
trade persons in the building, structure or on the
premises owned or operated by the applicant for the
permit.

105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to
whom an annual permit is issued shall keep a
detailed record of alterations made under such annual
permit. The code official shall have access to such
records at all times or such records shall be filed with
the code official as designated.

105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from
permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in any
manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any
other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches
(762 mm) above grade and not over any
basement or story below and which are not part of
an accessible route.

2. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets,
counter tops and similar finish work.

3. Temporary motion picture, television and theater
stage sets and scenery.

4. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or
agricultural purposes and not including service
systems.

5. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of
Group R-3 or Group U Occupancies.

6. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over
5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.

Electrical:

Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work,
including the replacement of lamps or the connection
of approved portable electrical equipment to
approved permanently installed receptacles.

Radio and television transmitting stations: The
provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical
equipment used for radio and television
transmissions, but does apply to equipment and
wiring for power supply, the installations of towers
and antennas.

Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be
required for the installation of any temporary system
required for the testing or servicing of electrical
equipment or apparatus.

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter
approval of equipment or make such equipment
unsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance;

2. Portable ventilation equipment;

3. Portable cooling unit;

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any
heating or cooling equipment regulated by this
code;

5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its
approval or make it unsafe;

6. Portable evaporative cooler;

7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10
pound (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated
by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

Plumbing:

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or
vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed
trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe
becomes defective and it becomes necessary to
remove and replace the same with new material,
such work shall be considered as new work and a
permit shall be obtained and inspection made as
provided in this code.

The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in
pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and
reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs
do not involve or require the replacement or
rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment
replacements and repairs must be performed in an
emergency situation, the permit application shall be
submitted within the next working business day to the building code official.

105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the building code official is not required for ordinary repairs to
structures and items listed in Section 105.2. Such
repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall,
partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of
any structural beam or load bearing support, or the
removal or change of any required means of egress,
or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the
egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs
include addition to, alteration of, replacement or
relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer,
drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or
similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other
work affecting public health or general safety.

105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not
be required for the installation, alteration or repair of
generation, transmission, distribution or metering or
other related equipment that is under the ownership
and control of public service agencies by established
right.

105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the
applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing
on a form furnished by the department of building safety
for that purpose. Such application shall:

1. Identify and describe the work in accordance with
Chapter 3 to be covered by the permit for which
application is made.

2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to
be done by legal description, street address or similar
description that will readily identify and definitely
locate the proposed building or work.

3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the
proposed work is intended.

4. Be accompanied by construction documents and
other information as required in Section 106.3.

5. State the valuation of the proposed work.

6. Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant’s
authorized agent.

7. Give such other data and information as required by
the code official.

105.3.1 Action on application. The code official
shall examine or cause to be examined applications
for permits and amendments thereto within a
reasonable time after filing. If the application or the
construction documents do not conform to the
requirements of pertinent laws, the code official shall
reject such application in writing, stating the reasons
therefor. If the code official is satisfied that the
proposed work conforms to the requirements of this
code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the
code official shall issue a permit therefor as soon as
practicable.

105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An
application for a permit for any proposed work shall
be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after
the date of filing, unless such application has been
pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued;
except that the code official is authorized to grant one
or more extensions of time for additional periods not
exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be
requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated.

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 code official from requiring the correction
of errors in the construction documents and other data.
The code 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.

105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become
invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such
permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance,
or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is
suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after
the time the work is commenced. The code official is
authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of
time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The
extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable
cause demonstrated.

105.6 Suspension or revocation. The code official is
authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under
the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued
in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or
incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance
or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copy
shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion
of the project.

SECTION 106
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

106.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents,
special inspection and structural observation programs,
investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall
be submitted in one or more sets with each application
for a permit. The construction documents shall be
prepared by a registered design professional where
required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the
project is to be constructed. Where special conditions
exist, the code official is authorized to require additional
construction documents to be prepared by a registered
design professional.

Exception: The code official is authorized to
waive the submission of construction documents
and other data not required to be prepared by a
registered design professional if it is found that the
nature of the work applied for is such that
reviewing of construction documents is not
necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

106.1.1 Information on construction documents.
Construction documents shall be dimensioned and
drawn upon suitable material. Electronic media
documents are permitted to be submitted when
approved by the code official. Construction
documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the
location, nature and extent of the work proposed and
show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of
this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations, as determined by the code official.

106.1.1.1 Fire protection system shop
drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection
system(s) shall be submitted to indicate
conformance with this code and the construction
documents and shall be approved prior to the start
of system installation. Shop drawings shall
contain all information as required by the
referenced installation standards in Chapter 9 of
the International Building Code.

106.1.2 Means of egress. The construction
documents shall show in sufficient detail the location,
construction, size and character of all portions of the
means of egress in compliance with the provisions of
this code. The construction documents shall
designate the number of occupants to be
accommodated on every work area of every floor,
and in all affected rooms and spaces.

106.1.3 Exterior wall envelope. Construction
documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior
wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine
compliance with this code. The construction
documents shall provide details of the exterior wall
envelope as required, including windows, doors,
flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials,
corners, end details, control joints, intersections at
roof, eaves, or parapets, means of drainage,
water-resistive membrane, and details around
openings.

The construction documents shall include
manufacturer’s installation instructions that provide
supporting documentation that the proposed
penetration and opening details described in the
construction documents maintain the wind and
weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The
supporting documentation shall fully describe the
exterior wall system which was tested, where
applicable, as well as the test procedure used.

106.2 Site plan. The construction documents submitted
with the application for permit shall be accompanied by
a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new
construction and existing structures on the site,
distances from lot lines, the established street grades
and the proposed finished grades; and it shall be drawn
in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In
the case of demolition, the site plan shall show
construction to be demolished and the location and size
of existing structures and construction that are to remain
on the site or plot. The code official is authorized to
waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the
application for permit is for alteration, repair or change of
occupancy,

106.3 Examination of documents. The code official
shall examine or cause to be examined the construction
documents and shall ascertain by such examinations
whether the construction or occupancy indicated and
described is in accordance with the requirements of this
code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.

106.3.1 Approval of construction documents.
When the code official issues a permit, the
construction documents shall be approved, in writing
or by stamp, as “Reviewed for Code Compliance.”
One set of construction documents so reviewed shall
be retained by the code official. The other set shall be
returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of
work and shall be open to inspection by the code
official or his authorized representative.

106.3.2 Previous approvals. This code shall not
require changes in the construction documents,
construction or designated occupancy of a structure
for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued
or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction
of which has been pursued in good faith within 180
days after the effective date of this code and has not
been abandoned.

106.3.3 Phased approval. The code official is
authorized to issue a permit for the construction of
foundations or any other part of a building before the
construction documents for the whole building or
have been submitted, provided that adequate
information and detailed statements have been filed
complying with pertinent requirements of this code.
The holder of such permit for the foundation or other
parts of a building shall proceed at the holder’s own
risk with the building operation and without assurance
that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.

106.3.4 Deferred submittals. For the purposes of
this section, deferred submittals are defined as those
portions of the design that are not submitted at the
time of the application and that are to be submitted to
the code official within a specified period.

Deferral of any submittal items shall have the prior
approval of the code official. The registered design
professional in responsible charge shall list the
deferred submittals on the construction documents
for review by the code official.

Submittal documents for deferred submittal items
shall be submitted to the registered design
professional in responsible charge who shall review
them and forward them to the code official with a
notation indicating that the deferred submittal
documents have been reviewed and that they have
been found to be in general conformance with the
design of the building. The deferred submittal items
shall not be installed until their design and submittal
documents have been approved by the code official.

106.4 Amended construction documents. Work shall
be installed in accordance with the reviewed construction
documents, and any changes made during construction
that are not in compliance with the approved
construction documents shall be resubmitted for
approval as an amended set of construction documents
.
106.5 Retention of construction documents. One set
of approved construction documents shall be retained by
the code official for a period of not less than 180 days
from date of completion of the permitted work, or as
required by state or local laws.

106.6 Design professional in responsible charge.

106.6.1 General. When it is required that documents
be prepared by a registered design professional, the
code official shall be authorized to require the owner
to engage and designate on the building permit
application a registered design professional who shall
act as the registered design professional in
responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the
owner shall designate a substitute registered design
professional in responsible charge who shall perform
the duties required of the original registered design
professional in responsible charge. The code official
shall be notified in writing by the owner if the
registered design professional in responsible charge
is changed or is unable to continue to perform the
duties. The registered design professional in
responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing
and coordinating submittal documents prepared by
others, including phased and deferred submittal
items, for compatibility with the design of the building.
Where structural observation is required, the
inspection program shall name the individual or firms
who are to perform structural observation and
describe the stages of construction at which structural
observation is to occur.

SECTION 107
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES

107.1 General. The code official is authorized to issue a
permit for temporary structures and temporary uses.
Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but
shall not be permitted for more than 180 days. The code
official is authorized to grant extensions for
demonstrated cause.

107.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses
shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety,
means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and
sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to
ensure the public health, safety and general welfare.

107.3 Temporary power. The code official is authorized
to give permission to temporarily supply and use power
in part of an electric installation before such installation
has been fully completed and the final certificate of
completion has been issued. The part covered by the
temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements
specified for temporary lighting, heat or power in the ICC
Electrical Code.

107.4 Termination of approval. The code official is
authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary
structure or use and to order the temporary structure or
use to be discontinued.

SECTION 108
FEES

108.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until
the fees prescribed by law have been paid. Nor shall an
amendment to a permit be released until the additional
fee, if any, has been paid.

108.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings electrical,
gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems or alterations
requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as
required, in accordance with the schedule as established
by the applicable governing authority.

108.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a
permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of
application. Permit valuations shall include total value of
work, including materials and labor, for which the permit
is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical,
plumbing equipment and permanent systems. If, in the
opinion of the code official, the valuation is
underestimated on the application, the permit shall be
denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates
to meet the approval of the code official. Final building
permit valuation shall be set by the code official.

108.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any
person who commences any work on a building,
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before
obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an
additional fee established by the code official that shall
be in addition to the required permit fees.

108.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the
construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work
done in connection with or concurrently with the work
authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the
applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of
other fees that are prescribed by law.

108.6 Refunds. The code official is authorized to
establish a refund policy.

SECTION 109
INSPECTIONS

109.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit
is required shall be subject to inspection by the code
official and such construction or work shall remain
accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until
approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not
be construed to be an approval of a violation of the
provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the
jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to
violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other
ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall
be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to
remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes.
Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable
for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of
any material required to allow inspection.

109.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit,
the code official is authorized to examine or cause to be
examined buildings and sites for which an application
has been filed.

109.3 Required inspections. The code official, upon
notification, shall make the inspections set forth in
Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.10.

109.3.1 Footing or foundation inspection. Footing
and foundation inspections shall be made after
excavations for footings are complete and any
required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete
foundations, any required forms shall be in place
prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall
be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed
in accordance with ASTM C 94, the concrete need
not be on the job.

109.3.2 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection.
Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be
made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and
building service equipment, conduit, piping
accessories and other ancillary equipment items are
in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor
sheathing installed, including the sub floor.

109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. For additions and
substantial improvements to existing buildings in
flood hazard areas, the elevation certification
required in the International Building Code shall be
submitted to the code official.

109.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall
be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing,
fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes,
chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete
and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires,
pipes and ducts are approved.

109.3.5 Lath or gypsum board inspection. Lath and
gypsum board inspections shall be made after lathing
and gypsum board, interior and exterior, is in place,
but before any plastering is applied or before gypsum
board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

Exception: Gypsum board that is not part of a
fire-resistive assembly or a shear assembly.

109.3.6 Fire-resistant penetrations. Protection of
joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated
assemblies shall not be concealed from view until
inspected and approved.

109.3.7 Other inspections. In addition to the
inspections specified above, the code official is
authorized to make or require other inspections of
any construction work to ascertain compliance with
the provisions of this code and other laws that are
enforced by the department of building safety.

109.3.8 Special inspections. Special inspections
shall be required in accordance with the International
Building Code.

109.3.9 Final inspection. The final inspection shall
be made after all work required by the building permit
is completed.

109.4 Inspection agencies. The code official is
authorized to accept reports of approved inspection
agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the
requirements as to qualifications and reliability.

109.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the
holder of the building permit or their duly authorized
agent to notify the code official when work is ready for
inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to
provide access to and means for inspection of such work
for any inspections that are required by this code.

109.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done
beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the code official.
The code official, upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the
portion of the construction that is satisfactory as
completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent
of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be
corrected and such portion shall not be covered or
concealed until authorized by the code official.

SECTION 110
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

110.1 Altered area use and occupancy classification
change. No altered area of a building shall be used or
occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy
classification of a building or portion thereof shall be
made until the code official has issued a certificate of
occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a
certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an
approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of
other ordinances of the jurisdiction.

110. 2 Certificate issued. After the code official inspects
the building and finds no violations of the provisions of
this code or other laws that are enforced by the
department of building safety, the code official shall
issue a certificate of occupancy that shall contain the
following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the structure.

3. The name and address of the owner.

4. A description of that portion of the structure for
which the certificate is issued.

5. A statement that the described portion of the
structure has been inspected for compliance with
the requirements of this code for the occupancy
and division of occupancy and the use for which
the proposed occupancy is classified.

6. The name of the code official.

7. The edition of the code under which the permit
was issued.

8. The use and occupancy in accordance with the
provisions of the International Building Code.

9. The type of construction as defined in the
International Building Code.

10.The design occupant load and any impact the
alteration has on the design occupant load of the
area not within the scope of the work.

11.If an automatic sprinkler system is provided,
whether the sprinkler system is required.

12.Any special stipulations and conditions of the
building permit.

110.3 Temporary occupancy. The code official is
authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy
before the completion of the entire work covered by the
permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be
occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period
during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is
valid.

110.4 Revocation. The code official is authorized to, in
writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or
completion issued under the provisions of this code
wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis
of incorrect information supplied, or where it is
determined that the building or structure or portion
thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or
any of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 111
SERVICE UTILITIES

111.1 Connection of service utilities. No person shall
make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel or
power to any building or system that is regulated by this
code for which a permit is required, until approved by the
code official.

111.2 Temporary connection. The code official shall
have the authority to authorize the temporary connection
of the building or system to the utility source of energy,
fuel or power.

111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The
code official shall have the authority to authorize
disconnection of utility service to the building, structure
or system regulated by this code and the codes
referenced in case of emergency where necessary to
eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The
code official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever
possible the owner and occupant of the building,
structure or service system of the decision to disconnect
prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to
disconnecting, the owner or occupant of the building,
structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as
soon as practical thereafter.

SECTION 112
BOARD OF APPEALS

112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of
orders, decisions or determinations made by the code
official relative to the application and interpretation of this
code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of
appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the
governing body and shall hold office at its pleasure. The
board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its
business.

112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for
appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of
this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have
been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code
do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of
construction is proposed. The board shall have no
authority to waive requirements of this code.

112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist
of members who are qualified by experience and training
to pass on matters pertaining to building construction
and are not employees of the jurisdiction.

SECTION 113
VIOLATIONS

113.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person,
firm or corporation to repair, alter, extend, add, move,
remove, demolish or change the occupancy of any
building or equipment regulated by this code, or cause
same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of
the provisions of this code.

113.2 Notice of violation. The code official is
authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the
person responsible for the repair, alteration, extension,
addition, moving, removal, demolition or change in the
occupancy of a building in violation of the provisions of
this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued
under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct
the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and
the abatement of the violation.

113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation
is not complied with promptly, the code official is
authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction
to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity
to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require
the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of
the building or structure in violation of the provisions of
this code or of the order or direction made pursuant
thereto.

113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a
provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the
requirements thereof or who repairs or alters or changes
the occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the
approved construction documents or directive of the
code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the
provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as
prescribed by law.

SECTION 114
STOP WORK ORDER

114.1 Authority. Whenever the code official finds any
work regulated by this code being performed in a
manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a
dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is
authorized to issue a stop work order.

114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing
and shall be given to the owner of the property involved,
or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work.
Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall
immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the
reason for the order, and the conditions under which the
cited work will be permitted to resume.

114.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall
continue any work after having been served with a stop
work order, except such work as that person is directed
to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition,
shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

SECTION 115
UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT

115.1 Conditions. Buildings or existing equipment that
are or hereafter become unsafe, unsanitary or deficient
because of inadequate means of egress facilities,
inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire
hazard, or in which the structure or individual structural
members exceed the limits established by the definition
of Dangerous in Chapter 2, or which involve illegal or
improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall
be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe buildings shall
be taken down and removed or made safe, as the code
official deems necessary and as provided for in this
code. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry
shall be deemed unsafe.

115.2 Record. The code official shall cause a report to
be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the
occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe
condition.

115.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the code
official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in
control of the structure, a written notice that describes
the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required
repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe
condition, or that requires the unsafe building to be
demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall
require the person thus notified to declare immediately
to the code official acceptance or rejection of the terms
of the order.

115.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed
properly served if a copy thereof is (a) delivered to the
owner personally; (b) sent by certified or registered mail
addressed to the owner at the last known address with
the return receipt requested; or (c) delivered in any other
manner as prescribed by local law. If the certified or
registered letter is returned showing that the letter was
not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a
conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by
such notice. Service of such notice in the foregoing
manner upon the owner’s agent or upon the person
responsible for the structure shall constitute service of
notice upon the owner.

115.5 Restoration. The building or equipment
determined to be unsafe by the code official is permitted
to be restored to a safe condition. To the extent that
repairs, alterations or additions are made or a change of
occupancy occurs during the restoration of the, building
such repairs, alterations, additions or change of
occupancy shall comply with the requirements of This
code.

SECTION 116
EMERGENCY MEASURES

116.1 Imminent danger. When, in the opinion of the
code official, there is imminent danger of failure or
collapse of a building which endangers life, or when any
building or part of a building has fallen and life is
endangered by the occupation of the building , or when
there is actual or potential danger to the building
occupants or those in the proximity of any structure
because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the
presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation
of defective or dangerous equipment, the code official is
hereby authorized and empowered to order and require
the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The
code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance
to such structure a notice reading as follows: “This
Structure Is Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been
Prohibited by the Code Official.” It shall be unlawful for
any person to enter such structure except for the
purpose of securing the structure, making the required
repairs, removing the hazardous condition or of
demolishing the same.

116.2 Temporary safeguards. Notwithstanding other
provisions of this code, whenever, in the opinion of the
code official, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe
condition, the code official shall order the necessary
work to be done, including the boarding up of openings,
to render such structure temporarily safe whether or not
the legal procedure herein described has been instituted;
and shall cause such other action to be taken as the
code official deems necessary to meet such emergency.

116.3 Closing streets. When necessary for public
safety, the code official shall temporarily close structures
and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction to
close, sidewalks, streets, public ways and places
adjacent to unsafe structures, and prohibit the same
from being utilized.

116.4 Emergency repairs. For the purposes of this
section, the code official shall employ the necessary
labor and materials to perform the required work as
expeditiously as possible.

116.5 Costs of emergency repairs. Costs incurred in
the performance of emergency work shall be paid by the
jurisdiction. The legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall
institute appropriate action against the owner of the
premises where the unsafe structure is or was located
for the recovery of such costs.

116.6 Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency
measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any
affected person shall thereafter, upon petition directed to
the appeals board, be afforded a hearing as described in
this code.

SECTION 117
DEMOLITION

117.1 General. The code official shall order the owner of
any premises upon which is located any structure, which
in the code official’s judgment is so old, dilapidated or
has become so out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe,
insanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation or
occupancy, and such that it is unreasonable to repair the
structure, to demolish and remove such structure; or if
such structure is capable of being made safe by repairs,
to repair and make safe and sanitary or to demolish and
remove at the owner’s option; or where there has been
a cessation of normal construction of any structure for a
period of more than two years, to demolish and remove
such structure.

117.2 Notices and orders. All notices and orders shall
comply with Section 113.

117.3 Failure to comply. If the owner of a premises fails
to comply with a demolition order within the time
prescribed, the code official shall cause the structure to
be demolished and removed, either through an available
public agency or by contract or arrangement with private
persons, and the cost of such demolition and removal
shall be charged against the real estate upon which the
structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real
estate.

117.4 Salvage materials. When any structure has been
ordered demolished and removed, the governing body or
other designated officer under said contract or
arrangement aforesaid shall have the right to sell the
salvage and valuable materials at the highest price
obtainable. The net proceeds of such sale, after
deducting the expenses of such demolition and removal,
shall be promptly remitted with a report of such sale or
transaction, including the items of expense and the
amounts deducted, for the person who is entitled thereto,
subject to any order of a court. If such a surplus does not
remain to be turned over, the report shall so state.

CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS

SECTION 201
GENERAL

201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the
following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.

201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present
tense include the future; words stated in the masculine
gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular
number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.

201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are
not defined in this code and are defined in the other Florida Building International codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.

201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined
through the methods authorized by this chapter, such
terms shall have the ordinarily accepted meanings as defined in the Florida Building Code such as the context implies or the Webster’s current New Collegiate Dictionary as revised.

SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS

Addition. An extension or increase in floor area,
number of stories, or height of a building or structure.

Alteration. Any construction or renovation to an existing
structure other than repair or addition. Alterations are
classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3

Conventional Light Frame Construction.  
Limitations.  Buildings are permitted to be constructed in accordance with the provisions of conventional light-frame construction, subject to the following limitations:

1.  Buildings shall be limited to a maximum of three stories above grade.
Exception: Solid blocked cripple walls not exceeding 14 inches (356 mm) in height need not be considered a story.

2.  Bearing wall floor-to-floor heights shall not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm).

3.  Loads as determined in Chapter 16 shall not exceed the following:
3.1 Average dead loads shall not exceed 15 psf (718 N/m2) for roofs and exterior walls, floors and partitions.
3.2 Live loads shall not exceed 40 psf (1916 N/m2) for floors.

4.  Wind speeds shall not exceed 100 mph (161 km/hr)(3-second gust).
Exception: Wind speeds shall not exceed 110 mph (177 km/hr) 3-second gust for buildings in Exposure Categories A or B.

5.  Roof trusses and rafters shall not span more than 40 feet (12 192 mm) between points of vertical support.

Change of Occupancy. A change in the purpose or
level of activity within a building that involves a change
in application of the requirements of this code.

Dangerous. Any building or structure or any individual
member with any of the structural conditions or defects
described below shall be deemed dangerous :

1. The stress in a member or portion thereof, due to
all factored dead and live loads, is more than one
and one third the nominal strength allowed in the
Florida International Building Code for new buildings of
similar structure, purpose or location.

2. Any portion, member or appurtenance thereof
likely to fail, or to become detached or dislodged,
or to collapse and thereby injure persons.

3. Any portion of a building, or any member,
appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior
thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is
not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so
as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of
two thirds of that specified in the Florida International
Building Code for new buildings of similar
structure, purpose or location without exceeding
the nominal strength permitted in the Florida International Building Code for such buildings.

4. The building, or any portion thereof, is likely to
partially or completely collapse because of (a)
dilapidation, deterioration or decay; (b)
construction in violation of the Florida International
Building Code; (c) the removal, movement or
instability of any portion of the ground necessary
for the purpose of supporting such building; (d)
the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its
foundation; (e) damage due to fire, earthquake,
wind or flood; or (f) any other similar cause, or

5. The exterior walls or other vertical structural
members list, lean or buckle to such an extent that
a plumb line passing through the center of gravity
does not fall inside the middle one third of the
base.

Equipment or Fixture. Any plumbing, heating,
electrical, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigerating and
fire protection equipment, and elevators, dumb waiters,
escalators, boilers, pressure vessels and other
mechanical facilities or installations, which are related to
building services. Equipment or fixture shall not include
manufacturing, production or process equipment, but
shall include connections from building service to
process equipment.

Existing Building. A building or structure or portion of a building or structure which has been previously legally occupied or used for its intended purpose.  Structural Determination.  Structural shall mean any part, material, or assembly of a building of structure which affects the safety of such building or structure and/or which supports any dead load or designed live load and the removal of which part, material or assembly could cause, or be expected to cause, all or any portion to collapse or to fail. erected prior to the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.

Flood Hazard Area. The greater of the following two
areas:

1. The area within a flood plain subject to a 1
percent or greater chance of flooding in any year,
or

2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a
community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise
legally designated, as per s. 3109 of the Florida Building Code.

Historic Building.   See Chapter 10.  Any building or structure that is (a) listed in the State or National Register of Historic Places, (b) designated as a historic property under local or state designation, law, or survey, (c) certified as a contributing resource within a National Register listed or locally designated historic district, or (d) with an opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed on the National or State Registers of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places.

Incidental Use Area.  In cases where use is incidental to some other occupancy, the section of this Code governing the occupancy shall apply.

Load Bearing Element. Any column, girder, beam,
joist, truss, rafter, wall, floor or roof sheathing which
supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight,
and/or any lateral load.

Rehabilitation. Any work, as described by the
categories of work defined herein, undertaken in an
existing building.

Rehabilitation, Seismic. Work conducted to improve
the seismic lateral force resistance of an existing
building.

Repair.  The patching, restoration, and/or minor replacement of materials, elements, components, equipment and/or fixtures for the purposes of maintaining such materials, elements, components, equipment and/or fixtures in good or sound condition.  The restoration to good or sound condition any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance

Seismic Loading. The assumed forces prescribed
herein, related to the response of the structure to
earthquake motions, to be used in the analysis and
design of the structure and its components.

Structural Determination.  For purposes of this Code, structural shall mean any part, material or assembly of a building or structure which affects the safety of such building or structure and/or which supports any dead or designed live load and the removal of which part, material or assembly could cause, or be expected to cause, all or  any portion to collapse or fail.

Structural Frame. The structural frame shall be
considered to be the columns and the girders, beams,
trusses and spandrels having direct connections to the
columns and bracing members designed to carry gravity
loads. The members of floor or roof panels which have
no connection to the columns shall be considered
secondary members and not a part of the structural
frame.

Substantial Damage. For the purpose of determining
compliance with the flood provisions of this code,
damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby
the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged
condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the
market value of the structure before the damage
occurred.

Substantial Improvement.   See Section 3109.1.2 of the Florida Building Code definition in subsection 161.54(12), Florida Statutes. 
For the purpose of determining compliance with the flood provisions of this code, any repair, alteration, addition, or improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

1. Any project for improvement of a building required
to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code
violations identified by the code official and that
are the minimum necessary to assure safe living
conditions.

2. Any alteration of a historic structure provided that
the alteration will not preclude the structure's
continued designation as a historic structure.

Substantial Structural Damage. A condition where

1. In any story, tThe vertical elements of the lateral force resisting system in any story, in any direction and taken as a whole, have suffered damage such that the lateral load carrying capacity has been reduced by more than 20 percent from its pre-damaged condition, or

2. The vertical load carrying components supporting
more than 30 percent of the structure’s floor or roof area
have suffered a reduction in vertical load carrying
capacity to below 75% of the Florida International Building Code required strength levels calculated by either the strength or allowable stress method.

Technically Infeasible. An alteration of a building or a
facility that has little likelihood of being accomplished
because the existing structural conditions require the
removal or alteration of a load-bearing member that is an
essential part of the structural frame, or because other
existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification
or addition of elements, spaces or features that are in full
and strict compliance with the minimum requirements
for new construction and which are necessary to provide
accessibility.

Unsafe Buildings or Equipment. Buildings or existing
equipment that are unsanitary or deficient because of
inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light
and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are
otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare,
or which involve illegal or improper occupancy or
inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe
condition.

Work Area. That portion or portions of a building
consisting of all reconfigured, elements, systems or spaces as indicated on the construction documents. Work area excludes other portions of the building where incidental work entailed by the intended work must be performed, and portions of the building where work not initially intended by the owner is specifically required by this code.

CHAPTER 3
CLASSIFICATION OF WORK

SECTION 301
GENERAL

301.1 Scope. The work performed on an existing
building shall be classified in accordance with this
chapter.

301.2 Work area. The work area, as defined in Chapter
2, shall be identified on the construction documents.

301.3 Compliance alternatives. The provisions of
Chapters 4 through 10 are not applicable where the
building complies with Chapter 12.

301.4 Occupancy and Use. When determining the
appropriate application of the referenced sections of this
code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be
determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the
Florida International Building Code.

301.5 A design professional or any owner must elect one or a combination of levels of alteration pursuant to sections 303, 304, and 305 of the Florida Building Code.

SECTION 302
REPAIRS

302.1 Scope. Repairs, as defined in Chapter 2, include
the patching or restoration of materials, elements,
equipment or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such
materials, elements, equipment or fixtures in good or
sound condition.

302.2 Application. Repairs shall comply with the
provisions of Chapter 4.

SECTION 303
ALTERATION - LEVEL 1

303.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations include the removal
and replacement, or the covering of existing materials,
elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials,
elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same
purpose.  Level 1 alterations shall not include any removal, replacement, or covering or existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures undertaken for purpose of repair as defined in Chapter 2 and described in Section 302.  

303.2 Application. Level 1 alterations shall comply with
the provisions of Chapter 5.

SECTION 304
ALTERATION - LEVEL 2

304.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations include the
reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of
any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of
any system, or the installation of any additional
equipment.

304.2 Application. Level 2 alterations shall comply with
the provisions of Chapter 5 for Level 1 alterations as well
as the provisions of Chapter 6.

SECTION 305
ALTERATION - LEVEL 3

305.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations apply where the work
area exceeds 50% of the aggregate area of the building and made within any 12 month period.

Exception: Work areas in which the alteration work is exclusively plumbing, mechanical, or electrical shall not be included in the computation of total area of all work areas.

305.2 Application. Level 3 alterations shall comply with
the provisions of Chapters 5 and 6 for Level 1 and 2
alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of
Chapter 7.

SECTION 306
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

306.1 Scope. Change of occupancy provisions apply
where the activity is classified a change of occupancy as
defined in Chapter 2.

306.2 Application. Changes of occupancy shall comply
with the provisions of Chapter 8.

SECTION 307
ADDITIONS

307.1 Scope. Provisions for additions shall apply where
work is classified an addition as defined in Chapter 2,

307.2 Application. Additions to existing buildings shall
comply with the provisions of Chapter 9.

SECTION 308
HISTORIC BUILDINGS

308.1 Scope. Historic buildings provisions shall apply to
buildings classified as historic as defined in Chapter 102.

308.2 Application. Except as specifically provided for in
Chapter 10, historic buildings shall comply with
applicable provisions of this code for the type of work
being performed

SECTION 309
RELOCATED BUILDINGS

309.1 Scope. Relocated buildings provisions shall apply
to relocated or moved buildings.

309.2 Application. Relocated buildings shall comply
with the provisions of Chapter 11.

CHAPTER 4
REPAIRS

SECTION 401
GENERAL

401.1 Scope. Repairs, as described in Section 302,
shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter.
Repairs to historic buildings shall comply with this
chapter, except as modified in Chapter 10.

401.2 Permitted materials. Except as otherwise
required herein, work shall be done using materials
permitted by the applicable code for new construction or
using like materials such that no hazard to life, health or
property is created.

Exception: Repairs to a historic building shall be permitted using original or like materials.  Materials shall comply with sections 403.1 and 403.2.

401.3 Conformance. The work shall not make the
building less conforming with the building, plumbing,
mechanical, electrical or fire codes of the jurisdiction, or
with alternative materials, design and methods of
construction or any previously approved plans,
modifications, alternate methods or compliance
alternatives, than it was before the repair was
undertaken.

401.4 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas,
repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall
require that the building comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 160912 (HVHZ shall comply withy section 1617.9) and Chapter 31.

401.5 Dangerous buildings.  When a historic building is determined as dangerous, no work shall be required except as necessary to correct identified dangerous conditions.

SECTION 402
Reserved
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

402.1 General. Repair of buildings, classified as public educational facilities and state licensed facilities special use or occupancy as described in Chapter 4 of the Florida International Building Code, shall comply with the requirements of this chapter 4 of the Florida Building Code.

SECTION 403
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

403.1 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials no
longer permitted, such as asbestos and lead-based
paint, shall not be used.

403.2 Glazing in hazardous locations. Replacement
glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the
Safety Glazing requirements of the Florida International Building Code or International Residential Code as applicable:

Exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows and
jalousies repaired with like materials.

403.3 Replacement.  For repairs in a historic buildng, replacement or partial replacement of existing or missing features that match the original in configuration, height, size and original methods of construction shall be permitted.

Exception: Glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with s. 403.2.

SECTION 404
FIRE PROTECTION

404.1 General. Fire protection requirements for
buildings undergoing repair shall comply with Section
401.1 and scoping provisions of Chapter 1 where
applicable.  Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.

SECTION 405
MEANS OF EGRESS

405.1 General. Means of egress requirements for
buildings undergoing repair shall comply with Section
401.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 1 where
applicable.  Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.

SECTION 406
ACCESSIBILITY

406.1 General. Repairs shall be done in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code a manner that
maintains the level of accessibility provided.

SECTION 407
STRUCTURAL

407.1 General. Repairs of structural elements shall
comply with this section.

407.1.1  Non-structural repairs and alterations exclusive of fixtures and furniture, the cost of which does not exceed 25 percent of the replacement value of the existing building or structure with the approval of the building official may be made of the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.

407.1.1 Seismic Design. Seismic design of an
existing building and its components shall be based
upon the assumed forces related to the response of
the structure to earthquake motions,

407.1.1.1 Design procedures. The seismic
design of existing building shall be based upon
the procedures specified in the International
Building Code, Appendix A of this code (GSREB),
ASCE 31-XX , or FEMA 356.

407.1.1.2 IBC level seismic forces. When
seismic forces are required to meet the
International Building Code level, they shall be
based upon 100% of the values in the
International Building Code or FEMA 356. Where
FEMA 356 is used, the FEMA 356 Basic Safety
Objective (BSO) shall be used for buildings in
Seismic Use Group I. For Buildings in other
Seismic Use Groups the applicable FEMA 356
performance levels shown in Table 407.1.1.2 for
BSE-1 and BSE-2 Earthquake Hazard Levels
shall be used.

407.1.1.3 Reduced IBC level seismic forces.
When seismic forces are required to meet
reduced International Building Code levels, they
shall be based upon 75% of the assumed forces
prescribed in the International Building Code,
applicable chapters in Appendix A of this code
(GSREB), the applicable performance level of
ASCE 31-XX as shown in Table 407.1.1.2, or the
applicable performance level for the BSE-1
Earthquake Hazard Level of FEMA 356 shown in
Table 407.1.1.2.

TABLE 407.1.1.2
IBC SEISMIC USE GROUP EQUIVALENTS TO FEMA 356
AND ASCE 31-XX PERFORMANCE LEVELS (NOTE 1)
Seismic Use
Group
(Based on IBC
Table 1604.5)
Performance
Levels of ASCE
31-XX and FEMA
356 BSE-1
Earthquake
Hazard Level
Performance
Levels of
FEMA 356 BSE-2
Earthquake
Hazard Level
I Life Safety (LS) Collapse
Prevention (CP)
II Note 2 Note 2
III Immediate
Occupancy (IO)
Life safety (LS)
IV Life Safety (LS) Collapse
Prevention (CP)

Notes :

1. The charging provisions for Seismic Use Group
equivalents to ASCE 31-XX and FEMA 356 BSE-1 for
Reduced International Building Code Level Seismic
Forces are in Section 407.1.1.3

2. Values shall be taken as half way between the values
for the CP and LS Performance levels

407.1.2 Wind design. Wind design of existing
buildings shall be in accordance with the building codes in effect when the building was permitted based upon the procedures specified in the International Building Code or the International Residential Code as applicable.

407.2 Reduction of strength. Repairs shall not reduce
the structural strength or stability of the building,
structure or any individual member thereof.

Exception: Such reduction shall be allowed provided
the capacity is not reduced to below the Florida International Building Code levels.

407.3 Damaged buildings. Damaged buildings shall be
repaired in accordance with this section.

407.3.1 New structural frame members. New
structural frame members, used in the repair of
undamaged buildings, including anchorage and
connections, shall comply with the Florida International
Building Code.

Exception: For the design of new structural frame
members connected to existing structural frame
members, the use of reduced International
Building Code level seismic forces as specified in
Section 407.1.1.3 shall be permitted.

407.3.2 Substantial structural damage. buildings
which have sustained substantial structural damage
shall comply with this section

407.3.2.1 Engineering evaluation and analysis.
An engineering evaluation and analysis which
establishes the structural adequacy of the damaged building shall be prepared by a Florida registered engineer or architect design professional and submitted to the building code official. The evaluation and analysis may assume that all undamaged structural elements and systems have their original strength and stiffness. The seismic analysis shall be based upon one of the procedures specified in Section 407.1.1
407.3.2.1.1 Extent of repair.  After the building is repaired, t The evaluation and analysis shall demonstrate that the building once repaired complies with the wind and seismic provisions of the Florida International Building Code.

Exception: The use of reduced
International Building Code level seismic
forces as specified in Section 407.1.1.3
shall be permitted in the design of the
repair.

407.3.3 Below substantial structural damage.
Repairs to buildings damaged to a level below the
substantial structural damage level as defined in
Section 202 shall be allowed to be made with the
materials, methods and strengths in existence prior to
the damage unless such existing conditions are
dangerous as defined in Chapter 2. New structural
frame members, as defined in chapter 2, shall comply
with Section 407.3.1.

407.3.4 Other uncovered structural elements.
Where in the course of conducting repairs, other
uncovered structural elements are found to be
unsound or otherwise structurally deficient, such
elements shall be made to conform to the
requirements of Section 407.3.2.1.1.

407.3.5 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas,
damaged buildings that sustain substantial damage
shall be brought into compliance with Florida International Building Code Section 160912 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9) and Chapter 31.

407.4 Re-roofing. Re-roofing shall comply with Section
507.2.1.

SECTION 408
ELECTRICAL

408.1 Material . Existing electrical wiring and equipment
undergoing repair shall be allowed to be repaired or
replaced with like material in accordance with Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code.

Exceptions:

1.	Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair whall be permitted to be repaired or replaced with like material.

2.	For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles and for branch circuits that do not have an equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuitry, the grounding conductor of a grounding type receptacle outlet shall be permitted to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor, in accordance with Artcle 250-130 (C) of NFPA 70.

3.	Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are part of the existing branch circuit for these appliances shall be permitted to be grounded to the grounded circuit conductor in accordance with Article 250-140 of NFPA 70.

1. Replacement of electrical receptacles shall
comply with the applicable requirements of
Article 210-7-(d) of NFPA 70.

2. Plug fuses of the Edison-base type shall be
used for replacements only where there is no
evidence of over fusing or tampering per
applicable requirements of Article 240-51-(b)
of NFPA 70.

3. For replacement of non-grounding-type
receptacles with grounding-type receptacles
and for branch circuits that do not have an
equipment grounding conductor in the branch
circuitry, the grounding conductor of a
grounding type receptacle outlet shall be
permitted to be grounded to any accessible
point on the grounding electrode system, or to
any accessible point on the grounding
electrode conductor in accordance with Article
250-130-(c) of NFPA 70.

4. Non-"hospital grade" receptacles in patient bed
locations of Group 1-2 shall be replaced with
"hospital grade" receptacles, as required by
NFPA 99 and Art. 517 of NFPA 70.

5. Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted
ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes
dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are
part of the existing branch circuit for these
appliances shall be permitted to be grounded
to the grounded circuit conductor in
accordance with Art. 250-140 of NFPA 70.

SECTION 409
MECHANICAL

409.1 General. Existing mechanical systems
undergoing repair shall comply with Section 301.12 of the Florida Mechanical Code 401.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 1 where applicable.

SECTION 410
PLUMBING

410.1 Materials. The following plumbing materials and
supplies shall not be used:

1. Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and
tailpiece fittings less than the minimum wall
thickness of .027” (0.69 mm) .

2. Solder having more than 0.2% lead in the repair of
potable water systems.

3. Water closets having a concealed trap seal or an
unventilated space or having walls that are not
throughly washed at each discharge in
accordance with ASME A112.19.2.

4. The following types of joints shall be prohibited:

4.1. Cement or concrete joints.
4.2. Mastic or hot-pour bituminous joints.
4.3. Joints made with fittings not approved for
the specific installation.
4.4. Joints between different diameter pipes
made with elasto-meric rolling O-rings.
4.5. Solvent-cement joints between different
types of plastic pipe.
4.6. Saddle-type fittings.

5. The following type of traps are prohibited:

5.1. Traps that depend on moving parts to
maintain the seal.
5.2. Bell traps
5.3. Crown-vented traps
5.4. Traps not integral with a fixture and that
depend on interior partitions for the seal,
except those traps constructed of an
approved material that is resistant to
corrosion and degradation.

410.2 Plumbing Fixture Water closet replacement. When any plumbing fixture water closet is replaced, the replacement plumbing fixture water closet shall comply with the Florida International Plumbing Code. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced water closets shall be 1.6 gallons (6 L) per flushing cycle.

Exception : Blowout design water closets [3.5
gallons (13 L) per flushing cycle].

CHAPTER 5
ALTERATIONS - LEVEL 1

SECTION 501
GENERAL

501.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations, as described in
Section 303 shall comply with the requirements of this
Chapter. Level 1 alterations to historic buildings shall
comply with this chapter, except as modified in Chapter
10.

501.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion
thereof shall not be altered such that the building
becomes less safe or energy efficient than its existing condition. If, in the alteration the current level of safety or sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

501.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas,
alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall
require that the building comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 160912 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9) and Chapter 31.

SECTION 502
Reserved
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

502.1 General. Alteration of buildings, classified as public educational facilities and state licensed facilities special use and occupancy as described in the Florida International Building Code, Chapter 4, shall comply with the requirements of Section 501.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 4 of the Florida Building Code 1 where applicable.

SECTION 503
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

503.1 Interior finishes. All newly installed interior
finishes shall comply with the flame spread requirements
of the Florida International Building Code.

503.2 Carpeting. New carpeting used as an interior
floor finish material shall comply with the radiant flux
requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

503.3 Materials and methods: All new work shall
comply with materials and methods requirements in the
Florida International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Energy Conservation Code and ICC Electrical Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as
applicable, that specify material standards, detail of
installation and connection, joints, penetrations and
continuity of any element, component or system in the
building.

SECTION 504
FIRE PROTECTION

504.1 Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.  Fire protection requirements for buildings under going alterations shall comply with the scoping provisions of Chapter 1s. 501.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 1.  Smoke detectors in Group R and I-1 occupancies. In buildings of Use Groups R and I-1, newly installed smoke detectors that are located closer than five feet to a kitchen or bathroom area shall be of photoelectric type only.

SECTION 505
MEANS OF EGRESS

505.1 General. Means of egress for buildings
undergoing alteration shall comply with the requirements
of Section 501.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter
1 where applicable.

Exception: Door and window dimensions.  In residential dwellings and dwelling units, a maximum of 5% reduction in the clear opening dimensions of replacement doors and windows shall be allowed.  See Chapter 11, Florida Building Code.

SECTION 506
ACCESSIBILITY

506.1 Accessibility shall be in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code.  A building, facility or element that is altered shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 11 of the International Building Code, Sections 506.1.1 thru 506.1.15 and ICC/ANSI A117.1, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent technically feasible.

Exceptions:

1. The altered element or space is not required to
be on an accessible route, unless required by
Section 506.2.

2. Accessible means of egress required by
Chapter 10 of the International Building Code
are not required to be provided in existing
buildings and facilities.

3. Type B dwelling units required by Section
1107.5.4 of the International Building Code are
not required to be provided in existing
buildings and facilities.

506.1.1 Elevators. Altered elements of existing
elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1 and
ICC/ANSI A117.1. Such elements shall also be
altered in elevators programmed to respond to the
same hall call control as the altered elevator.

506.1.2 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts
complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1 and installed in
accordance with ASME A17.1 shall be permitted as
a component of an accessible route.

506.1.3 Stairs and escalators in existing buildings.
In alterations where an escalator or stair is added
where none existed previously an accessible route
shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1104.4
and 1104.5 of the International Building Code.

506.1.4 Ramps. Where steeper slopes than allowed
by Section 1003.3.4.1 are necessitated by space
limitations, the slope of ramps in or providing access
to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with
Table 506.1.4.

506.1.5 Dining areas. An accessible route to raised
or sunken dining areas, or to outdoor seating areas is
not required provided that the same services and
decor are provided in an accessible space usable by
any occupant and not restricted to use by people with
a disability.

506.1.6 Performance areas. Where it is technically
infeasible to alter performance areas to be on an
accessible route, at least one of each type of
performance area shall be made accessible.

506.1.7 Assembly areas. Seating shall adjoin an
accessible route that also serves as a means of
egress. Where it is technically infeasible to disperse
accessible seating throughout an altered assembly
area, the minimum required number of wheelchair
space clusters shall be one-half of that required by
Section 1107.2.2.1 of the International Building Code.
In existing assembly seating areas with a mezzanine,
where the main level provides three-fourths or more
of the total seating capacity, wheelchair space
clusters are permitted to be dispersed on the main
level. Each accessible seating area shall have
provisions for companion seating.

506.1.8 Sleeping rooms and accommodations.
Where I-1 sleeping rooms, I-2 sleeping rooms or
patient rooms, I-3 residential units, or R-1 and R-2
sleeping accommodations are being altered or
added, the requirements of Section 1107 of the
International Building Code for accessible rooms and
Chapter 9 for accessible alarms apply only to the
quantity of spaces being altered or added.

506.1.9 Toilet rooms. Where it is technically
infeasible to alter existing toilet and bathing facilities
to be accessible, an accessible unisex toilet or
bathing facility is permitted. The unisex facility shall
be located on the same floor and in the same area as
the existing facilities.

506.1.10 Dressing, fitting and locker rooms.
Where it is technically infeasible to provide
accessible dressing, fitting or locker rooms at the
same location as similar types of rooms, one
accessible room on the same level shall be provided.
Where separate sex facilities are provided,
accessible rooms for each sex shall be provided.
Separate sex facilities are not required where only
unisex rooms are provided.

506.1.11 Check-out aisles. Where check-out aisles
are altered in facilities having a selling space of 5,000
square feet (465 m2) or more, at least one check-out
aisle serving each function shall be made accessible.

506.1.12 Dispersion of seating at fixed or built-in
tables, counters, or work surfaces. Accessible
seating at fixed or built-in tables, counters or work
surfaces shall be distributed throughout the space or
facility as much as technically feasible.

506.1.13 Sales and service counters. Where it is
technically infeasible for existing counters for sales or
distribution of goods or services to be made
accessible, an accessible auxiliary counter shall be
provided.

506.1.14 Thresholds. The maximum height of
thresholds at doorways shall be 3/4 inch (19.1 mm).
Such threshold shall have beveled edges on each
side.

506.1.15 Extent of application. An alteration of an
existing element, space, or area of a building or
facility shall not impose a requirement for greater
accessibility than that which would be required for
new construction. Alterations shall not reduce or have
the effect of reducing accessibility of a building,
portion of a building, or facility.

506.2 Alterations affecting an area containing a
primary function. Where an alteration affects the
accessibility to, or contains an area of primary function,
the route to the primary function area shall be
accessible. The accessible route to the primary function
area shall include toilet facilities or drinking fountains
serving the area of primary function. For the purposes of
complying with Section 506.2, an area of primary
function shall be defined by applicable provisions of 49
CFR Part 37.43(c) or 28 CFR Part 36.403.

Exceptions:

1. The costs of providing the accessible route is
not required to exceed 20 percent of the costs
of the alterations affecting the area of primary
function.

2. This provision does not apply to alterations
limited solely to windows, hardware, operating
controls, electrical outlets and signs.

3. This provision does not apply to alterations
limited solely to mechanical systems, electrical
systems, installation or alteration of fireprotection
systems, and abatement of
hazardous materials.

4. This provision does not apply to alterations
undertaken for the primary purpose of
increasing the accessibility of an existing
building, facility or element.

SECTION 507
STRUCTURAL

507.1 General. Where alteration work includes
replacement of equipment that is supported by the
building or where a re-roofing permit is required, the
structural provisions of this section shall apply.

507.2 Design criteria . Existing structural components
supporting alteration work shall comply with this section.

Exception:  Non-structural repairs and alterations exclusive of fixtures and furniture, the cost of which does not exceed 25 percent of the value of the existing building or structure with the approval of the building official may be made of the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.

507.2.1 Replacement of roofing or equipment.
Where replacement of roofing or equipment results in
additional dead loads, structural components
supporting such re-roofing or equipment shall comply
with the vertical load requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions :

1. Structural elements whose stress is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings constructed in accordance with the
International Residential Code or the
conventional construction methods of the
Florida International Building Code and where the
additional dead load from the equipment is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

507.2.2.3 Roof diaphragm. Where roofing materials are
removed from more than 50% of the roof diaphragm of
a building or section of a building where the roof
diaphragm is a part of the main wind force resisting
system the integrity of the roof diaphragm shall be
evaluated and if found deficient due to insufficient or
deteriorated connections such connections shall be
provided or replaced.

507.3.  Replacement of windows and doors.  The replacement of garage doors, exterior doors, skylight, operative and inoperative windows shall be designed and constructed to comply with Chapter 16 of Florida Building Code.

Opening protection exception: For one-and two-family dwellings constructed under codes other than the Florida Building Code and located in wind-borne debris regions, the replacement of garage doors and exterior doors with glazing , sliding glass doors, glass patio doors, skylights, and operable and inoperable windows within any 12 month period shall not be required to have opening protection, but shall be designed for wind pressures for enclosed buildings provided the aggregate area of the glazing in the replaced components does not exceed 25% of the aggregate area of the glazed openings in the dwelling or dwelling unit.

507.4  Openings in sunrooms, enclosed balconies, and enclosed porches constructed under existing roofs or decks are not required to be protected provided the space is separated from the building interior by a wall and all openings in the separating wall are protected in accordance with s. 1606.1.4 of the Florida Building Code.  Such spaces shall be permitted to be designed as enclosed or partially enclosed.

Section 508 
Electrical

508.1 Residential R3 Occupancies
508.1.1  Existing Wiring and Equipment.  Existing electricaql wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be permitted to be repaired or erplaced with like material.

508.1.2  Replacement of Receptacles.  For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles and for branch circuits that do not have an equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuitry, the grounding conductor of a grounding-type receptacle outlet shall be permitted to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system, or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor, in accordance with Article 250-130 (C) of NFPA-70.

508.1.3 Appliances.  Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are part of the existing branch circuit for these appliances shall be permitted to be grounded to the grounded circuit conductor in accordance with Article 250-140 of NFPA 70.

Section 509 
Mechanical

Section 509.1  General.  Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall comply with Section 301.12 of the Florida Mechanical Code.

Section 510 
Plumbing

510.1 Materials.  The following plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used:

1.  Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than the minimum wall thickness of .027” (0.69 mm).

2.	Solder having more than 0.2% lead in the repair of potable water systems.

3.	Water closets having a concealed trap seal or an unventilated space or having walls that are not thoroughly washed at each discharge in accordance with ASME A112.19.2.

4.	The following types of joints shall  be prohibited:
4.1	Mastic or hot-pour bituminous joints.
4.2	Joints made with fittings not approved for the specific installation.
4.3	Joints between different diameter pipes made with elasto-meric rolling O-rings.
4.4	Solven-cement joints between different types of plastic pipe.
4.5	Saddle-type fittings.

5.	The following type of traps are prohibited:
5.1	Traps that depend on moving parts to maintain the seal.
5.2	Bell traps.
5.3	Crown-vented traps.
5.4	Traps not integral with a fixture and that depend on interior partitions for the seal, except those traps constructed of an approved material that is resistant to corrosion and degradation.

510.2	Water closet replacement.  When any water closet is replaced, the replacement water closet shall comply with the Florida Plumbing Code.  The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced water closets shall be 1.6 gallons (6 L) per flushing cycle.

Exception:  Blowout design water closets [3.5 gallons (13 L) per flushing cycle].

SECTION 51108
REROOFING

511.1 General. Materials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15. Roof repairs to existing roofs and roof coverings shall comply with the provisions of this Code,

EXCEPTION. Reroofing shall not be required to meet the minimum design slope requirement of 1/4:12 in §1508 of the Florida Building Code for roofs that provide positive roof drainage (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1515.2.2.1 and 1515.2.2.2 of the Florida Building Code).

511.2 Structural and construction loads. The structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the roof covering system.

511.3 Recovering vs. replacement. New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur.

1. When the old roofing is water-soaked or deteriorated to the point that it is not suitable as a base for additional roofing.

2. When blisters exist in any roofing, unless blisters are cut or scraped open and nailed down before applying additional roofing.

3. When the existing roof surface is gravel or the like, the gravel shall be thoroughly removed or all loose gravel removed and approved base material installed before applying additional roofing.

4. When existing roof is slate or the like.

5. When sheathing or supports are deteriorated to the point that the roof structural system is not substantial enough to support recovering.

6. When existing roof has two or more applications of any type roofing material. Conformance with this item shall make replacement mandatory.

EXCEPTIONS:

1.  Building and structures located within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone shall comply with the provisions of Section 1512 – 1525 of the Florida Building Code

2. When the structural deck is concrete and the existing roof is firmly attached to the deck, then the roof shall be removed down to a minimum of three plies of moisture free felts.

3. When otherwise approved by the building official.

4. Wood shingles or shakes shall not be placed over more than one application of wood or asphalt shingles. Wood shingles or shakes may be placed over existing shakes when installed in accordance with Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau recommendations.

511.4 Roof recovering. Where the application of a new roof covering over wood shingle or shake roofs creates a combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface shall be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place.

511.5 Reinstallation of materials. Existing slate, clay or cement tile shall be permitted for reinstallation, except that damaged, cracked or broken slate or tile shall not be reinstalled. Existing vent flashing, metal edgings, drain outlets, collars and metal counterflashings shall not be reinstalled where rusted, damaged or deteriorated. Aggregate surfacing materials shall not be reinstalled, (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1512 – 1525 of the Florida Building Code).. 

511.6 Flashings. Flashings shall be reconstructed in accordance with roof covering manufacturer's installation instructions. Metal flashing to which bituminous materials are to be adhered shall be primed prior to installation, (HVHZ shall comply with Sections 1512 – 1525 of the Florida Building Code).

507.2.2 Parapet bracing and wall anchors for reroof
permits. Unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings classified as Seismic Design Category D, E
or F shall have parapet bracing and wall anchors
installed at the roof line whenever a re-roofing permit
is issued. Such parapet bracing and wall anchors
shall be designed in accordance with the reduced
International Building Code level seismic forces as
specified in Section 407.1.1.3 and design procedures
of Section 407.1.1.1.

5097.2.2.3 Roof diaphragm. Where roofing materials are removed from more than 50% of the roof diaphragm of a building or section of a building where the roof
diaphragm is a part of the main wind force resisting
system the integrity of the roof diaphragm shall be
evaluated and if found deficient due to insufficient or
deteriorated connections such connections shall be
provided or replaced.
TABLE 506.1.4

RAMPS
SLOPE	MAXIMUM RISE	
Steeper than 1:10 but not
steeper than 1:8	3 inches	
Steeper than 1:12 but not
steeper than 1:10	6 inches	

Section 512 
Energy Conservation

512.1  Minimum requirements.  Alterations subject to this chapter shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code.

CHAPTER 6
ALTERATIONS - LEVEL 2

SECTION 601
GENERAL

601.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations, as described in
Section 304 shall comply with the requirements of this
Chapter.

Exception: Buildings in which the reconfiguration is
exclusively the result of compliance with the
accessibility requirements of Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code Section 506.2 shall be permitted to comply with Chapter 5.

601.2 Alteration level 1 compliance. In addition to the
requirements of this chapter, all work shall comply with
the requirements of Chapter 5.

601.3 Compliance. All new construction elements,
components and systems and spaces shall comply with
the requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Operablenable windows may be added without
requiring compliance with the light, energy and
ventilation requirements of the Florida International
Building Code.

2. Newly installed electrical equipment shall
comply with the requirements of Section 608.0.

3. Dead end corridors in newly constructed
spaces need only comply with the provisions of
Section 605.6 705.

4. The minimum ceiling height of the newly
created habitable and occupiable spaces and
corridors in one and two family dwellings shall be 7 feet.

SECTION 602
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

602.1 General. Alteration of buildings, classified as public education facilities and state licensed facilities
special use and occupancy as described in the
Florida International Building Code, Chapter 4, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4, Florida Building Code Section 601.1 and the scoping
provisions of Chapter 1 where applicable.

SECTION 603
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

603.1 Scope. The requirements of this section are
limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are
being performed, and shall apply beyond the work area
where specified.

603.2 Vertical openings. Existing vertical openings
shall comply with the provisions of Sections 603.2.1,
603.2.2 and 603.2.3.

603.2.1 Existing Vertical Openings. All existing
interior vertical openings connecting two or more
floors shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. be enclosed with approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour with approved opening protectives.

Exceptions:

1. Where vertical opening enclosure is not
required by the International Building Code or
the International Fire Code.

2. Interior vertical openings other than stairways
may be blocked at the floor and ceiling of the
work area by installation of not less than two
inches (50.08 mm) of solid wood or equivalent
construction.

3. The enclosure shall not be required where:

3.1. connecting the main floor and
mezzanines; or

3.2. all the following conditions are met:

(1) The communicating area has a
low hazard occupancy, or has a
moderate hazard occupancy
which is protected throughout by
an automatic sprinkler system,
and

(2) The lowest or next to the lowest
level is a street floor; and

(3) The entire area is open and
unobstructed in a manner such
that it may be assumed that a fire
in any part of the interconnected
spaces will be readily obvious to
all of the occupants; and

(4) Exit capacity is sufficient to
provide egress simultaneously for
all the occupants of all levels by
considering all areas to be a
single floor area for the
determination of required exit
capacity; and

(5) Each floor level, considered
separately, has at least one-half
of its individual required exit
capacity provided by an exit or
exits leading directly out of that
level without having to traverse
another communicating floor
level or be exposed to the smoke
or fire spreading from another
communicating floor level.

4. In Group A Occupancies, a minimum 30
minute enclosure shall be provided to protect
all vertical openings not exceeding three
stories.

5. In Group B Occupancies, a minimum 30
minute enclosure shall be provided to protect
all vertical openings not exceeding three
stories. This enclosure, or the enclosure
specified in Section 603.2.1 shall not be
required:

5.1. in a building not exceeding 3,000
square feet (279 m2) floor; or

5.2. when the building is protected
throughout by an approved automatic
fire sprinkler system.

6. In Group E Occupancies, the enclosure shall
not be required for vertical openings not
exceeding three stories when the building is
protected throughout by an approved
automatic fire sprinkler system.

7. In Group F Occupancies, the enclosure shall
not be required under the following conditions:

7.1. for vertical openings not exceeding
three stories; or

7.2. In special purpose occupancies when
necessary for manufacturing operations
and direct access is provided to at least
one protected stairway; or

7.3. In buildings which are protected
throughout by an approved automatic
sprinkler system.

8. In Group H Occupancies, the enclosure shall
not be required for vertical openings not
exceeding three stories where necessary for
manufacturing operations and every floor level
has direct access to at least two remote
enclosed stairways or other approved exits.

9. In Group M Occupancies, a minimum 30
minute enclosure shall be provided to protect
all vertical openings not exceeding three
stories. This enclosure, or the enclosure
specified in Section 603.2.1, shall not be
required under the following conditions:

9.1. Openings connect only two floor levels;
or

9.2. Occupancies are protected throughout
by an approved automatic sprinkler
system.

10. In Group R-1 Occupancies, the enclosure
shall not be required for vertical openings
not exceeding three stories where:

10.1. In buildings which are protected
throughout by an approved
automatic sprinkler system; or

10.2. In buildings with less than 25 guest
rooms where every sleeping room
above the second floor is provided
with direct access to a fire escape or
other approved second exit by
means of an approved exterior door
or window having a sill height of not
greater than 44 inches (1118 mm)
and where :

(1) Any exit access corridor
exceeding eight feet (2438
mm) in length which serves
two means of egress, one of
which is an unprotected
vertical opening, shall have at
least one of the means of
egress separated from the
vertical opening by a onehour
fire barrier; and

(2) The building is protected
throughout by an automatic
fire alarm system, installed
and supervised in accordance
with the International Building
Code.

11. In Group R-2 Occupancies, a minimum 30
minute enclosure shall be provided to
protect all vertical openings not exceeding
three stories. This enclosure, or the
enclosure specified in Section 603.2.1,
shall not be required under the following
conditions:

11.1. Vertical openings not exceeding two
stories with not more than four
dwelling units per floor; or

11.2. In buildings which are protected
throughout by an approved
automatic sprinkler system; or

11.3. In buildings with not more than four
dwelling units per floor where every
sleeping room above the second
floor is provided with direct access to
a fire escape or other approved
second exit by means of an
approved exterior door or window
having a sill height of not greater
than 44 inches (1118 mm) and The
building is protected throughout by
an automatic fire alarm system,
complying with Section 604.4.

12. One-and two-family dwellings.

13. Group S Occupancies, where connecting
more than two floor levels, or where
connecting not more than three floor levels
and the structure is equipped throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler
system.

214. Group S Occupancies, vertical opening
protection is not required for open parking
garages and ramps.

603.2.2 Supplemental shaft and floor opening
enclosure requirements. Where the work area on
any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, the
enclosure requirements of Section 603.2 shall apply
to vertical openings other than stairways throughout
the floor:

Exception: Vertical openings located in tenant
spaces that are entirely outside the work area.

603.2.3 Supplemental stairway enclosure
requirements. Where the work area on any floor
exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, stairways that
are part of the means of egress serving the work area
shall at a minimum be enclosed with smoke tight
construction on the highest work area floor and all
floors below.

Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not
required by the Florida International Building Code or the
Florida International Fire Prevention Code.

603.3 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers in Group I-2 Unrestrained shall be installed where required by Sections 603.3.1 and 603.3.2.

603.3.1 Compartmentation.  See S. 409.1 of the Florida Building Code.  Where the work area is
on a story used for sleeping rooms for more than 30
patients, the story shall be divided into not less than
two compartments by smoke barrier walls complying
with Section 603.3.2 such that each compartment
does not exceed 22,500 square feet (2093 m2) and
the travel distance from any point to reach a door in
the required smoke barrier shall not exceed 200 feet
(60 960 mm).

Exception: Where neither the length nor width of
the smoke compartment exceeds 150 feet (45 720
mm), the travel distance to reach the smoke
barrier door shall not be limited.

603.3.2 Fire-resistance rating. The smoke barriers
shall be fire resistance rated for 30 minutes and
constructed in accordance with the Florida International
Building Code or the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

603.4 Interior finish. The interior finish of walls and
ceilings in exits and corridors in any work area shall
comply with the requirements of the Florida International
Building Code.

Exception: Existing interior finish materials which do
not comply with the interior finish requirements of the
Florida International Building Code shall be permitted to be treated with an approved fire retardant coating in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to
achieve the required rating.

603.4.1 Supplemental interior finish requirements.
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50
percent of the floor area, Section 603.4 shall also
apply to the interior finish in exits and corridors
serving the work area throughout the floor.

Exception: Interior finish within tenant spaces
that are entirely outside the work area.

603.5 Guardrails. The requirements of Sections 603.5.1
and 603.5.2 shall apply in all work areas.

603.5.1 Minimum requirement. Every portion of a
floor, such as a balcony or a loading dock that is
more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or
grade below and not provided with guards, or those
in which the existing guards are judged to be in
danger of collapsing, shall be provided with guards.

603.5.2 Design. Where there are no guards or
existing guards must be replaced, the guards shall be
designed and installed in accordance with the
Florida International Building Code.

Exception: Where existing guards are replaced, the design may match the existing design.

SECTION 604
FIRE PROTECTION

604.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be
limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are
being performed, and where specified they shall apply
throughout the floor on which the work areas are located, or otherwise beyond the work area.

604.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic
sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with
the requirements of Sections 604.2.1 through 604.2.5.
Installation requirements shall be in accordance with the
Florida International Building Code.

604.2.1 High rise buildings.  See S. 412 of the Florida Building Code.  In high rise buildings,
work areas that include exits or corridors shared by
more than one tenant or serving an occupant load
greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic
sprinkler protection where the work area is located on
a floor which has a sufficient existing sprinkler water
supply system to the floor.

604.2.1.1 Supplemental automatic sprinkler
system requirements. Where the work area on
any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area,
Section 604.2.2 shall apply to the entire floor on
which the work area is located.

Exception: Tenant spaces that are entirely
outside the work area.

604.2.2 Groups A, E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4, S-1
and S-2. In buildings with occupancies in Groups A,
E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4, S-1 and S-2, work
areas that include exits or corridors shared by more
than one tenant or serving an occupant load greater
than 30 shall be provided with automatic sprinkler
protection where all of the following conditions occur:

1. The work area would be required to be provided
with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance
with the International Building Code applicable to
new construction;

2. The work area exceeds 50% of the floor area; and

3. The building has sufficient municipal water supply
for design of a fire sprinkler system available to
the floor.

Exception: Work areas in Group R
Occupancies 3 stories or less in height.

604.2.2.1 Mixed uses. In work areas
containing mixed uses, one or more of which
requires automatic sprinkler protection in
accordance with Section 604.2.2, such
protection shall not be required throughout the
work area provided that the uses requiring
such protection are separated from those not
requiring protection by fire resistive
construction having a minimum two-hour rating
for Use Group H, and a minimum one-hour
rating for all other use groups.

604.2.3 Windowless stories. Work located in a
windowless story as determined in accordance with
the Florida International Building Code shall be sprinklered where the work area would be required to be
sprinklered under the provisions of the Florida International Building Code as a newly constructed building, and the building has sufficient municipal water supply available to the floor.

604.2.4 Other required suppression systems In
buildings and areas indicated listed in section Table 903.2.15 of the Florida International Building Code, or the Florida Fire Prevention Code, work areas include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant or
serving an occupant load greater than 30 shall be
provided with sprinkler protection where the following
conditions occur:

1. The work area would be required to be provided
with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance
with the Florida International Building Code applicable to
new construction; and

2. The building has sufficient municipal water supply
for design of a fire sprinkler system available to
the floor.

604.2.5 Supervision. Fire sprinkler systems required
by this Section shall be supervised by one of the
following methods:

1. Approved central station system in accordance
with NFPA 72;

2. Approved proprietary system in accordance with
NFPA 72;

3. Approved remote station system of the jurisdiction
in accordance with NFPA 72; or

4. Approved local alarm service which will cause the
sounding of an alarm in accordance with NFPA
72.

Exceptions: Supervision is not required for the
following :

1. Underground gate valve with roadway boxes;

2. Halogenated extinguishing systems;

3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems;

4. Dry and wet chemical extinguishing systems;

5. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in
accordance with NFPA 13R where a common
supply main is used to supply both domestic
and automatic sprinkler systems and a
separate shutoff valve for the automatic
sprinkler system is not provided.

604.3 Standpipes. Where the work area includes exits
or corridors shared by more than one tenant and is
located more than 50 feet (15240 mm) above or below
the lowest level of fire department access, a standpipe
system shall be provided. Standpipes shall have an
approved fire department connection with hose
connections at each floor level above or below the
lowest level of fire department access. Standpipe
systems shall be installed in accordance with the
Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. No pump shall be required provided that the
standpipes are capable of accepting delivery by
fire department apparatus of a minimum of 250
gpm at 65 psi (946 L/m at 448KPa) to the topmost
floor in buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system or a minimum of 500
gpm at 65 psi (1892 L/m at 448KPa) to the
topmost floor in all other buildings. Where the
standpipe terminates below the topmost floor, the
standpipe shall be designed to meet (gpm/psi)
(L/m/KPa) requirements of this exception for
possible future extension of the standpipe.

2. The interconnection of multiple standpipe risers
shall not be required.

604.4 Fire alarm and detection. An approved fire alarm
system shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code for existing buildings. be installed in accordance with Sections
604.4.1 through 604.4.1.9. Where automatic sprinkler
protection is provided in accordance with Section 604.2
and connected to the building fire alarm system,
automatic heat detection required by this section shall
not be required.

An approved automatic fire detection system shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices,
appliances and equipment shall be approved. The
automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except
an approved alternate type of detector shall be installed
in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal
operation, products of combustion are present in
sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

604.4.1 Occupancy requirements. A fire alarm
system shall be installed in accordance with Sections
604.4.1.1 through 604.4.1.7. Existing alarm notification
appliances shall be automatically activated throughout the building. Where the building is not equipped with a fire alarm system, alarm notification appliances within the work area shall be provided and automatically activated.

Exceptions:

1. Occupancies with an existing, previously
approved fire alarm system.

2. Where selective notification is permitted,
alarm-notification appliances shall be
automatically activated in the areas selected.

604.4.1.1 Group E. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in works areas in Group E occupancies
as required by the International Fire Code for
existing Group E occupancies.

604.4.1.2 Group I-1. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in work areas in Group I-1 residential
care/assisted living facilities as required by the
International Fire Code for existing Group I-1
occupancies.
604.4.1.3 Group I-2. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in work areas in Group I-2 occupancies
as required by the International Fire Code for
existing Group I-2 occupancies.

604.4.1.4 Group I-3. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in work areas Group I-3 occupancies as
required by the International Fire Code for existing
Group I-3 occupancies.

604.4.1.5 Group R-1. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required by
the International Fire Code for existing Group R-1
occupancies.

604.4.1.6 Group R-2. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in work areas of Group R-2 apartment
buildings as required by the International Fire
Code for existing Group R-2 occupancies.

604.4.1.7 Group R-4. A fire alarm system shall be
installed in work areas of Group R-4 residential
care/assisted living facilities as required by the
International Fire Code for existing Group R-4
occupancies.

604.4.2 Supplemental fire alarm system
requirements. Where the work area on any floor
exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, Section 604.4.1
shall apply throughout the floor.

Exception: Alarm-initiating and notification
appliances shall not be required to be installed in
tenant spaces outside of the work area.

604.4.3 Smoke Alarms. Individual guestrooms and
individual dwelling units in any work area in Group R
1, R2, R3, R4 and I shall be provided with smoke
alarms in accordance with the Florida International Fire Prevention Code.

Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms
outside of the rehabilitation work area shall not be
required.

SECTION 605
MEANS OF EGRESS

605.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be
limited to work areas that include exits or corridors
shared by more than one tenant within the work area in
which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and
where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on
which the work areas are located, or otherwise beyond
the work area.

605.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with
the requirements of this section.

Exception:

1. Where the work area and the means of egress
serving it complies with NFPA 101.

2. Means of egress conforming to the requirements
of the Florida International Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code under which the building was constructed shall be considered as complying means of egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life.

605.3 Number of exits. The number of exits shall be in
accordance with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Sections 605.3.1 through 605.3.3.

Exception: In building Group R3 Occupancies shall comply with the Florida Building Code.

605.3.1 Minimum number. Every story utilized for
human occupancy on which there is a work area that
includes exits or corridors shared by more than one
tenant within the work area shall be provided with the
minimum number of exits based on the occupancy
and the occupant load in accordance with the
International Building Code. In addition, the exits
shall comply with Sections 605.3.1.1 and 605.3.1.2.

605.3.1.1 Single exit buildings. Only one exit is
required from buildings and spaces with the
following occupancies:

1. In Group A, B, E, F, M, U, and S
occupancies, a single exit is permitted in
the story at the level of exit discharge
when the occupant load of the story does
not exceed 50 and the exit access travel
distance does not exceed 75 feet (22 860
mm).

2. Group B, F-2, or S-2 occupancies not more
than two stories in height, which are not
greater than 3,000 square feet per floor
(279 m2), when the exit access travel
distance does not exceed 75 feet (22 860
mm). The minimum fire resistance rating of
the exit enclosure and of the opening
protection shall be one hour.

3. Open parking structures where vehicles are
mechanically parked.

4. Groups R-1 and R-2, except that in
community residences for the
developmentally disabled, the maximum
occupant load, excluding staff, is 12.

5. Groups R-1 and R-2, not more than two
stories in height, when there are not more
than four dwelling units per floor and the
exit access travel distance does not exceed
50 feet (15 240 mm). The minimum fire
resistance rating of the exit enclosure and
of the opening protection shall be one hour.

6. In Multi-level dwelling units in buildings of
Occupancy Classification R-1 or R-2, an
exit shall not be required from every level
of the dwelling unit provided that one of the
following conditions is met:

6.1. The travel distance within the dwelling
unit does not exceed 75 feet (22 860
mm); or

6.2. The building is not more than three
stories in height and all third floor space
is part of one or more dwelling units
located in part on the second floor and
no habitable room within any such
dwelling unit shall have a travel distance
that exceeds 50 feet (15 240 mm)from
the outside of the habitable room
entrance door to the inside of the
entrance door to the dwelling unit.

7. In Group R-2, H-4, H-5 and I Occupancies
and in rooming houses and child care
centers, a single exit is permitted in a one
story building with a maximum occupant
load of 10 and the exit access travel
distance does not exceed 75 feet (22 860
mm).

8. In buildings of Group R-2 Occupancy that
are equipped throughout with an automatic
fire sprinkler system, a single exit shall be
permitted from a basement or story below
grade if every dwelling unit on that floor is
equipped with an approved window
providing a clear opening of at least five
square feet (0.47 m2) in area, a minimum
net clear opening of 24 inches (610 mm)in
height and 20 inches (508 mm) in width,
and a sill height of not more than 44 inches
(1118 mm) above the finished floor.

9. In buildings of Group R-2 Occupancy of
any height with not more than four dwelling
units per floor, with a smokeproof
enclosure or outside stair as an exit, and
with such exit within 20 feet (6096 mm) of
travel to the entrance doors to all dwelling
units served thereby.

10. In buildings of Group R-3 Occupancy
equipped throughout with an automatic fire
sprinkler system, only one exit shall be
required from basements or stories below
grade.

605.3.1.2 Fire escapes required. Fire escapes shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code.  When more
than one exit is required, an existing or newly
constructed fire escape complying with Section
605.3.1.2.1 shall be accepted as providing one of
the required means of egress.

605.3.1.2.1 Fire escape access and details.
Fire escapes shall comply with all of the
following requirements:

1. Occupants shall have unobstructed access
to the fire escape without having to pass
through a room subject to locking.

2. Access to a new fire escape shall be
through a door, except that windows shall
be permitted to provide access from single
dwelling units or guest rooms in Groups R-
1, R-2 and I-I Occupancies or when
providing access from spaces having a
maximum occupant load of 10 in other
occupancy classifications.

3. Newly constructed fire escapes shall be
permitted only where exterior stairs cannot
be utilized due to lot lines limiting stair size
or due to the sidewalks, alleys, or roads at
grade level.

4. Openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire
escape stairs shall be protected by fire
assemblies having a minimum of ¾-hour
fire-resistance ratings.

Exception: Buildings equipped
throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system, opening protection is
not required.

5. In all buildings of Group E Occupancy, up
to and including the 12th grade, buildings of
Group I Occupancy, rooming houses and
child care centers, ladders of any type are
prohibited on fire escapes used as a
required means of egress.

605.3.1.2.2 Construction. The fire escape
shall be designed to support a live load of 100
pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and shall be
constructed of steel or other approved
noncombustible materials. Fire escapes
constructed of wood not less than nominal 2
inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on
buildings of Type 5 construction. Walkways
and railings located over or supported by
combustible roofs in buildings of Types 3 and
4 construction are permitted to be of wood not
less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick.

605.3.1.2.3 Dimensions. Stairs shall be at
least 22 inches (559 mm) wide with risers not
more than, and treads not less than, 8 inches
(203 mm) and landings at the foot of stairs not
less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36
inches (914 mm) long, located not more than
8 inches (203 mm) below the door.

605.3.2 Mezzanines. Travel distance for mMezzanines shall comply with Table 1005.78 of the Florida Building Code.  in the work area
and with an occupant load of more than 50 or in
which the travel distance to an exit exceeds 75 feet
(22 860 mm) shall have access to at least two
independent means of egress.

Exception: Two independent means of egress
are not required where the travel distance to an
exit does not exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) and
the building is protected throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system.

605.3.3 Main entrance - Group A. All buildings of
Group A with an occupant load of 100 or more shall
be provided with a main entrance capable of serving
as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least
one-half the total occupant load. The remaining exits
shall be capable of providing one-half of the total
required exit capacity.

Exception: Where there is no well-defined main
exit or where multiple main exits are provided,
exits shall be permitted to be distributed around
the perimeter of the building provided that the total
width of egress is not less than 100 percent of the
required width.

605.4 Egress doorways. Egress doorways in any work
area shall comply with Sections 605.4.1 through 605.4.5.

605.4.1 Two egress doorways required. Work
areas shall be provided with two egress doorways in
accordance with the requirements of Sections
605.4.1.1 and 605.4.1.2.

605.4.1.1 Occupant load and travel distance. In
any work area, all rooms and spaces having an
occupant load greater than 50 or in which the
travel distance exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) shall
have a minimum of two egress doorways.

Exceptions:

1. Storage rooms in S1 and S2 Occupancies having a maximum occupant load of 10.

2. Where the work area is served by a single
exit in accordance with Section 605.3.1.1.

605.4.1.2 Group I Unrestrained. In buildings of Group I Unrestrained Occupancy, any patient sleeping room or suite of patient rooms greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) within the work area shall have a minimum of
two egress doorways.

605.4.2 Door swing. In the work area and in the
egress path from any work area to the exit discharge,
all egress doors serving an occupant load greater
than 50 shall swing in the direction of exit travel. This
provision shall apply to the entire floor where the
work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area.

Exception: 

1. Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

605.4.2.1 Supplemental requirements for door swing.  Where work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, door swing shall comply with Section 605.4.2 throughout the floor.

Exception:  within other tenant space.

605.4.3 Door closing. In any work area, all doors
opening onto an exit passageway at grade or exit
stair shall be self-closing or automatically closing by
listed closing devices. This provision shall apply
throughout the exit stair from the work area floor to
the level of exit discharge where the work area
exceeds 50 percent of the floor area.

Exceptions:

1. Where exit enclosure is not required by the
Florida International Building Code.
2. Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

605.4.3.1 Supplemental requirements for door closing.  Where work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, doors shall comply with Section 605.4.3 throughout the exit stair from the work area to the level of exit discharge.

605.4.4 Panic hardware. In any work area, and in
the egress path from any work area to the exit
discharge, in buildings or portions thereof of Group A
assembly occupancies with an occupant load greater
than 100, all required exit doors equipped with
latching devices shall be equipped with approved
panic hardware. This provision shall apply to the
entire floor where the work area exceeds 50% of the
floor area.

Exception: Means of egress within a tenant
space that is entirely outside the work area.

605.4.4.1 Supplemental requirements for panic hardware.  Where work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, panic hardware shall comply with Section 605.4.4 throughout the floor.

Exception:  within other tenant spaces.

605.4.5 Emergency power source in Group I-3 Unrestrained.  Work areas in buildings of Group I- 3 Restrained Occupancy having remote power unlocking capability for more than 10 locks shall be provided with an emergency power source for such locks. Power shall be arranged to automatically operate upon failure of
normal power within 10 seconds and for a duration of
not less than one 1 1/2 hour.

605.5 Openings in corridor walls. Openings in
corridor walls in any work area shall comply with
Sections 605.5.1 through 605.5.4.

Exception: Openings in corridors where such
corridors are not required to be rated in accordance
with the International Building Code.

605.5.1 Corridor doors. 

605.5.1.1 Corridor doors in the work area shall not be constructed of hollow core wood and shall not contain louvers. 

605.5.1.2  All replacement doors shall be 1 ¾ inch (45
mm) solid bonded wood core or approved equal,
unless the existing frame will accommodate only a 1
d inch (35 mm) door.

605.5.1.3 All dwelling units, guest room or rooming unit corridor doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R1, R2, and I-l R4 shall be at least 13/8 inch (35 mm) solid core wood or approved equal with approved door closers and shall not have any glass panels, other than approved wired glass or other approved glazing material in metal frames.  All dwelling units, guest room or rooming unit corridor doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R1, R2, and R4 doors shall be equipped with approved door closures.

Exceptions:

1. Corridor doors within a dwelling unit or
guestroom.

2. Existing doors meeting the requirements of
HUD Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic
Materials and Assemblies for a rating of 15
minutes or better shall be accepted as meeting
the provisions of this requirement.

3. Existing doors in buildings protected
throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system shall be required only to resist
smoke, be reasonably tight fitting and shall be equipped with approved door closure and shall not
contain louvers.

4. In group homes with a maximum of 15
occupants, and which are protected with an
approved automatic detection system, closing
devices may be omitted.

5. Door assemblies having a fire resistance protection rating of at least 20 minutes.

605.5.2 Transoms. In all buildings of Group I, R1
and R2 Occupancy all transoms in corridor walls in
work areas shall be either glazed with ¼-inch (6.4
mm) wired glass set in metal frames or other glazing
assemblies having a fire protection rating as required
for the door and permanently secured in the closed
position or sealed with materials consistent with the
corridor construction.

605.5.3 Other corridor openings. In any work area,
any other sash, grill or opening in a corridor, and any
window in a corridor not opening to the outside air,
shall be sealed with materials consistent with the
corridor construction. Where the work exceeds 50%
of the floor area, this section shall be applicable to all
corridor windows, grills, sash and other openings on
the floor.

Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.
605.5.4 Supplemental requirements for corridor
openings. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, this section shall be applicable to all corridor windows, grills, sash and other openings on the floor.  the requirements of Sections 605.5.1 through 605.5.3 shall apply throughout the floor.

605.6 Dead end corridors. Dead end corridors in any
work area shall comply with the requirements of Table 1004 of the Florida Building Code.  not exceed 35 feet (10 670 mm).

Exceptions:

1. Where dead-end corridors of greater length are
permitted by the International Building Code.

2. In other than Group A and H Occupancies, the
maximum length of an existing dead end corridor
shall be 50 feet (15 240 mm) in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm
system installed in accordance with the
International Building Code.

3. In other than Group A and H Occupancies, the
maximum length of an existing dead end corridor
shall be 70 feet (21 356 mm) in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with the
International Building Code.

4. In other than Group A and H Occupancies the
maximum length of an existing, newly
constructed or extended dead end corridor shall
not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) on floors
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with the International
Building Code.

605.7 Means of egress lighting. Means of egress
lighting shall be in accordance with this section, as
applicable.

605.7.1 Artificial lighting required. Means of egress
in all work areas shall be provided with artificial lighting in accordance with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

605.7.2 Supplemental requirements for means of
egress lighting. Where the work area on any floor
exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress lighting throughout the floor shall comply with Section 605.7.1.

Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

605.8 Exit signs. Exit signs shall be in accordance with
this section, as applicable.

605.8.1 Work areas. Means of egress in all work
areas shall be provided with exit signs in accordance
with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

605.8.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs.
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50
percent of that floor area, means of egress existing signs throughout the floor shall comply with Section
605.8.1.

Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

605.9 Handrails. The requirements of Sections 605.9.1
and 605.9.2 shall apply to handrails from work area
floor to the level of exit discharge.

605.9.1 Minimum requirement. Every required exit
stairway that is part of the means of egress for any
work area and that has three or more risers and is not
provided with at least one handrail, or in which the
existing handrails are judged to be in danger of
collapsing, shall be provided with handrails for the full
length of the run of steps on at least one side. All exit
stairways with a required egress width of more than
66 inches shall have handrails on both sides.

605.9.2 Design. Handrails required in accordance
with Section 605.9.1, shall be designed and installed
in accordance with the provisions of the Florida International Building Code.

Exception: handrails being replaced in part may match the existing design.

605.10 Guardrails. The requirements of Sections
605.10.1 and 605.10.2 shall apply to guardrails from work area floor to the level of exit discharge, but shall be
confined to the egress path of any work area.

605.10.1 Minimum requirement. Every open portion
of a stair, landing, or balcony that is more than 30
inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below and
not provided with guardrails, or those in which the
existing guardrails are judged to be in danger of
collapsing, shall be provided with guardrails.

605.10.2 Design. Guardrails required in accordance
with Section 605.10.1 shall be designed and installed
in accordance with the Florida International Building Code.

SECTION 606
ACCESSIBILITY

606.1 General. A building, facility or element that is
altered shall comply Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code with Section 506.

Exception: guardrails being replaced in part may match the existing design.

SECTION 607
STRUCTURAL

607.1 General. Where alteration work includes
installation of additional equipment that is structurally
supported by the building or reconfiguration of space
such that portions of the building become subjected to
higher gravity loads as required by Tables 16047.1 and
1604.37.6 (HVHZ shall comply with Table 1614 and Section 1614.2) of the Florida International Building Code, the provisions of this section shall apply.

607.2 Reduction of strength. Alterations shall not
reduce the structural strength or stability of the building,
structure or any individual member thereof.

Exception: Such reduction shall be allowed as long
as the strength and the stability of the building are not
reduced to below the Florida International Building Code
levels

607.3 New structural members. New structural
members in alterations, including connections and
anchorage, shall comply with the Florida International Building Code.

607.4 Existing structural members. Existing structural
components supporting additional equipment or
subjected to additional loads based on Florida International Building Code Tables 1607 4.1 and 1607.6 4.3 (HVHZ shall comply with Table 1614 and Section 1614.2) as a result of a reconfiguration of spaces shall comply with Sections 607.4.1 through 607.4.3.

607.4.1 Gravity loads. Existing structural elements
supporting any additional gravity loads as a result of
additional equipment or space reconfiguration shall
comply with the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Structural elements whose stress is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with not more
than 5 dwelling units or guest rooms used
solely for residential purposes where the
existing building and its alteration comply with
the Conventional Light-Frame Construction 
methods as defined in Chapter 2.  of the  International Building Code or the provisions of the International Residential
Code.

607.4.2 Lateral loads. The seismic base shear shall
not be increased by more than 5 percent. If it
exceeds this limit, building shall comply with the
requirements in Chapter 7.

607.4.3 Snow drift loads. Any structural element of
an existing building subjected to additional loads from
the effects of snow drift as a result of additional
equipment shall comply with the Florida International
Building Code .

Exceptions:

1. Structural elements whose stress is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guest rooms used
solely for residential purposes where the
existing building and its alteration comply with
the Conventional Light-Frame Construction
methods of the Florida International Building Code or
the provisions of the International Residential
Code.

SECTION 608
ELECTRICAL

608.1 New installations. All newly-installed electrical
equipment and wiring relating to work done in any work
area shall comply with the materials and methods
requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code 5.

Exception: Electrical equipment and wiring in newly
installed partitions and ceilings shall comply with all
applicable requirements of the ICC Electrical Code.

608.2 Existing installations. Existing wiring in all work
areas in Use Groups A1, A2, A6, H, and I shall be
upgraded to meet the materials and methods
requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code 5.

608. 3 Residential occupancies. In Groups R2, R3, R
4 Occupancies and buildings regulated by the Florida Building International Residential Code, the requirements of Sections 608.3.1 through 608.3.7 shall be applicable only to work areas located within a dwelling unit.

608.3.1 Enclosed areas. All enclosed areas, other
than closets, kitchens, basements, garages,
hallways, laundry areas, utility areas, storage areas
and bathrooms shall have a minimum of two duplex
receptacle outlets or one duplex receptacle outlet and
one ceiling or wall type lighting outlet.

608.3.2 Kitchens. Kitchen areas shall have a
minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets.

608.3.3 Laundry areas. Laundry areas shall have a
minimum of one duplex receptacle outlet located near
the laundry equipment and installed on an
independent circuit.

608.3.4 Ground fault circuit interruption. Ground
fault circuit interruption shall be provided on newly
installed receptacle outlets if required by the
Electrical Code.

608.3.5 Minimum lighting outlets. At least one
lighting outlet shall be provided in every bathroom,
hallway, stairway, attached garage and detached
garage with electric power, and to illuminate outdoor
entrances and exits.

608.3.6 Utility rooms and basements At least one
lighting outlet shall be provided in utility rooms and
basements where these spaces are used for storage
or contain equipment requiring service.

608.3.7 Residential R3 Occupancies.

608.3.7.1Existing electrical wiring.  Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair or replacement shall be permitted to be repaired or replaced with like material.

608.3.7.2 Replacement receptacles.  For replacement of nongrounding-type receptacles with grounding-type. receptacles and for branch circuits that do not have an equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuitry, the grounding conductor of a grounding type receptacle outlet shall be permitted to be grounded to any accessible point on the grounding electrode system, or to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor, in accordance with Article 250-130© of NFPA 70.

608.3.7.3 Appliances.  Frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are part of the existing branch circuit for these appliances shall be permitted to be grounded to the grounded circuit conductor in accordance with Article 250-140 of NFPA 70.

608.3.7 Clearance for equipment. Clearance for
electrical service equipment shall be provided in
accordance with the Electrical Code.

SECTION 609
MECHANICAL

609.1 Reconfigured or converted spaces. All
reconfigured spaces intended for occupancy and all
spaces converted to habitable or occupiable space in
any work area shall be provided with either natural or
mechanical ventilation or exhaust in accordance with the
Florida International Mechanical Code

Exception: Existing mechanical ventilation
systems shall comply with the requirements of
Section 609.2.

609.2 Existing Mechanical Systems.  Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall comply with Section 301.12 of the Florida Mechanical Code.

609.2 Altered existing systems. In mechanically
ventilated spaces, existing mechanical ventilation
systems that are altered, reconfigured or extended shall
provide not less than 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
(0.0024 m3/s) per person of outdoor air and not less than
15 cfm (0.0071 m3/s) of ventilation air per person; or not
less than the amount of ventilation air determined by the
Indoor Air Quality Procedure of ASHRAE 62- 99.

609.3 Local exhaust. All newly-introduced devices,
equipment or operations that produce airborne
particulate matter, odors, fumes, vapor, combustion
products, gaseous contaminants, pathogenic and
allergenic organisms, and microbial contaminants in
such quantities to adversely affect or impair health, or
cause discomfort to occupants shall be provided with
local exhaust.

SECTION 610
PLUMBING

610.1 Minimum fixtures. Where the occupant load of
the story is increased by more than 20 percent, plumbing
fixtures for the story shall be provided in quantities
specified in the Florida International Plumbing Code based on the increased occupant load.

610.1.1 Replacement fixtures. Replacement fixtures shall be installed in accordance with the Florida Plumbing Code.

610.2 Materials. The following plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used:

1. Sheet and tubular copper and brass trap and tailpiece fittings less than the minimum wall thickness of .027” (0.69 mm) .

2. Solder having more than 0.2% lead in the repair of potable water systems.

3. Water closets having a concealed trap seal or an unventilated space or having walls that are not throughly washed at each discharge in accordance with ASME A112.19.2.

4. The following types of joints shall be prohibited:

4.2. Mastic or hot-pour bituminous joints.
4.3. Joints made with fittings not approved for the specific installation.
4.4. Joints between different diameter pipes made with elasto-meric rolling O-rings.
4.5. Solvent-cement joints between different types of plastic pipe.
4.6. Saddle-type fittings.

5. The following type of traps are prohibited:

5.1. Traps that depend on moving parts to maintain the seal.
5.2. Bell traps
5.3. Crown-vented traps
5.4. Traps not integral with a fixture and that depend on interior partitions for the seal,  except those traps constructed of an approved material that is resistant to corrosion and degradation.

Section 611 Energy Conservation

611.1 Minimum requirements.  Alterations subject to this Chapter shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code.

CHAPTER 7
ALTERATIONS - LEVEL 3

SECTION 701
GENERAL

701.1 Scope. Alterations classified as Level 3
alterations as described in Section 305 shall comply with
the requirements of this Chapter.  See the Florida Building Code.

701.2 Compliance. In addition to the provisions of this
chapter work shall comply with all the requirements of
Chapters 5 and 6. The requirements of Sections 603,
604, and 605 shall apply within all work areas regardless
of whether or not they include exits and corridors shared
by more than one tenant and regardless of the occupant
load.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings in which the reconfiguration of space
affecting exits or shared egress access is
exclusively the result of compliance with the
accessibility requirements of Section 506.2 shall
not be required to comply with this Chapter.

2. Existing dead end corridors may be extended and
new dead end corridors may be added in
accordance with Section 605.6.

SECTION 702
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

702.1 High rise buildings Any building having one or
more occupied floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level accessible to a of fire department vehicle access shall comply with the requirements of Sections 702.1.1 through 702.1.2.3.

702.1.1 Re-circulating air or exhaust systems.
When a floor is served by a re-circulating air or
exhaust system with a capacity greater than 15,000
cfm (701 m3/s), that system shall be equipped with
approved smoke and heat detection devices installed
in accordance with the Florida International Mechanical
Code.

702.1.2 Elevators. Where there is an elevator or
elevators for use by the public, at least one elevator
serving the work area shall comply with Section 607.1
of the Florida International Fire Prevention Code.  All elevator lobbies shall comply with 412.6 of the Florida Building Code.

Exception: An approved engineering system in accordance with ASME 17.1 or s.103.7 of the Florida Building Code shall be acceptable as an alternative compliance with this section.

702.2 Boiler and Furnace equipment rooms Boiler
and furnace equipment rooms adjacent to or within the
following facilities shall be enclosed by one-hour fire
rated construction: day nurseries, children's shelter
facilities, residential child care facilities and similar
facilities with children below the age of 2-½ years, or
which are classified as Group I-2 Unrestrained Occupancy, shelter facilities, residences for the developmentally disabled, group homes, teaching family homes, transitional living homes, rooming and boarding houses, hotels and multiple dwellings.

Exceptions:

1. Furnace and boiler equipment of low pressure
type, operating at pressures of 15 psig (103.4
KPa) or less for steam equipment or 170 psig
(1171 KPa) or less for hot water equipment, when
installed in accordance with manufacturer
recommendations.

2. Furnace and boiler equipment of residential R-3
type with 200,000 BTU (211,000 KJ) per hour
input rating or less is not required to be enclosed.

3. Furnace rooms protected with automatic sprinkler
protection.

702.2.1 Emergency controls. Emergency controls
for boilers and furnace equipment shall be provided
in accordance with the Florida International Mechanical Code in all buildings classified as day nurseries, children's shelter facilities, residential child care facilities and similar facilities with children below the age of 2-½
years, or which are classified as Group I-2 Unrestrained Occupancy, and in group homes, teaching family homes, and supervised transitional living homes in accordance with the following:

1. Emergency shutoff switches for furnaces and
boilers in basements shall be located at the top of
the stairs leading to the basement; and

2. Emergency shutoff switches for furnaces and
boilers in other enclosed rooms shall be located
outside of such room.

SECTION 703
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

703.1 Existing shafts and vertical openings. Existing
stairways that are part of the means of egress shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code be enclosed in accordance with Section 603.2.1 between highest work area floor and the level of exit discharge and all floors below.

703. 2 Fire partitions in Group R 1, R2, or R43. Fire separation in Group R1, R2, or R43 all Occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 703.2.1.

703.2.1 Separation required. Where the work area
is in any attached dwelling unit in Group R1, R2, or R43, or any two family dwelling multiple single family (Townhouse) constructed in accordance with the International residential Code, wWalls separating the dwelling units which are not continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing shall be constructed to provide a continuous fire separation using construction materials consistent with the existing wall or
complying with the requirements for new structures.
All work shall be performed on the side of the wall of
the dwelling unit that is part of the work area.

Exception: Where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, wWalls are not required to be
continuous through concealed floor spaces.

703.3 Interior finish. Interior finish in exits serving the
work area shall comply with Section 603.4 between the
highest floor on which there is a work area to the floor of
exit discharge.

SECTION 704
FIRE PROTECTION

704.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic
sprinkler systems shall be provided in all work areas in accordance with the Florida Building Code. Section 604.2 shall be provided in all work areas. 

704.1.1 High rise buildings. In high rise buildings,
work areas shall be provided with automatic sprinkler
protection where the building has a sufficient
municipal water supply system to the site. Where the
work area exceeds 50 percent of floor area,
sprinklers shall be provided in the entire floor specified areas where sufficient municipal water supply for design
and installation of a fire sprinkler system is available
at the site.

704.1.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. Rubbish and
linen chutes located in the work area shall be provied
with sprinklered protection where protection of the
rubbish and linen chute would be required under the
provisions of the Florida International Building Code for new construction, and the building has sufficient municipal water supply available to the site.

704.2 Fire alarm and detection. Fire alarm and
detection systems complying shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code Sections 604.4.1 and 604.4.3 shall be provided throughout the building in accordance with the International Building Code.

704.2.1 Manual fire alarm systems. In Groups A,
B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1 and R-2 Occupancies a manual
fire alarm system shall be provided on all floors in the
work area. Alarm notification appliances shall be
provided on such floors and shall be automatically
activated as required by the International Building
Code.

Exceptions:

1. Where the International Building Code does not
require a manual fire alarm system.

2. Alarm-initiating and notification appliances shall
not be required to be installed in tenant spaces
outside of the work area.

SECTION 705
MEANS OF EGRESS

705.1 General. The means of egress shall comply with
the requirements of Section 605 except as modified specifically required in Sections 705.2 and 705.3.

705. 2 Means of egress lighting. Means of egress from
the highest work area floor to the floor of exit discharge
shall be provided with artificial lighting within the exit
enclosure in accordance with the requirements of the
Florida International Building Code.

705.3 Exit signs. Means of egress from the highest
work area floor to the floor of exit discharge shall be
provided with exit signs in accordance with the
requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

SECTION 706
ACCESSIBILITY

706.1 General. A building, facility or element that is
altered shall comply with Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code Section 506.

SECTION 707
STRUCTURAL

707.1 General. Where buildings are undergoing Level 3
Alterations including structural alterations, the provisions
of this section shall apply.

707.2 Reduction of strength. Alterations shall not
reduce the structural strength or stability of the building,
structure or any individual member thereof.

Exception: Such reduction shall be allowed provided
that the structural strength and the stability of the
building are not reduced to below the Florida International Building Code levels.

707.3 New structural members. New structural
members in alterations, including connections and
anchorage, shall comply with the Florida International Building
Code.

707.4 Minimum design loads. The minimum design
loads on existing elements of a structure that do not support additional loads as a result of an alteration for the structure shall be the loads applicable at the
time the building was constructed, provided that no
overstressed condition is created.

707.5 Structural alterations. Buildings and structures
undergoing structural alterations shall comply with this
section.

707.5.1 Evaluation and analysis. An engineering
evaluation and analysis which establishes the
structural adequacy of the altered structure shall be
prepared by a registered architect or engineer design professional and submitted to the building code official.  w Where more than 30 percent, within a 12 months period, of the total sum of floor and roof areas of the building or structure have been or are proposed to be involved in structural alteration.  The evaluation and analysis shall demonstrate that the altered building or the buildings’ structural system once altered structure complies with the Florida International Building Code for wind loading and with reduced International
Building Code level seismic forces as specified in
Section 407.1.1.3 for seismic loading. For seismic
considerations the analysis shall be based upon one
of the procedures specified in Section 407.1.1.1 The
areas to be counted towards the 30 percent shall be
those areas tributary to the vertical load carrying
components such as joists, beams, columns, walls
and other structural components that have been or
will be removed, added or altered, as well as areas
such as mezzanines, penthouses, roof structures and
infilled courts and shafts.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guest rooms used
solely for residential purposes altered based
on the Conventional Light-Frame Construction
methods as defined in Chapter 2. of the Florida International Building Code or
in compliance with the provisions of the
International Residential Code.

2. Where such alterations involve only the lowest
story of a building and Change of Occupancy
Provisions of Chapter 8 do not apply, only the
lateral force resisting components in and
below that story need comply with this Section.

707.5.2 Limited structural alteration. Where not more than 30% of the total floor and roof areas of the building are involved in structural alteration within a 12 month period, the evaluation and analysis, shall demonstrate that the altered building or structure complies with the loads applicable at the time the building was constructed.

707.6 Additional vertical loads. Where gravity loading
is increased on the roof or floor of a building or structure,
all structural members affected by such increase in
loading shall meet the gravity load requirements of
Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Structural elements whose stress is not increased
by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guest rooms used solely
for residential purposes altered based on the
Conventional Light-Frame Construction methods as defined in Chapter 2.
of the Florida International Building Code or in compliance with the provisions of the International Residential Code.

707.7 Voluntary lateral force resisting system
alterations. Alterations of existing structural elements
that are initiated for the purpose of increasing the lateral force-resisting strength or stiffness of an existing
structure, and are not required by other sections of this
code, shall not be required to be designed for forces
conforming to the Florida International Building Code provided that an engineering analysis is submitted to show that :

1. The capacity of existing structural elements required
to resist forces is not reduced.

2. The lateral loading to existing structural elements is
not increased beyond their capacity.

3. New structural elements are detailed and connected
to the existing structural elements as required by the
Florida International Building Code.

4. New or relocated non-structural elements are detailed
and connected to existing or new structural elements
as required by the Florida International Building Code and

5. A dangerous condition as defined in this code is not
created.

Voluntary alterations to lateral force resisting systems
conducted in accordance with Appendix A and the
referenced standards of this code shall be permitted.  

Section 708 
Energy Conservation

708.1 Minimum requirements.  Alterations subject to this chapter shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code.

CHAPTER 8
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

SECTION 801
GENERAL

801.1 Repair and alteration with no change of
occupancy classification. Any repair or alteration
work undertaken in connection with a change of
sub-occupancy that does not involve a change of occupancy classification as described in the Florida International Building Code shall conform to the applicable requirements for the work as classified in Chapter 3 of Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively for the applicable occupancy group and the requirements of Sections 802 through 811.

Exceptions:

1. Compliance with all the provisions of Chapter 7 is
not required where the change of occupancy
classification complies with the requirements of
Section 812.3.

2. As modified in Section 1004.0 for historic
buildings.

3. As permitted in Chapter 12.

801.2 Part change of occupancy group. Where a
portion of an existing building is changed to a new
occupancy group, Section 812 shall apply.

801.3 Certificate of occupancy required. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued where a Every
change of occupancy occurs which results in being use to one classified in a different occupancy classification as determined by the Florida Building Code. 
group shall require a new certificate of occupancy
regardless of whether any repair or alteration work is
required by these provisions.

SECTION 802
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY

802.1 Compliance with the building code. Where the
character of use of an existing building or part of an
existing building is changed to one of the following
special use or occupancy categories, as defined in
Chapter 4 of the Florida International Building Code, the building shall comply with all the applicable requirements of the Florida International Building Code regardless of whether a change of occupancy group is involved:

1. Covered mall buildings,
2. Atriums,

3. Motor vehicle related occupancies

4. Aircraft related occupancies,

5. Motion picture projection rooms,

6. Stages and platforms,

7. Special amusement buildings,

8. Incidental Specific use areas,

9. Hazardous materials.

802.2 Underground buildings. An underground
building in which there is a change of use shall comply
with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code applicable to underground structures.

SECTION 803
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS

803.1 General. Building elements and materials in
portions of buildings undergoing a change of occupancy
classification shall comply with Section 812.

SECTION 804
FIRE PROTECTION

804.1 General. Fire protection requirements of Section
812 shall apply where a building or portions thereof
undergoes a change of occupancy classification.

SECTION 805
EGRESS

805.1 General. Means of egress in portions of buildings
undergoing a change of occupancy classification shall
comply with Section 812.

SECTION 806
ACCESSIBILITY

806.1 General. Accessibility in portions of buildings
undergoing a change of occupancy classification shall
comply with Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code Section 812.

SECTION 807
STRUCTURAL

807.1 Gravity loads. Buildings or portions thereof
subject to a change of occupancy where such change in
the nature of occupancy results in higher uniform or
concentrated loads based on Florida International Building Code Tables 16047.1 and 1604.37.6, (HVHZ shall comply with Table 1614.2) shall comply with the gravity load provisions of the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions: Structural elements whose force stress
is not increased by more than 5 percent.

807.2 Snow and wWind loads. Buildings and structures
subject to a change of occupancy where such change in
the nature of occupancy results in higher wind or snow
importance factors based on Florida International Building Code Table 16064.5, (HVHZ shall comply with Table 1614.2) shall be analyzed and shall comply with the applicable wind or snow load provisions of the Florida International Building Code.

Exception : Where the new occupancy with higher
importance factor is less than or equal to 10% of the
total building floor area. The cumulative effect of the
area of occupancy changes shall be considered for
the purposes of this exception.

807.3 Seismic loads. Existing buildings with a change
of occupancy shall comply with the seismic provisions of
Sections 807.3.1 and 807.3.2.

807.3.1 Compliance with the International
Building Code. When a building or portion thereof
is subject to change of occupancy where such a
change in the nature of the occupancy results in a
higher Seismic Factor based on Table 1604.5 of the
International Building Code or when a change of
occupancy results in a building being reclassified to
a higher Hazard Category as shown in Table 812.4.1,
and for M occupancy being changed to A, E, I-1 R-1
,R-2 or R-4 occupancies with two-thirds or more of
the floors involved in Alteration-level 3 type of work,
the building shall conform to the seismic
requirements of the International Building Code for
the new Seismic Use Group.

Exceptions:

1. Group M occupancies being changed to A, E,
I-1, R-1, R-2 or R-4 occupancies for buildings
less than six stories in height and in Seismic
Design Category A, B and C.

2. Specific detailing provisions required for a new
structure are not required to be met where it
can be shown an acceptable level of
performance and seismic safety is obtained for
the applicable seismic use group using
reduced International Building Code level
seismic forces as specified in Section
407.1.1.3. : The rehabilitation procedures shall
be approved by the code official and shall
consider the regularity, over-strength,
redundancy and ductility of the lateral load
resisting system within the context of the
existing detailing of the system.

3. Where the area of the new occupancy with
higher Hazard Category is less than or equal
to 10% of the total building floor area and the
new occupancy is not classified as Seismic
Use Group III. For the purposes of this
exception where a structure is occupied for two
or more occupancies not included in the same
seismic use group, the structure shall be
assigned the classification of the highest
seismic use group corresponding to the
various occupancies. Where structures have
two or more portions that are structurally
separated in accordance with the International
Building Code Section 1620, each portion shall
be separately classified. Where a structurally
separated portion of a structure provides
required access to, required egress from, or
shares life safety components with another
portion having a higher seismic use group,
both portions shall be assigned the higher
seismic use group. The cumulative effect of
the area of occupancy changes shall be
considered for the purposes of this exception.

4. When the new occupancy with higher Hazard
Category is within only one story of a building
or structure, only the lateral force resisting
elements in that story and all lateral force
resisting elements below that story shall be
required to comply with Section 807.3.1 and
exception 2. The lateral forces generated by
masses of such upper floors shall be included
in the analysis and design of the lateral force
resisting systems for the strengthened floor.
Such forces may be applied to the floor level
immediately above the topmost strengthened
floor and distributed in that floor in a manner
consistent with the construction and layout of
the exempted floor.

5. Unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings in
Seismic Use Group 1 and in Seismic Use
Group 1 and 2 when in Seismic Design
Categories A, B and C shall be allowed to be
strengthened to meet the requirements of
Appendix A of the code (GSREB).

807.3.2 Access of seismic use group III. Where the
change of occupancy is such that compliance with
Section 807.3.1 is required and the Seismic Use
Group is a Category III, the operational access to
such a Seismic Use Group III existing structure shall
not be through an adjacent structure.

Exception: 
Where the adjacent structure conforms to the requirements for Seismic Use Group III structures.

Where operational access is less than 10 feet
(3048 mm) from an interior lot line or less than 10
feet (3048 mm) from another structure, access
protection from potential falling debris shall be
provided by the owner of the Seismic Use Group
III structure.

SECTION 808
ELECTRICAL

808.1 Special occupancies. Where the occupancy of
an existing building or part of an existing building is
changed to one of the following special occupancies as
described in Chapter 27 of the Florida Building the ICC Electrical Code, the electrical wiring and equipment of the building or portion thereof that contains the proposed occupancy shall comply with an applicable requirements of the Florida Building ICC Electrical Code regardless of whether a change of occupancy group is involved:

1. hazardous locations,

2. commercial garages, repair and storage,

3. aircraft hangars,

4. gasoline dispensing and service stations,

5. bulk storage plants,

6. spray application, dipping and coating processes,

7. health care facilities,

8. places of assembly,

9. theaters, audience areas of motion picture and
television studios and similar locations,

10.motion picture and television studios and similar
locations,

11.motion picture projectors, and

12.agricultural buildings.
808.2 Unsafe conditions. Where the occupancy of an
existing building or part of an existing building is
changed all unsafe conditions shall be corrected, without
requiring that all parts of the electrical system be brought
up to the current edition of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building ICC Electrical Code.

808.3 Service upgrade. Where the occupancy of an
existing building or part of an existing building is
changed, the electrical service shall be upgraded to meet the requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building ICC Electrical Code for the new occupancy.

808.4 Number of electrical outlets. Where the
occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing
building is changed the number of electrical outlets shall
comply with Chapter 27 of the Florida Building the ICC Electrical Code for the new occupancy.

SECTION 809
MECHANICAL

809.1 Mechanical requirements. Where the
occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing
building is changed such that the new occupancy is
subject to different kitchen exhaust requirements or to
increased mechanical ventilation requirements in
accordance with the Florida International Mechanical Code, the intent of the respective Florida International Mechanical Code provisions shall be complied with.

SECTION 810
PLUMBING

810.1 Increased demand. Where the occupancy of an
existing building or part of an existing building is
changed such that the new occupancy is subject to
increased or different plumbing fixture requirements or
to increased water supply requirements in accordance
with the Florida International Plumbing Code, the intent of the respective Florida International Plumbing Code provisions shall be complied with.

810.2 Food handling occupancies. If the new
occupancy is a food handling establishment, all existing
sanitary waste lines above the food or drink preparation
or storage areas shall be panned or otherwise protected
to prevent leaking pipes or condensation on pipes from
contaminating food or drink. New drainage lines shall not
be installed above such areas, and shall be protected in
accordance with the International Plumbing Code.

810.3 Interceptor required. If the new occupancy will
produce grease or oil laden wastes, interceptors shall be
provided as required in the Florida International Plumbing Code.
810.4 Chemical wastes. If the new occupancy will
produce chemical wastes, the following shall apply:

1. If the existing piping is not compatible with the
chemical waste, the waste shall be neutralized prior
to entering the drainage system or the piping shall be
changed to a compatible material.

2. No chemical waste shall discharge to a public sewer
system without the approval of the sewage authority.

810.5 Group I-2 Unrestrained. If the occupancy group is changed to Group I-2 Unrestrained, the plumbing system shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Florida International Plumbing Code.

SECTION 811
OTHER REQUIREMENTS

811.1 Health and hygiene
811.1.1 Light and ventilation. Light and ventilation
shall comply with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code for the new occupancy

SECTION 812
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

812.1 Compliance with Chapter 7. The occupancy
classification of an existing building may be changed,
provided the building meets all the requirements of
Chapter 7 applied throughout the building for the new
occupancy group, and complies with the requirements of
Sections 802 through 812.

812.1.1 Change of occupancy group without
separation. Where a portion of an existing building
is changed to a new occupancy group, and that
portion is not separated from the remainder of the
building with fire rated barriers wall/ceiling having a fire resistance rating as required in the Florida International Building Code for the separate occupancy, the entire building shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 7
applied throughout the building for the most
restrictive Use Group in the building and with the
requirements of this Chapter.

Exception: Compliance with all the provisions of
Chapter 7 is not required when the change of
occupancy group complies with the requirements
of Section 812.3.

812.1.2 Change of occupancy group with
separation. A portion of an existing building that
is changed to a new occupancy group, and is
separated from the remainder of the building with
fire barriers rated wall/ceiling having a fire resistance rating as
required in the Florida International Building Code for the
separate occupancy shall comply with all the
requirements of Chapter 7 for the new occupancy
group, and with the requirements of this Chapter.

Exception: Compliance with all the
provisions of Chapter 7 is not required when
the change of use complies with the
requirements of Section 812.3.

812.2 Hazard category classifications. The relative
degree of hazard between different occupancy groups
shall be as set forth in the hazard category
classifications, Tables 812.4.1, 812.4.3 and 812.4.4 A through C of Sections 812.4.1, 812.4.3 and 812.4.4.

812.2.1 Change of occupancy classification to an
equal or lesser hazard. An existing building or
portion thereof may have its use changed to a
occupancy group within the same hazard
classification category or to a occupancy group in a
lesser hazard classification category (higher number)
in all four hazard category classifications, provided it
complies with the provisions of Chapter 7 for the new
occupancy group, applied throughout the building, or
portion thereof.

Exception: Compliance with all the provisions of
Chapter 7 is not required where the change of
occupancy group complies with the requirements
of Section 812.3.

812.2.2 Change of occupancy classification to a
higher hazard. An existing building shall comply
with all the applicable requirements of this Chapter
when a change in occupancy group will place it in a
higher hazard category or when the occupancy group
is changed within Group H.

812.2.3 Change of occupancy classification to a
higher hazard in all three hazard classifications.
An existing building may have its use changed to a
higher hazard rating (lower number) in all three
hazard category classifications designated in Tables 812.4.1, 812.4.3 and 812.4.4 A, B, and C provided it complies with this Chapter or with Chapter 12.

812.3 Change of occupancy classification to an
equal or lesser hazard in all three hazard
classifications. A change of use to an occupancy
group within the same hazard classification category or
to an occupancy group in a lesser hazard classification
category (higher number) in the three hazard category
classifications addressed by Tables 812.4.1, 812.4.3 and 812.4.4 A, B and C shall be permitted in an existing building or portion thereof provided the provisions of Sections 812.3.1 through
812.3.5 are met.

812.3.1 Minimum requirements. Regardless of the
occupancy group involved, the following
requirements shall be met:

1. The capacity of the means of egress shall comply
with Florida International Building Code.

2. The interior finish of walls and ceilings shall comply with the requirements of the Florida International
Building Code for the new occupancy group.

3.  Compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

812.3.2 Groups I-1Restrained, R1, R2, or R4. Where the new use is classified as Group I1Restrained, R1 or R2, or R4 Occupancy the following requirements shall be met.

1. Corridor doors and transoms shall comply with the
requirements of Sections 605.5.1 and 605.5.2.

2. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with the
requirements of Section 604.2.

3. Fire alarm and detection systems shall comply
with the requirements of Section 604.4.

812.3.3 Group I-2 Unrestrained. Where the new use is classified as Group I-2 Unrestrained Occupancy, the following requirements shall be met:

1. Egress doorways from patient sleeping rooms
shall and suites of rooms shall comply with the
requirements of Section 605.4.1.2.

2. Shaft enclosures shall comply with the
requirements of Section 703.1.

3. Smoke barriers shall comply with the
requirements of Section 603.3.

4. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with the
requirements of Section 604.2.

5. Fire alarm and detection systems shall comply
with the requirements of Section 604.4.

812.3.4 Group I-3. Where the new use is classified
as Group I-3 Occupancy, the following requirements
shall be met:

1. Locking of egress doors shall comply with the
requirements of Section 605.4.5.

2. Shaft enclosures shall comply with the
requirements of Section 703.1.

3. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with the
requirements of Section 604.2.

4. Fire alarm and detection systems shall comply
with the requirements of Section 604.4.

812.3.5 Group R3. Where the new use is classified
as Group R3 Occupancy, the following requirements
shall be met:

1. Dwelling unit separation shall comply with the
requirements of Section 703.2.1.

2. The smoke alarm requirements of Section 604.4.3
shall be met.

812.4 Fire and life safety
812.4.1 Means of Egress, General. Hazard
categories in regard to life safety and means of
egress shall be in accordance with Table 812.4.1.

TABLE 812.4.1
HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:
LIFE SAFETY AND EXITS
RELATIVE HAZARD	OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
1 (Highest Hazard)	H	
2	I-2 Unrestrained , I-3, I-4 A	
3	A, E, I-1 Restrained, M, R1, R2, R4, D	
4	B, F-1, R3, S1	
5 (lowest hazard)	F-2, S2, U	

812.4.1.1 Means of egress for change to higher
hazard category. When a change of occupancy
group is made to a higher hazard category (lower
number) as shown in Table 812.4.1, the means of
egress shall comply with the requirements of
Chapter 10 of the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Stairways shall be enclosed in compliance
with applicable provisions of Section 703.1.

2. Existing stairways including handrails and
guards complying with the requirements of
Chapter 7 shall be permitted for continued
use subject to approval of the code official.

3. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway
within a space where, because of existing
construction, the pitch or slope cannot be
reduced, shall be permitted for continued use subject to approval of the building code official. shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and
minimum tread depth requirements.

4. Where an existing corridor is required to be fire rated, equivalency can be achieved by either sprinklering the building or using equivalency as per NFPA 914 or Chapter 7 of the Florida Building Code for fire resistant. Existing corridor walls constructed of wood
lath and plaster in good condition or ½-
inch-thick (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard
shall be permitted.

5. Existing corridor doorways, transoms and
other corridor openings shall comply with
the requirements in Sections 605.5.1,
605.5.2 and 605.5.3.

6. Existing dead end corridors shall comply
with the requirements in Section 605.6.

7.  Where emergency escape and rescue opening are required, an existing operable window with clear opening area no less than 4 square feet (0.38 m2), and with minimum opening height and width of 22 inches (559 mm) and 20 inches (508 mm) respectively, with maximum sill height at 44 inches above floor or approved permanent elevated area, shall be accepted as an emergency escape and rescue opening.

812.4.1.2 Means of egress when change of use
to equal or lower hazard category. When a
change of occupancy group is made to an equal
or lesser hazard category as shown in Table
812.4.1, existing elements of the means of egress
shall comply with the requirements of Section 705
for the new occupancy group. Newly constructed
or configured means of egress shall comply with
the requirements of Chapter 10 of the
Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway
within a space where, because of existing
construction, the pitch or slope cannot be
reduced, shall be permitted for continued use subject to approval of the building code official. Also, see Section 1001.2 of the Florida Building Code. shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and
minimum tread depth requirements.

2. Compliance with Section 705 is not
required where the change of occupancy
group complies with the requirements of
Section 812.3.

812.4.1.3 Egress capacity. Egress capacity
shall meet or exceed the occupant load as
specified in the Florida International Building Code if the
change of Occupancy Classification is to an equal
or lesser hazard category when evaluated in
accordance with Table 812.4.1.

812.4.1.4 Handrails. Existing stairways shall
comply with the handrail requirements in Section
605.9 in the area of the change of occupancy
Classification.	

812.4.1.5 Guards. Existing guards shall comply
with the guardrail requirements in Section 605.10
within the area of the change of occupancy
classification.

812.4.23 Heights and areas. Hazard categories in
regard to height and area shall be in accordance with
Table 812.4.23.

TABLE 812.4.3
HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:
HEIGHTS AND AREAS
RELATIVE HAZARD	OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS	
1 (Highest Hazard)	H	
2	A1, A2, A-3, A-4, I, R1, R2, R-3, R4	
3	E, F-1, S1, M, D	
4(Lowest Hazard)	B, F-2, S2, A-5, R3, U	

812.4.3.1 Height and area for change to higher
hazard category. When a change of occupancy
group is made to a higher hazard category as
shown in Table 812.4.3, heights and areas of
buildings and structures shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 5 of the Florida International
Building Code for the new occupancy group.

Exception: A 1-story building changed into
Group E shall not be required to meet the area
limitations of the Florida International Building Code.

812.4.3.2 Height and area for change to equal
or lesser hazard category. When a change of
use is made to an equal or lesser hazard category
as shown in Table 812.4.3, the height and area of
the existing building shall be deemed to be
acceptable.

812.4.3.3 Fire rated wall/ceiling barriers . When a change of occupancy group is made to a higher hazard
category as shown in Table 812.4.3, fire rated wall/ceiling barriers in separated mixed use buildings shall comply with the fire resistance requirements in the
Florida International Building Code.

Exception: Where the fire rated wall/ceiling barriers are required to have a one-hour fire resistance
rating, equivalency can be achieved by either sprinklering the building or using equivalency as per NFPA 914 or Chapter 7 of the Florida Building Code for fire resistant.  existing wood lath and plaster in good
condition or existing ½-inch-thick (12.7 mm)
gypsum wallboard shall be permitted .

812.4.4 Exterior wall fire resistance ratings.
Hazard categories in regard to fire resistance ratings
of exterior walls shall be in accordance with Table
812.4.4.

TABLE 812.4.4
HAZARD CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS:
EXPOSURE OF EXTERIOR WALLS
RELATIVE HAZARD	OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
1 (Highest Hazard)	H	
2	F-1, M, S1	
3	A, B, E, I, R, D	
4 (Lowest Hazard)	F-2, S2, U	

812.4.4.1 Exterior wall rating for change of
occupancy classification to a higher hazard
category. Where a change of occupancy group
is made to a higher hazard category as shown in
Table 812.4.4, exterior walls shall have fire
resistance and exterior opening protectives as
required by the Florida International Building Code. This
provision shall not apply to walls at right angles to
the property line.

Exception: A two hour fire resistance rating
shall be allowed where the building does not
exceed three stories in height and is classified
as one of the following Groups: A-2 and A-3
with an occupant load of less than 300, B, F,
M, or S.

812.4.4.2 Exterior wall rating for change of
occupancy classification to an equal or lesser
hazard category. When a change of occupancy
group is made to an equal or lesser hazard
category as shown in Table 812.4.4, existing
exterior walls, including openings, shall be
accepted.

812.4.4.3 Opening protectives. Openings in
exterior walls shall be protected as required by the
Florida International Building Code. When openings in the exterior walls are required to be protected due to
distance from the property line, the sum of the
area of such openings shall not exceed 50
percent of the total area of the wall in each story.

Exceptions:

1. Where the Florida International Building Code
permits openings in excess of 50 percent.

2. Protected openings shall not be required in
buildings of occupancy group R which do
not exceed three stories in height and
which are located not less than 3 feet (914
mm) from the property line.

3. Where exterior opening protectives are
required, an automatic sprinkler system
throughout may be substituted for opening
protection.

4. Exterior opening protectives are not
required when the change of occupancy
group is to an equal or lower hazard
classification in accordance with Table
812.4.4.

812.5 Accessibility. Existing buildings or portions
thereof that undergo a change of occupancy
classification shall comply with Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code have all of the following accessible
features:

1. At least one accessible building entrance.

2. At least one accessible route from an accessible
building entrance to primary function areas.

3. Signage complying with Section 1109 of the
International Building Code.

4. Accessible parking, where parking is being provided.

5. At least one accessible passenger loading zone,
where loading zones are provided.

6. At least one accessible route connecting accessible
parking and accessible passenger loading zones to
an accessible entrance.

Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the new
construction standards for any of these requirements for
a change of group or occupancy, the above items shall
conform to the requirements to the maximum extent
technically feasible. Change of group or occupancy that
incorporate any alterations or additions shall comply with
this section and Sections 506.1 and 506.2 as
applicable.

Exception: Type B dwelling units required by Section
1107.5.4 of the International Building Code are not
required to be provided in existing buildings and
facilities.

812. 6 Structural safety
812.6.1 Seismic loads. Existing buildings with a
change of Occupancy Classification shall comply with
the seismic provisions of Section 807.3

812.6.4.2 Enclosure of vertical shafts. Enclosure of
vertical shafts shall be in accordance with Section
802.4.2.1 through 802.4.2.4.

812.6.4.2 .1 Minimum requirements. Vertical
shafts shall be designed to meet the Florida International
Building Code requirements for atriums or the
requirements of this Section.

812.6.4.2 .2 Stairways. When a change of
occupancy group is made to a higher hazard
category as shown in Table 812.4.1, interior
stairways shall be enclosed as required by the
International Florida Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. In other than Group I Occupancy, an
enclosure shall not be required for
openings serving only one adjacent floor
and not connected with corridors or
stairways serving other floors.

2. Unenclosed existing stairways need not be
enclosed in a continuous vertical shaft if
each story is separated from other stories
by one-hour fire-resistive construction or
approved wired glass set in steel frames
and all exit corridors are sprinklered. The An
openings between the corridor and
occupant space shall have at least one
sprinkler head above the openings of the
tenant side. The sprinkler system shall be
permitted to be supplied from the domestic
water-supply systems, provided the system
is of adequate pressure, capacity and
sizing for the combined domestic and
sprinkler requirements.

3. Existing penetrations of stairway
enclosures shall be accepted if they are
protected in accordance with the Florida
International Building Code.

812.6.4.2 .3 Other vertical shafts. Interior vertical
shafts other than stairways, including but not
limited to elevator hoistways and service and
utility shafts, shall be enclosed as required by the
International Florida Building Code when there is a
change of use to a higher hazard category in
Table 812.4.1.

Exceptions:

1. Existing one-hour interior shaft enclosures
shall be accepted where a higher rating is
required.

2. Vertical openings, other than stairways, in
buildings other than Group I Occupancy shall comply with the appropriate sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. and connecting less than 6 stories in height
shall not be required to be enclosed if the
entire building is provided with an approved
automatic sprinkler system.

812.6.4.2 .4 Openings. All openings into existing
vertical shaft enclosures shall be protected by fire
assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not
less than one hour and shall be maintained self closing
or shall be automatic closing by actuation
of a smoke detector. All other openings shall be
fire protected in an approved manner. Existing
fusible link-type automatic door-closing devices
shall be permitted in all shafts except stairways if
the fusible link rating does not exceed 135oF.
(57oC.).

CHAPTER 9
ADDITIONS

SECTION 901
GENERAL

901.1 Scope. An addition to a building or structure shall
comply with the building, plumbing, electrical, and
mechanical codes, without requiring the existing building
or structure to comply with any requirements of those
codes or of these provisions.

Exception: In flood hazard areas, the existing
building is subject to the requirements of Section
903.5 of this Chapter.

901.2 Creation or extension of nonconformity. An addition shall not create or extend any non-conformity in the existing building to which the addition is constructed with regard to accessibility, structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, or the capacity of mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems.

901.3 Other work. Any repair or alteration work within
an existing building to which an addition is being made
shall comply with the requirements of the appropriate chapter of this code for the level of rehabilitation undertaken Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 respectively of these provisions.

SECTION 902
HEIGHTS AND AREAS

902.1 Height limitations. No addition shall increase the
height of an existing building beyond that permitted
under the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 of the
Florida International Building Code for new buildings.

902.2 Area limitations. No addition shall increase the
area of an existing building beyond that permitted under
the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 of the Florida International Building Code for new buildings unless fire
separation as required in the Florida International Building Code is provided.

Exceptions:

1. Existing one and two story buildings shall be
permitted to be expanded beyond what is
permitted by up to 25 percent of the existing
floor area, not to exceed an area of 125
percent of that permitted by the International
Building Code, without providing fire separation.

2. Infilling of floor openings, non-occupiable
appendages such as elevator and exit stair
shafts, and the addition of mezzanines and
equipment penthouses shall be permitted
beyond that permitted by the Florida International
Building Code.

902.3 Fire protection systems. Existing fire allowable areas increased by the addition shall comply with Chapter 9 of the Florida International Building Code.

SECTION 903
STRUCTURAL

903.1 Compliance with Florida International Building Code.  Additions to existing buildings or structures are new construction and shall comply with the Florida International Building Code.

903.2 Additional gravity loads. Existing structural
elements supporting any additional gravity loads as a
result of additions shall comply with the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions :

1. Structural elements whose stress is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guestrooms used
solely for residential purposes where the
existing building and the addition comply with
the Conventional Light-Frame Construction
methods as defined in Chapter 2. of the Florida International Building Code or the provisions of the International Residential Code.

903.3 Lateral force resisting system. The lateral force
resisting system of existing buildings to which additions
are made shall comply with Sections 903.3.1, 903.3.2
and 903.3.3.

Exceptions:

1. In Type V construction, Group R Occupancies
where the lateral force story shear in any story is
not increased by more than 10 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guestrooms used solely
for residential purposes where the existing
building and the addition comply with the
Conventional Light-Frame Construction methods as defined in Chapter 2.
of the Florida International Building Code or the
provisions of the International Residential Code.
3. Additions where the lateral force story shear in
any story is not increased by more than 5 percent.

903.3.1 Vertical addition. Any element of the Lateral
Force Resisting System of an existing building
subjected to an increase in vertical or lateral loads
from the vertical addition shall comply with the lateral
load provisions of the Florida International Building Code.

903.3.2 Horizontal addition. Where horizontal
additions are structurally connected to an existing
structure all lateral force resisting elements of the
existing structure affected by such addition shall
comply with the lateral load provisions of the
Florida International Building Code. Lateral loads imposed on the elements of the existing structure and the addition shall be determined by a relative stiffness
analysis of the combined structure including torsional
effects.

903.3.3 Voluntary addition of structural elements
to improve lateral force resisting system.
Voluntary addition of structural elements to improve
the lateral force resisting system of a building shall
comply with Section 707.7.

903.4 Snow drift loads. Any structural element of an
existing building subjected to additional loads from the
effects of snow drift as a result of an addition shall
comply with the Florida International Building Code.

Exceptions :

1. Structural elements whose stress is not increased
by more than 5 percent.

2. Buildings of Group R Occupancy with no more
than 5 dwelling units or guest rooms used solely
for residential purposes where the existing
building and the addition comply with the
Conventional Light-Frame Construction methods
of the Florida International Building Code or the
provisions of the International Residential Code.

903.5 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas:

1. For horizontal additions that are structurally
interconnected to the existing building:

1.1. If the addition and all other proposed work,
when combined, constitute substantial
improvement, the existing building and the
addition shall comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9) and Chapter 31.

1.2. If the addition constitutes substantial
improvement, the existing building and the
addition shall comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9)  and Chapter 31.

2. For horizontal additions that are not structurally
interconnected to the existing building:

2.1. The addition shall comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9)  and Chapter 31.

2.2. If the addition and all other proposed work,
when combined, constitute substantial
improvement, the existing building and the
addition shall comply with Florida International
Building Code Section 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9)  and Chapter 31.

3. For vertical additions and all other proposed work,
when combined, that constitute substantial
improvement, the existing building shall comply
with Florida International Building Code Section 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9) and Chapter 31.

4. For a new, replacement, raised or extended
foundation, if the foundation work and all other
proposed work, when combined, constitute
substantial improvement, the existing building
shall comply with Florida International Building Code
Section 161209 and Chapter 31.

SECTION 904
SMOKE ALARMS IN USE GROUPS R3 AND R4

904.1 Smoke alarms in addition. Whenever an addition
is made to a building or structure of Use Group R3 or R
4, hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms meeting the
requirements of the Florida International Building Code or International Residential Code as applicable shall be
installed and maintained in the addition.

904.2 Smoke alarms in existing portions of building.
Whenever an addition is made to a building or structure
of Use Group R3 or R4, the existing building shall be
provided with smoke alarms as required by the
Florida International Building Code or the International
Residential Code as applicable. The smoke alarms in the existing building are not required to be interconnected with smoke alarms in other portions of the base building.

SECTION 905
ACCESSIBILITY

905.1 Minimum requirements. Accessibility provisions
for new construction shall apply to additions. An addition
that affects the accessibility to, or contains an area of
primary function, shall comply with the requirements in
Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code Section 506.2 for accessible routes.

SECTION 906
ENERGY CONSERVATION

906.1 Minimum requirements. Additions to existing
buildings or structures shall may be made to such buildings or structures without making the entire building or structure comply with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code the International Energy
Conservation Code. The addition shall conform to the
requirements of the International Energy Conservation
Code as they relate to new construction only.

CHAPTER 10
HISTORIC BUILDINGS

SECTION 1001
GENERAL

1001.1 Intent and purpose.  It is the intent of this chapter to provide means for occupant safety, property conservation and use of designated historic buildings while protecting those elements, spaces, and features that make these buildings historically or architecturally significant.

1001.2 Scope. It is the intent of this chapter to provide
means for the preservation of historic buildings.
Historical buildings shall comply with tThe provisions of
this code acknowledge the need to preserve the character of historic buildings and shall apply chapter relating to their repair, alteration, relocation, restoration,
and change of occupancy, addition and relocation of historic buildings.

Section 1002
 Definitions

Historic building.  For the purposes of this code and the referenced documents, a historic building is defined as a building or structure that is:

1. Individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places; or

2. A contributing property in a National Register of Historic Places listed district; or 

3. Designated as historic property under an official municipal, county, special district or state designation, law, ordinance or resolution either individually or as a contributing property in a district; or

4. Determined eligible by the Florida State Historic Preservation Officer for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing property in a district.

For accessibility requirements, see the Florida Building Code Chapter 11, Section 11-4.1.7 Accessible Buildings: Historic Preservation.

Adaptive reuse.  The conversion of functional change of a building from the purpose or use for which it was originally constructed or designed.

Adaptive use.  A use for a building other than that for which it was originally designed or intended.

Historic character.  The essential quality of a historic building or space that provides its significance.  The character might be determine by the historic background, including association with a significant event or person, the architecture of design, or the contents or elements and finishes of the building or space.

Historic fabric.  Original or added building or construction materials, features, and finishes that existed during the period that is deemed to be most architecturally or historically significant or both.

Historic preservation.  A generic term that encompasses all aspects of the professional and public concern related to the maintenance of a historic structure, site, or element in its current condition, as originally constructed, or with the additions and alterations determined to have acquired significance over time.

Historic site.  A place, often with associated structures, having historic significance.

Historic structure.  A building, bridge, lighthouse, monument, pier, vessel, or other construction that is designated or that is deemed eligible for such designation by a local, regional, or national jurisdiction as having historical, architectural, or cultural significance.

Preservation.  The act or process of applying measure necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic building or structure.

Rehabilitation, historic building.  The act or process of making possible a compatible use of a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.

Restoration.  The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features, and repair or replacement of damaged or altered features from the restoration period.

Section 1003 
Goal and Objectives

1003.1  Historic preservation goal.  The historic preservation goal of this code shall be to minimize damage to and loss of historic structures, their unique characteristics, and their contents as follows:

1. Maintain and preserve original space configurations of historic buildings.

2. Minimize alteration, destruction, or loss of historic fabric or design

1003.2  Historic preservation objectives.  

1. The original qualities or character of a building, structure, site, or environment shall be encouraged.

2. Removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features shall be minimized.

3. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship that characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.

4. A compatible use for a property that requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment shall be encouraged.

5.  New additions or alterations shall be designed and constructed in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be to the greatest degree possible, unimpaired.

6.  Repairs, alterations, restorations, changes of occupancy, additions and relocations shall be guided by the recommended approaches in rehabilitation set forth in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Appendix D of the FBC).

Section 1004 
Equivalency

1004. Equivalency.  Nothing in this code shall be intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, or effectiveness, provided that the following conditions are met:

1. Technical documentation is submitted to the building official to document equivalency.

2. The system, method, or device is acceptable to the building official.

Section 1005 
Compliance

1005.1 Strict Compliance.  Historic structures or portions of such structures that do not strictly comply with this code shall be considered to be in compliance if it can be shown to the satisfaction of the building code official that equivalent protection has been provided or that no hazard will be created or continued through non-compliance.

1005.2 Compliance option.  Life safety and property conservation shall be provided in accordance with one of the following options:

1. Prescriptive based provisions of this code.

2. Compliance alternative based provisions of this code.

3. Performance based provisions of the National Fire Protection Association 914 Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, Chapter 6, latest edition along with a structural evaluation as specified in section 1201.4.1 of this code.

1005.3 Conditions specific to compliance options 2 and 3. 

1. Architect or engineer required.  The evaluation of historic structures utilizing compliance options 2 or 3 shall be completed by a Florida Registered architect or engineer and submitted to the building code official for review.

2. Documentation.  Historic buildings that are determined to be code compliant through the use of compliance option 2 or 3 shall have copies of the architect or engineer’s report kept on site and available for review by the building official.

3. Change of report assumptions.  Any remodeling, modification, renovation, change of use, or change in the established assumptions of the report shall require a re-evaluation and re-approval by the building code official.

4. Construction safeguards.  Construction safeguards consistent with Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, latest edition, and the National Fire Protection Association 914 Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, latest edition, shall be maintained during periods of repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relation of historic buildings.

5. Maintenance.  In addition to the requirements of section 1004, historic buildings shall be maintained in accordance with chapters 1, 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the National Fire Protection Association 914 Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, latest edition.

Section 1006 
Investigation and Evaluation

1006.  Investigation and Evaluation Report. A historic building undergoing repair, alteration, or change of occupancy shall be investigated and evaluated. If it is intended that the building meet the requirements of this chapter, a written report shall be prepared and filed with the building code official by a Florida  registered architect or engineer. design professional when in the opinion of the official, such a report is necessary. Such report shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4.3.1.2 through 4.3.2 National Fire Protection Association 914 Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, latest edition, Chapter 1 and shall identify each required safety feature in compliance with this chapter and where compliance with this or other chapters of these
provisions would be damaging to the contributing historic
features. In high seismic zones, a structural evaluation,
describing, as a minimum, a complete load path and
other earthquake–resistant features shall be prepared.
In addition, the report shall describe each feature not in
compliance and demonstrate how the intent of the with these provisions of this or other chapters and demonstrate how the intent of these provisions is are complied with in providing an equivalent level of safety.

Appendices

Appendix C.  Survey Criteria for a Historic Structure.
Appendix H.  Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Appendix D, Florida Building Code).
Appendix I.  Guidelines on Fire Ratings for Archaic Materials and Assemblies.
Appendix from NFPA 914.

Section 1007 
Historic Cuban Tile

1007.1 Historic Cuban Tile, a material with distinctive architectural features and unity and with examples of skilled craftsmanship. In order to preserve its use and in accordance with Section 1003.2 Historic Preservation Objectives, its use shall be preserved for both existing and new construction with the following requirements. 

1007.2 Handmade or hand process made barrel ("C"-shaped) natural clay tile, often variegated in color, either manufactured in the Republic of Cuba prior to the imposition of the U.S. Embargo, or, in the case of antique tile, manufactured in 18th Century Spain, salvaged from buildings in Cuba and imported to the United States during the 1920's and 1930's.

1.IDENTIFICATION:  Final responsibility for the identification of historic Cuban tile shall rest with the Building Official, subject to the appeals process established by the Florida Building Code.  Historic Cuban Tile is generally identified in the following manner:

A. Tile bearing an embossed identification mark usually located on the convex side at the wide taper end of the tile, the most common of which are: "C.E. SAÑUDO MADE IN CUBA"; "JAIME MADE IN CUBA"; "FLORIDO"; "st ANA R.S."; "St. FELIPE"; "MIA"; "CPS"; "C"; "D"; "DD"; "DDD"; "M"; [script] "M"; [script] "JS";   "S"; "SS"; "TZ"; "Z"; "ZZ"; "*", a non-alphabetical symbol (such as the "delta" figure created by three finger-tip impressions in a triangular position), or a distinctive physical characteristic (such as a burlap material impression over the convex surface of the tile, or finger-made impression band(s) located across the end lap of the convex surface); and

 B.Tile not bearing an embossed identification mark, a non-alphabetical symbol, or a distinctive physical characteristic(s) listed in (1) above, but determined by official action of the legally constituted historic preservation board or historic preservation officer of the jurisdiction to be antique Cuban tile of Spanish origin or tile manufactured in pre-embargo Cuba.

2. REAPPLICATION OF HISTORIC CUBAN TILE - METHOD:  When a structure which bore historic Cuban tile when originally constructed is reroofed, reapplication of historic Cuban tile, rather than replacement with new contemporary tile, is preferred and shall be encouraged by the Building Official. When historic Cuban tile is reapplied under the circumstances described above, except as otherwise provided herein, all of the requirements of this Code, especially Chapter 15 relating to Roof Covering and Application, shall apply.  In addition, the following reapplication methods shall be observed:

A. ATTACHMENT:  Historic Cuban tile shall be mortar set or adhesive set to the deck in the same manner as other product control approved handmade clay barrel tile, in accordance with Roofing Application Standard 120.

B. USE WITH CONTEMPORARY TILE: Where, during removal, the salvage ratio of the historic Cuban tile is less than 100 percent, it is preferred that the replacement cap tile also be historic Cuban tile.  Where this is not practical or possible, during reapplication, the salvaged historic Cuban tile shall be used only as cap tile, and not as pan tile.  The historic Cuban tile should always be reapplied to distinctive architectural elements such as walls, parapets and chimneys.  Where contemporary barrel tile is used to supplement salvaged historic Cuban tile, the contemporary barrel tile shall be product control approved and otherwise comply with all the requirements of this Code.  It is preferred that the contemporary barrel tile when used as cap tile, be handmade natural clay tile, but, in any event, it shall be the same shape, color and texture as the existing historic Cuban tile.  Because the salvage ratio of pan tile is low and because pan tile is much less visible, reapplication of historic Cuban tile as a pan tile is discouraged.  Rather, it is preferred that pan tile be contemporary barrel tile of either handmade clay, vitrified clay or cement.

C. MIXING DISSIMILAR TILES:  Mixing dissimilar tile styles or shapes, such as an "S"-shaped tile with the "C"-shaped historic Cuban barrel tile, even on separate roofing surfaces of the same structure, shall be avoided.  In no case shall dissimilar tile styles or shapes be permitted on the same roofing surface.

D. DOUBLE CAPS AND/OR PANS ON THE EAVE ROOF LINE:  For reinforcement during routine maintenance and for aesthetic purposes, double caps, double pans, or both, shall be encouraged on the eave roof line, especially where extant or historical evidence of the original installation indicates the use of this historic technique.

E. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF THE INSTALLATION:  Installations of salvaged and reapplied historic Cuban tile, as are specifically permitted in this section, shall be subject to each and every inspection and test otherwise required in this Code for a barrel tile mortar set or adhesive set installation.

3. EXEMPTION FROM PRODUCT CONTROL AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS:  Historic Cuban tile, when salvaged and reapplied, as otherwise provided in this section, to a roof which historically bore such material, is exempt from the product control and pre-installation physical testing requirements of this Code. However, the completed installation shall be subject to each and every inspection and test otherwise required of a barrel tile mortar set or adhesive set installation, and, further, if contemporary barrel tile is used to supplement historic Cuban tile, the contemporary tile shall be product control approved and comply with all requirements of this Code.

1001.3 Special occupancy exceptions - museums.
When a building that is in Use Group R–3 is also used
for Group A, B or M purposes such as museum tours,
exhibits and other public assembly activities, or for
museums less than 3000 s.f. (279 m2) the code official
may make a determination that the Use Group is B when
life–safety conditions can be demonstrated in
accordance with Section 1001.2. Adequate means of
egress in such buildings, which may include a means of
maintaining doors in an open position to permit egress,
a limit on building occupancy to an occupant load
permitted by the means of egress capacity, a limit on
occupancy of certain areas or floors, and/or supervision
by a person knowledgeable in the emergency exiting
procedures, shall be provided.

1001.4 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas:

1. If a historic building will continue to be listed or
eligible for listing as a historic building, then work
proposed to be undertaken is not considered to be a
substantial improvement.

2. If all work proposed constitutes substantial
improvement, including repairs, work required due to
a change of occupancy, and alterations, then the
existing building shall comply with International
Building Code Section 1612.

SECTION 1002
REPAIRS

1002.1 Requirements. Repairs to any portion of a
historic building or structure shall be permitted with
original or like materials and original methods of
construction, subject to the provisions of this chapter.

1002.2 Dangerous buildings. When a historic building
is determined to be dangerous no work shall be required
except as necessary to correct identified unsafe
conditions.

1002.3 Relocated buildings. Foundations of relocated
historic buildings and structures shall comply with the
International Building Code. Relocated historic buildings
shall otherwise be considered a historic building for the
purposes of this code. Relocated historic buildings and
structures shall be so sited that exterior wall and opening
requirements comply with the International Building
Code or the compliance alternatives of this code.

1002.4 Repairs and alterations, general. Historic
buildings undergoing repairs or alterations shall comply
with all of the applicable requirements of Chapter 4
except as specifically permitted in this chapter.

1002.5 Replacement. Replacement of existing or
missing features using original materials shall be
permitted. Partial replacement for repairs that match the
original in configuration, height and size shall be
permitted. Such replacements shall not be required to
meet the materials and methods requirements in Section
401.2.

Exception: Replacement glazing in hazardous
locations shall comply with the safety glazing
requirements of Chapter 24 of the International
Building Code.

SECTION 1003
FIRE SAFETY

1003.1 General. Every historic building that does not
conform to the construction requirements specified in
this code for the occupancy or use and that constitutes
a distinct fire hazard as defined herein shall be provided
with an approved automatic fire–extinguishing system as
determined appropriate by the code official. However, an
automatic fire–extinguishing system shall not be used to
substitute for, or act as an alternate to, the required
number of exits from any facility.

1003.2 Means of egress. Existing door openings and
corridor and stairway widths of less than that specified
elsewhere in this code may be approved, provided that
in the opinion of the code official there is sufficient width
and height for a person to pass through the opening or
traverse the means of egress. When approved by the
code official, the front or main exit doors need not swing
in the direction of the path of exit travel, provided other
approved means of egress having sufficient capacity to
serve the total occupant load are provided.

1003.3 Transoms. In fully sprinklered buildings of
Groups R–1, R–2 or R–3 Occupancy existing transoms
in corridors and other fire–rated walls may be maintained
if fixed in the closed position. A sprinkler shall be
installed on each side of the transom.

1003.4 Interior finishes. The existing finishes of walls
and ceilings shall be accepted when it is demonstrated
that they are the historic finishes.

1003.5 Stairway enclosure. In buildings of three stories
or less, exit enclosure construction shall limit the spread
of smoke by the use of tight–fitting doors and solid
elements. Such elements are not required to have a fire
rating.

1003.6 One–hour fire resistant assemblies. Where
one–hour fire–resistive construction is required by these
provisions, it need not be provided regardless of
construction or occupancy when the existing wall and
ceiling finish is wood or metal lath and plaster.

1003.7 Glazing in fire–rated systems. Historic glazing
materials in interior walls required to have one-hour fire
rating may be permitted when provided with approved
smoke seals and when the area affected is provided with
an automatic sprinkler system.

1003.8 Stairway railings. Grand stairways shall be
accepted without complying with the handrail and
guardrail requirements. Existing handrails and guards at
all stairs shall be permitted to remain, provided they are
not structurally dangerous.

1003.9 Guards. Guards shall comply with Sections
1003.9.1 and 1003.9.2.

1003.9.1 Height. Existing guards shall comply with
the requirements of Section 405.
1003.9.2 Guard openings. The spacing between
existing intermediate railings or openings in existing
ornamental patterns shall be accepted. Missing
elements or members of a guard may be replaced in
a manner that will preserve the historic appearance
of the building or structure.

1003.10 Exit signs. Where exit sign or egress path
marking location would damage the historic character of
the building, alternate exit signs are permitted with
approval of the code official. Alternative signs shall
identify the exits and egress path.

1003.11 Automatic fire–extinguishing systems.
1003.11.1 Every historical building which cannot be
made to conform to the construction requirements
specified in the International Building Code for the
occupancy or use, and which constitutes a distinct
fire hazard shall be deemed to be in compliance if
provided with an approved automatic fire
extinguishing system.

Exception: When an alternative life–safety
system is approved by the code official.

1003.11.2 An automatic fire extinguishing system
shall not be used to substitute for or act as an
alternative to the required number of exits from any
facility.

SECTION 1004
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

1004.1 General. Historic buildings undergoing a change
of occupancy shall comply with the applicable provisions
of Chapter 3, except as specifically permitted in this
chapter. When Chapter 3 requires compliance with
specific requirements of Chapter 4, Chapter 5, or
Chapter 6 and when those requirements are subject to
the exceptions in Section 1002, the same exceptions
shall apply in this section.

1004.2 Building area. The allowable floor area for
historic buildings undergoing a change of occupancy
shall be permitted to exceed the allowable areas
specified in Chapter 5 of the International Building Code
by 20 percent.

1004.3 Location on property. Historic structures
undergoing a change of use to a higher hazard category,
in accordance with Section 812.4.4 may use alternative
methods to comply with the fire–resistance and exterior
opening protective requirements. Such alternatives shall
comply with Section 1001.2.

1004.4 Required occupancy separations of one–hour
may be omitted when the building is provided with an
approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.

1004.5 Roof covering. Regardless of occupancy or Use
Group, roof–covering materials not less than Class C
shall be permitted where a fire–retardant roof covering is
required.

1004.6 Means of egress. Existing door openings and
corridor and stairway widths less than those that would
be acceptable for nonhistoric buildings under these
provisions shall be approved, provided that in the opinion
of the code official, there is sufficient width and height for
a person to pass through the opening or traverse the exit
and that the capacity of the exit system is adequate for
the occupant load, or where other operational controls to
limit occupancy are approved by the code official.

1004.7 Door swing. When approved by the code official,
existing front doors need not swing in the direction of exit
travel, provided other approved exits having sufficient
capacity to serve the total occupant load are provided.

1004.8 Transoms. In corridor walls required to be fire
rated by these provisions, existing transoms may be
maintained if fixed in the closed position and fixed wired
glass set in a steel frame or other approved glazing shall
be installed on one side of the transom.

Exception: Transoms conforming to Section 1003.4
shall be accepted.

1004.9 Finishes. Where finish materials are required to
have a flame–spread classification of Class III or better,
existing nonconforming materials shall be surfaced with
an approved fire–retardant paint or finish.

Exception: Existing nonconforming materials need
not be surfaced with an approved fire–retardant paint
or finish when the building is equipped throughout
with an automatic fire–suppression system installed
in accordance with the International Building Code
and the nonconforming materials can be
substantiated as being historic in character.

1004.10 One–hour fire resistant assemblies. Where
one–hour fire resistant construction is required by these
provisions, it need not be provided regardless of
construction or occupancy where the existing wall and
ceiling finish is wood lath and plaster.

1004.11 Stairs and railing. Existing stairways shall
comply with the requirements of these provisions. The
code official shall grant alternatives for stairways and
railings if alternative stairways are found to be
acceptable or if judged as meeting the intent of these
provisions. Existing stairways shall comply with Section
1003.

Exception: For buildings less than 3000 s.f. (279
m2), existing conditions permitted to remain at all
stairs and rails.
1004.12 Exit signs. The code official may accept
alternate exit sign locations where such signs would
damage the historic character of the building or structure.
Such signs shall identify the exits and exit path.

1004.13 Exit stair live load. Existing historic stairways
in buildings changed to Use Groups R-1 and R-2 shall
be accepted where it can be shown that the stairway can
support a 75 pounds per square foot (366 kg/m2) live
load.

1004.14 Natural light. When it is determined by the
code official that compliance with the natural light
requirements of Section 811.1.1 will lead to loss of
historic character or historic materials in the building, the
existing level of natural lighting shall be considered
acceptable.

1004.15 Accessibility requirements. The provisions of
Section 812.5 shall apply to buildings and facilities
designated as historic structures that undergo a change
of occupancy, unless technically infeasible. Where
compliance with the requirements for accessible routes,
ramps, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or
destroy the historic significance of the building or facility,
as determined by the authority having jurisdiction, the
alternative requirements of Sections 1005.1.1 through
1005.1.5 of the International Building Code for that
element shall be permitted.

SECTION 1005
ALTERATIONS

1005.1 Accessibility requirements. The provisions of
Section 506 shall apply to buildings and facilities
designated as historic structures that undergo
alterations, unless technically infeasible. Where
compliance with the requirements for accessible routes,
ramps, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or
destroy the historic significance of the building or facility,
as determined by the code official, the alternative
requirements of Sections 1005.1.1 through 1005.1.5 of
this code for that element shall be permitted.

1005.1.1 Site arrival points. At least one main
entrance shall be accessible.

1005.1.2 Multilevel buildings and facilities. An
accessible route from an accessible entrance to
public spaces on the level of the accessible entrance
shall be provided.

1005.1.3 Entrances. At least one main entrance
shall be accessible.

Exception: If a main entrance cannot be made
accessible, an employee or service entrance that
is unlocked while the building is occupied shall be
made accessible.

1005.1.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. Where toilet
rooms are provided at least one accessible toilet
room complying with Section 1108.2.1 of the
International Building Code shall be provided.

1005.1.5 Ramps. The slope of a ramp run of 24
inches (610 mm) maximum shall not be steeper than
one unit vertical eight units horizontal (12-percent
slope).

SECTION 1006
STRUCTURAL

1006.1 General. Historic Buildings shall comply with the
structural provisions of this code.

Exception : The code official shall be authorized to
accept existing floors and approve operational
controls that limit the live load on any such floor.

1006.2 Unsafe structural elements. Where
determination is made by the code official that a
component or a portion of a building or structure is
dangerous, as defined in this code, and is in need of
repair, strengthening or replacement by provisions of this
code, only that specific component or portion shall be
required to be repaired, strengthened or replaced.

CHAPTER 11
RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS

SECTION 1101
GENERAL

1101.1 Scope. This chapter provides requirements for
relocated or moved structures.

1101.2 Conformance. The building shall be safe for
human occupancy as determined by the Florida International Fire Prevention Code and the International Property Maintenance Florida Building Code. Any repair, alteration or change in occupancy undertaken within the moved structure shall comply with the requirements of this code applicable to the work being performed. Any field fabricated elements shall comply with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code.

SECTION 1102
REQUIREMENTS

1102.0 Residential buildings or structures moved into or within a county or municipality shall not be required to be brought into compliance with the state minimum building code in force at the time the building or structure is moved provided:

1.  The building or structure is structurally sound and in occupiable condition for its intended use;

2.  The occupancy use classification for the building or structure is not changed as a result of the move;

3.  The building is not substantially remodeled;

4.  Current fire code requirements for ingress and egress are met;

5.  Electrical, gas and plumbing systems meet the code in force at the time of construction and are operational and safe for reconnection; and

6.  Foundation plans are sealed by a professional engineer or architect licensed to practice in this state, if required by the Florida Building Code for all residential buildings or structures of the same occupancy class.

7.  Moving of buildings shall be in accordance with the Florida Building Code.

1102.1 Location on the lot. The building shall be
located on the lot in accordance with the requirements of
the Florida International Building Code or the International Residential Code as applicable.
1102.2 Foundation. The foundation system of relocated
buildings shall comply with the Florida International Building Code.

1102.2.1 Historic buildings.  Foundations of relocated historic buildings and structures shall comply with the Florida Building Code.  Relocated historic buildings shall otherwise be considered a historic building for the purpose of this Code.  Relocated historic buildings and structures shall be so sited that exterior wall and opening requirements comply with the Florida Building Code or the compliance alternatives of this Code.

1102.2.2.1 Connection to the foundation. The
connection of the relocated building to the foundation
shall comply with the Florida International Building Code.

1102.3 Wind Loads. Building shall comply with
Florida International Building Code wind provisions.

Exceptions:

1. Detached one and two family dwellings and Group
U Occupancies where wind loads at the new
location are not higher than the previous location.

2.1 Structural elements whose stress is not increased
by more than 5 percent.

2. Manufactured buildings as approved by the Manufactured Buildings Program, Florida Department of Community Affairs.

2.  Manufactured buildings

1102.4 Seismic loads. Building shall comply with
International Building Code seismic provisions at the
new location.

Exceptions:

1. All structures in Seismic Design Categories A and
B, and detached one and two family dwellings in
Seismic Design Categories A, B and C where the
seismic loads at the new location are not higher
than the previous location.

2. Structural elements whose stress is not increased
by more than 5 percent.

1102.5 Snow loads. Structure shall comply with
International Building Code snow loads where snow
loads at the new location are higher than the previous
location.

Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not
increased by more than 5 percent.

1102.6 Flood hazard areas. If relocated or moved into
a flood hazard area, structures shall comply with
International Building Code Section 1612.

1102.4.7 Required inspection and repairs. The building code official shall be authorized to inspect, or require
inspection by approved professionals at the expense of
the owner, the various structural parts of a relocated
building to verify that structural components and
connections have not sustained structural damage. Any
repairs required by the building code official as a result of such inspection shall be made prior to the final approval.

CHAPTER 12
COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES

SECTION 1201
GENERAL

1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter are
intended to maintain or increase the current degree of
public safety, health and general welfare in existing
buildings while permitting repair, alteration, addition and
change of occupancy without requiring full compliance
with Chapters 4 through 10, except where compliance
with other provisions of this code is specifically required
in this Chapter.

1201.2 Applicability. Structures eExisting structures prior to [DATE TO BE INSERTED BY THE JURISDICTION]. Note: it is recommended that this date coincide with the effective date of building codes within the jurisdiction, in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the
requirements of this chapter or the provisions of
Chapters 4 through 10. The provisions in Sections
1201.2.1 through 1201.2.5 shall apply to existing
occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to
be, in Groups A, B, E, D, F, M, R, and S. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H
or I.

1201.2.1 Change in occupancy. Where an existing
building is changed to a new occupancy classification
and this section is applicable, the provisions of this
section for the new occupancy shall be used to
determine compliance with this code.

1201.2.2 Part change in occupancy. Where a
portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy
classification, and that portion is separated from the
remainder of the building with fire barrier walls
assemblies having a fire resistance rating as required
by Table 704.1 302.3.3 of the Florida International Building Code or Section R321 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section. Where a portion of the building is changed to a new occupancy classification, and that portion is not
separated from the remainder of the building with fire
separation assemblies having a fire resistance rating
as required by Table 704.1 302.3.3 of the Florida International Building Code or Section R321 of the International Residential Code for the separate occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the provisions of this section which apply to each occupancy shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which
secure the greater public safety shall apply to the
entire building or structure.

1201.2.3 Additions. Additions to existing buildings
shall comply with the requirements of the Florida International Building Code, International Residential
Code and this code for new construction. The
combined height and area of the existing building and
the new addition shall not exceed the height and area
allowed by Chapter 5 of the Florida Building Code. Where a fire wall that complies with Table 600 Section 7045 and Chapter 2 of the Florida International Building Code is
provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered a separate building.

1201.2.4 Alterations and repairs. An existing
building or portion thereof, which does not comply
with the requirements of this code for new
construction shall not be altered or repaired in such
a manner that results in the building being less safe
or sanitary than such building is currently. If, in the
alteration or repair, the current level of safety or
sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered or
repaired shall conform to the requirements of
Chapters 2 through 12 and Chapters 14 through 33
of the Florida International Building Code.

1201.2.5 Accessibility requirements. All portions of
the buildings proposed for change of occupancy shall
conform to the accessibility provisions of Chapter 11
of the Florida International Building Code.

1201.3 Acceptance. For repairs, alterations, additions
and changes of occupancy to existing buildings that are
evaluated in accordance with this section, compliance
with this section shall be accepted by the code official.

1201.3.1 Hazards. Where the code official
determines that an unsafe condition exists, as
provided for in Section 115, such unsafe condition
shall be abated in accordance with Section 115.

1201.3.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings
that are evaluated in accordance with this section
shall comply with the Florida International Fire Prevention Code and International Property Maintenance Code.

1201.3.3 Compliance with flood hazard
provisions. In flood hazard areas, buildings that are
evaluated in accordance with this section shall
comply with Florida International Building Code Sections 161209 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1617.9) and 3109 if the work covered by this section constitutes substantial improvement.

1201.4 Investigation and evaluation. For proposed
work covered by this chapter, the building owner shall
cause the existing building to be investigated and
evaluated by a registered architect of engineer in accordance with the provisions of Sections
1201.4 through 1201.9.

1201.4.0 Historic buildings shall be investigated and evaluated in accordance with Chapter 10.

1201.4.1 Structural analysis. The owner shall have
a structural analysis of the existing building made by a registered architect or engineer to determine adequacy of structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or change of occupancy. The existing building shall be capable of supporting the minimum load requirements of Chapter 16 of the Florida International Building Code.

1201.4.2 Submittal. The results of the investigation
and evaluation as required in Section 1201.4, along
with proposed compliance alternatives, shall be
submitted to the code official.

1201.4.3 Determination of compliance. The code
official shall determine whether the existing building,
with the proposed addition, alteration or change of
occupancy, complies with the provisions of this
section in accordance with the evaluation process in
Sections 1201.5 through 1201.9.

1201.5 Evaluation. The evaluation shall be comprised of
three categories. fire safety, means of egress and
general safety, as described in Sections 1201.5.1
through 1201.5.3.

1201.5.1 Fire safety. Included within the fire safety
category are the structural fire resistance, automatic
fire detection, fire alarm and fire suppression system
features of the facility.

1201.5.2 Means of egress. Included within the
means of egress category are the configuration,
characteristics and support features for means of
egress in the facility.

1201.5.3 General safety. Included within the general
safety category are the fire safety parameters and the
means of egress parameters.

1201.6 Evaluation process. The evaluation process
specified herein shall be followed in its entirety to
evaluate existing buildings. Table 1201.7 shall be utilized
for tabulating the results of the evaluation. References to
other sections of this code indicate that compliance with
those sections is required in order to gain credit in the
evaluation herein outlined. In applying this section to a
building with mixed occupancies, where the separation
between the mixed occupancies does not qualify for any
category indicated in Section 1201.6.16, the score for
each occupancy shall be determined and the lower score
determined for each section of the evaluation process
shall apply to the entire building.

Where the separation between the mixed occupancies
qualifies for any category indicated in Section
1201.6.16, the score for each occupancy shall apply to
each portion of the building based on the occupancy of
the space.

1201.6.1 Building height. The value for building
height shall be the lesser value determined by the
formula in Section 1201.6.1.1. Chapter 5 of the
Florida International Building Code and shall be used to
determine the allowable height of the building,
including allowable increases due to automatic
sprinklers as provided for in Section 5034.2. Subtract
the actual building height from the allowable and
divide by 12 ½ feet. Enter the height value and its
sign positive or negative in Table 1201.7 under
Safety Parameter 1201.6.1, Building Height, for fire
safety, means of egress and general safety. The
maximum score for a building shall be 10.

1201.6.1.1 Height formula. The following
formulas shall be used in computing the building
height value.

                                   (AH) - (EBH) 
Height value, feet =  $$$$$$$$$$  x CF
                                   12.5

Height value, stories = (AS-EBS) x CF
(Equation 12-1)

where:
AH = Allowable height in feet from Table 5003
of the Florida International Building Code.
EBH = Existing building height in feet.
AS = Allowable height in stories from Table
5003 of the Florida International Building Code.
EBS = Existing building height in stories.
CF = 1 if (AH) - (EBH) is positive.
CF = Construction-type factor shown in
Table1201.6.6(2) if (AH) - (EBH) is
negative.

Note. Where mixed occupancies are separated
and individually evaluated as indicated in Section
1201.6, the values AH, AS, EBH and EBS shall
be based on the height of the fire area of the
occupancy being evaluated.

1201.6.2 Building area. The value for building area
shall be determined by the formula in Section
1201.6.2.2. Section 503.1 of the Florida International Building Code and the formula in Section 1201.6.2.1 shall be used to determine the allowable area of the building. The allowable area shall be the lesser value
calculated by equations 12-2 and 12-3.This shall
include any allowable increases due to open
perimeter and automatic sprinklers as provided for in
Section 5036 of the Florida International Building Code. Subtract the actual building area from the allowable area and divide by 1,200 square feet (112 m2). Enter the area
value and its sign (positive or negative) in Table 1201.7
under Safety Parameter 201.6.2, Building Area, for fire
safety, means of egress and general safety. In
determining the area value, the maximum permitted
positive value for area is 50 percent of the fire safety
score as listed in Table 1201.8, Mandatory Safety
Scores.

1201.6.2.1 Allowable area formula. The following
formula shall be used in computing allowable area:

Aa = (100 + If + Is) x At
                  100                                     (Equation 12-2)

Amax. = 3 x Aa, as determined calculated in accordance with Section 503.3 of the Florida International Building Code.

Aa,max. = Amax.
Number of stories                                (Equation 12-3)

where:
Aa = Allowable area per floor
Is = Area increase due to sprinkler protection
percent as calculated in accordance with
Section 506.3 of the Florida International Building
Code.
If = Area increase due to frontage, percent as
calculated in accordance with Section 5036.2
of the Florida International Building Code.
At = Tabular area per floor in accordance with
Table 5003 of the Florida International Building Code
square feet
Amax. = Total area of the entire building.
Aa,max. = Allowable area per floor based on the
limitations of Section 503.3 of the Florida International
Building Code.

1201.6.2.2 Area formula. The following formula
shall be used in computing the area value.
Determine the Area Value for each occupancy fire
area on a floor by floor basis. For each occupancy,
choose the minimum Area Value of the set of
values obtained for the particular occupancy.

                          Allowable V      Š Actual          Actual    ‘  [
                              Area i         ˆ    Area i         Area n
Area value i =  $$$$$$$$   . 1- ‰ $$$$$$$ +..+ $$$$$$ �  /
                        1,200 sq ft       ‰  Allowable    Allowable   �
                                         J     ‹   Area i         Area n       ’  O

(Equation 12–4)

where:

i = value for an individual separated occupancy
on a floor.
n = number of separated occupancies on a floor.

1201.6.3 Compartmentation. Evaluate the
compartments created by fire barrier walls which
comply with Sections 1201.6.3.1 and 1201.6.3.2 and
which are exclusive of the wall elements considered
under Sections 1201.6.4 and 1201.6.5. Conforming
compartments shall be figured as the net area and
do not include shafts, chases, stairways, walls or
columns. Using Table 1201.6.3, determine the
appropriate compartmentation value (CV) and enter
that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter
1201.6.3, Compartmentation, for fire safety, means
of egress and general safety.

1201.6.3.1 Wall construction. A wall used to
create separate compartments shall be a fire
barrier conforming to Section 7056 of the
Florida International Building Code with a fire resistance
rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the
building is not divided into more than one
compartment, the compartment size shall be
taken as the total floor area on all floors. Where
there is more than one compartment within a
story, each compartmented area on such story
shall be provided with a horizontal exit
conforming to Section 10095.3.5 of the
Florida International Building Code. The fire door serving
as the horizontal exit between compartments
shall be so installed, fitted and gasketed that
such fire door will provide a substantial barrier to
the passage of smoke.

1201.6.3.2 Floor/ceiling construction. A
floor/ceiling assembly used to create
compartments shall conform to Section 7010 of the
Florida International Building Code and shall have a fire
resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

1201.6.4 Tenant and dwelling unit separations.
Evaluate the fire resistance rating of floors and walls
separating tenants, including dwelling units, and not
evaluated under Sections 1201.6.3 and 1201.6.5.
Under the categories and occupancies in Table
1201.6.4, determine the appropriate value and enter
that value in Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter
1201.6.4, Tenant and Dwelling Unit Separation, for
fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.4.1 Categories. The categories for tenant
and dwelling unit separations are:

1. Category a — No fire partitions; incomplete
fire partitions; no doors; doors not self-closing
or automatic closing.

2. Category b — Fire partitions or floor assembly
less than 1-hour fire resistance rating or not
constructed in accordance with Sections 7048 or
7010 of the Florida International Building Code,
respectively.

3. Category c — Fire partitions with 1 hour or
greater fire resistance rating constructed in
accordance with Section 7048 of the
Florida International Building Code and floor
assemblies with 1-hour but less than 2-hour fire
resistance rating constructed in accordance
with Section 7010 of the Florida International Building
Code or with only one tenant within the fire
area.

4. Category d — Fire barriers with 1-hour but less
than 2-hour fire resistance rating constructed in
accordance with Section 704.26 of the
Florida International Building Code and floor
assemblies with 2-hour or greater fire
resistance rating constructed in accordance
with Section 7010 of the Florida International Building
Code.

5. Category e — Fire barriers and floor
assemblies with 2-hour or greater fire
resistance rating and constructed in
accordance with Sections 704.26 and 7010 of the
Florida International Building Code, respectively.

TABLE 1201.6.3
COMPARTMENTATION VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a
Compartment size
equal to or greater
than 15,000
square feet	b
Compartment size
of 10,000 square
feet	c
Compartment size
of 7,500 square
feet	d
Compartment size
of 5,000 square
feet	e
Compartment zie of
2,500 square feet or
less	
A-1, A-3	0	6	10	14	18	
A-2	4	4	10	14	18	
A-4, B, E, S2, D	0	5	10	15	20	
F, M, R, S1	0	4	10	16	22	

TABLE 1201.6.4
SEPARATION VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c	d	e	
A-1	0	0	0	0	1	
A-2	-5	-3	0	1	3	
R	-4	-2	0	2	4	
A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M,  D, SI	-4	-3	0	2	4	
S2	-5	-2	0	2	4	

1201.6.5 Corridor walls. Evaluate the fire resistance
rating and degree of completeness of walls which
create corridors serving the floor, and constructed in
accordance with Sections 704, 1003, 1012, and Table  1004 of the Florida International Building Code. This evaluation shall not include the wall elements considered under Sections 1201.6.3 and 1201.6.4. Under the categories and Groups in Table 1201.6.5, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.5, Corridor Walls, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.5.1 Categories. The categories for
corridor walls are:

1. Category a — No fire partitions; incomplete fire
partitions; no doors; or doors not self-closing.

2. Category b — Less than 1-hour fire resistance
rating or not constructed in accordance with
Section 708.4 of the Florida International Building
Code.

3. Category c — 1-hour to less than 2-hour fire
resistance rating, with doors conforming to
Section 704.214 of the Florida International Building Code or without corridors as permitted by Section
10034 of the Florida International Building Code.

4. Category d — 2-hour or greater fire resistance
rating, with doors conforming to Section 70514 of
the Florida International Building Code.

TABLE 1201.6.5
CORRIDOR WALL VALUES

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	ca	da	
A-1	-10	-4	0	2	
A-2	-30	-12	0	2	
A-3, F, M, R, S1	-7	-3	0	2	
A-4, B, E, S2, D	-5	-2	0	2	

a. Corridors not providing at least one-half the travel
distance for all occupants on a floor shall use Category
b.

1201.6.6 Vertical openings. Evaluate the fire
resistance rating of vertical exit enclosures,
hoistways, escalator openings and other shaft
enclosures within the building, and openings between
two or more floors. Table 1201.6.6(1) contains the
appropriate protection values. Multiply that value by
the construction-type factor found in Table
1201.6.6(2) . Enter the vertical opening value and its
sign, positive or negative, in Table 1201.7 under
Safety Parameter 1201.6.6, Vertical Openings, for fire
safety, means of egress and general safety. If the
structure is a one-story building, enter a value of 2.
Unenclosed vertical openings that conform to the
requirements of Section 7057 of the Florida International
Building Code shall not be considered in the
evaluation of vertical openings.

1201.6.6.1 Vertical opening formula. The
following formula shall be used in computing
vertical opening value.

VO = PV x CF                                      (Equation 12-5)
VO = Vertical opening value.
PV = Protection value from Table 1201.6.6(1)
CF = Construction type factor from Table
1201.6.6(2)

TABLE 1201.6.6(1)
VERTICAL OPENING PROTECTION VALUE
PROTECTION	VALUE	
None (unprotected opening)	-2 times number floors connected	
Less than 1 hour	-1 times number floors connected	
1 to less than 2 hours	1	
2 hours or more	2	

TABLE 1201.6.6(2)
CONSTRUCTION-TYPE FACTOR
F
A
C
T
O
R	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
	I-A	I-B	II-A	II-B	III-A	III-B	IV	V-A 	V-B	
	1.2	1.5	2.2	3.5	2.5	3.5	2.3	3.3	7	

TABLE 1201.6.6(2) 
Type of Construction
Type	I	II	III	IV	V	VI	
		S		S		S	1 Hr	Un	S	1 Hr	Un	S	1 Hr	Un	S	
Factor	1.2	1.1	2.2	1.6	2.3	1.7	2.2	2.3	2.2	3.0	3.2	3.0	3.3	7.0	3.3	
S: sprinklered
Un: unsprinklered

1201.6.7 HVAC systems. Evaluate the ability of the
HVAC system to resist the movement of smoke and
fire beyond the point of origin. Under the categories
in Section 1201.6.7.1, determine the appropriate
value and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under
Safety Parameter 1201.6.7, HVAC Systems, for fire
safety, means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.7.1 Categories. The categories for HVAC
systems are:

1. Category a — Plenums not in accordance with
Section 602 of the Florida International Mechanical
Code. -10 points.

2. Category b — Air movement in egress
elements not in accordance with Section
10054.3.2.4 of the Florida International Building Code.
-5 points.

3. Category c — Both categories a and b are
applicable. -15 points.

4. Category d — Compliance of the HVAC
system with Section 10054.3.2.4 of the
Florida International Building Code and Section 602 of
the Florida International Mechanical Code. 0 points.

5. Category e — Systems serving one story; or a
central boiler/chiller system without ductwork
connecting two or more stories. +5 points.

1201.6.8 Automatic fire detection. Evaluate the
smoke detection capability based on the location and
operation of automatic fire detectors in accordance
with Section 9057 of the Florida International Building Code and the Florida International Mechanical Code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1201.6.8, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.8, Automatic Fire Detection, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.8.1 Categories. The categories for
automatic fire detection are:

1. Category a — None.

2. Category b — Existing smoke detectors in
HVAC systems and maintained in accordance
with the Florida International Fire Prevention Code.

3. Category c — Smoke detectors in HVAC
systems. The detectors are installed in
accordance with the requirements for new
buildings in the Florida International Mechanical Code.

4. Category d — Smoke detectors throughout all
floor areas other than individual guest rooms,
tenant spaces and dwelling units.

5. Category e — Smoke detectors installed
throughout the fire area.

TABLE 1201.6.8
AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c	d	e	
A-1, A-3, F, M,
R, S1	-10	-5	0	2	6	
A-2 	-25	-5	0	5	9	
A-4, B, E, S2, D	-4	-2	0	4	8	

1201.6.9 Fire alarm systems. Evaluate the capability
of the fire alarm system in accordance with Section
9057. Under the categories and occupancies in Table
1201.6.9, determine the appropriate value and enter
that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter
1201.6.9, Fire Alarm, for fire safety, means of egress
and general safety.

1201.6.9.1 Categories. The categories for fire
alarm systems are:

1. Category a — None.

2. Category b — Fire alarm system with manual
fire alarm boxes in accordance with Section
907.35.1 of the Florida International Building Code and
alarm notification appliances in accordance
with Section 9057.9 of the Florida International Building
Code.

3. Category c — Fire alarm system in accordance
with Section 9057 of the Florida International Building
Code.

4. Category d – Fire alarm systems installed but not required in accordance with NFPA 72.

5 4. Category e d — Category c plus a required
emergency voice/alarm communications
system and a fire command station that
conforms to NFPA 412.4 Section 403.8 of the International Building Code and contains the emergency
voice/alarm communications system controls,
fire department communication system
controls and any other controls specified in NFPA 412.4 
Section 911 of the International Building
Code where those systems are provided.

TABLE 1201.6.9
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	B*,**a 	C**	D** 	e**	
A-1,A-2,A-3, A-4, B, E,R, D	-10	-5	0	3	5	
F, M, S	0	5	10	12	15	
Footnote: category d, fire alarm system installed in accordance with NFPA 72 but not required

Add note: 

a. 
•	* For buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, add 2 points for activation by a sprinkler water flow device.
•	** For fire alarm systems meeting central station or remote station in accordance with NFPA 72, add 2 points.

1201.6.10 Smoke control. Evaluate the ability of a
natural or mechanical venting, exhaust or
pressurization system to control the movement of
smoke from a fire. Under the categories and
occupancies in Table 1201.6.10, determine the
appropriate value and enter that value into Table
1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.10, Smoke
Control, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 1201.6.10
SMOKE CONTROL VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b 	c	d	e	f	
A-1, A-2, A-3	0	1	2	3	6	6	
A-4, E, D 	0	0	0	1	3	5	
B, M, R	0	2a	3a	3a	3a	4a	
F, S,	0	2a	2a	3a	3a	3a	

a. This value shall be 0 if compliance with Category d or
e in Section 1201.6.8.1 has not been obtained.

1201.6.10.1 Categories. The categories for
smoke control are:

1. Category a — None.

2. Category b — The building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
Openings are provided in exterior walls at the
rate of 20 square feet (1.86 m2) per 50 linear
feet (15 240 mm) of exterior wall in each story
and distributed around the building perimeter
at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15 240
mm). Such openings shall be readily openable
from the inside without a key or separate tool
and shall be provided with ready access
thereto. In lieu of operable openings, clearly
and permanently marked tempered glass
panels shall be used.

3. Category c — One enclosed exit stairway, with
ready access thereto, from each occupied floor
of the building. The stairway has operable
exterior windows and the building has
openings in accordance with Category b.

4. Category d — One smokeproof enclosure and
the building has openings in accordance with
Category b.
5. Category e — The building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
Each fire area is provided with a mechanical
air-handling system designed to accomplish
smoke containment. Return and exhaust air
shall be moved directly to the outside without
recirculation to other fire areas of the building
under fire conditions. The system shall
exhaust not less than six air changes per hour
from the fire area. Supply air by mechanical
means to the fire area is not required.
Containment of smoke shall be considered as
confining smoke to the fire area involved
without migration to other fire areas. Any other
tested and approved design which will
adequately accomplish smoke containment is
permitted.

6. Category f — Each stairway shall be one of the
following. a smokeproof enclosure in
accordance with Section 1005.63.2.5 of the
Florida International Building Code; pressurized in
accordance with Section 1005.6.9 909.20.5 of the
Florida International Building Code; or shall have
operable exterior windows.

1201.6.11 Means of egress capacity and number.
Evaluate the means of egress capacity and the
number of exits available to the building occupants.
In applying this section, the means of egress are
required to conform to Sections 1004 of the Florida International Building Code (with the exception of
Section 1004.1.12.4), 1003 of the Florida International Building Code (except that the minimum width required by this section shall be determined solely by the width for the required capacity in accordance with Tables 10043.2.3 of the Florida International Building Code), 1005 and 10106 of the Florida International Building Code. The number of exits credited are the number that are available to each occupant of the area being evaluated. Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as a component in the means of egress when conforming to Section 605.3.1.2. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1201.6.11, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.11, Means of Egress Capacity, for means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.11.1 Categories. The categories for
means of egress capacity and number of exits
are:

1. Category a - Compliance with the minimum
required means of egress capacity or number
of exits is achieved through the use of a fire
escape in accordance with Section 605.3.1.2

2. Category b — Capacity of the means of egress
complies with Section 1003 of the Florida International
Building Code and the number of exits
complies with the minimum number required
by Section 10045 of the Florida International Building
Code.

3. Category c — Capacity of the means of egress
is equal to or exceeds 125 percent of the
required means of egress capacity, the means
of egress complies with the minimum required
width dimensions specified in the code and the
number of exits complies with the minimum
number required by Section 10045 of the
Florida International Building Code.

4. Category d — The number of exits provided
exceeds the number of exits required by
Section 10045 of the Florida International Building
Code. Exits shall be located a distance apart
from each other equal to not less than that
specified in Section 1004.2.2 of the
Florida International Building Code.

5. Category e — The area being evaluated meets
both Categories c and d.

TABLE 1201.6.11
MEANS OF EGRESS VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b 	c	d	e	
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, E, D	-10	0	2	8 	10	
M B	-3	0 	1 	2 	4	
B, F, S	-1	0	0	0	0	
R	-3	0	0	0 	0	

a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or
less in height. For buildings over six stories in height,
add an additional -10 points.

1201.6.12 Dead ends. In spaces required to be
served by more than one means of egress, evaluate
the length of the exit access travel path in which the
building occupants are confined to a single path of
travel. Under the categories and occupancies in
Table 1201.6.12, determine the appropriate value
and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety
Parameter 1201.6.12, Dead Ends, for means of
egress and general safety.

1201.6.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead
ends are:

1. Category a — Dead end of 35 feet (10 670
mm) in unsprinklered buildings or 70 feet (21
340 mm) in sprinklered buildings.

2. Category b — Dead end of 20 feet (6096 mm);
or 50 feet (15 240 mm) in Group B in
accordance with Section 1005.24.3.2.3, exception
2 of the Florida International Building Code.

3. Category c — No dead ends; or ratio of length
to width (l/w) is less than 2.5:1.

TABLE 1201.6.12
DEAD-END VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c	
A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, D, F, M, R, S	-2	0	2	
A-2, E	-2	0	2	

a. For dead-end distances between categories, the
dead-end value shall be obtained by linear
interpolation.

1201.6.13 Maximum travel distance to an exit.
Evaluate the length of exit access travel to an
approved exit. Determine the appropriate points in
accordance with the following equation and enter that
value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter
1201.6.13, Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance, for
means of egress and general safety. The maximum
allowable exit access travel distance shall be
determined in accordance with Section 1004.12.4 of
the Florida International Building Code.

                              Maximum allowable _  Maximum actual
                                 Travel distance          Travel distance
Points = 20 x ____________________________________
                                   Max. allowable travel distance

1201.6.14 Elevator control. Evaluate the passenger
elevator equipment and controls that are available to
the fire department to reach all occupied floors.
Elevator recall controls shall be provided in
accordance with Chapter 30 of the Florida Building the International Fire Code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1201.6.14, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.14, Elevator Control, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. The values shall be zero for a single story building.

1201.6.14.1 Categories. The categories for
elevator controls are:

1. Category a — No elevator.
2. Category b — Any elevator without Phase I
and II recall.

3. Category c — All elevators with Phase I and II
recall as required by the Florida International Fire Prevention Code.

4. Category d — All meet Category c; or
Category b where permitted to be without
recall; and at least one elevator that complies
with new construction requirements serves all
occupied floors.

TABLE 1201.6.14
ELEVATOR CONTROL VALUES
ELEVATOR
TRAVEL	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c 	d	
Less than 25 feet of travel above or below the primary level of elevator access for emergency fire-fighting or rescue personnel	-2	0	0	+2	
Travel of 25 feet or more above or below the primary level of elevator access for emergency fire-fighting or rescue personnel	-4	NP	0	+4	

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1201.6.15 Means of egress emergency lighting.
Evaluate the presence of and reliability of means of
egress emergency lighting. Under the categories and
occupancies in Table 1201.6.15, determine the
appropriate value and enter that value into Table
1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.15, Means of
Egress Emergency Lighting, for means of egress and
general safety.

1201.6.15.1 Categories. The categories for
means of egress emergency lighting are:

1. Category a — Means of egress lighting and
exit signs not provided with emergency power
in accordance with Section 1016 2702 of the
Florida International Building Code.

2. Category b — Means of egress lighting and
exit signs provided with emergency power in
accordance with Section 1016 2702 of the
Florida International Building Code.

3. Category c — Emergency power provided to
means of egress lighting and exit signs which
provides protection in the event of power
failure to the site or building.

TABLE 1201.6.15
MEANS OF EGRESS EMERGENCY LIGHTING VALUES
NUMBER OF EXITS REQUIRED
BY SECTION 1005.2 OF THE
Florida International Building Code	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c	
Two or more exits	NP	0 	4	
Minimum or one exit	0	1	1	

1201.6.16 Mixed occupancies. Where a building
has two or more occupancies that are not in the same
occupancy classification, the separation between the
mixed occupancies shall be evaluated in accordance
with this section. Where there is no separation
between the mixed occupancies or the separation
between mixed occupancies does not qualify for any
of the categories indicated in Section 1201.6.16.1,
the building shall be evaluated as indicated in Section
1201.6 and the value for mixed occupancies shall be
zero. Under the categories and occupancies in Table
1201.6.16, determine the appropriate value and enter
that value into Table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter
1201.6.16, Mixed Occupancies, for fire safety and
general safety. For buildings without mixed
occupancies, the value shall be zero.

1201.6.16.1 Categories. The categories for mixed
occupancies are:

1. Category a — Minimum 1-hour fire barriers
between occupancies.

2. Category b — Fire barriers between
occupancies in accordance with Section 704
302.3.3 of the Florida International Building Code.

3. Category c — Fire barriers between
occupancies having a fire resistance rating of
not less than twice that required by Section 704
302.3.3 of the Florida International Building Code.

TABLE 1201.6.16
MIXED OCCUPANCY VALUESa

OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b	c	
A-1, A-2, R	-10	0 	10	
A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M, S, D	-5	0	5	

a. For fire-resistance ratings between categories, the
value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

1201.6.17 Sprinklers. Evaluate the ability to
suppress a fire based on the installation of an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.23.1.1 of the Florida International Building Code.  “Required sprinklers” shall be based on the
requirements of this code. Under the categories and
occupancies in Table 1201.6.17, determine the
appropriate value and enter that value into Table
1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.17, Automatic
Sprinklers, for fire safety, means of egress divided by
2 and general safety. Hi-Rise buildings defined in
Section 412.103.1 of the Florida International Building Code that undergo a change in occupancy to Use groups R, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 412.103.2
and Chapter 9 of the Florida International Building Code.

1201.6.17.1 Categories. The categories for
automatic sprinkler system protection are:

1. Category a — Sprinklers are required
throughout; sprinkler protection is not provided
or the sprinkler system design is not adequate
for the hazard protected in accordance with
Section 903 of the Florida International Building Code.

2. Category b — Sprinklers are required in a
portion of the building; sprinkler protection is
not provided or the sprinkler system design is
not adequate for the hazard protected in
accordance with Section 903 of the
Florida International Building Code.

3. Category c — Sprinklers are not required;
none are provided.

4. Category d — Sprinklers are required in a
portion of the building; sprinklers are provided
in such portion; the system is one which
complied with the code at the time of
installation and is maintained and supervised
in accordance with Section 903 of the
Florida International Building Code.

5. Category e — Sprinklers are required
throughout; sprinklers are provided throughout
in accordance with Chapter 9 of the
Florida International Building Code.

6. Category f — Sprinklers are not required
throughout; sprinklers are provided throughout
in accordance with Chapter 9 of the
Florida International Building Code.

TABLE 1201.6.17
SPRINKLER SYSTEM VALUES
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIES	
	a	b 	c	d	e	f	
A-1, A-3, F, M, R, S1	-6	-3	0 	2 	4	9 6	
A-2	-4	-2 	0 	1	2	6 4	
A-4, B, E, S2 D	-12	-6 	0	3	6	18 12	

A. & B These options cannot be taken if category a is
obtained in Section 1201.6.18.

1201.6.18 Standpipes: Evaluate the ability to initiate
attack on a fire by making supply of water available
readily through the installation of Standpipes in
accordance with Section 9045.0 of the Florida International Building Code. “Required Standpipes” shall be based on the requirements of the Florida International Building Code. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1201.6.18, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into table 1201.7 under Safety Parameter 1201.6.18, Standpipes, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

1201.6.18.1 Standpipe: The categories for
Standpipe systems are:

1. Category a – Standpipes are required;
Standpipe is not provided or the Standpipe
system design is not in compliance with
Sections 904.25.3 of the Florida International Building
Code.

2. Category b – Standpipes are not required;
none are provided.

3. Category c – Standpipes are required;
standpipes are provided in accordance with
Section 9045 of the Florida International Building Code.

4. Category d – Standpipes are not required;
standpipes are provided in accordance with
Section 9045 of the Florida International Building Code.

TABLE 1201.6.18
STANDPIPE SYSTEM VALUES
Occupancy	Categories	
	a	b	c 	d	
A-1,A-3,F,M,R,S1,	 -6	0	2 4	3 6	
A-2	 -4	0 	1 2	2 4	
A-4,B,E, D, S2	 -12	0 	3 6	6 12	

a. This option cannot be taken if category a or b in
section 1201.6.17 has been obtained.

1201.6.19 Incidental use. Evaluate the protection of
incidental use areas in accordance with Section
303 and 704.12.1.1 of the Florida International Building Code. Do not include those where this code requires suppression throughout the building including covered mall buildings, high-rise buildings, public garages and
unlimited area buildings. Assign the lowest score for
the building or fire area being evaluated. If there are
no specific occupancy areas in the building or fire
area being evaluated, the value shall be zero.

1201.7 Building score. After determining the
appropriate data from Section 1201.6, enter those data
in Table 1201.7 and total the building score.

1201.8 Safety scores. The values in Table 1201.8 are
the required mandatory safety scores for the evaluation
process listed in Section 1201.6.

1201.9 Evaluation of building safety. The mandatory
safety score in Table 1201.8 shall be subtracted from the
building score in Table 1201.7 for each category. Where
the final score for any category equals zero or more, the
building is in compliance with the requirements of this
section for that category. Where the final score for any
category is less than zero, the building is not in
compliance with the requirements of this section.

1201.9.1 Mixed occupancies. For mixed
occupancies, the following provisions shall apply:

1. Where the separation between mixed
occupancies does not qualify for any category
indicated in Section 1201.6.16, the mandatory
safety scores for the occupancy with the lowest
general safety score in Table 1201.8 shall be
utilized. (See Section 1201.6.)

2. Where the separation between mixed
occupancies qualifies for any category indicated
in Section 1201.6.16, the mandatory safety scores
for each occupancy shall be placed against the
evaluation scores for the appropriate occupancy.

TABLE 1201.6.19
INCIDENTAL USE AREA VALUESa
PROTECTION
REQUIRED BY
TABLE 302.1.1 OF
THE IBC
PROTECTION PROVIDED
None 1 Hour AFSS AFSS with
SP
1 Hour and
AFSS
2 Hours 2 Hours and
AFSS
2 Hours and ASS -4 -3 -2 -2 -1 -2 0
2 Hours, or 1 Hour
and AFSS
-3 -2 -1 -1 0 0 0
1 Hour and AFSS -3 -2 -1 -1 0 -1 0
1 Hour -1 0 -1 -1 0 0
1 Hour, or AFSS
with SP
-1 0 -1 -1 0 0 0
AFSS with SP -1 -1 -1 -1 0 -1 0
1 Hour or AFSS -1 0 0 0 0 0 0
a. AFSS = Automatic fire suppression system; SP = Smoke partitions (See Section 302.1.1.1).
Note: For Table 1201.7, see page 674.

TABLE 1201.6.19
Incidental Use Area Values
Protection	Protection Provided required by 704.1 of the FBC	
	None	1 Hour	 AFSS	 AFSS with SP	  2 Hour	
2 Hours	-3	-2	-1	-1 	0	
1 Hour 	-1	0	-1	-1	0	

TABLE 1201.7
SUMMARY SHEET - BUILDING CODE
Existing occupancy ________________________________________  Proposed occupancy _________________________________________

Year building was constructed _______________________________  Number of stories _______________  Height in Feet ________________

Type of construction _______________________________________  Area per floor _______________________________________________

Percentage of Frontage Increase __________________________ %   Percentage of height reduction _______________________________ %

Completely suppressed:     Yes ____________   No _____________   Corridor wall rating ___________________________________________

Compartmentation:             Yes ____________   No _____________   Required door closers:   Yes ________________  No _______________

Fire resistance rating of vertical opening enclosures _________________________________________________________________________

Type of HVAC system _____________________________________  Serving number of floors ______________________________________

Automatic fire detection:     Yes: ____________  No _____________  Type and Location ___________________________________________

Fire alarm system:              Yes: ____________  No _____________  Type ______________________________________________________

Smoke control:                   Yes: ____________  No _____________   Type ______________________________________________________

Adequate exit routes:         Yes: ____________  No _____________    Dead ends:     Yes ___________________  No ___________________

Maximum exit access travel distance _________________________    Elevator controls:   Yes _______________  No ___________________

Means of egress emergency lighting:      Yes _______ No ________     Mixed occupancies: Yes ______________  No _________________	
SAFETY PARAMETERS	FIRE SAFETY (FS)	MEANS OF EGRESS (ME) 	GENERAL SAFETY (GS)	
1201.6.1 Building Height
1201.6.2 Building Area
1201.6.3 Compartmentation		

%%%%	

%%%%	
1201.6.4 Tenant and Dwelling Unit Separations
1201.6.5 Corridor Walls
1201.6.6 Vertical Openings				
1201.6.7 HVAC Systems
1201.6.8 Automatic Fire Detection
1201.6.9 Fire Alarm System				
1201.6.10 Smoke control
1201.6.11 Means of egress
1201.6.12 Dead ends	%%%%
%%%%
%%%%			
1201.6.13 Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance
1201.6.14 Elevator Control
1201.6.15 Means of Egress Emergency Lighting	%%%%
%%%%
%%%%			
1201.6.16 Mixed Occupancies
1201.6.17 Sprinklers
1201.6.18 Standpipes
1201.6.19 Incidential Use Area Protection		%%%%
divide by 2
%%%%
		
Building score - total value				
%%%%No applicable value to be inserted

TABLE 1201.8
MANDATORY SAFETY SCORESa
OCCUPANCY	FIRE SAFETY (MFS)	MEANS OF EGRESS (MME)	GENERAL SAFETY (MGS)	
A-1	20 	31	31	
A-2	21	32	32	
A-3 	22	33	33	
A-4, E, D	29	40	40	
B 	30 	40 	40	
F	24	34	34	
M	23 	40	40	
R	21	38	38	
S-1	19	29	29	
S-2 	29	39	39	

a  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety
    MME = Mandatory Means of Egress
    MGS = Mandatory General Safety

TABLE 1201.9
EVALUATION FORMULASa
FORMULA	T1207.1           T1201.7                 SCORE        PASS        FAIL	
FS-MFS>           0

ME -MME $    0

GS-MGS $     0	______(FS) -    _____(MFS) =       ______        ______       ______

______(ME) -   _____(MME) =      ______         ______       ______

______(GS) -   _____(MGS) =       ______        ______       ______	
a  FS = Fire Safety MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety
    ME = Means of Egress MME = Mandatory Means of Egress
    GS = General Safety MGS = Mandatory General Safety

Insert Chapter 33 of the Florida Building Code
CHAPTER 13
CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS

SECTION 1301
GENERAL

[B]1301.1 Scope. The provisions of the chapter shall
govern safety during construction which is under the
jurisdiction of this code and the protection of adjacent
public and private properties.

[B]1301.2 Storage and placement. Construction
equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so
as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining
property for the duration of the construction project.

1301.3 Alterations, repairs and additions. Required
exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices
and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times
during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or
structure.

Exceptions:

1. When such required elements or devices are
being altered or repaired, adequate substitute
provisions shall be made.

2. When the existing building is not occupied.

[B]1301.4 Manner of removal. Waste materials shall
be removed in a manner which prevents injury or
damage to persons, adjoining properties and public
rights-of-way.

1301.5 Facilities required. Sanitary facilities shall be
provided during construction or demolition activities in
accordance with the International Plumbing Code.

1301.6 Protection of pedestrians. Pedestrians shall be
protected during construction and demolition activities as
required by Sections 1301.6.1 through 1301.6.7 and
Table 1301.6. Signs shall be provided to direct
pedestrian traffic.

TABLE 1301.6
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS
HEIGHT OF
CONSTRUCTION
DISTANCE OF
CONSTRUCTION TO
LOT LINE
TYPE OF
PROTECTION
REQUIRED
8 feet or less Less than 5 feet Construction
railings
5 feet or more None
More than 8 feet
Less than 5 feet Barrier and
covered walkway
5 feet or more, but not
more than one-fourth the
height of construction
Barrier and
covered walkway
5 feet or more, but
between one-fourth and
one-half the height of
construction
Barrier
5 feet or more, but
exceeding one-half the
height of construction
None

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

[B]1301.6.1 Walkways. A walkway shall be provided
for pedestrian travel in front of every construction and
demolition site unless the authority having jurisdiction
authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced or closed.
Walkways shall be of sufficient width to
accommodate the pedestrian traffic, but in no case
shall they be less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in width.
Walkways shall be provided with a durable walking
surface. Walkways shall be accessible in accordance
with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code
and shall be designed to support all imposed loads
and in no case shall the design live load be less than
150 psf (7.2 kN/m2).

[B]1301.6.2 Directional barricades. Pedestrian
traffic shall be protected by a directional barricade
where the walkway extends into the street. The
directional barricade shall be of sufficient size and
construction to direct vehicular traffic away from the
pedestrian path.

[B]1301.6.3 Construction railings. Construction
railings shall be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) in
height and shall be sufficient to direct pedestrians
around construction areas.

[B]1301.6.4 Barriers. Barriers shall be a minimum
of 8 feet (2438 mm) in height and shall be placed on
the side of the walkway nearest the construction.
Barriers shall extend the entire length of the
construction site. Openings in such barriers shall be
protected by doors which are normally kept closed.

[B]1301.6.4.1 Barrier design. Barriers shall be
designed to resist loads required in Chapter 16 of
the International Building Code unless constructed
as follows:

1. Barriers shall be provided with 2 × 4 top and
bottom plates.

2. The barrier material shall be a minimum of ¾
inch (19.1 mm) inch boards or ¼ inch (6.4 mm)
wood structural use panels.

3. Wood structural use panels shall be bonded
with an adhesive identical to that for exterior
wood structural use panels.

4. Wood structural use panels ¼ inch (6.4 mm) or
1/16 inch (23.8 mm) in thickness shall have
studs spaced not more than 2 feet (610 mm)
on center.

5. Wood structural use panels d inch (9.5 mm)
or ½ inch (12.7 mm) in thickness shall have
studs spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm)
on center, provided a 2 inch by 4 inch (51 mm
by 102 mm) stiffener is placed horizontally at
the mid height where the stud spacing
exceeds 2 feet (610 mm) on center.

6. Wood structural use panels 5/8 inch (15.9 mm)
or thicker shall not span over 8 feet (2438
mm).

[B]1301.6.5 Covered walkways. Covered walkways
shall have a minimum clear height of 8 feet (2438
mm) as measured from the floor surface to the
canopy overhead. Adequate lighting shall be
provided at all times. Covered walkways shall be
designed to support all imposed loads. In no case
shall the design live load be less than 150 psf (7.2
kN/m2) for the entire structure.

Exception: Roofs and supporting structures of
covered walkways for new, light-frame
construction not exceeding two stories in height
are permitted to be designed for a live load of 75
psf (3.6kN/m2) or the loads imposed on them,
whichever is greater. In lieu of such designs, the
roof and supporting structure of a covered
walkway is permitted to be constructed as follows:

1. Footings shall be continuous 2 × 6 members.

2. Posts not less than 4 × 6 shall be provided on
both sides of the roof and spaced not more
than 12 feet (3658 mm) on center.

3. Stringers not less than 4 × 12 shall be placed
on edge upon the posts.

4. Joists resting on the stringers shall be at least
2 × 8 and shall be spaced not more than 2 feet
(610 mm) on center.

5. The deck shall be planks at least 2 inches (51
mm) thick or wood structural panels with an
exterior exposure durability classification at
least 23/32 inch (18.3 mm) thick nailed to the
joists.

6. Each post shall be knee-braced to joists and
stringers by 2 × 4 minimum members 4 feet
(1219 mm) long.

7. A 2 × 4 minimum curb shall be set on edge
along the outside edge of the deck.

[B]1301.6.6 Repair, maintenance and removal.
Pedestrian protection required by Section 1301.6
shall be maintained in place and kept in good order
for the entire length of time pedestrians may be
endangered. The owner or the owner’s agent, upon
the completion of the construction activity, shall
immediately remove walkways, debris and other
obstructions and leave such public property in as
good a condition as it was before such work was
commenced.

[B]1301.6.7 Adjacent to excavations. Every
excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less
from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a barrier
not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high. Where located
more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a
barrier shall be erected when required by the code
official. Barriers shall be of adequate strength to
resist wind pressure as specified in Chapter 16 of the
International Building Code.

[B]SECTION 1302
PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY

1302.1 Protection required. Adjoining public and
private property shall be protected from damage during
construction and demolition work. Protection must be
provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys,
skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control
water run-off and erosion during construction or
demolition activities. The person making or causing an
excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the
owners of adjoining buildings advising them that the
excavation is to be made and that the adjoining buildings
should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered
not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date
of the excavation.

[B]SECTION 1303
TEMPORARY USE OF STREETS, ALLEYS AND
PUBLIC PROPERTY

1303.1 Storage and handling of materials. The
temporary use of streets or public property for the
storage or handling of materials or of equipment required
for construction or demolition, and the protection
provided to the public shall comply with the provisions of
the authority having jurisdiction and Sections 1303.1.

1303.2 Obstructions. Construction materials and
equipment shall not be placed or stored so as to obstruct
access to fire hydrants, standpipes, fire or police alarm
boxes, catch basins or manholes, nor shall such material
or equipment be located within 20 feet (6.1 m) of a street
intersection, or placed so as to obstruct normal
observations of traffic signals or to hinder the use of
public transit loading platforms.

1303.3 Utility fixtures. Building materials, fences, sheds
or any obstruction of any kind shall not be placed so as
to obstruct free approach to any fire hydrant, fire
department connection, utility pole, manhole, fire alarm
box, or catch basin, or so as to interfere with the
passage of water in the gutter. Protection against
damage shall be provided to such utility fixtures during
the progress of the work, but sight of them shall not be
obstructed.

[B]SECTION 1304
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1304.1 Where required. All structures under
construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided
with not less than one approved portable fire
extinguisher at each stairway on all floor levels where
combustible materials have accumulated. An approved
portable fire extinguisher shall be provided in every
storage and construction shed. The code official is
authorized to require additional approved portable fire
extinguishers where special hazards exist, such as
flammable or combustible liquid storage hazards. Fire
extinguishers shall comply with Section 906 of the
International Fire Code.

1304.2 Fire hazards. The provisions of this code and of
the International Fire Code shall be strictly observed to
safeguard against all fire hazards attendant upon
construction operations.

SECTION 1305
EXITS

1305.1 Stairways required. Where an existing building
exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm) in height is altered, at
least one temporary lighted stairway shall be provided
unless one or more of the permanent stairways are
available for egress as the construction progresses.
1305.2 Maintenance of exits. Required exits shall be
maintained at all times during alterations and additions
to any building.

SECTION 1306
STANDPIPES SYSTEM

1306.1 Where required. Buildings required to have a
standpipe system in accordance with this code shall be
provided with not less than one standpipe for use during
construction. Such standpipes shall be installed where
the progress of construction is not more than 40 feet (12
192 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire
department access. Such standpipe shall be provided
with fire department hose connections at accessible
locations adjacent to usable stairs. Such standpipes shall
be extended as construction progresses to within one
floor of the highest point of construction having secured
decking or flooring.

[B]1306.2 Buildings being demolished. Where a
building or portion of a building is being demolished and
a standpipe is existing within such a building, such
standpipe shall be maintained in an operable condition
so as to be available for use by the fire department. Such
standpipe shall be demolished with the building but shall
not be demolished more than one floor below the floor
being demolished.

[B]1306.3 Detailed requirements. Standpipes shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9
of the International Building Code.

Exception: Standpipes shall be either temporary or
permanent in nature, and with or without a water
supply, provided that such standpipes conform to the
requirements of Section 905 of the International
Building Code as to capacity, outlets and materials.

[B]1306.4 Water supply. Water supply for fire
protection, either temporary or permanent shall be made
available as soon as combustible material accumulates.

SECTION 1307
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

1307.1 Completion before occupancy. In portions of
a building where an automatic sprinkler system is
required by this code, it shall be unlawful to occupy those
portions of the building until the automatic sprinkler
system installation has been tested and approved,
except as provided in Section 110.4.

[B]1307.2 Operation of valves. Operation of sprinkler
control valves shall be permitted only by properly
authorized personnel and shall be accompanied by
notification of duly designated parties. When the
sprinkler protection is being regularly turned off and on
to facilitate connection of newly completed segments,
the sprinkler control valves shall be checked at the end
of each work period to ascertain that protection is in
service.